I open the door, but when I see Kelcie cupping her cheek, tears swimming in her eyes, worry pours into my chest.
“What happened? Did Colby come back?” I ask while taking hold of her arm and pulling her inside. I slam the door shut behind us before giving Kelcie all my attention.
“No,” she whispers, her face pale. “His mother came over.” Her eyebrows pull together, and she gasps before she continues, “She laid into me for breaking Colby’s heart, and when I told her I’m not taking the blame, she slapped me.”
Anger explodes in my chest because someone dared to raise a hand against the woman I love.
Knowing I’ll land my ass in jail if I go over to the Adamses’ house and that won’t help Kelcie at all, I do the only thing I can. I pull her against my chest and rub my hand up and down her back.
“I’m so tired,” she admits in a small voice. “I’m sorry I came here, but it’s the only place I feel safe.”
“You did the right thing,” I grumble. “If anyone comes knocking on my door, I’m putting them on their asses.”
Keeping my arm around her shoulders, I guide her out of the kitchen and down the hallway with Lick right behind us. When we enter my bedroom, I say, “Sleep here for today. I’ll take the couch.”
When I let go of Kelcie, her hand darts out and she grabs hold of my sweater. “No. I mean, I feel safe with you.” She glances at the king-size bed. “It’s a huge bed. There’s enough space for both of us.”
I should do the right thing and leave Kelcie alone. Nothing good will come of this.
Colby already knows who I am. He’s a reporter. He can make things bad for me.
The thoughts are fleeting and don’t manage to take root.
Fuck Colby. I don’t care what he prints about me. Only Kelcie matters.
“Okay. I’ll take the side closest to the door.”
When she climbs onto the bed, and I notice she’s barefoot, my anger spikes again, and I let out a growl. She must be fucking freezing.
“What?” Kelcie asks.
“I’m just pissed off because people won’t leave you alone,” I mutter while I get into bed beside her. I pull her into my arms, and leaning over her, I tuck the covers tightly in behind her before I settle into a comfortable position.
Rubbing my hand up and down the length of her back, I’m hoping my body will heat hers quickly.
“Thank you,” she whispers.
I dip my head down and press a kiss to the red mark on her cheek. “Get some sleep, my muse.”
She tilts her head back, and I feel her warm breath fan over my neck and jaw. “Your muse?”
“Since I’ve been spending time with you, the writer’s block is gone, so you’re my muse.”
“Oh my gosh. Really?” Her face lights up with happiness. “That’s such good news.”
“I’ve already written forty-five thousand words. I’m halfway done with the book. At this rate, I’ll be able to send it in before Christmas.”
She pushes herself up into a sitting position. “Levi, that’s amazing!”
“It is, so we’d better sleep or I won’t get any writing done this afternoon.” I pull her back down, and when she rests her head on my chest, I feel content.
“Sweet dreams,” she murmurs as she places her hand over my heart.
“You too.”
I lie awake, soaking in how perfect it feels to hold Kelcie. Eventually, her breathing evens out, and I wait another ten minutes to make sure she’s asleep before I whisper, “I love you.”
It might be the only chance I get to say the words to her, and I’m not letting it slip through my fingers.
