“So therapy…have you decided if you want to talk to someone?” he asks.
Scratching my cheek, I hesitate to answer. I’d thought about it, but that was before Katie and I started dating, and now I want to spend all my free time with her and Owen. Last weekend, we had our Star Wars watch party with a marathon of A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. There was unlimited soda, candy, and popcorn. Just thinking about spending more time with Owen and Katie like that brings a smile to my face. Katie’s my everything. She’s the light that keeps the dark days from taking over.
“Actually, I think I’m going to wait,” I admit. “I don’t have that internal drowning feeling anymore, especially when I’m with my girlfriend. I’m not taking it off the table completely, but I don’t think it’s a priority for me right now.”
“Alright, that’s fair. It’s always an option if you change your mind.”
I nod, agreeing. I’m not against therapy by any means. I think about how much has changed since I got home, and truthfully, returning to civilization is not what I’d expected. I don’t tell him the details of what led to the accident or how I’m on someone’s hit list. He’ll make a big deal, and that’s the last thing I need. The added stress is already making me tense, but Katie and being able to go back to work are keeping me distracted.
Dean’s been doing this for years, probably over a decade, and I can tell he’s not just here to collect a paycheck. He cares and seems interested in me. However, I’m not comfortable sharing everything with him yet.
We agree to meet in two months, shake hands, then say goodbye. I’m ready as hell to get back to town so I can tell Katie to pack her bags.
Katie’s mother agreed to watch Owen, so we’ll be able to relax and spend the weekend with just the two of us.
Before I drive out of the parking lot, I send Katie a text.
Noah: Just leaving my PO’s office. Meet at the diner for lunch?
I smile wide when she responds.
Katie: Hmm. I guess I could squeeze you into my very busy schedule ;)
Noah: Don’t sass me, woman. I’ve spent the past two weeks tempted to bend you over and smack that ass. I’m all healed, and my hand is just aching to do it.
Katie: Excuse me, sir? You’re breaking the rules!
I play dumb.
Noah: What rules?
She sends me an eye roll emoji.
Katie: No sexting while I’m at work! I can’t be all hot and bothered when I’m trying to talk to a customer about their mortgage rates.
Noah: Soooo, go to the restroom and finish the job there. Slide your fingers in your panties and rub your clit while imagining it’s me…pleasuring you.
Katie: Goddammit. You just wait!
I chuckle, knowing she’s definitely worked up.
Noah: See you at the diner, my love :)
Less than an hour later, I’m walking into the Main Street Diner and find Katie reading a menu as she waits for me.
I dip down and bring my lips to hers. “Hey, beautiful.”
“Hey, trouble.” She glares at me as I slide into the booth seat across from her.
“Me? I’m certain that was your nickname in school.”
“More like Everleigh’s.” She snorts. “She was a bad influence on all of us. Or rather, her spontaneous personality was. Swear she could talk us into doing anything.”
Before the waitress walks over, I take the opportunity to tell Katie my news.
“Speaking of being spontaneous, I have a surprise for you.”
She lowers her menu and makes eye contact with me. “A surprise?” Her timid voice tells me she’s unsure if she’s gonna like it or not.
But oh hell yes, she will.
“I’m taking you to a bed and breakfast for the weekend. We leave tonight.”
“Are you serious? What about Ow—”
“Already taken care of. All you need to do is pack a bag and be ready by six sharp.”
She looks at me wearily, narrowing her eyes as if she’s trying to find a reason she can’t.
Reaching over, I grab her hands and weave her fingers through mine. “You deserve some time off to relax, unwind, and enjoy yourself. We’ll eat, hang out, and walk along the river and downtown. Perhaps some other things…” I waggle my brows, and she immediately blushes.
“The river? Where are we goin’?”
I smirk. “Magnolia Springs.”
“What?” She gasps, releasing my grip and blinking hard. “Really?”
Nodding, I smile at how excited she is. “Yeah, it’s beautiful this time of year.” Booking a room was a freaking miracle, but they had a last-minute cancellation that I happily took.
Katie bites her lower lip as she gazes lovingly at me. “You remembered.”
“Of course. I’d never forget that.”
At six o’clock, we pack Katie’s car and hit the highway. It’s just over an hour away. Her grandma lived there before she passed, and Katie would spend almost half her summer there during elementary and middle school. Once she was in high school, she’d only spend a few weeks there because she’d rather spend time with her friends.