Gem in the Rough

Chapter 46

The drive to Kieran's dad's house goes by quickly. I'm practically jumping in my seat at the thought of spending all weekend with Kieran and his dad, thankful that I don't have to deal with my family during the holiday.

"Are we there yet?"

"Baby!" Kieran laughs, "please settle down. I knew I shouldn't have gotten you that extra shot of espresso."

"But it was so good!" I giggle, emphasizing the "so".

I ruffle his hair with my mitten-clad hand, static causing his silky strands to rise.

"Gemma!" He begins patting down his hair, but it just makes it worse. I laugh at his discomfort and go back to looking out the window. The music playing in the car is a playlist Kieran put together for us to listen to on our drives home, a mixture of bands we grew up listening to.

I hear him chuckling as he turns into the driveway. The thin layer of snow in the yard sparkles and I'm in awe at the aesthetics of the home, just as much as the last time I was here.

I cheer excitedly as he parks, pushing the door open and stepping out. I slam the door shut and begin my march up the driveway, not thinking about any ice that may be beneath the snow. My leg slides forward and the next thing I know, I'm on my ass.

"Ahh, damnit!"

Kieran's laughter explodes from behind me, making my face red with embarrassment. He rushes over, as much as he can without falling, and starts to lift me up.

"Stop laughing, you butthead. My ass hurts," I rub my behind slowly and notice Kieran's eyes following the movement. "And stop looking at my ass, you butt!"

"Okay, Cass."

My glare turns into a look of amazement, noticing the Supernatural reference right away. This man is my soulmate. We stare at each other for a moment, his right hand holding mine and his other hand clutching our bags.

"I love you," I breathe out, a puff of air seen as the comment escapes my mouth.

Kieran's bright blue eyes soften, his laughter long forgotten. "I love you more."

The spell is broken as I roll my eyes. Shit.

A loud whack is heard, and I cringe, the slap hitting the same cheek that was hurt in the fall. "That's your punishment for rolling your eyes. I'm going easy on you since it's Thanksgiving."

I really need to watch myself.

--

The holiday weekend flies by in a blur, the atmosphere relaxing me more than I could have hoped. Kieran's childhood home is so pleasant, and I feel a safety when I'm here. Almost like I can feel his mother's presence, making sure her family is okay. I share this theory with Kieran while we lie together in his bed on Saturday night, the day before we have to go back to campus.

"Honestly, I've felt that too. Since she's been gone, I like to think that she's still around looking after us. That's why I used to come home so often. To feel like I'm with her. Maybe that's stupid." His arm is around my shoulders, his palm flat against my side.

My fingers stop chasing the hard plains of his chest to look up at him. "That's not stupid at all. It makes total sense. I can see what you mean about this place. As sad as it is that she passed just outside, I'm glad you can still find peace here. You deserve it. So does your dad."

"He loves you; you know?"

I blush and continue my trek across his abs with my hand. Kieran kisses my forehead, knowing I don't know what to say to that.