“It’s not about the hair. It’s about me being right. Dad, I’m sure about me and him. And I promise not to leave you out of the loop again. I want to be able to talk to you about it. I’m happy. Really happy.”
“That’s all I want, Tex. But you don’t ever hold anything back with me, even when he fucks up, yeah? I need to know, so I can set him straight. You’re right when you said he won’t hurt you.”
I arch my eyebrow and twist my mouth. “So, he messes up, and I set my daddy on him?”
“Yes,” he says, as if there’s nothing weird about that.
We both laugh.
Good luck, Kitt.
KITT
SATURDAY, MAY 30
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
“You good, man?” Milo asks, handing me another beer.
“Thanks,” I reply. “I think so. Mark and Tex are cool, but he’s still not said much to me.”
“You’re banging his daughter. What do you expect?”
“Really, Milo?”
Chuckling darkly, he sits down. “You had to know this was going to happen though, mate.”
“Well, I was kind of hoping that when he found out, it would be because we’d sat down and told him. But no, I have to fuck her against a bus, and…” Groaning, I rub the dull throbbing behind my eyes. “I couldn’t have done this worse if I’d tried. What the hell is wrong with me? This is Texas, not some random horny chick I’ll never see again. The side of a bus, Milo.”
He grins. “Yeah, I saw the footage.”
Tightening my hand around the neck of the bottle, I glare. “Not helping, prick.”
“Hey,” he says, holding his hand up, “I’m not trying to be a wanker here, Kitt. I’ve seen it, and it’s plain to see that this isn’t some random screw. Everyone knows you two aren’t just fucking. You’ve told Mark there’s more with you and her, and you’ve not split up. He gets that. Let him get used to the idea of you being with his only child. You’re overthinking. Give it some time. Besides, Mark can’t just blame you. Texas was right there with you the whole way.”
Yeah, I remember how with me she was. I ache to be with her again. It’s been too long. I hate that we’re back to being careful. I hate that I can’t wake up beside her.
“If you have any great ideas on how I can fix this, please speak up.”
“I think you need to talk to him again. Explain that, although you’re sorry about how he found out, you’re not sorry you’re with her.”
“Mark wants to rip my head off.”
“Maybe a little.”
“Has he said anything to you?”
“Not directly.”
“Milo!”
“It’s not my place to say. Stop being a moron, and go and sort things out with Mark before it affects Texas. You told him you’d do anything for her, so prove it.”
I hop over the bench seat, slam my beer in front of him, and clap him on the back as I run past. He’s right. “Where’s Mark?”
“His room. Good luck,” Milo says, chuckling to himself.
I run up the bus and make my way to Mark’s room. Tex is in hers, and the pull to go there instead is strong. This needs to be sorted out first.
I walk two doors past and knock for Mark.
A gruff voice calls, “Come in.”
Pushing the handle down, I let the door swing open. “Can I have a word with you?”
“There’s no need, Kitt. I’ve spoken to Texas. I won’t tell her how to live her life, but I want you to know that I’m watching you.”
Smiling, I give him a nod. “She’s it, Mark. No slipups, no freak-outs. I’ll make her happy.”
“Make sure you do. I’ll still be watching.”
“I know. Want the door closed?”
“Please.”
I back out and release a breath. That was easier than it should’ve been. Suspiciously easier. Though his watching-you warning pretty much said everything he needed to, and I’ve already told him I’m in this for keeps.
Mark is okay—or as okay as we can hope for—about us, so I hover at Tex’s door.
Will he be this okay?
Fuck it. She’s mine.
For all of one second, I consider knocking, but instead, I let myself in.
She’s lying on the bed, facing away from me, but she’s not asleep. I know Texas when she’s asleep, and right now, she’s nowhere near peaceful enough.
Closing the door to give us privacy, I step closer and say, “I know you’re awake. I need to talk to you.”
Rolling onto her back, she smirks up at me. “Can’t a girl take a nap?”
I shake my head and walk deeper into the small room. “Nope, sorry. I want to spend time with my girl.”
“I love it when you call me that.”
“I know. I love you, Texas.”
Her eyes ignite. “Love you, too.”
Crawling onto the bed, I climb over her. She’s impossibly beautiful. Her dark hair is fanned in waves around her on the pillow. Her lips are begging to be kissed. I close my eyes, picturing them swallowing me.
Stop it. You’ll get yourself frustrated, and you’ll not be at a hotel for a couple of days.
“What are you going to do with me?” She bites on that lip.
“When we’re in that suite, Texas, there isn’t a thing I’m not going to do.”
Her mouth parts. I take advantage and dive in.