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)
I find my purse by the front door. Then I remember my car is at the diner. “Crap,” I mutter. My keys are in my purse. I open the front door poking my head out. I see my car is parked off to the side. Kale must have sent someone to get it like he said he would.
“Let’s go.” I shut the door behind us. It isn't until I’m halfway to the diner that I realize I’m being spiteful. First he said I couldn't work for him. He’d need to hire new people. That first morning we’d woken up together. I got scared he would want us to move out. That I’d have to find a new job and place to stay. I was thinking he wanted to date or something. Then he didn't want me to leave. So that theory went out the freaking window. See! Confusing.
“Are you and Kale fighting?” Colby asks.
“Yes,” I answer him not wanting to lie. “Sometimes adults fight.”
“But then you make up?”
“Generally.” Maybe I should have lied. I’m still shocked by what he said. I get that Kale has his moods. He’s been through a lot. When he told me what his father had done to him it broke my heart. Somehow I ended up being the one crying as he held me close and then I kissed the scars, wanting him to know they didn't bother me. Needing him to know that I wanted every single part of him.
I actually find his moods adorable. It’s endearing that with a few touches or words I can pull him right out of them. This time his mood was aimed right at me. Like I’d done something wrong. His words had sliced through me. I’d hoped he might be falling in love with me. Now I’m starting to think I’m just a pretty object for him to own.
“You don’t look like you’re getting over it.” I meet Colby’s eyes in the rearview mirror. He looks worried. He’s grown attached to Kale. I let that happen.
“What kind of ice cream are you going to get?” I change the subject, almost to the diner now.
“Banana split.”
“I think I’m going to get a brownie sundae.” I pull into the diner, parking my car. I see that Chief Dane is already here. He used to eat dinner here almost every night. Until he went and fell in love with the new girl in town, Khloe. I think it broke half the girls’ hearts in town. He is handsome and all, but he never sparked my interest. No one has the way Kale does.
We head into the diner. Chief Dane is on his feet the second he spots me. His wife follows right behind him.
“I’m okay,” I say before they can start peppering me with questions. “We came to get some ice cream.”
“Are you sure? Kale is acting funny. I don’t understand why he wouldn't let you come to the gate the other day. I think something is wrong with him.”
I stand up straighter. I might be mad at Kale, but I’m definitely not going to let someone talk badly about him.
“There is nothing wrong with him.” I can’t keep the anger out of my voice. Dane lifts his eyebrows in surprise. He’s shocked by my tone as much as I am. Dane and I have had a few run-ins because of my mom. He’s always been nice to me and knows what’s going on with her. How she’s also dipping out on us and then popping back up. I never got snippy with him. Until now. I think Kale might be rubbing off on me.
“All right, I just worry about you. You’ve been through a lot.”
“Thank you, but I’m fine.” I can feel everyone staring at us.
“This might be out of line.” Khloe slides up next to Dane. He puts his arm around her, holding her close. My heart aches at their open affection. It’s something I’ll never have with Kale. He doesn't even like when I leave the house. Guessing he’s not going to want to come to town ever. I’m starting to see why Dane was shocked about Kale showing up at the diner and demanding I leave with him. “Dane told me a little about what’s going on and I thought I could offer you my old place to rent. It’s just sitting there. I haven’t had the heart to sell it. It would be no trouble for you to stay there.”
“We live with Kale,” Colby butts in. “We aren't moving are we, Summer?” Colby looks up at me. He still has that worried look on his face.
“Thank you for the offer, but we’re good at the moment.” I take Colby’s hand.
“The offer stands if you change your mind.” Khloe gives me a soft smile.
“She’s not gonna change her mind. They're going to get married.” I swear I can hear everyone turn to look our way.