Free Lay It Down: Bastards MC Series Boxed Set by Carina Adams Page B

boxers.”
    I’d started out of his driveway but slammed on my brakes, snapping my head around to see him.
    He shrugged. “Just in case.”
    The beach at Popham Fort was only twenty-five minutes from Matty’s. We’d had such a late start that by the time we got there, families were scattered on towels and blankets along the sand and children darted in and out of the cold water. It was one of my favorite places in the world, whether running with Matty or playing with my kids. No matter what time of day, it was just peaceful.
    We decided to start at the fort, run down past the old lifeguard station, around the bend, and back to the old lifeguard station. Matty was much faster than I was, a fact I blamed on his long legs, and I struggled to keep his pace. By the time we got halfway down the beach, I had to slow down., the July sun was just too hot. I watched him jog to the bend and turn back before I gave up and started to walk. When he got close enough I waved my hand, “It’s too hot to run.”
    He smiled, stopping to walk with me, and grabbed my hand. “It’s never too hot to run!”
    I rolled my eyes. “You don’t have to hold my hand, you know. I’m not going to be get lost.”
    “Yeah, but I want to.” He paused, giving me a weird look. “If it makes you uncomfortable…”
    Holding his hand didn’t make me uncomfortable, it was just… new. He’d held my elbow before, and I’d put my hand in the crook of his arm. Hand holding was just more personal though. I shook my head when he tried to pull his hand out of mine. He yanked me toward him, laughing. He was covered in sweat, hair messed up from the ocean breeze, and was slightly out of breath, but he was completely in his element. When I looked at him out of the corner of my eye, I couldn’t help but smile.
    “Feels great to sweat the stress out, right?”
    Sure. That’s why I’m smiling. I nodded and tightened my grip on his hand, holding it all the way to the car.
    The rest of the day flew by. We hung out at the hotel pool, me swimming laps and getting some sun while he read in the shade. My kids called in the early afternoon, and I was excited to listen to each talk about what they’d been doing. After that, we went to a matinee and dinner, and were back at the hotel before eight. I’d put my phone on the charger before we left and forgotten it in the room. I was surprised to see eighteen missed calls. I panicked, thinking something happened to one of the kids. Then, scrolling through the call list, I realized they were all from Will.
    “I never cancelled with Will!” Appalled that I’d completely forgotten, I hit the recall button instantly.
    Matty laughed, but I didn’t see the humor.
    “Where in the hell have you been?” The anger coming from the other end of the phone surprised me.
    “I’m so sorry! I forgot my phone and—”
    “We had plans! I’ve been calling you for hours!” Will interrupted, seething. “If you were going to blow me off, you should have let me know hours ago. I could have—”
    It was my turn to interrupt. “Could have what?” Gone to Portland with your girlfriend again? I almost let the words slip out.
    Will sighed. “It isn’t important. It’s too late now.”
    “It’s barely eight, Will.”
    “You’re right.” His voice was calmer now. “I can come pick you up.”
    I hesitated. It had been such a good day, I didn’t want to end it with a fight.
    Sensing my reluctance, he continued. “We need to talk. I’d prefer to do it face to face.”
    My breath caught. “I don’t handle your big reveals well in person. Maybe it would be better if you just tell me over the phone.”
    “Big reveal? Jo, I’ve already bared my soul. I don’t have anything else to tell you. We need to come up with a plan, that’s all.” I heard him shift. “Why don’t you meet me for drinks and we can talk?” His voice was warm and persuasive. “The house is so quiet without you. I’m lonely without you.”
    I shook