I was as shocked as she was, but I was also dead serious. She was the missing link in my life. “Lizard,” I said in warning. “I will tickle you with that feather.” I didn’t want to lose her. I didn’t want her to go back to Miami. Although, as rough as it would be for me to be away from her, I would deal if I had to. I loved her that much. Deep down I always had. If it weren’t for Terrance Malden stealing her inheritance, I wouldn’t be there with the one girl who wasn’t getting away from me again. “Better yet.” I squeezed her sides.
She squirmed faster than a rattlesnake. “Okay, I won’t tease.”
“Seriously. Think about it. I know you still need to get your inheritance worked out, but I can’t keep living at home. The commute is too far. And I don’t want to live with Zach. His gig babysitting that house ends when summer starts anyway. I don’t want to go back to the dorms for my senior year at BU. Aside from all that, I want to make new memories with you.”
She traced the scar on my chin. “I’ll think about it. For now, can we have a repeat of tonight?”
“Hell yeah.” I climbed off her then extended my hand. “Let’s go. The shower awaits.”
30
Lizzie
Kelton and I were sitting in Mr. Davenport’s office, waiting for him to get out of his meeting.
I gazed out at the city skyline, the March sunshine glinting off the buildings. I played with my earring as I sifted through the events since I’d arrived in Boston. My sole purpose had been to find Terrance Malden, get my inheritance back, and return to Miami and school. Never had I imagined I would find Kelton along the way—or Dillon, Bee, and Allie either. I had some decisions to make once I resolved the legal part of my inheritance. Miami was home to me. All the memories of my parents were there. I was enrolled in a great marine biology program, and I had access to the tropical waters off the coast of Florida.
On the other hand, it was time for me to stop shutting people out of my life. I’d been doing that since my parents died, afraid that I would lose anyone I loved, and while I’d taken that chance exposing my feelings to Kelton, I was still deathly afraid that all the good that had come out of my time in Boston would vanish in an instant. More importantly, I would be a complete wreck if I left Kelton behind. I couldn’t ask him to leave his family or school. He was taking every step to get into Harvard Law. I refused to ask him to give up his dream for me. But my dream was to finish my degree in marine biology and build a life with Kelton.
After our amazing night together that past Sunday, I’d had to time to think. I’d remembered from when I was researching colleges a couple of years before that BU had a great marine biology program. However, before I made that decision I had to ask Kelton one more time if he was serious about his offer for us to get an apartment together. I believed he was, but people did say things in the heat of passion. Since we’d had time to think about us, I didn’t want to assume anything.
I glanced at Kelton, who was bouncing his knee. He hadn’t heard from Mr. Davenport about the job offer yet. And given that we’d ended up at the police station, I was somewhat nervous for him.
“Do you think Mr. Davenport got wind of you at the police station?” I had an inkling as to why I was there. The lawyer in Florida, Mr. Pilkington, had had the meeting the day before with the courts for my temporary injunction to freeze my assets, which I was praying the courts approved.
He shrugged a muscled shoulder. “I hope not.”
I snagged his hand, twining my fingers in his. “Maybe we’ll both get good news.”
“Did you think more about staying in Boston?” Kelton asked, trepidation pooling in his blue eyes.
The door opened, followed by the voices of Mr. Davenport and another man. The hairs on the back of my neck rose. Kelton and I turned our attention to not only Mr. Davenport, but to Terrance Malden.
My mouth dropped open. Kelton and I exchanged a smile.
“Let’s all sit over here.” Mr. Davenport waved at the small conference table behind us as he held folders in his other hand.
Terrance carried his briefcase as he crossed the floor to a chair at the table. He was dressed in a business suit, and his hair was combed back. He appeared fresh and ready for battle.
My stomach heaved as Kelton helped me to stand. Sure, I was happy Terrance was there. To me his presence signified that he was willing to help. But I was also apprehensive. He’d said there was only two hundred thousand dollars left in my bank accounts. However, if he hadn’t done any accounting on the estate, the remaining funds might be slotted for unpaid bills.
Mr. Davenport didn’t give me a chance to think or speak. No sooner than he’d sat in a chair at the head of the table he said, “Ms. Reardon.”
I swung my gaze from Terrance to Mr. Davenport as Kelton and I took two chairs across from Terrance.
“I called you here today to discuss the outcome of the temporary injunction that took place yesterday,” Mr. Davenport said. “Before I get to that, I want to address the reason Mr. Malden is here.”
I pinned my gaze on Terrance. He flashed me a tentative smile.