Page 49 of Home Is Where You Are

We got lost in each other. Breakfast long forgotten. The possibility of someone catching us a distant thought as our mouths did all the talking we’d ever need.

I slowed the kiss and pulled away. Both of our chests rapidly moved up and down as we fought to gain air into our lungs.

“I’d love nothing more than to continue, but we’re pressing our luck as it is. We should probably head down before inquiring minds come snooping for information,” I said after I regulated my breathing.

Her cheeks were flushed with embarrassment as she climbed off my lap. I loved her innocence. How she grew bashful at the mere mention of getting caught.

She grabbed her clothes and boots off the bed as I slid on a pair of sandals to walk down to her parents’ house.

“You shouldn’t walk barefoot down there,” I told her as we left my room.

“It’s bad enough I’m wearing your clothes. I’m not looking even more ridiculous by wearing boots with sweatpants.”

“But you look good wearing my clothes,” I replied as I grabbed her free hand and linked my fingers within hers.

“You’re trying to cause gossip, now aren’t you?”

“Not at all. Besides, friends hold hands. Don’t they?” And I meant every single word.

“Yes, but my family isn’t going to assume we’re just friends.” She laughed, some of that carefree spirit I loved made an appearance.

“That’s just semantics.”

She tried to pull away as she opened the back door, but I gripped her hand even tighter.

Once we entered the vast kitchen, heads turned our way. Everyone was seated at the table awaiting our arrival. Ainsleigh’s stride paused once she crossed the threshold. I could only imagine what her face looked like as she took in everyone staring at us.

The kitchen smelled of maple syrup and butter as her mother, the only one not seated, walked over to the table with a platter of pancakes, enough to feed an army.

“Oh, good. You’re both here. I was wondering if we’d have to send out a search party,” her mother joked as she sat down the glass dish, and her father took his serving.

“What are you two up to this morning? Late night? Or should I say early morning?” Leo asked with a smirk. He knew damn good and well where we’d both walked over from, and he didn’t waste an opportunity to joke on us about it. Just like I thought they’d do.

“And who did you bring home last night, Leo? Care to share the details?” Ainsleigh bit back, pulling her hand from mine as she took her seat. I took the last seat and sat beside her just as her mother brought over cups of steaming hot coffee for us and sat down herself.

“Touché, little sis. Touché. But I don’t kiss and tell,” Leo replied with a laugh.

We all took turns getting pancakes and chatting around the breakfast table.

“How long are you and Aspen here for, Dylan?” Lillian asked between bites.

“Is it okay if we stay and leave on Sunday? That’s when we planned to head to Sunset River to see Aspen’s family,” Dylan replied.

“Of course it’s fine. I’m used to the traffic in this house with four children. Well, not so much anymore, but you get the idea. This house was always full of their friends, and I kinda miss the noise,” she said with a gentle laugh. That was Lillian. So inviting and welcoming. The same way she was with me all those years ago. Even when she didn’t have to be, she was.

“Thank you, Mrs. Courtright,” Aspen said as she picked up her empty plate and walked over to the sink, placing the dirty dish inside.

“You didn’t have to do that, dear. I’ll clean everything up once this crew is done devouring what’s left. What do y’all have planned for the day?” Lillian asked, looking at Ainsleigh.

“I thought we could just relax out by the pool. I’m glad you opened it already. It’s supposed to be nice outside today, and I need some sun,” she replied to her mom.

A day by the pool sounded like what we both needed. I’d get more time to be around her and get to know her again. Possibly get on her good graces by getting to know her friends too. It was a win-win situation for us both.

“Sounds relaxing and fun. What are you boys up to today?”

They told their mother they’d love to spend the day at the pool as well to have some sibling bonding time. While her parents and brothers were distracted with conversation, I took the moment to put my hand under the table and placed it on her thigh. Her cheeks heated, but she didn’t acknowledge my touch. She was likely ignoring me so her family wouldn’t notice.

“I was meant to touch you, beautiful girl. You can try to stop me, but I’ll just keep trying until you see I’m right,” I said, leaning over to make sure no one heard my comment but her.