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“We’ll ride with Emily!” Caroline announces.
At least one teenager likes me.
Libby wrinkles her nose at her friend, then glares at me.
In the parking lot, Frank gives me the address and directions, although the place is less than a mile away. Caroline’s younger sister and a few other girls pile into Frank’s SUV. Libby and Caroline hop into the back seat of my car.
Dex peers down at my phone. A slow smile spreads over his face.
A gust of wind swirls around us, picking up the skirt of my dress and flapping it around my legs. “Why are you laughing?”
“I’m not,” he protests, but his amused expression remains.
“Tell me.” I tuck my phone into my purse.
“That’s my address. My apartment’s on the top floor.”
I tilt my head, staring at him. “Have you still been staying there?” He only asked Grayson if he could stay in his old apartment so I wouldn’t worry about the long ride to his place in Empire after he left my house late at night. If we’re not together, there’s no reason for him to stay there that I can think of.
He lifts one shoulder, another playful smile flickering over his lips. “Maybe.”
“You never invited me over before.”
“Your place feels more like a home.” He lifts his chin toward Libby and Caroline, impatiently staring at us through the window. “And I know you prefer to be at your place.” He stares at me with an intensity that sears my skin. “But I’m happy to invite you over tonight. If you want to come.”
Do I ever.
It takes a second to digest his offer and respond with something normal. “So, I can spy on my sister?”
Laughter flickers at the corners of his mouth. “Spy makes it seem so sinister.”
The soft breeze around us spins faster, lifting my hair and tossing it around my face. Strands stick to my lip gloss, and I try to discreetly pull them away.
“So, will you stop by after you drop Libby off?” he asks in a low voice that pours into my chest, warming me everywhere.
I lift my gaze to his face, illuminated by the streetlamps. How can I say no?
“Okay,” I answer slowly. “Do you want to ride back with us?”
“Sure.” He rests his hands on my hips, pulling me closer, then leans down, pressing his lips against mine.
This time I don’t try to pull away. Couldn’t, even if I wanted to. I slide my arms around his neck and lean into him.
He lets out a growly sound of approval and wraps his arms around my waist, holding me tight.
I’m done denying how much I love this man. His big, warm, solid body offers safety and protection. I hold onto him like I’ll get carried away on the wind if I let go.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Emily
The girls giggle the entire way. I assume they saw Dex and me kissing in the parking lot. I can’t gather up an ounce of embarrassment, though. Hasn’t Libby lectured me several times about getting back together with Dex?
“You’re so lucky you live with your sister,” Caroline whines to Libby loud enough for me to hear. “I wish I had a big sister. All I have are annoying little sisters who are always taking my stuff.”
“Yeah, Em’s a real bundle of fun,” Libby says. With her dry delivery, it’s hard to tell if it’s a compliment or not.
Dex shifts from his position in the passenger seat and turns to look at Libby. He doesn’t say a word, but his expression must convey that he didn’t find her comment sincere or amusing.
“What?” Libby protests. “She is. We watch horror movies together all the time. And I haven’t had a bedtime in…forever.”
Dex chuckles and turns around.
“My dad never lets me watch anything good,” Caroline grumbles. “He’s got parental locks on everything.”
Dex prompts me where to turn and when we arrive, the best place to park my car.
Neither of us mention to the girls that Dex lives here too. It’s really not Caroline’s business. And Libby, well, she’ll find out eventually.
We both step out of the car.
Libby stares at us. “What are you doing? You’re not going to drop me off like a puppy at doggie daycare, are you?”
I snort and shake my head. “At least a puppy would be warm and cuddly.”
Caroline snickers. “Maybe we should trade living arrangements, Libby. Then you’d appreciate your sister more.”
“Thanks, Caroline.” I beam a warm smile at her.
“We’re on the second floor.” Caroline points to the building. “Come on up.”
I hesitate and glance at Dex. “Sure.”
He leans in. “Top floor. I’ll be waiting for you.”
“Okay,” I whisper.
“Night, Dex!” Libby says. “Thanks for being there tonight.”
“You got it.”
The girls run ahead of me. I’m not even sure why I need to stop by Caroline’s apartment. I just had dinner with her dad. No matter how much she begged, I wouldn’t let Libby stay over if I wasn’t comfortable with it. I trudge up the stairs to the second floor. The door on the left side of the hall is open wide. Loud, happy chatter spills into the hallway.
