Free The Truth She Knew by J.A. Owenby Page A

but I’m not sure,” I said.
    “ Why would you be mad at me?”
    “ Because you just went into my best friend’s house and convinced her that I should spend the night at your place. And your mom actually said it was okay? Shit!”
    “ What?” Walker asked, a hint of worry threaded through his voice.
    “ I look like hell and I’m going to meet your family! How could you do this to me? And all I have to wear is this ugly work uniform!”
    Walker tried to hide his grin.
    “ Tell you what,” he said. “I’ll let you take a hot shower and brush your teeth, and you can sleep in one of my T-shirts and my sweats. You’ll just need to tie them really tight so they don’t fall down.” He laughed. “I wouldn’t be upset if they fell down, but you might. I have a younger brother who walks around with a hard-on, so we’ll keep you covered. You can grab some of Mom’s makeup in the morning if you need too. Honestly, I can’t wait to wake up with you in the morning, even if your hair does stick up in every direction.”
    I appreciated the darkness as my face flushed at the thought.

Chapter 15
    Thirty minutes later, we pulled into a gravel driveway. A small, two-story red-brick home stood at the end of the road and only a single light shone from inside. Large oak and maple trees lined the road, their leaves just starting to change color. I hoped I’d be able to come back in a few weeks to see them when they were at their most brilliant.   
    Walker pulled into the carport next to a black Camaro.
    “ Is that your mom’s?” I asked, getting out of the car. “It’s beautiful.”
    “ Yeah, she loves that car. She won’t let me drive it, though.”
    “ Really? Why? You’re a good driver,” I said.
    “ It’s fine. Let’s get inside,” Walker said as he held open the screen door.
    Walker quietly unlocked the door and led me into the dark kitchen and to the left into his bedroom.
    “ This is your room?” I asked, surprised.
    “ Yup, this is it,” he said and placed my keys on his dresser.
    “ You can put your stuff anywhere. I’ll tell Mom we’re here.” He kissed my forehead and left me alone in his room.
    I noted the golf trophies on his dresser. I almost laughed, but I was too nervous. Golf is not the sport I imagined him playing, but the proof sat in front of me. Although I was curious, I was afraid to touch anything, and I wrapped my arms around myself. I walked over to the picture of a younger Walker with a baseball team. I instantly identified him; his eyes and dark hair were unmistakable.
    “ That was about four years ago,” he whispered as he wrapped his arms around me and nuzzled my neck with a kiss.
    “ You haven’t changed much, just the ability to grow facial hair instead of peach fuzz,” I laughed.
    “ Mmmhmm.”
    “ Where am I going to sleep?” I asked as I turned toward him.
    “ In my bed,” he said as he tried to keep a straight face.
    “ Where are you going to sleep, Walker?” I cocked my head and placed my hands on my hips.
    “ Well, my plan was to let you shower and then tuck you into bed and crawl in beside you,” he said, testing the water.
    “ You did not bring me over here to get me into bed!”
    “ Shhh, Lacey, no, not like you’re thinking,” he said, laughing softly.
    “ Then you better explain before I grab my keys and drive back to Joss’s,” I said. My eyes narrowed as I waited for his explanation.
    “ No, I told you at the lake you set the rules. I won’t try a thing, I promise. I just want to hold you tonight. That’s all,” he said as a soft smile spread across his face.
    I crossed my arms in front of me and stared at my feet. I paused as his words sank in.
    “ You promise? You’ll just hold me and nothing more?”
    “ I promise,” he said as he held up his hands like he was surrendering.
    “ We can try it, but if you cross a line, Walker Farren, you can sleep in your brother’s room.” I glared at him for extra emphasis.
    “ You’re