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Bodhi reaches out to shake Sander’s hand, but Sander must have put on his asshole attire today, because he completely ignores the gesture.
“I’m Bodhi Kane, Keaton’s boyfriend,” he states matter-of-factly, and my heart stops. I think Sander’s does too. There is the smallest shift in his stoic expression. Not many people would notice it, but I do. “You must be Sander, her friend.”
Ouch.
I know that one hit Sander right where it hurts most, and while I’m not pleased in the slightest over the whole claiming his territory crap, I don’t speak up. It will only appear as if Bodhi is lying, or covering something up, which will make Sander think he needs to do some hero work and come to my rescue. Then maybe I’ll see him for what he is and we can ride off into the sunset together, which is so not what I’m looking for.
“That’s right. Her best friend.” Sander clenches his jaw, and I can see the muscle tick from here.
“Well, how ‘bout that,” Bodhi says, sliding his arm further around my waist, resting his hand on my hip.
The night I first met Bodhi, Sander did something similar, trying to stake his claim on me. It must be eating him up inside to see the roles reversed.
“Well, if nothing is the matter, Regina has lunch waiting.” The use of my mother’s first name was just another twist of the blade.
“Yeah, I’ve got to get back to it anyway,” Sander says, a war of emotions flashing through his eyes.
He gets back into his car without another word, or even a glance in my direction, and he drives off, leaving Bodhi and I standing there.
“Really?” I turn and slap Bodhi on the chest. Not enough to hurt, but enough to convey my annoyance.
“What?” He throws his hands upon defense.
“Don’t you what me. You know what.”
“I know that you were obviously upset over something he was saying, and I didn’t like the way he was standing there, like a fucking bulldozer.” He says, stepping up to me.
“He was not standing there like a bulldozer, whatever that is supposed to imply.” I roll my eyes as Bodhi pulls me to him, wrapping his arms around me.
“He wasn’t taking the hint.”
“So you had to piss on my leg like I’m your property or something?” I say, arching a brow at him.
“Some guys only understand it one way. If he knows you’re mine, then maybe he’ll back off and lighten up a bit,” he explains, leaning his forehead against mine.
“Yours, huh?”
“Hell yeah, you’re mine,” he slaps my ass before leaning in and sucking my bottom lip into his mouth, dragging it between his teeth lightly. “Don’t you forget it.”
“Oh,” I laugh, “okay.”
He kisses me again, slow and meaningful, and I sink into him, loving the way he makes me feel, but too scared to let myself get used to it.
“Your mom really is waiting for us though,” he throws his thumb over his shoulder.
Grabbing his hand, I walk with him across the front lawn to the patio around back and try to push the future and all my worries away, just for another day.
Chapter 52
We sit and eat our lunch, the drama from earlier forgotten for the most part, and I take advantage of this opportunity to get to know not just Keaton’s mom, but to get to know Keaton better as well.
I see a carefree and relaxed side of her that I haven’t had the chance to witness before. She always has her guard up, ready to fight off the world if she has to, but I want to do my best to give her more of these carefree days. Where she can just relax with her mom and not worry about bills, or gang members, or work.
After lunch, I help clean up, and Regina gives me a quick tour of the house. When we pass by Keaton’s brother’s room, I can see the sadness his absence brings to her. There has to be some way to get him out of jail, right? I don’t know enough details, but from what Keaton has told me, he’s innocent in all of this.
Just one more reason to nail that asshole, Mateo. Here he is walking around, a free man, when it should be him behind bars for all the trouble he’s caused.
Keaton and I end up walking down to the beach behind their house, and I take in the amazing view.
