Holding You Close (Ex-Con Duet 4)

The summer before my senior year, she invited Everleigh, Gemma, and me to visit her for the weekend. Gabe was supposed to go, but he got stuck working at the last minute—or that’s what he claimed anyway—so I decided to drive down with the girls.

Once we arrived, I immediately saw why Katie loved it so much. Magnolia Springs is a quaint and charming small Southern town with old Victorian homes, delicious seafood, and a beautiful sunset off the river. I overheard her telling Everleigh and Gemma she wanted to get married in the same little white church as her grandparents. However, considering they got married in Lawton Ridge, something tells me when she told Gabe what she wanted, he was less than enthusiastic about it.

Katie lets out a sigh, and I interlock my fingers with hers. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” She shrugs, then continues, “Just thinking about Loretta and Brittany. I’m just afraid they’re following us and are waiting for their opportunity to pounce while we’re away. Hurt you when we least expect it. I don’t trust them, Noah. This whole thing is consuming me. Why did Loretta withdraw that money?”

“Baby…” I squeeze her leg to gain her attention. “I’m hearing your concerns, and I have them too, but I promise I won’t let anything happen while we’re away. Owen’s safe with your parents, and we’re together in a tourist town. Coming after us would be stupid because too many people are around. We’re safe and are going to have fun.”

She looks at me and releases a deep sigh, then smiles. “You’re right.”

“This weekend is about us. I just want you to relax and have a good time, okay?”

She nods. “This was really sweet of you.”

“I might’ve had some selfish intentions…” I arch my brow with a smirk and laugh when she blushes.

I’m relieved when she recalls a memory from high school that involves Everleigh being pantsed at the school assembly. The thought has us both cracking up laughing.

“I haven’t been here in five years,” she admits as I drive through downtown. “After the funeral, it just seemed sad and pointless to visit.” Katie takes my hand again.

When we park at the Magnolia Springs Bed and Breakfast, a huge grin meets her lips. A white wraparound porch surrounds the old house and beside it is a garden in full bloom.

“Thanks for bringing me here. I love making new memories with you.”

I bring our hands to my lips, then kiss her knuckles. “Thank you for joining me.” Winking, I lean in and thumb her chin until our mouths collide.

As we enter, my eyes trail over the unique décor. It’s a mix of rustic and floral. It’s a typical Southern bed and breakfast, and by the way Katie’s beaming, she’s excited to be here—which makes me extremely happy.

“Welcome, welcome. I’m Dolly. I’ll be glad to sign you in this evenin’.” A middle-aged woman finds our reservation, then asks if we’re celebrating an anniversary or birthday.

“Nothing specific, just a weekend away,” I explain.

“Oh how lovely. You two seem like you’ve been together for years.” She smiles, then leans in closer to Katie and loudly whispers, “I can tell by the way he looks at you.”

I grab our bags as she leads us to our room, sharing the history of the place and the generations of families who’ve owned it. I can already see the stress melting off Katie’s shoulders as she takes it all in with a smile.

“I haven’t been here in ages,” Katie admits. “My mom and I stayed here once when I was a kid and we were visiting my grandmother. Honestly, I don’t think much has changed.”

“Probably not.” Dolly snickers.

When she shows us our room, I step inside and spot the champagne and vase of red roses. From our balcony, the trees and river make for a perfect serene view. I hope being here allows Katie and me to reconnect and unwind.

“This is breathtaking,” Katie says as Dolly gives a short tour, showing off the loft area with a loveseat and coffee table.

“We’re definitely using that,” I whisper in Katie’s ear from behind as she stares at the soaking bathtub in the master suite.

She giggles and nods.

“Breakfast is served every morning from eight to ten, and there’s the dining room or outside patio seating. Please let me know if you need anything. “

“Thank you so much,” I tell her as she walks to the door.

“Hope you two enjoy your stay.” She grins, then leaves.

I wrap my arms around Katie’s waist and pull her into me. “Oh we will…” I muse before closing in on her mouth and tasting her lips.

“It means a lot to me that you planned this.”

“I'd do anything for you,” I tell her, cupping her face and slowly kissing her. “And as much as I want to do very bad things to you…” I groan at the willpower I have not to peel off her clothes. The past couple of weeks of not being able to touch her the way I want while I recover have been torturous. “We have a dinner reservation at Jesse’s.”