But I knew it was steady. I used to fish off it a long time ago, back when my father was still alive. He passed from cancer, but I never forgot the bridge he used to take me to.
I leaned up against the railing, looking out over the water. I didn’t even notice when Laney appeared next to me. We silently stood like that for some time, listening to the birds and watching the water.
“It’s really pretty out here,” she said.
“Yeah, it is.”
“How’d you know about this?”
“My dad. We used to fish out here.”
She nodded. “He died, right?”
“He did. Cancer.”
“Sorry.”
I shrugged, bumping my shoulder against hers. “Long time ago. But it’s one of my favorite spots in town. I haven’t been back here yet.”
“Really? Why not?”
“Not sure. Just never felt like it until now.”
“I’m glad you brought me.”
I stood closer to her, feeling my heart beat hard in my chest. I realized in that moment that although I was telling myself our little trip was to cheer her up, it was really all for me.
Because I wanted to share this spot with Laney. I didn’t want everything she knew about me to be all about the job, all about the shitty parts of human nature. I wanted her to know about the good stuff.
And she looked so fucking good. Her T-shirt was tight and tucked into tiny little shorts, her long hair cascading down along her back. I could feel my cock stirring as I began to imagine fucking her pressed up against the railing, out in the open for anyone to see.
She seemed to sense what I wanted, or maybe she was just cold. She shifted closer, our shoulders touching.
“You had a reputation, you know,” she said.
“What kind of reputation?”
“Back in high school. You’re a few years older, but I still heard about you.”
“Probably all lies.”
She laughed. “Yeah, maybe. Apparently you were a big man whore, though.”
I paused. “That may be true.”
She raised an eyebrow and I looked at her, smirking. “Really?”
“I’ve been with a girl or two.”
“More like every half attractive girl in your grade.”
“That’s an exaggeration,” I said. “Maybe every fully attractive girl.”
She laughed again and shook her head. “You probably didn’t even notice me back then.”
“No, I didn’t. But I notice you now.”
“Yeah, because we’re related.”
“I would notice you even if my mom hadn’t married your dad.”
She turned toward me, biting her lip. “Why did you bring me out here, Easton?”
I turned toward her, staring into her eyes. I reached out and took her hair, gently pulling her toward me. She gasped, her lips opening as I pressed my mouth against her ear.
“Because I wanted you to see this,” I said softly. “And because I want you alone.”
“We’re always alone.”
“Maybe, but not like this.”
She wrapped her arm around me, pressing her body against mine. “Now what?”
I pulled back slightly. “Now I want you to finally admit you’re soaking wet every time you see me.”
“Not going to happen.”
I smirked, moving closer. “You don’t have to say the words then.”
And so I pressed my lips against hers, kissing her hard and hungry.
Her body pushed harder against mine as her tongue entered my mouth, kissing me with abandon. I knew it was what I needed, what I’d needed the whole time, ever since I’d come back to Mishawaka, well before I had ever noticed her.
And the way she kissed me back meant she needed it too.
Shivers ran along my spine as our bodies pushed together, lips and mouths pressed together, her fresh taste entering my own. My hands moved down to grab her hips, pulling them closer to me, pulling them tight. I cupped her ass and she let out a soft moan in my mouth. My cock was practically tearing through my pants.
I felt a vibration in my pants.
She moved back slightly, her cheeks bright red. “Your phone.”
“Fuck my phone.”
“It could be a client,” she said softly. “Could be important.”
I made a face but pulled it out of my pocket. I hit the answer button and held it up to my ear. “Yeah?” I grunted.
“Easton, it’s your mother,” Susan said.
“What do you want? I’m busy.”
“Something happened. Can you come down to the police station as soon as possible?”
I felt my heart skip a beat. I stepped back from Laney and she looked at me, confused and worried.
“What’s going on?” I asked.
“The sheriff wants to speak with you.”
“About what? My license is up to date. I haven’t broken any laws.” Recently, at least.
She paused. “I’m not supposed to say this, but I know you won’t come otherwise. There’s been a murder, and Sheriff Sloan wants your input.”
I didn’t respond at first as my mind began to race. If Sloan was involved with a murder, that meant it had happened in Mishawaka. That meant it had happened in my hometown.
And if they wanted my help, I was willing to bet it was pretty gruesome.
He’s finally here, I thought.
“I’ll be there soon.”
“Thank you, Easton.”
I hung the phone up and slipped it back into my pocket.
“What was that?”
“We have to go.”
She took a few steps toward me, but I was already walking back toward the car. I heard her hesitate and then follow. We climbed in together and I started the engine, turning around in the clearing and heading back toward the highway.
We drove in silence. The kiss, her body, her perfect ass, her taste, it was all forgotten as my mind honed in on one thing,
Lester Seed was back. I didn’t know how, or in what shape or form, but Seed was killing again. And he was coming for me, slowly but surely. I was willing to bet that there was some message for me in this crime scene. Or maybe the bureau had already told Sloan about my past with Seed.
“I’m dropping you back at your place,” I said to Laney.
“Okay,” she said. “What’s happening?”
“My mom needs my help with something.”
“Oh.” She paused, looking out the window. “You can talk to me, you know.”
“Sure. I know.”
She looked at me. “Really. You can tell me.”
“It’s really nothing. I’ll drop you off and then see you tomorrow morning.”
“Fine.” She turned back toward the window as a silence hung over us.
I barely even noticed it, though. I was too busy running through scenarios in my mind, trying to figure out how Seed was back and killing again. Laney would be safe at home, especially if her dad was home.
We reached her place and I parked out front. “Lock the doors,” I said.
She stared at me for a second. “Okay.”
“And turn on the alarm, if you have one.”
“Okay. I will.”
She climbed out and I put the window down. “Don’t open the door for anyone,” I called after her.