Page 14 of Love at First Write

“Probably pretty slim unless you’re a creepy stalker.”

“I am a SEAL and we do have stalking skills. And admittedly I was in Saddle Creek the past couple of days, watching you.”

Tree branches scrape against the decking, reminding me of the glass breaking.

“Do you know what broke? Before you screamed?” I ask.

“Uh, I think a window.”

“Want me to get it boarded up before we finish this conversation? You can get changed if you’re uncomfortable.”

“Maybe that would be best,” she says with a nod. “My dad keeps extra plywood in the hall closet along with a basic toolbox.”

“I’ll take care of that, and you do what you need to do. Meet in the kitchen, living area when you’re done?”

“Why not in here?”

“Because seeing you on a bed, especially in what you’re wearing, is making it very hard for me to pretend that I’m not turned on. You’re perfect and if I had handled things differently before I came home, maybe our first meeting would have been different.”

She nods. “Maybe.”

I close her in that room and head off to investigate the broken window to see what needs to be done.

e-mails

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: Kelpies are the best! Fight me!

Tommy,

1. Not to sound paranoid, but why do you keep asking about my age? What do you have against thirteen-year-olds?

2. You can go as a deep as you want to. Wait … that didn’t come out right. I just meant that you can share or not share whatever you want or need to. I’m sure things get intense sometimes and you need a distraction. But I do have to warn you … baking in fields of bluebonnets is definitely a health code violation.

3. I can’t believe you watch Ancient Aliens too!!!! It is the *best*! No one else I know appreciates just how weird and wonderful it is! And since you’re the only one I know I can talk to about it … What is up with that guy’s hair?

4. Re. Kelpies: Take it back! They are the best!!! They are the smartest dogs (I have research to back this up), and they are also the longest living dogs (the oldest dog ever was a Kelpie who lived to 36!) Yes, they are high-energy, but I’m prepared for it. So what if they sometimes stir up trouble? I’m still all in. Bring. It. On.

Stay safe,

Kelsie

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: Stop dodging the question

Kelsie,

1. I have nothing against thirteen-year-olds. But is it not obvious why I’m hoping you are a full, legal adult? Your emails are the best part of my week. If you’re not at least twenty-two, I need to adjust my thinking.

2. We will revisit the question of how deep I want to go with you after you assure me that you’re old enough for me.

chapter seven