Let me love you, p.1
Let Me Love You, page 1
LET ME LOVE YOU
KELSIE RAE
CONTENTS
1. Mia
2. Colt
3. Blakely
4. Kate
5. Blakely
6. Mia
7. Ashlyn
8. Kate
9. Ashlyn
10. Theo
11. Ashlyn
12. Mia
13. Kate
14. Blakely
15. Colt
16. Ashlyn
17. Colt
18. Colt
19. Macklin
20. Mia
21. Ashlyn
22. Blakely
23. Ashlyn
24. Theo
25. Ashlyn
26. Theo
27. Mia
28. Ashlyn
29. Kate
30. Blakely
31. Ashlyn
32. Ashlyn
33. Colt
34. Blakely
35. Ashlyn
36. Ashlyn
37. Colt
Colt and Ashlyn’s Family Tree
Theo and Blakely’s Family Tree
Macklin and Kate’s Family Tree
Henry and Mia’s Family Tree
Epilogue
Also by Kelsie Rae
Dear Reader
About the Author
Let Me Love You
Cover Art by Cover My Wagon Dragon Art
Editing by Wickedcoolflight Editing Services
Proofreading by Stephanie Taylor
Published by Twisty Pines Publishing, LLC
May 2023 Edition
Published in the United States of America
Copyright © 2022 by Kelsie Rae
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
1
MIA
“Well, I did it,” I tell the girls, slapping my purse onto the kitchen counter. “I talked to Gertie.”
Gertie is our landlord. She’s also a thousand years old and has the personality of bad sushi, but the lady did give in and agreed I could stay in our place until the end of the summer. And even though I hate handouts more than almost anything in the world, I’m grateful. Because it means I have eighty-two more days before I need to find somewhere else to live. Eighty-two more days of almost affordable rent and free utilities. And after that? Well. I’ll get there when I get there…if I don’t starve to death first.
Okay, I’m being a little dramatic. It’s not like I’m actually going to starve. Bartending earns me a decent amount of tips most days. But I can’t help it. Not when I just hung up the phone with my last potential employer, who informed me they hired someone else for the nursing position.
Yay, me.
“What’d Gertie say?” Ash asks as she fills the dishwasher with dirty utensils.
“She said I had until the end of the summer, then I need to find a new place,” I tell her.
“I still think it’s a stupid rule,” Blake interjects. Her bare feet are propped on the coffee table as she scrolls through her phone, only half-listening to our conversation. But I understand why she’s annoyed. This whole living situation is affecting her as much as it’s affecting me.
“So what if you want to live here after graduation?” she continues. “What’s the big deal?”
“No idea. But you know Gertie,” I mutter.
“Regardless,” Ash says, “I’m proud of you for actually talking to her instead of avoiding the conversation like you had been.”
“I wasn’t avoiding the conversation.”
“Uh-huh. Sure.”
So maybe I was avoiding the conversation, but it’s not my fault. I know the rules. I know Gertie only gives deals on rent to girls who are enrolled at LAU, and I knew as soon as I graduated a few weeks ago I wouldn’t qualify for said deals. But I also know my life is so up in the air right now if she kicks me out, I have nowhere to go.
Nowhere.
“Now, if I could get a job, that'd be great,” I announce, searching in the cabinets for a salty distraction.
Chips. Yes. I want chips.
“Oh, come on. You're gonna do awesome,” Ash tells me. “I'm sure last week's interview was great, and they're going to give you a call anytime.”
“Yeah, they already called,” I reply, grabbing the almost empty barbecue chip bag from the cabinet and digging inside. “And before you ask, no. I most definitely did not get the job.” It's not the first time I've had to say those words. And I have a hunch it definitely won't be the last, either. For some reason I still do not understand, actually getting a job with my nursing degree seems impossible lately.
Maybe it's like the old chicken and egg scenario. They want to hire someone with experience, yet I can't get said experience without a job where I gain it. However, as much as I want to believe this is the case, I have a hunch about what's behind all the rejections, but admitting it out loud is a bitch. I have a sinking feeling they've learned about my OnlyFans account and are hesitant to employ someone who could loosely be tied to the skin trade. I wasn't doing anything illegal, but as soon as I started posting explicit photos of myself, the lines blurred a little.
I pop another chip into my mouth and lean against the kitchen counter.
It doesn’t matter that I was safe and responsible and kept my face out of the photos. It doesn’t matter that I used a VPN and did everything in my power to keep my actual identity hidden. My ex, Shorty, just had to fuck me over.
I still can't believe the asshole sent out all my information to the world when he found out I’d created an OnlyFans account. Then again, he always was a fan of screwing me over, so I guess I shouldn't have been surprised. I let the thought settle into my bones as I set the bag of chips on the counter and grab a glass from the cabinet next to the fridge. With a flick of my wrist, I fill it with water from the tap and take a long drink.
I am royally screwed if I can’t find a nursing job soon. But I guess we all have our own shit to deal with, don't we?
Speaking of…
I turn to Blakely lounging in the family room like she doesn’t have a care in the world when we all know she’s in as much of a pickle as I am.
“Have you talked to Gertie yet?” I ask.
Giving us her full attention, Blake tosses her phone onto the cushion beside her and props her elbow on the edge of the couch. “What’s there to talk about?”
“So I take it you haven’t decided where you want to stay next year?” Ash questions her as she grabs the detergent and turns on the dishwasher.
Blake folds her arms. “No, ‘cause you guys suck.”
“I’m sorry; how is this our fault?” Ash counters.
The girl has the audacity to pout as she glowers at us from across the room. “Because you all decided to be born earlier than me and had a head start on college.”
“Yeah, like it was our choice,” I say with a laugh.
“I’m so bummed I didn’t graduate with you guys this year.” Blake’s frown deepens. “Do you know how bad it's going to suck living here without all of you?”
“So you are going to renew your contract?” I ask.
“I would if you weren’t going to be kicked out by the end of summer. At least I’d have one familiar face here next year.”
Yeah, it would be really nice to have something familiar and stable instead of being tossed out onto my ass by the end of the summer. Then again, I should probably be grateful our landlord was willing to give me eighty-two extra days to get my shit together before kicking me to the curb so she could make space for some new LAU freshmen. Most landlords would’ve kicked me out by graduation, but Gertie didn’t. Maybe the lady does have a heart.
“If you're not renewing your contract, where are you going to go, Blake?” Ash asks.
“Not all of our boyfriends have invited us to move in with them,” Blake replies cheekily. “When are you going to let us come see your new fancy-schmancy place?”
“It’s nothing crazy,” Ash deflects. “Only a little apartment—”
“That happens to be right across from the school where you’re teaching,” Blake points out.
“I heard it has a pond. And ducks,” I add. “If that isn’t thoughtful of Colt, I don’t know what is.”
Ash bites her thumbnail, grinning shamelessly. “He is pretty thoughtful, isn’t he?”
Nose scrunching, Blake grabs her phone and stands up, heading toward the kitchen from the family room. “Gag. You’re talking about my brother, remember?”
“Is Ash getting all swoony over Colt again?” Kate inquires as she walks down the hallway from the bedrooms.
“Like you’re one to talk,” I tease. “We’ve all seen you with Mack.”
“Uh, if I remember correctly, you’re the one who told me to jump his bones,” she quips.
The girl has a point, and I don’t regret it in the slightest. Macklin’s a catch. Even I could see it. It isn’t my fault our girl needed a little push to give him a chance.
“And I regret nothing,” I reply. “Although, I am a little jealous you’re moving in with him.”
“Yeah, his place is gorgeous,” Blake agrees.
It really is.
Hidden in the woods. Away from the hustle and bustle and chaos. It’s their own little oasis tucked away in the mountains.
“I mean, it just ma
“You don’t need to justify it to us,” I remind her, popping another chip into my mouth. “Seriously. We’re happy for you and Mack.”
“So happy,” Blake agrees with a gleam in her eyes. “Now I can hold it over Theo’s head whenever I want something.”
I snort into my now empty bag of chips, then toss it into the trash can.
Theo is Blake’s boyfriend. He’s also Macklin Taylor’s younger brother. Blake has no problem comparing the two whenever it suits her or when she wants to get under Theo’s skin. As we’ve all seen, the boy’s competitive with a capital C, and Blake isn’t afraid to extort that side of him.
“And when are you planning on cashing it in?” Kate prods.
“Meh. I haven’t decided yet. However, I need booze if I’m gonna make my decision about renewing my lease or not. Who’s busy tonight?”
“I have work,” I tell her.
“Boooo,” Blake groans, shoving her messy red hair into a bun on the top of her head. “What about you guys?”
“Mack and I were gonna watch a movie at his house, but we can always watch it here and hang out,” Kate offers.
“Ooo, yes.” Blake snaps her fingers. “I like it. How ‘bout you, Ash?”
Ash smiles shyly. “Sorry. Colt and I have plans.”
Now it’s my turn to gag.
I’m only half kidding. The girl has had the hots for Colt since day one. They’re so sappy it gives me a toothache most days. I can’t decide if it’s out of jealousy or actual disgust. Because they’re perfect together. Literally perfect. And even though my long line of shitty relationships has left me doubting I’ll ever find a guy worth dating, Ash and Colt give me hope. That maybe, just maybe, I’ll surprise myself. Or…a mystery man will surprise me. Then again, I’m a bit of a cynic, so it’s not like I’ll be holding my breath.
Relationships and I?
Yeah, no.
We’ve never been a good fit.
Especially when it comes to the opposite sex.
Even my relationship with my dad was strained before he borrowed money from some very shady people and wound up dead. It happened a while ago, and overall, I think I’m over it. Well, maybe not over it, but I’ve dealt with it well enough. Regardless, I haven't exactly sown a lot of fruitful relationships since.
Exhibit A: Shorty. The jerk who not only manhandled me on more than one occasion but also decided to tell the entire internet NaughtyGirl213’s real identity.
Thanks a lot, asshole.
I shove aside the thought, set my glass in the sink, and turn to Ashlyn. “You guys gonna pick out linens to go in your perfect little apartment?”
Ash rolls her eyes. “We've already picked out our linens, thank you very much. Tonight, we’re unpacking the last boxes and christening the bed.” Her brows bounce up and down.
I snort while Kate quips, “Not gonna lie. Probably the biggest benefit of Mack already having his house put together is only needing to pack my clothes.”
Blake’s bottom lip juts out. “And I need to convince Theo to ask me to move in with him.”
“Yeah, like it’s a chore. The guy’s crazy about you,” I remind her.
And I’m right.
She knows I am.
Her frown turns upside down. When she catches herself grinning from ear to ear, she sobers instantly. Still happy, sure, but not quite as in your face as she would be if I wasn’t here.
Because the girl knows who she’s talking to. The pathetic little seventh wheel. The girl who doesn’t date. The girl who can’t find a job with her brand new nursing degree. The girl who has creepy stalkers hunting her down after Shorty announced her real name on the internet.
But at least Blake has options. At least she isn’t alone. At least she has someone who adores her and would do anything for her at the drop of a hat.
Me? Well. I’m fucked.
“Don’t give me that look,” I mutter. “Have fun tonight. I’ll talk to you guys later.”
I head down the hall toward my room. It’s more barren than it used to be. The desk is empty now. All my assignments have been turned in. I slip off my shirt, grab a black tank top and jeans, SeaBird’s standard uniform, and put them on. I don’t have to be at work for a few more hours, but maybe I can grab an extra shift.
Besides, I could use the distraction.
And the money.
And the reminder that even though everyone else’s life is moving forward, maybe with enough perseverance, mine will too.
After all, I’m nothing, if not stubborn.
2
COLT
“Do you ever feel like we’re playing house?” Ash asks. She drags her hands along the gray sheet, smoothes out the material, and grabs a thick white comforter from the laundry basket.
It’s our first night living together. Officially. Sure, she’s slept over more times than I can count since I moved in, but our first official night? Without her place as a backup home base? Yeah. It’s tonight.
And it’s fucking amazing.
Ash felt too guilty to leave her friends before her lease was up, and I didn’t want to pressure her. She’s already endured enough pressure over the last few months. With all the NHL publicity, the puck bunnies, and LAU winning the national championship, let alone graduation and Ash finding a job as an elementary school teacher, the pressure’s been building. The guilt I’m experiencing over all of it is crushing.
But now it’s official. We’ve unpacked the last box. Her clothes are lined up in the walk-in closet next to mine. And for the first time since I moved in, the apartment actually feels like a home.
“Been wanting to play house with you for more than a year now, Sunshine,” I remind her.
“Well. I guess today’s your lucky day.” With a shy smile, she bends over, giving me the perfect view of her ass, but I snap out of it. Reaching for the opposite end of the comforter, I help her spread it across the king-sized bed.
“There,” she announces. “It looks good, don’t you think?”
“Looks great.” I round the edge of the bed and pull her against me. “You have good taste.”
And she does. The whole place screams of her. From the little touches of yellow to the drawer filled with girly shit I can’t even pronounce to the vanilla-scented candle burning in the bathroom.
I love it.
All the little things.
The way she’s been with me, even when she resisted moving in until now.
I moved in a few months ago, anxious to get away from all the partying at the Taylor House. Theo took it in stride, agreeing it was probably time to pass the party baton to someone else on the team once the season ended. But me? I was done. And when I saw Ashlyn’s eyes light up as soon as she caught a glimpse of the pond outside, I put a deposit down and moved in, anxiously waiting until after graduation when Ash could justify moving in with me.
“I still think you should’ve been a big boy and chosen your own towels,” she quips.
I clutch at my chest, feigning heartbreak. “And here I thought I was being a gentleman, letting my girlfriend have free reign to decorate the place however she wanted.”
She laughs and shakes her head. “Speaking of being a gentleman…I think you should kiss me now.”
“Oh, you think?”
“Mm-hmm,” she hums. The sound shoots straight to my dick.
“Subtle, Sunshine.” I close the distance between us and slip my fingers under the hem of her white crop top. Her skin feels like silk. It always has. I’d assumed things would calm down with her after a while. That we’d find our routine. But it hasn’t. Every time I’m a lucky enough bastard to touch her, I savor it. Because if I learned anything from my dad’s death, it’s our future isn’t guaranteed. And I’d be a fool to waste a single second not appreciating every inch of Ashlyn Peterson, both inside and out.
