Page 44 of Luci’s Lullaby

“I have no plans to kiss you.” Walker grins.

Reese rolls her eyes. “Be nice, please.”

“Will do.” I wave as the doors close.

Walking to my truck, I can’t make up my mind whether I’m going home or to Charlee’s. Opening the door, I take the panties from my pocket, climb in the driver’s seat, then slam the door behind me.

“Fuck it. Go home and cut your losses.” Rolling the window down, I wad them up, ready to toss them as soon as I turn onto the road.

I sit at the light, looking toward home. When it turns green, I turn left as if it’s driving itself. “I’ll be damned.”

I hit Highway Seventeen and speed toward her house. “Just go do it and get it over with.”

I make the right into the park, circling it five times before I finally stop. I check myself in the mirror and blow a few breaths into my hand. No matter the time of day, there’s no call for smelly breath.

I slowly walk around the path to the front door. “What am I gonna say?”

“What do you want to say?” My head snaps up to find a lady sitting in a rocking chair. She’s graying, but it’s obvious she’s Charlee’s mom.

I hold my hand up. “Hey, I was wondering if I may speak to Charlee?”

“Is that you, Alden Beck?” A smile spreads across her face.

I nod, shoving my hands into my pockets. “Yes, ma’am. It’s good to see you.”

“How’s your brother, Cidney?” She takes me off guard by remembering more about me than I do her. My gut twists.

“He’s good. Married his high school sweetheart.”

“I remember, Shelley. She was always the nicest girl.” Her warm smile begins to settle my nerves.

“She still is, ma’am.”

“So you want my Charlee?” She narrows her eyes.

I pull my hands out, lacing my fingers in front of me. “Yes, I’d like to speak to her.”

“Didn’t she spend enough time with you the other night?” She quirks her brow as my face flames.

“I didn’t realize you knew.” I scratch my chin. “I won’t be long.”

“Charlee’s a good girl. It was past time she had some fun.” Her eyes glint with mischief.

“Glad I could help.” What in the hell do I say to that?

She sits back and starts rocking again. “She’s in bed, trying to recoup.”

My mouth drops. “I can come back later.”

“Why, I’m sure you’ve seen everything that’s in there now.” She takes a sip of her coffee. “Second door on the right.”

I hesitate. I have no clue what to do, but I know this much—I like this lady. “Thank ya, ma’am.” I take the steps two at a time and a few across the porch until I’m through the door.

It’s a modest home with pictures scattered everywhere. I lean over when a picture of Charlee catches my attention, it’s from high school. I can’t believe how much she hasn’t changed.

Still as beautiful as the day I knocked her to the ground. I take a deep breath when my chest becomes heavy. My thoughts wander to Friday night, her hair sticking to her face as she rode me.

“Shit. Get a grip.” I look around quickly and see the coast is clear, so I adjust my growing problem.