Finding Home

Crash

Kelly pulls out of her aunt's hug. "When's curfew tonight?" The hopeful upswing of her voice kills me. An almost-seventeen-year-old should not sound like she's scared to ask about curfew.

Holly gives me one more warning glance, then smiles at Kelly. "I told Crash you don't have a curfew tonight, but—"

Kelly freezes when she hears but.

Holly holds her arms. "—my phone'll be on all night. And if you need anything, you call me and I'll be there, okay?"

Kelly looks at me over her shoulder and I give her a small smile, hope and fear warring for control and making my heart pound. "Don't worry, Kel. You choose everything tonight."

Her smile grows, lighting up her face so my chest aches.

"Okay, you two," Holly says, "Have fun. Keep in touch. And don't do anything I wouldn't do."

I quirk a brow at Holly, who gives me a flat look back. Kelly sniggers, but hugs her aunt one more time, then runs to the car, clapping again.

I get the door for her, wait for her to slide in before closing it again.

"Be good to her tonight, Crash," Holly says, patting my shoulder as I pass.

Fuck. No pressure. I run a hand through my hair. "I will."

"Remember the nail file," she sings as I get into the car.

I'm sweating when I flip the turn signal on and pull out into the street.

It only takes ten minutes to get to the house—my house—from Kelly's place. She went real still as soon as we pulled into this neighborhood, asked why we were here.

"I've got something I want to show you."

She hasn't talked since, just stared up at the looming gates and big houses lining both sides of the streets.

I pull into the driveway, put my window down, and tap the code into the little black box on a pole next to the driveway.

"Whose place is this?" Kelly peers up at the house as we pull in through the iron gates.

"You'll see." I grin.

I have a quick mental breakdown wondering if I should pull her bag out of the trunk now, or give her some time to get used to the idea of spending the night first.

Deciding to leave that conversation for later, I leave her bag in the car, pull into the garage and hop out quick to get Kelly's door for her.

Her cheeks pink when I usher her out of the Jeep, but she's not smiling.

Nervous, I offer her my hand and lead her up the stairs and into the house.

At the top of the internal access stairs, the house opens up to an entryway you could call a lobby. There's a side table under a big painting right in the middle, across from the front door. I got a big bunch of Gerberas in every imaginable shade because they're Kelly's favorite and leaned a card up against the vase.

As we walk into the double-height space she stares at the looming walls and marble floor. But when she sees the flowers she looks at me.

I smile, "They're yours."

"Crash! What is this?" she asks in a small voice. I can't tell if she's scared, or hopeful.

With shaking hands, I lead her to the table. While she exclaims over the flowers, I offer her the card. "When I knew Holly would give us a night out, I tried to think of what we'd enjoy most." I clear my throat. "This is what I came up with."

Kelly takes the envelope, glancing over her shoulder, towards the custom kitchen twenty feet away, then back to me with a hesitant smile before opening it.

The card is simple—a teal and navy mod pattern on the outside, blank inside.

I remember every word I wrote because I practiced it before I wrote it so I wouldn't make a mistake.

Kelly,

My life's changing so fast—good and bad. I want to share everything with you.

This house is mine. I bought it with my advance. Holly's giving us tonight to enjoy it together. I'll make you dinner, we can swim in the pool, and watch movies until we can't stay awake anymore.

Then I'll take you to bed and show you how much I love you, any way you want.

You're my world, K.

Spend the night with me?

-Crash

I know when she first reads my note about the house because she gasps. But the moments before she finally looks at me are excruciating.

I've got my hands shoved deep in my pockets because I'm suddenly convinced she'll freak and I'll have to take her home and—

"Crash!" my girl gasps and throws herself into my arms.

I laugh and kiss her, slow and deep, before heaving a sigh of relief. I should have known she wouldn't be scared of me. Letting her slide down my body until her feet touch the floor again, I cup her face and kiss her again before answering.

"I'm dead serious." My voice sinks to my toes. "It isn't totally decorated yet because I wanted your help picking some art and stuff for it. But it's mine. It's livable."

"And there's really a pool?"

"Yes, there's really a pool. And a Jacuzzi." I should have known my little water baby would focus on that. I plunge my fingers in her thick blonde hair and kiss her again, slow and deep, until I have to push away from her, or risk breaking my promise to Holly.

You let her choose, Crash. No pushing!

I rub a hand over my face and lead Kelly towards the kitchen. "Let me show you around, then we can get your bag from the car."

She hugs my waist as we walk and I throw one arm over her shoulder, pointing stuff out as we walk.

I knew having her here would feel good. She's my home. And I'm hers.

As I lead her through the three levels, seven bedrooms, recording studio basement, and outside onto the bi-level deck, it very quickly becomes apparent that without her, this place is nothing but a huge glass cage.

I'm not only glad she's here. I realize I don't want to be here without her.

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