“So you just told her your entire life story?” my best friend Seth gapes at me as he sticks a spoon into the tub of cookie dough ice cream that’s balanced on the couch cushion between us. In typical Seth fashion, he’s dressed to impress, wearing a stylish pair of jeans, a button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, designer sneakers, and his highlighted hair is tousled in an intentionally messy way. “I can’t believe it. Usually, I have to pry words out of you.”

The moment I left the interview, I texted him, freaking out that I had ended up babbling to Evie my entire life story and he told me he’d meet me at my apartment ASAP.

It’s not like I mind telling people about my past. I’m just usually not that much of a talker, nor do I go around telling everyone every detail about me and my past. It’s not my style.

“See, this is why I think all interviews for writing jobs should be conducted through questionnaire forms.” I shovel up a glob of partially melted ice cream, debating whether or not to turn the heater up. While it’s only early October, winter comes early in Laramie. “I’m a writer, which means I’m good at expressing myself in writing, not verbalizing.” Sighing, I stuff the bite of ice cream into my mouth and let it melt on my tongue. “This stinks. I really wanted the job.”

He licks his spoon clean. “Don’t get too discouraged yet. You still might get it.”

I get up and turn on the heater. “I talked for over an hour straight and even told her how I chopped my hair off after Caleb raped me. How on earth is that going to get me the job?”

He pats my hand as I sit back down. “Because your story’s inspiring.”

“Yeah, but inspiring doesn’t scream: hire me for this job that requires a bunch of undercover work, some sketchy situations, and being creative and thinking outside of the box. It just says, hey, I have an inspiring story and some past issues.”

“Just because you had issues doesn’t make you any less qualified for a job. In fact, it shows that you’re motivated and understand things not every person can. And your inspiring story makes you stand out in that sea of journalist all trying to nab your job.”

“I don’t know about that.” I sigh, sinking back into the sofa. “Sadly, my story isn’t that unique. Stuff like that happens to girls and women all the time. And even guys. It’s horrible that things are that way. It really, really is.”

It’s something I’ve thought about a lot lately, all the news articles I read and hear about rape victims and attacks. One of the worst parts is how often the attacker gets off easy. Like Caleb. While he was arrested for drug charges and sent to prison, he never actually was charged for the rapes he committed, for several different reasons. Because too much time had passed since he committed the crime. Because his victims were either too afraid to step forward or, like Luke’s sister, had passed away. Because there wasn’t enough evidence. The list goes on and on, and it drives me absolutely crazy when I think about it too much. It’s part of the reason why I really want the job there. They’ve done many articles on those sorts of topics and have even aided in a couple of arrests for criminals.

“Yes, it is,” he agrees with a distant nod, his mind probably wandering back to his own sad story. Blinking a few times, he stabs the spoon into the tub of ice cream. “Still, I don’t think you should get upset just yet. Not until you know for sure if you got the job.”

“I’m pretty sure I didn’t. I mean, the last words she said to me were pretty ominous.” I fiddle with the four leaf clover pendant hanging on the chain of the necklace I’m wearing. A pendant Kayden, my fiancé, gave me because he thinks I’m lucky.

I sure wish it’d bring me some luck now.

His brow rises. “ What’d she say?”

I shrug. “If I’m interested, I’ll be in touch.”

He winces, but then quickly shakes the look off. “That’s not too terrible.”

“Then why’d you just wince?”

He itches his eye. “I didn’t. My eye’s been spasming all day.”

I almost smile for the first time since I left the interview. “You’re such a little liar.”

“And you’re such a little ice cream hog.” He grabs the tub of ice cream and hugs it against his chest. “This thing was half full when I brought it over.”

“Yeah and it was only half full because you ate half of it in the car.” My smile breaks through. But I’m not surprised. Seth has always been talented at making me smile when I’m feeling gloomy.

He presses his hand to his chest, faking aghast. “I so did not. I’d never eat ice cream and drive.”

“Then why were your hands all sticky when you showed up here?”

“How do you know my hands are sticky?”

“Because the fridge handle was sticky after you opened the fridge.”

“Are you sure that wasn’t from Kayden? I heard he likes to raid the freezer after you guys get your freak on.”

“Ew, no.” I playfully swat his arm and he laughs. “And how would that even make the handle sticky?”

The wicked glint in his eyes makes me instantly regret asking the question.

“Never mind.” I hold up my hand, my cheeks warming. “Forget I asked.”

He chuckles, digging into the ice cream again. “You know, even after knowing you for three years, it’s still amusing as fuck to make you blush.”

“And even after knowing you for three years, it’s still as amusing as… fuck to steal your ice cream.” Then I steal his tub of ice cream and run out the front door, laughing my butt off.

“Hey!” he shouts, racing down the stairway after me. “Don’t you dare eat any of that. I just got to a section that had a shit ton of cookie dough.”

“I’m so going to!” I shout through my laughter as I reach the bottom of the stairway. Then I take off toward the carport, unsure where I’m going, but it’s one of those moments where you don’t really need a plan or direction. Or shoes, apparently, since I ran out barefoot. “Dang it.” I hop around as the soles of my feet touch the freezing cold sidewalk. “That’s freezing.”

“It’s going to be a lot colder when I dump that ice cream on your head!” Seth yells as he finishes barreling down the stairway.

I reel around as I reach the curb. “Take one step closer and the ice cream is going to become friends with the sidewalk.”

He doesn’t slow down. “Like you would dare waste a perfectly good tub of ice cream.”

“Half of a tub,” I correct. “And I would if it meant it’d stop you from dumping it on my head.” Then, just to mess with him, I start to tip the tub of ice cream to the side.

He slows from a jog to a walk. “Callie Lawrence, don’t you dare waste that.”

Sometimes it’s really fun teasing him. “What? This?” I angle it more to the side, not really planning on dumping any out. But then I jump as the icy concrete starts to burn against my feet and the movement sends a glob of ice cream out of the tub and to the ground.

Seth overdramatically gasps as he stares down at the splattered glob. “Oh my God, there was like three pieces of cookie dough in that.”

I press my lips together, stifling a laugh. Deep down I know he’s only partially kidding—Seth really loves his ice cream. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to actually spill it. I was just pretending but then my feet got cold and I jumped and… Well, yeah.”

“Pretending or not, that still happened,” he gestures at the ice cream on the ground.

“I know, but it was completely by accident. I swear.” I draw an x over my heart with my finger.

“I’m not sure if I really believe you. In fact, I’m pretty sure you’ve secretly held a food vendetta against me ever since I accidentally ate all of your peppermint bark. And you threatened to get me back for that.”

“That’s because it’s only available around Christmas time. And I was just kidding about getting you back.” Sort of.

He crosses his arms and sticks his nose up in the air. “I don’t believe you.”

I can’t help but laugh. “Fine, if it’s that big of a deal, I’ll give you your ice cream back.” I step forward and offer him the tub.

The moment he takes it, a Cheshire Grin takes over his face. “I’m so the best friend ever. I mean, I got you to smile and relax and not think about that job. I think I should get like the best friend ever award or something.”

I give him a hug. “Thank you for being the best friend in the whole wide world.”

He chuckles, giving me a one armed hug. “And thank you for being you, baby girl. And I have a feeling you might get the job. And even if you don’t, I know you’ll be hired for another one that’s equally as great.”

“Because you’re a psychic?” I ask through a laugh.

“You know it.” He pulls back, grinning. “And I’m the smartest person ever.”

“Yes, you are—” I squeal like a wild Banshee as a pair of arms loop around my waist and lift me up from the ground. The next thing I know I’m being slung over a broad shoulder and my pulse speeds up in a panic.

But my heart settles as the scent of Kayden’s cologne touches my nostrils.

Seth busts up laughing as he walks around and tips his head to the side, looking at me hanging upside down. “Holy shit, that noise you made was classic.” He digs into the ice cream with his fingers, picks out a chunk of cookie dough, and pops it into his mouth. “Seriously, I think you could give me a run for my money with that squeal of terror.”

I narrow my eyes at him as Kayden chuckles and lightly pinches me on the butt. “The next time we’re watching a scary movie, I’m going to record you screaming at every scary part and then make the video go viral.”

Seth’s eyes widen. “Now that’s just plain cruel.”

“Okay, maybe it is a little bit,” I admit. “But still… You could’ve at least warned me that Kayden was sneaking up on me.”

He shrugs. “Now where’s the fun in that?”

Kayden chuckles. “Glad to see Seth got you out of your funk.”

“I wasn’t in a funk… Was I?” I lift my head and look questioningly at Seth.

He offers me an apologetic look as he nods. “Sorry, but you were. That’s okay, though. We’re all allowed to have our grumpy days. Just know, though, that you only get one a week.”

I nod, sweeping my hair out of my face. “Yes, sir.”

He chuckles as he backs away. “I’m going to head home now since your prince charming is here. Call me if you need anything.” He turns on his heels, calling over his shoulder, “Have fun making sticky, refrigerator handle messes, you two.”

“Sticky refrigerator handle messes… What does that…” Kayden shakes his head. “Nope, never mind. With you two it’s usually better not to ask.” He starts for the stairway with me still draped over his shoulder.

“Are you going to carry me all the way up?” I ask through a giggle.

“All the way into our bedroom where I’ll spend all night cheering you up.” He pinches my butt again and I laugh.

But then something dawns on me.

“Wait. I thought you had practice tonight?”

“I did, but I messaged Coach and told him I was sick.”

“But there’s a game tomorrow.”

“Yeah, so. I can miss one practice every once in a while, especially when my fiancé needs cheering up.” He holds onto the back of my thighs as he ascends up the stairway.

“I don’t want you missing practice just because I’m having a bad day.” I clutch onto the back of his jacket as I start to slip off his shoulder. “And the draft’s coming up...”

He tightens his grip on me. “Yeah, so? I’m not worried and neither should you be. I kick ass.”

“I know you kick ass,” I say and he chuckles at my use of a swear word, something he usually does. “I just don’t want to mess anything up for you.”

“You never mess up anything for me.” He pushes open the door to our apartment. “You always bring me good luck. And you should know that by now.” He gently lowers me off the shoulder and releases me when my feet touch the carpet. Then his hands instantly find my cheeks and he cups my face between his palms. “Now, are you going to explain what got you upset to begin with, why Seth and you were running around outside with a tub of ice cream, and why on earth you aren’t wearing any shoes when it’s forty degrees outside?”

I sneak a quick look and take him all in; his sturdy body, the way his brown hair falls in his green, loving eyes that light up every time he sees me. Even after three years of being together, I sometimes still can’t believe I’m with him, that I was able to get past the darkness of my past enough to trust him to bring me into the light.

“We were fighting over his ice cream so I took off outside with it. Forgot to put on my shoes. As for being upset, it was mostly because I’m pretty sure I messed up the job interview.” I sigh. “Honestly, I feel like sort of a baby. I mean, it’s just a job, right?”

He skims his thumb along the bottom of my eye. “You have every right to be upset. I know how much you wanted that job. But…” He removes his hands from my face and threads his fingers through mine. “I don’t think you should get upset until you for sure know you didn’t get it.”

“I’ll try, but I’m about ninety-nine percent sure I didn’t get it.”

His brow curves upward. “That still leaves one percent. And I think when it comes to odds and percentages, you and I can beat just about anything.”

“I see your point.”

“Good, because my points are usually awesome.” His lips quirk. “Now, how about I make you dinner and you tell me about your day.”

Deciding there’s no use sulking over something that hasn’t happened yet, I stand on my tiptoes and loop my arms around the back of his neck. “Actually, I spent the last hour talking about my day to Seth and I’m feeling pretty talked out.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah.”

A naughty glint twinkles in his eyes. “So what do you suggest we do then?”

Instead of answering him with words, I seal my lips to his. His hands slide downward and cup my butt. Then he pushes me closer and parts my lips with his tongue, devouring me with a kiss.

“God, I miss this,” he murmurs between kisses. “Kissing you at five o’clock in the afternoon when I’m still wide awake and not about to pass out.”

“If you want, I can start stopping by before practice to give you a kiss,” I tease, threading my fingers through his hair.

“I might take you up on that offer.” He kisses me deeply then pulls back a sliver of an inch. “Now, no more talking.”

Before I can ask why, he scoops me up and urges my legs around his waist. Then he kisses me again as he carries me to the sofa and sits down with me straddling his waist. I pull back, but only long enough to peel his shirt off and quickly trace my fingers along the scars covering his chest. Scars that remind me of his horrible past and how far he’s come since the day he and I first connected.

“My turn,” he whispers when my fingers reach his collarbone.

I lean back and raise my arms above my head so he can pull off my shirt. Then he unclasps my bra and begins to explore my body like I just did with him. Once he’s felt almost every inch of me, we peel off the rest of our clothes and reunite our lips as he slips inside me.

He groans as he grips my hips. “God, I’ll never get tired of this.”

“Me either,” I agree, clutching onto his shoulders.

He rocks his hips against mine and my eyes roll into the back of my head as I move with him, both of us pushing each other toward bliss. Away from reality. Away from the everyday worries of life. Because that’s what Kayden and I do for each other. We make things better when we’re together. We make chaos easier to deal with when we’re together.

And I truly believe that together, there isn’t anything we can’t take on.

* * *

Two hours and three rounds later, Kayden and I are dressed and lying on the sofa. Or well, we’re half dressed; me in his shirt and him in his boxers. I’m exhausted. Beyond beat. But feel way better than I did earlier today. So, when there’s a knock on the door, I make no move to get up.

“I don’t want to answer that,” I murmur as I rest my head on his chest. “I’m too comfortable.

Kayden plays with my hair. “Who do you think it is?”

I shrug through a yawn. “I’m sure no one important. If it was, they probably would’ve texted first.” I laugh to myself. “Or maybe it’s my mom. Maybe she lost her mind completely and drove up here to bug me.”

He laughs softly. “Is she still bugging you about setting a date?”

I nod as he skims his fingertip along the top of my engagement ring. “I’ve tried to explain to her at least a dozen times that we’re going to wait until after we graduate, but she has it in her head that long engagements aren’t a good idea.” I nuzzle closer to him. “We’ve only been engaged for a year. That’s not that long.”

“No, it’s not,” he agrees, but then pauses. “If you ever want to get married sooner, you know I’m down for that, right?”

“Yeah, I know. And while I wouldn’t mind getting married sooner, I think we just have too much going on right now to plan a wedding.”

“Agreed.” He kisses the top of my head. “But I have to admit, I can’t wait until I can call you my wife.”

“You’re so cheesy sometimes,” I tease but secretly smile to myself.

The person knocks on the door again. And again, I make no effort to get up, but I do note that Kayden’s chest muscles wind tight.

I push up to look him in the eyes. “Is something wrong? It seemed like you just tensed up.”

“It’s nothing,” he promises, but a drop of confusion crosses his expression. “It’s just that when I was headed here today, I thought this SUV was following me, but eventually I pulled over and he just drove by, so I think I was being paranoid.”

“How far did he follow you for?”

“Well, I turned off into a subdivision to see if I could lose him. I drove around in there for a bit before finally pulling over.”

“That’s really weird.”

“I know, but I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about. I mean, why would anyone be following me?”

“Maybe you have a stalker fan,” I tease. Well, partially tease. Truth is, what he told me has me a bit concerned.

“Maybe.” He gives me a kiss. “Lets not worry about it right now. I’m sure it was nothing—”

Knock. Knock. Knock.

This time the knocks are louder, as if the person is announcing they aren’t going to give up anytime soon.

Sighing, I climb off Kayden and move to pull on my jeans so I can answer the door. But he gets to his feet and reaches for his shirt.

“Let me answer it, okay?” A nervous edge creeps into his tone.

He might be trying to play off this SUV following him thing, but it’s fairly clear he’s nervous, which makes me wonder who he thinks could be following him.

I nod but still pull on my jeans while he slips on his pants. Then he crosses the room and throws open the door just as the knocking starts up again.

“Who are you?” Kayden says to whoever is outside.

I move over to get a better look and my lips part in shock.

Standing outside on the porch is the secretary from The Offbeat Go Daily, who I learned before I left my interview is named Easton. He has on the same outfit as he did earlier only now he has on a leather jacket as well along with fingerless gloves.

“Hey Callie.” Easton greets me with a smile.

“Um, hey.” I scratch my head, confused why he’s here while Kayden glances at me with his brow arched.

He smiles at Kayden’s confusion. “I’m sure you’re probably confused why I’m here.”

I nod. “Yeah, pretty much.”

“Good. I think that’s why Evie does it like this. She likes to keep her workers on their toes.” He winks at me.

Kayden no longer looks perplexed but kind of irritated. “Who are you again?” he asks.

Easton tears his gaze off me and offers Kayden his hand. “I’m Easton. I work for Evie at The Offbeat Go Daily.

“I’m Kayden, Callie’s fiancé.” Kayden shakes his hand and I detect a wince on Easton’s part. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but why are you standing on our doorstep at eight o’clock at night?”

“It’s a little weird, isn’t it?” Easton agrees as he lets go of Kayden’s hand then reaches into his pocket. “Evie likes to do things a little unconventionally, though.” His gaze lands on me. “Something you’ve probably already figured out by now.” When I nod, he removes his hand from his pocket. His fingers are wrapped around what looks like a wrapped present. Even a bow decorates the top. “This is for you.” He hands me the present.

I take it and fiddle with the bow, unsure if I’m supposed to open it yet or not. “What’s in it?”

“A present. Obviously.” His lips quirk. “Well, that is, if you still want the job. If not, I guess it’s just a thing wrapped up in a bunch of decorative paper that you’re probably going to throw out when I leave.”

I have literally never been more lost in my entire life. Does this mean I got the job? What on earth is inside this present? And why is Evie having Easton deliver me presents at all?

I give the present a little shake, eliciting a laugh from Easton. “Should I open it now?”

He shakes his head. “Wait for me to leave first.”

“Why…” I start to ask but he’s already turning and walking away.

“See you hopefully sooner rather than later, Callie,” he calls over his shoulder.

Kayden shuts the door and turns to me with his brows raised. “That’s the secretary at this place?”

I nod as I pick at the edge of the wrapping paper. “I know he doesn’t really look like one, but that’s kind of how the whole place was.” I sit down on the edge of the sofa. “You should’ve seen Evie’s office. Her entire wall was covered with her research. I’ve never seen anything so crazy. Or old school, I guess.”

Kayden sits down beside me and flicks the present in my hand. “So does this mean you got the job?”

“I’m not sure.” But I’m sure whatever is inside this present might give me an idea.

My stomach bubbles with excitement and nervousness.

“But if you got the job, you’d be working with that Easton guy, right?” Kayden asks.

I shrug, tearing off the bow. “I really have no idea. Evie didn’t tell me many details about the job position, which is part of the reason why I was pretty certain I wasn’t getting hired.” I glance up and find him staring at me with a frown on his face and a crease between his brows. “What’s wrong?” I smooth my finger between his brows, erasing his worry lines.

“It’s nothing.” He shrugs, staring down at his hands.

I tilt my head to the side to meet his gaze. “It is something or else you wouldn’t have that frown on your face.”

He sighs, lifting his gaze to me. “I’m just thinking about some stuff I have to do tomorrow that’s stressing me out.”

I’m almost certain he’s lying, but when I start to open my mouth to encourage him to talk to me, he places a finger against my lips.

“I promise I’m fine.” He lowers his finger and smiles. “Now open your present.”

He can pretend all he wants but I can tell when something is bothering him. I make a mental note to bring it up later then rip the wrapping paper off. Inside is a box with a lid and inside that is a notebook with my name embroidered onto the front, a pen decorated with skulls, a key, and a card.

I pick up the card and read the note.

Callie Lawrence,

I’d like to officially welcome you to The Offbeat Go Daily team. That is if you accept my job offer. Inside this box there should be a notebook and a pen because, as you probably already figured out, I like old school research methods. There should also be a key. Bring that with you tonight when you meet me at the bookshop on Main Road Drive and Autumn Breeze Way at ten o’clock. Again, that is if you decide to accept my job offer. You don’t need to dress up. We’re not doing anything fancy. Just discussing some details.

And please, don’t be late. It’s very important.

--Evie

PS: I really do hope you accept the job. I think you’d be perfect for it.

To say I’m surprised would be a complete understatement. During the interview Evie had seemed less than impressed by me. But I guess I misinterpreted her indifference.

“You got the job then?” Kayden asks, looking up from the card.

“I think so.” I set the card down and pull out the notebook and pen.

“And you’re excited, right?” He watches me carefully. “Because you seem a little subdued right now.”

“I’m just a little confused,” I admit, fanning through the blank notebook pages. “I really didn’t think I was going to get hired.”

“I figured you would.”

“How? You weren’t even there.”

He kisses my cheek. “Because anyone who speaks to you for more than a couple of minutes realizes how perfect you are.”

A smile touches my lips. “As much as I love you for saying that, that’s completely untrue.”

“Nope. I never lie.” Then he presses a kiss to my lips. “And I’m always right.”

I laugh against his mouth. “You’re starting to sound like Seth.”

He playfully pinches my side and I let out a squeal as I laugh.

“That’s not a bad thing!” I cry through my laughter as he pinches me again.

“I don’t know about that. Seth’s a little weirdo.” He leans over me, forcing me to lie down on my back, then pins my head between his arms. “So, are you taking the job? Because you never said for sure if you were.”

I nod. “I think I’d regret it if I didn’t. And I have a feeling it’s going to turn out amazing. At least, I hope so.”

“I’m sure it will.” He kisses me again then hops off and pats me on the butt. “Now go hit the shower and get ready.”

I giggle as I push to my feet. “Yes, coach.”

He smacks my ass again then wraps his arms around me, his chest pressing against my back. “Better yet, I think I’ll hit the shower with you.”

Then he flings me over his shoulder and carries me into the bathroom where we pick up right where we left off before Easton knocked on the door. But even through the kisses and the touches, my nerves continue to build. While I want the job and am super excited, it seems a bit strange that I have to meet up with Evie at the bookshop at ten o’clock at night. Just what could we possibly be doing at a bookshop that late? I didn’t even realize bookshops stayed open that late. I wonder if this is a normal thing with this job. I wonder if I’ll be able to handle it.

I guess I’m about to find out.