Always (Next Generation The Skulls 1)

“Nah, we’re good, man. We’ve got a couple of dates. See you in a bit.”

He waved them off and left the creek, heading home.

It was late as he arrived home. As he let himself in, his stomach growled. After removing his jacket, he put his keys in the dish and walked into the kitchen to find his mom crying at the counter.

“Mom, are you okay?” he asked.

She nodded, lifting her head. “I’m just so relieved, you know.” She wiped the tears from her eyes. “God, I can’t bear to lose him. I love him so damn much.”

He went to her, holding her tightly. “I’ve got you.”

She rubbed his hands. “Thank you, for driving him to the hospital. I can only imagine the fear you must have felt.”

“I knew if I didn’t bring him home, you’d be pissed.”

She laughed. “That’s another dollar for the jar.”

“I don’t care. I know you love him, Mom. Just like he loves you.”

“You know, I always hoped you guys would find the same love I’ve been lucky to get. I know it’s going to happen with Tabitha. Your dad wants me to talk to you about her,” she said.

Simon groaned. “Do I want to know why?”

“She’s coming for Thanksgiving. Tiny wanted to rent a motel room, but we won’t have that. This house is plenty big enough for them. I know Angel and Lash are coming as well. We will make it work. You know how I love to have everyone around.”

“I know. Is this about sex?” Simon asked.

Lexie’s cheeks heated. “I’m trying not to be too embarrassed. I know you’re going to have it one day, if you haven’t had it already.”

Simon covered his face. “Mom, please, I’m a virgin. Let’s keep it at that.”

“What? You are?”

“Yeah, I haven’t been with a girl. Ever. The only person I want is Tabby and we’re not ready yet.”

“So your father’s been worrying for nothing.”

He nodded. “Yes, he’s been going through a whole lot of worry for no reason. Tabby and I, we’re not going to rush this. Believe me, we’re going to take our time.”

Lexie ran a hand over her forehead. “Phew.”

“Okay, I think I can eat a sandwich and go to bed.”

“I can make you something.”

“Mom, I can do it.”

“Sit, I will make you a sandwich. How was the party?” she asked.

“Dean didn’t fool you once, did he?”

“With the bowling alley?” She snorted. “Hell, no. Besides the fact I was young once, and you’re Devil’s son, the bowling alley is closed for the next couple of weeks for refurbishment.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah, tell Dean to come up with a better lie next time.”

“I will.”

“Cheese and pickle?”

“You got it.”

He watched as she made him a cheese and pickle sandwich. “Your pregnant again, aren’t you?”

Lexie shook her head. “I’m not pregnant, son. Your dad took care of that. We can’t have any more kids.”

“Then what is it?” he asked, concerned.

She sighed. “There was … I’ve had a few tests, and I’m due to have some more. It could be nothing. I don’t want to worry you with the details.”

He stared at his mom, wanting to know more, but he didn’t press. She was pale and he saw she was already stressed out. He refused to add to it.

After picking up his sandwich, he took a bite and moaned. “This is so good.”

She smiled. “Good.”

Whatever was going on with his parents, it had to be bad. They were keeping it a secret and his father had been home a lot more over the past few weeks. He hoped nothing was wrong with his mom because he couldn’t bear for her to be suffering from any illness of any kind.Chapter EightRunning out of the house, Simon caught Tabby running toward him. She threw herself into his arms, and he spun her around. It had been too damn long since he held her in his arms.

Sinking his fingers into her hair, he kissed her lips, hard.

She moaned, and he slid his tongue inside, meeting her halfway. Slowly, he lowered her to her feet, still kissing her.

Someone cleared their throat.

So did someone else.

Still, he couldn’t stop.

She tasted good. Like breathing and fresh air. She was his life and he loved her. He didn’t want to let her go.

Again, another throat clear, and this time, he pulled away. His dad and Tiny were close, glaring at them.

“Hi, Devil,” Tabby said.

“Hello, Tiny,” he said, looking at her father.

“I think it would be best if we went to a motel,” Tiny said.

“Don’t be ridiculous. They’re only kids and they know the rules. They won’t break them. Will you?” Lexie said, laughing.

“Nope,” Tabby said.

He had every intention of breaking them. He crossed his fingers behind his back as he agreed to be good, while already planning to fall asleep with her in his arms.

“Hi, Tabitha,” Josh asked.

Simon watched his younger brother as he came closer. The redness of his face gave away his embarrassment.