Page 69 of Protective Heroes

I could just see her spring up in my bed. I had to pull my phone away from my ear to save it from the high-pitched screech. I waited a beat before putting it back and sharing, “I…met someone. Well, someone I used to date. I’m probably making too much of it. But it doesn’t feel like too much. It feels like…”

I stopped, searching for the words that would explain how I felt without making me sound like a complete ninny.

“What does it feel like?” Asha’s voice came over the line in an almost reverent whisper.

“Fate,” I said without thinking.

“You don’t believe in fate.”

I dropped my head, my hair sliding forward, creating a curtain around my face. I pressed the phone more tightly to my ear. “I didn’t before now. I thought it was just an excuse people used to get away with bad behavior. But when he looks at me I see the same thing in his eyes that were there when we dated back when I lived here. Like he’s meant for me and me for him.” I paused. “Honestly, I thought he’d moved away years ago. I didn't expect to run into him again and now…”

“But now fate wants you to hold her beer while she takes out her magic wand and has some fun.”

“Like you said, I don’t believe in fate.”

“But she believes in you. Besides, you’re a wedding planner,” Asha said. “Isn’t a belief in love and fate and happily ever afters sort of a prerequisite?”

I tilted my head to the side. “Is it weird if I say no? I just like planning parties and making brides feel special on a day I know they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.”

An impatient sigh came through the phone. “That’s got to be the most unromantic thing I’ve ever heard. I always figured underneath your organized, got-it-all-together exterior lurked the heart of a true romantic. You just needed the right man. Eventually.”

I snorted. “Maybe at some point in my life, but not anymore. Underneath the surface of my organization skills is a pragmatist who leads from her head, not her heart.”

“Well, that’s no fun. When was the last time you got laid with that kind of thinking?”

“Um, I can’t remember.” Which was a lie. Trevor was the last time. First and last, to be exact if my battery-operated boyfriend didn’t count.

“Ugh. Girl, I need to get you into clubs more often. There’s this place called Club Sin I keep hearing about.” The disappointment dripping from Asha’s words was evident.

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Sorry to disappoint you, but I don’t think that is going to fix my current situation.”

“Well, what about this guy then? You said he’s an old friend? Love? I think there’s hope for some quickie sex.”

I fell back on the bed and chewed on my bottom lip as I weighed my words carefully. “What we had was a long time ago. I don’t think there can be anything there.”

And as I said the words, I knew they were a lie.

“Never say never.” Asha teased.

“I’m just not here for that, Asha. He left me after taking my virginity. The wound still feels tender, ya know.” I whispered. “And then all the crap with my mother when I was younger.”

“What?” The note of teasing left Asha’s voice. “What happened? Why would he just leave? And what happened with your mother? You need to talk.”

“My mother left us after meeting a man that was her ‘true soulmate’. As to why Trevor left me, he was scared of settling down and providing a life for me. He thought he needed to be better in order to be good enough for me. At least that is what his letters said.”

A long silence met my words before Asha’s whisper came over the line. “What are you talking about, Kami?”

I squeezed my eyes shut, put a hand to my forehead, and took the plunge. “My mom left my dad and I when I was ten. For my dad’s best friend to make matters worse. She said she couldn’t help it. They were fated to be together and she had no choice but to be with him.”

“I can see why you don’t believe in fate and soulmate talk. But, Kami, why didn’t you ever tell me?”

I shrugged and pulled in a shuddering breath. “I know I’m not the easiest person in the world to deal with. I figured if I loaded you up with all my baggage at once, you might head for the hills. And I couldn’t stand the thought of not having you in my life.”

“Kami Mackenzie!”

My eyes popped open at Asha’s obvious anger. Crap. Was I right? Was all of this too much for her to handle?

“I can’t believe you think there’s anything—anything—you can’t tell me. I love you. You’re my best friend and...”

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