I hadn’t meant to say so much, but there was no going back now.
“Are you safe?” Macon asked, looking around me as if Adam could show up at any minute. And, honestly, he could.
Chills broke out over my arms, but I ignored them. I had to. “I don’t know. The detective on my case is an asshole and doesn’t care. There’s a restraining order in place, but a piece of paper isn’t going to help me if Adam shows up.”
“And you and I are standing out here in the dark right now? What the fuck, Dakota?”
“We’re as safe as I can be for now. Adam isn’t going to show up when you’re around,” I said, and Macon’s brows rose.
“Excuse me?” he asked.
“He’s a wimp. A coward. He hit me because I was weaker. And I know he likely would’ve done something to Joshua if he’d had a chance. I got away with my son, and I’ve kept Joshua safe all this time. But he’s afraid. Adam, that is. He was always afraid of those bigger than him. Of those who could hurt him.”
“I don’t hit others unless I’m in a ring,” Macon said. “I’m no danger to you or Joshua.”
Oh, he might not be a danger physically, but I knew he was a danger to my heart. But that wasn’t something I wanted to get into. I didn’t want to think about it.
“All I know is that Adam is out there, and I don’t know what I’m going to do if he wants to see Joshua.”
“We’re not going to let that happen.” Macon put his hands on my shoulders.
I wasn’t afraid. I even leaned into Macon just slightly, needing his touch.
And hating myself for it.
“I’m not going to live my life in fear, but I’m also going to find a way to make sure that nothing ever happens to my son.”
Macon looked at me then and nodded. “I’ll help. If you’ll let me.”
I looked at him, at the way he threw himself into standing up for his family, for his friends. For Joshua. I looked at the long, lean lines of him, his broad shoulders, thick thighs, everything about him. And found it was hard to breathe. That was the problem when it came to Macon. It was hard to do anything when he was around. That was why I fought so hard to keep him away. Because I wasn’t sure I’d say no if and when the time came.
He kept looking at me, and when his gaze moved to my mouth, my lips parted, and I tilted my head back. I was in heels, so I wasn’t too much shorter than him. I just had to go to my tiptoes, and he had to lean down a fraction, and then his lips would be on mine.
I closed my eyes, and suddenly he was there, a breath away from me. When his lips pressed against mine, no words were needed. His tongue brushed mine, and I held in a moan, needing this. Wanting this. He kissed with such control, as if he were afraid to let the bough break and allow everything to burst forth.
I didn’t blame him because I felt the same.
This was a mistake. I had made so many bad decisions, had so many regrets, but I didn’t care.
When my phone rang in my bag, I took a startled step back, nearly tripping on my heels. Macon’s hands were on my hips, keeping me steady. And he didn’t let go.
I looked up into his eyes, his pupils dark and wide. He didn’t release me even as my gaze moved to his lips, locked on the wetness there. I saw the need in his expression.
My phone trilled again, and I pulled it out of my bag, my hands shaking. Still, Macon kept his hands on me.
“Constance?” I asked, my heart racing. Macon’s hands tightened on my hips.
“This is Constance’s mother, Shireen,” the other woman said. “I’m so sorry, but I’m taking Constance to the hospital right now. We think it could be her appendix. Jeff is with Joshua, of course, but my little girl’s going to need her daddy. I’m so sorry to cut your night short.”
I was already moving towards the parking lot, Macon on my heels. “No, I’m the one who is sorry. I’m on my way to pick him up. I hope Constance is okay.”
“I’m so sorry, Dakota. Thank you.”
“Take care of your daughter. I’m on my way. Thank you for everything.”
I hung up, my hands shaking as I tried to put my phone back into my purse. Macon took it from me and pulled out my keys.
“I’m driving wherever we’re going.”
“I’m fine,” I said, knowing neither of us was likely going to talk about the kiss. Or maybe that was just me.
“I’m driving. And I’m going to call Prior or Cross to come and pick up your car.”
“Why not Nate?” I asked, my brain going in a million different directions, yet sticking on an odd fact.
“Nate’s been having more headaches recently. He isn’t driving as much.”
I didn’t ask, knowing it wasn’t my business. My mind was too busy as it was. “I can drive on my own, Macon.”
“Maybe you can, but you don’t need to. We’ll take your car because the booster’s in the back and frankly, because both my brothers have my car keys.”
“Really?” I asked as we made our way to my car, my hands shaking. I knew the fear wasn’t about Adam. And I knew that Joshua was safe. Regardless, I still needed to get home.
“We’ve had to help each other out enough that we all keep a spare set of keys for one another. Same with my sister. It’s just what we’ve always done.”
“That’s smart. Nobody has my keys.” I didn’t like how sad that sounded. I did just fine on
