“Yeah, but uh… Rip talked me into taking the day off.”
My sister winks at McKenna, then looks past her to me. “The lake. Today is the perfect day to soak up some sun.”
“Kenna?”
“Sure, I’m good with that.”
“You sure?” I only want to do what will make her happy. She deserves the break.
“I’m sure,” she says, leaning toward me just a little. “I need to check in with Grams and Gramps, just out of courtesy.”
“I’ll drive you over. You text me when you’re ready to head to the lake.”
“Oh, you don’t have to do that. I can walk. And you don’t have to wait for me. I can meet you there.”
“I’ll drive you,” I counter. I don’t even address that she can meet us there. The others can do what they want. I’m going to wait for her.
“Rip,” she sighs, and my cock twitches. I love the sound of my name falling from her lips.
“Kenna, I’ll drive you over. It’s not a big deal. I’ll head into town and grab some ice for the cooler and some stuff for the lake. It’s on the way.” I know she lives just across the field, but it’s at least a fifteen-minute walk, if not more, and it’s hot as hell out today. It’s supposed to be pushing the high nineties. Besides, that’s all the more time I have to spend with her.
“You know he’s stubborn,” Laramie chimes in.
“Fine. Thank you.”
“I’m ready when you are.” I stand and grab her plate and mine and place them in the dishwasher.
“What about my plate?” Corbin asks, smirking.
“Are your legs broken?”
“Nope,” he says, popping the p. Then he turns his gaze to McKenna with her long legs in those short-ass shorts. “Mac’s aren’t either,” he says. I can’t see his face because he’s looking at her, but I know he’s kidding. At least I think he is. As one of my best friends, he knows I’ve had a thing for McKenna since before she left for college. He would never try to swoop in and claim her as his. I know that, but it doesn’t stop the growl in my voice.
“James,” I say, calling him by his last name. It’s a warning, and everyone here knows it.
“Watch out, bro,” Colby tells him. “You’re about to wake the beast.”
Corbin throws his head back and laughs. “Stop, my head can’t take it,” he says, pressing his fingertips against his temple.
It serves him right. “That’s what you get,” I tell him. Walking back around the island, I place my hand on McKenna’s back as she stands. I want to slide my hand under her tank top to feel her soft skin. “Ready?” I leave my hand above her clothing.
“Yeah, I just need to run upstairs and get my clothes,” she says, her face flushed.
“I’ll throw them in the wash with mine and give them back to you.”
“Really, that’s not necessary.”
“I’ll wash them,” I say, guiding her to the front door. “I’m heading into town. Any requests?” I toss over my shoulder on my way to the front door.
“Get stuff for sandwiches, and I’ll make them up when you get back,” Laramie answers.
I throw my hand in the air in a wave, not bothering to look back. Once we reach the front door, I grab my keys from the bowl that sits on a small table in the entryway. “After you,” I say, pulling the door open.
“Thanks,” McKenna says softly.
Once the door is shut, my hand goes back to the small of her back, and I guide her to the passenger side of my truck. When I reach for the door handle, she stops me with her hand on my arm.
“You don’t have to open doors for me, Rip.”
I smile down at her. “If a man isn’t opening doors for you, Kenna, he’s not worth your time.”
“Are you saying that you’re worth my time?” She seems shocked at her own question.
Letting go of the handle, I lean in until her back is pressed against the door of my truck. I brace my arms above her head, my palms flat resting on the window. “I don’t know,” I say, staring down into her big brown eyes. “I want to be.”
Her intake of breath tells me that she’s surprised.
I want to kiss her. It wouldn’t take much for me to lean in just a little further and press my lips to hers. I already know what her lips feel like, pressed firmly against mine. That doesn’t mean I don’t need to feel them again. Closing the distance, I do exactly that and kiss her. I take my time, tracing her lip with my tongue, before pulling back. “Let’s get you home to visit with your grandparents.” I try like hell not to lean in and devour her. Dropping my hands, I wait for her to move so I can open the door for her. Not another word is spoken as she climbs in, and I shut the door. I don’t need her words. I saw the heat in her eyes, and the rapid rise and fall of her chest. She’s just as affected by that kiss as I am.
Taking my time walking around the back of the truck, I adjust my cock in my jeans. I meant what I told her. I don’t know if I’m good enough. To be honest, I’m not sure there is a man out there who is, but I want to be. I know she and I need to talk. I need to tell her what I’m thinking, what I’m feeling, but that opens the opportunity for her to push me away. Right now, she’s letting me kiss her and hold her. I need to take this slow. At least I need to try to until we talk.
“Thanks for the ride,” she says once I’m settled behind the wheel.
“You’re welcome. Any special requests for the lake?”
“No, not really. Whatever is fine.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah, just the thought of being there and relaxing is enough.”
“I’m proud of you,” I tell her. “We’ve missed you.” I’ve missed you. “But I’m so fucking proud of you for chasing your dreams.”
“Thanks.” Her reply is softly spoken. “I can’t wait to be done with the bar exam. I feel as though I’ve lived with my nose stuck in a book my entire life. This was always the goal, to finish law school and come home to work with Gramps. I’m so close I can taste it.”
“You’re going to nail it, Kenna,” I say, pulling into her grandparents’ driveway. “You’re badass like that.” I put the truck in Park. “They’re proud of you, and I know they’re glad to have you home,” I say, pointing at the house.
“Yeah, Gramps keeps telling me he’s ready to retire. He’s keeping the practice open for me. I really hope that I get a little time for us to work together.”
“I know he’s been looking forward to this as well. I’m sure he’s going to slowly make his transition.” In fact, I know he is. I keep an eye on Harold and Agnes and have dinner at their place at least once a week. McKenna is the light of their life.
“I know. They saved me.” She looks over at me. “Gramps fought the courts for me, and that’s why I want to be a lawyer. I want to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.”
“You’re amazing.” I lean in and press my lips to hers. “Now, go say hi to Harold and Agnes for me. Call me or text me when you’re ready for me to pick you up.”