“How would this even work?” I finally ask the real question, the root of the problem, the reason I haven’t admitted my feelings to her yet. I played Matt earlier. I do know how she looks at me. I soak in every gaze she throws my way.
He shrugs. “I guess you date and see how it goes. You’re both in the business and she plans to go with us after graduation. If you break up though or you piss her off…that could be problematic. You’d both have to figure out a way to continue to work together. The business comes first.”
I nod, even while my heart beats faster in my chest, my eyes flicking back over to where Kell is. Every thump against my rib cage is a reminder that some dumb shit is still trying to move in on my girl. “Wouldn’t have to worry about that, man, if I do this, it’s end game.”
“Well, you might want to tell her that.” Matt nods over in her direction. Lover boy has just taken another step closer to her. My hands fist at my side. A piercing whistle slides between my lips. “Kell!”
Her head snaps in my direction, her wavy, shoulder length dark blonde hair swishing against her back.
“Family meeting!” Matt yells for me. My fist lands on top of his shoulder in solidarity. I know these random guys hitting on her bothers him at times too.
Kelly does a small wave to the guy in front of her, not even batting an eye at the frown he gives her, the look of utter disbelief that she’s walking away from him. I hate guys like that. I may still have to find him later.
“What’s up?” she asks, once she reaches us. I catch the faint hint of mint from the gum she’s chewing on. The tip of her nose is turning red from the chilly air. My mouth opens to speak, until her eyes slide to mine, and my brain melts from the impact.
“Did you talk to your mom about the run tomorrow?” Matt asks, breaking the silence and saving my ass since I apparently can’t talk in her presence. I’m not even sure if this is a real issue or something he’s legit concerned about.
“She said I went last month and doesn’t think I should go on this one too.” Her eyes roll so far that I can see the whites. “I can be on maps, though, and keep you updated if traffic or an accident pops up.”
“That works,” Matt replies, his arms folding over his chest. “I can’t wait until we come up with a better system for this. MapQuest isn’t always accurate and the directions never match up with my Garmin.”
“We’re close,” I remind him, proud of myself that I can manage words again.
“Two more years, guys.” Kelly holds her fingers up, a smile pulling at her lips. “Then you two can go train and I’ll take my financial classes and we’ll be running things how we want.”
I wish I could skip the talk we need to have. I’d give anything right now to just be able to lean over, pull her into me and kiss the hell out of her. The more plans for the future we make, the more I become cemented in the idea that she’s it for me. I can see our future, running the business under Matt, saving lives and being a family in the evenings.
“I’ll drive you home today.” My hand connects lightly with her forearm, and she freezes before her cheeks tinge pink. She ducks her head in a nod.
“I have to study for the history test,” Matt mumbles, his own gaze trapped behind us suddenly. My head turns until I can see what, or who, has his interest. Erika. The new target we acquired this past summer. She’s been living at Matt’s home and is a high priority. She’s pretty, quiet, and wears shadows in her eyes. This isn’t the first time I’ve seen Matt watching her, and I’m tempted to give him the same talk he just gave me. If it was anyone else, anyone but Erika, I probably would.
“Okay, man.” I clap him on the shoulder and usher Kelly around to her side of the car, before opening the door for her. I see the flicker of worry in her own gaze as we watch Matt stalk in the direction Erika was walking.
I climb in my own seat and fire up the engine, before pulling out of the parking lot. Once we get a block away, I notice Kelly’s mouth is still set in a frown. “What’s wrong?”
Her gaze slides to me and her shoulders hunch. “I’m just worried about him. I know he likes her and I think she likes him too. I just don’t know how that would work.”
“What do you mean?” I ask, probing further.
“Because she’s a target and Matt’s going to inherit the business someday. What if she decides not to stay?” Her mouth tips down at the corners, the way she does before her eyes start to tear up.
“I think if Matt wants it to work, he’ll figure it out,” I answer, trying my best to stop her from crying.
“Even if she’s a target?” she replies, while turning her head to look out the window. I pause at the sound of her voice, like she’s asking a different question.
My pulse races and my fingers flex around the steering wheel. Before I can over think it, I slip my blinker on and pull off on the back road that eventually leads to the backside of her house. Her head whips to face me, but she doesn’t speak, trusting what I’m doing and going with the flow. I stop next to the pond that is now covered by ice from the frigid January temps. I get out of the car and Kelly follows, leaving her backpack behind.
“Where are you going?” she asks, giggling, while also jogging to keep up. I head for the forest and find the path we took so many times as kids.
“Let’s go see if it’s still there,” I tell her and hold out my hand for her to grab, which she does.
“What made you think of stopping here? It’s been years since we were last here.”
“Talking about the future always makes me think of this place. And it’s only been two years.” I chuckle, my gaze swinging to her again.
“Why does talking about the future make you want to go to the old tree house?” Kelly questions, pushing the way she does best.
I lead us off the path and start heading into the clearing with the huge tree we spent a whole summer transporting extra lumber to until we had a small place to meet. Many conversations of world domination took place in that box. I’d be surprised if it was still standing, honestly.
“It’s still here,” Kelly breathes out. Her eyes light up, and her mouth opens, forming a perfect o. Her hand flexes in mine, reminding me I haven’t let go of her once.
“I don’t remember a time when Matt and I haven’t talked about all the ways we can improve the business someday, updating the technology and expanding our reach so we can do more. Saving people and helping families is all I want to do. It’s something I’d be proud to do. We’re so close; yet, it feels so far away. I just hope when the time comes, everything plays out how we talked about it, you know?” I trail off, watching her and studying the soft smile on her lips.
“I get it. I don’t think you should worry. You, Matt, me…the business is in our blood,” Finally, her gaze slides to mine. Sparks of energy pop off around us, invisible to the naked eye, something that only we can feel.
“Go out with me,” I say, gently tugging her hand until her body turns toward mine.
“On a date?” Her voice squeaks out, her cheeks blushing deeper.
“Sure, we can do that too.” I shrug, stepping closer, my hand dropping hers and running around her waist to lock on her sides. “Be my girlfriend. My partner. Be mine. I get anxious thinking this will blow up in our faces or you’ll change your mind. But I’m in completely, and I need to hear this is what you want too. The business and me. I only want to do this once, and I’ve never been surer that you’re it for me.”