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Her breath hitches, eyes flaming with desire. “Yes, please.” She leans her forehead against mine. “Two hearts and souls intertwined as one.”
My lips cover hers, too emotional to say a word. But I show her with my mouth exactly what I’m feeling.
Pulling back, I open the passenger door and set her on the seat. She looks around, pointing to the woods nearby. “Think we can just move the car over there? The church will block us from the road. Plus, it’s growing darker.”
“Course, love. Whatever you want.”
As I start to straighten, she grabs the sleeve of my coat. “Thank you for letting me drive my new car. I’ve been afraid for so long. But you knew it was time for me to face my fears.”
“I know you, Kenz. You are growing and healing through the trauma. It was time.”
Her hands slide around my neck. “Now get in here and make love to me.”
I shoot her a wicked grin. “Yes, angel.” Then I straighten and run around to the driver’s side to move the car and get lost inside the woman I love.
70
CHASE
Two days later, Jeff and Melody stand on the doorstep, smiles on their faces. “Come in.” Holding the door open, I step back, allowing them entry. “Thanks for coming over.”
“Hey, Chase.” Jeff holds out his fist and I bump it. “Thanks for inviting us. I think this is a way for Mel and Kenz to meet without any pressure. If everything’s cool, we can head out for a run in a bit.”
I nod, my gaze moving to the blonde who comes up beside him.
“Hi, Chase.” Melody extends a hand, a friendly smile on her face. “It’s nice to meet you. Jeff has raved about your running ability. Claims you’re as fast as the wind.”
I chuckle. “I don’t know about that. But I appreciate the compliment.” I turn when I hear Mackenzie coming down the stairs. My smile is warm and reassuring as I move toward her, holding out my hand for her to take. She gives me a nervous smile, her fingers sweaty. I knew she’d be nervous meeting Melody.
Her eyes flit to Melody, sizing her up. Melody gives her a warm, genuine smile, moving closer to her. “Hi, Mackenzie. It’s so nice to meet you. I’ve heard amazing things about you.”
Mackenzie’s gaze flits to me, a laugh falling from her lips, before moving back to Melody. “Yeah, but this guy is a bit biased.” She squeezes my hand before dropping it, holding her hand out to Melody. “It’s nice to meet you.”
I introduce Mackenzie and Jeff, pleased that the three instantly warm to one another.
We stand there, engaging in small talk about music and movies. Mackenzie’s stiff posture relaxes and a few minutes later, she breaks off into a separate conversation with Melody about school. When Mackenzie laughs at Melody’s description of her science teacher, all the tension drains from my taut body.Thank God. The two of them are getting along fine.
Thirty minutes later, the four of us are running down the street, Melody and Mackenzie in front of Jeff and me. I’m in my element, my feet pounding against the pavement as I enjoy the blossoming friendship between Kenz and Mel.
Jeff nudges me with his elbow. “This was a great idea, Chase. Those two really hit it off.”
“I’ll be honest. I was nervous as hell. Mackenzie has had a tough time since her friends turned their backs on her. I was worried the two of them might not get along.” I grin, shaking my head. “But look at them.”
Jeff grins. “Mel is easygoing. A genuine person and a good friend.” He winks at me. “I’m a lucky guy.”
“Yes, you are.” Swallowing hard, I pause a moment, gathering my thoughts. “I’m glad you aren’t judging me…” I trail off, waving my hand between Mackenzie and me.
Jeff laughs. “Chase, the first time I saw you staring at Mackenzie during one of our track meets, I could tell you were gone for that girl. I wondered how in the hell the Collins didn’t see it.” He pauses to dodge a trash can along the curb before continuing. “The two of you aren’t blood siblings. If another family was fostering you, no one would bat an eye over you and Kenz dating. But since the two of you live under the same roof, some of the narrow-minded fools at school take issue with it.” He shakes his head, turning his head, his eyes meeting mine. “Plus, you’re both eighteen.”
“Yeah, we are.” I lower my voice, making sure Mackenzie is distracted by Melody before I say, “Her mom isn’t fond of the two of us being together. She’s trying everything to get Mackenzie to hang out with anyone except me.”
“Seriously?” Jeff’s brows furrow, anger clouding his face. “After the budding attraction that’s been simmering between the two of you and what you recently endured… She doesn’t approve?” He seems at a loss for words as he shakes his head. “How’s her dad feel about you two?”
“He’s more understanding and obviously realizes we’re in love. He and Kenz are close, and she’s told him how much I sacrificed for her while we were in captivity. He knows Mackenzie loves me but since her mom doesn’t approve, he advised us to lay low.” My gaze cuts to my girl running ahead of me. “My gut said he wants his daughter to be happy. He also realizes she’s eighteen and very stubborn. I’m not exactly sure if he loves the idea of us together since we live under the same roof, but I also get the sense he knows that nothing he says or does will change the way we feel about one another.”
“That makes sense.” Jeff’s eyes bore into the side of my face and I wait, knowing there’s something he wants to ask me but seems hesitant.
“I know the two of you probably saw shit most of us couldn’t fathom. When you say you sacrificed for her, what did you do?”
