There’s a spot right beside my now parked Tahoe that would be perfect for Kellie. If I have my way, once this shit is over and done with, that’s where she’ll park her car. She and Legend, with me now and forever.
I hop out and head toward the back to grab her bags. Kellie wasn’t kidding when she said she packed for a while. The trunk is full of bags and Legend’s things, which shows just how much she loves the pup—two dog beds, dog food, a jar of treats, and a basketful of chew toys for him.
“You need help? I’ll go let him out back and come help you,” she offers. Legend is prancing around, ready to go explore.
“Nah, I’ll get it all squared away then meet you out back. What are we grilling for the crew?” I ask so I know what meat I’ll have to thaw.
“Oh, whoops. I guess we should have talked about that on the way home. I figured since the guys would be here this evening, we may as well invite Taylor and Raelynn too. You grill whatever you feel like eating. I’ll make the sides.”
I love that she’s making herself at home at my place. “Mi casa es su casa, or however the hell they say it. You have the key, sunshine, and you know the codes. You could have been using it the entire time.”
“Bridger.” Her voice is soft. I know that tone. She’s embarrassed though she has nothing to be embarrassed about. I walk to her, needing her to hear what I’m about to say that leaves no thoughts in her head that could cloud her judgment.
“No, sunshine. It’s okay. I knew the shit you were going through. I didn’t tell you that to make you feel bad. It’s just something you needed to know. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.”
Kellie’s hands wrap around my waist, holding on to my shirt as she looks up into my eyes and says, “I know, but back then I wasn’t ready. I barely believed in myself. I was scared of my own shadow at one point. You taking your time with me, that was the best thing you could have done, and I can’t thank you enough. It’s why what I feel for you now has come so naturally. You make me feel more than I ever have in my life.” Her hands dig in tighter to my sides, bringing me closer to where I want to be most.
“And Bridger?” Her voice, fuck, I could probably come from it alone.
“Yeah, sunshine?” I respond.
“You’re the only one I’ll ever want.” She reaches up, her lips seeking mine. Once I taste her, I know everything is going to be forgotten. I’m about to make this woman mine, much the same as she’s made me hers.
“Damn straight. I won’t let you forget it either,” I reply in between nipping her lips then soothing them.
“Good, meet me in your room in ten minutes? I’ll have your surprise ready and waiting for you.” She turns around, scurrying into the house. I shake my head then return to my task of unloading the Tahoe of her things, all while thinking of the ways I’m going to make her mine today.
Fifteen
Kellie
I did not think this through. I’m taking out Legend while Bridger is lugging all of our belongings, and I may have overpacked, big time. Though, I saw what Taylor went through with that whole Eric situation, and Slade almost lost his mind. We were all beyond cautious, and shit still happened. I knew as soon as that call came through and saw the fury written on Bridger’s face that my days of coming and going were through.
While he’s doing that, I’m out back, letting Legend do his thing. There’s no way I’ll be able to sneak upstairs, freshen up, and get into place before him. Especially with the way Legend is sniffing everything he can get his nose on. I don’t even bother trying to rein him in. My place has a yard, but nothing to this magnitude. Plus the pool. I have a feeling my cute fluffy puppy will be in and out of the pool all while dishing out a side of mud.
“I’ll watch him, sunshine.” Bridger’s arms slide around my waist as he pulls me into his chest.
“You sure?” I tip my head back wanting to see his eyes, the colors so glaringly different from one another. Never in my life did I think I would meet someone with two different-colored eyes. The variations are remarkable, and if this goes in the direction I think it will, our children could have his eyes.
“Of course, he’s going to be busy for a bit. I may need to install a doggie door for the scamp.” Bridger nods his head to indicate where Legend is. He’s rolling around in the grass he pulled out with his teeth.