Total pages in book: 37
Estimated words: 35207 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 176(@200wpm)___ 141(@250wpm)___ 117(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 35207 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 176(@200wpm)___ 141(@250wpm)___ 117(@300wpm)
“Car accident a couple of years ago. No scars though.” He shrugs as if losing your parents when you’re a kid is no big deal.
“That’s tough.” No scars that anyone can see is what he’s saying. My old man is still around, but he’s too ashamed to show his face.
“My mom’s still alive but I don’t know where she is,” he adds. His lips thin out as he tries to hold his emotions in.
I make my mind up. We’re eating dinner together tonight. “Let’s go.” I gesture for Colby to lead me back to the house.
“To where?”
“Have some curry. Where else?”
18
Summer
I glance at my phone again, and of course I don’t have any texts back from Kale. It was stupid to text him. Desperate even. What is wrong with me? I need to avoid him. It’s dumb to do anything else.
He made it abundantly clear the other night and the past few days that he didn’t want to pursue whatever was happening between us. Still I find myself trying to brush the line. My mind is always drifting back to the kiss we had. The jealousy that shone in his eyes when he thought I was into Colten. I’d felt wanted for the first time in forever.
“Wash your hands,” I tell Colby when I see him step into the kitchen. I pause for a moment when Kale comes in right after him. I turn away to hide the flush of my face before he can see it. I keep my back to him, not really knowing how to react. I definitely wasn’t expecting to see him.
“You too,” Colby tells Kale. I get myself together and grab an extra plate, making one for Kale too. I’m sure Colby pushed him into coming to dinner. He’s been asking about Kale a lot lately. I think the man is growing on my brother too.
I sit everything on the kitchen island. We’ve never eaten in the dining room. It’s giant and too formal. This kitchen would do well with a table in it. It has a little breakfast nook that is surrounded by large windows. A table would fit perfectly in front of them for small casual meals like this one.
“I’ll see about getting one.”
I jerk my head up, realizing I’ve spoken my thoughts out loud.
“Just an idea. It’s your home.” I rush to add the last part.
“What is this?” Kale reaches out his hand, capturing my wrist. He runs his fingers along the rash on my forearm. It looks a bit more red because I was scratching it earlier. I tried not to touch it, but it had been so itchy I couldn't help it. Maybe I’ll go into town tomorrow to get some cream for it.
“It’s from the uniform. I think it irritates my skin.”
“Think?” He growls the question. No, I don’t think. I know it does. The rules state that I’m to wear it and after the other night, I want to make sure I follow them. I need this job, and Colby really seems to like it here.
“It bothers my skin. I keep thinking I’ll get used to it.” His hold on my wrist tightens. It’s not painful, but I know there is no breaking his hold unless he wants to let me go. His jaw gives a tick. The scars on his face seem to tense up more too.
“Then stop wearing it.”
“I don’t know why I had to wear it to begin with. It’s not as though other people see me,” I hiss back. His eyes rake down my body and back up. My traitor body reacts. Why are we always ending up like this in the kitchen?
“I see you.” He gives my wrist a small pull, causing my body to be flush with his. My breathing picks up as I wet my lips. He turns his face partly away, trying to hide his scars from me.
“Are you going to kiss my sister?”
I gasp, jumping away from Kale. How did I forget Colby was right here?
“Napkins. Get the napkins,” I rush to say. Colby rolls his eyes at me, changing the subject. I feel my whole face flush, but I’m thankful Colby doesn't say more. He simply turns, heading back into the pantry to do as I asked. I pull my wrist, but Kale still doesn't let go.
“Kale you said—”
“I know what I said.” He pulls me again back into him. His mouth comes down onto mine in a hard kiss that is over almost as fast as it begins as he lets his hold of me go. Colby reappears a moment later, setting us each down a napkin. Before I can snag a seat, Kale takes the center chair so I have no choice but to sit next to him.
All through dinner his leg rubs against mine as he and Colby talk about comics. It doesn't take much to talk Colby into making his own, which is actually a brilliant idea with how much he loves to draw.