Page 31 of Law Of Love

Far from it—I was going to have to put on a smile while sitting across from a guy who was confusing the heck out of me, and that didn't sound appealing at all. The kiss shouldn't have happened—no matter how right it felt. How right it felt to have Kaleb’s body flush against mine. How right it felt to have his large, calloused hands digging into my side, squeezing me possessively. How right it felt to have him peppering urgent kisses down my throat while I sighed in bliss. Shit.

I walked back to the house as quickly as I could, my mind wandering once again to the fact that my dad's company didn't exist. I hadn't had the guts to tell my mom about it yet, but I was becoming antsy. Judging by the fact that she hadn't informed me she hadn't been able to find any contact information, I gathered she hadn't researched it yet. Work was running her into the dirt, apparently.

Dropping my bag by the door, I peered into the house, trying to be as quiet as possible. The thought of facing Kaleb was nauseating. I didn't know what I wanted to say to him, and I knew hearing him admit he had no interest in me romantically would hurt like a bitch. It was a conversation that needed to be had, though. I’d been avoiding it too long.

“Oh, good!” My mom rounded the corner from the kitchen—still in her work attire—her heels clacking against the floor. “I was worried that you wouldn't get home in time.”

“So, where are we going?” I questioned, glancing up at the landing once I heard a door open, spotting a beaming Jackie.

“To a fancy little restaurant on the outskirts of town,” she responded excitedly. “It's one of my favourites.”

By the way and Jackie and my mother were giggling, it was evident they’d already been on the wine. My mom was a bad drunk, so I was going to have to look after her tonight.

“Is Kaleb coming?” I asked hesitantly, brushing my sweaty palms down my pant legs, dusting them off.

“He's in the car.” Jackie nodded through the open door, and I peered out to see him inside his black Jeep, typing away furiously with the same scowl he always wore. Why did that stupid scowl have to look so good on him, though? His eyes instantly found mine through the rear-view mirror as we hopped into the car, and we gazed at each other for a good few seconds before his phone buzzed on his lap.

“A few guys will be over to install the security cameras by the front and back doors tomorrow,” he said to his mother, shoving his phone into his pocket and starting the car.

“I don't know why you suddenly insist we get them, Kaleb.”

He merely hummed in response, focusing on the road before him as he drove.

“What's happened recently that's made you want to have them installed?” Jackie pressed, seeming slightly worried about her son's pushiness on the subject. Even though she claimed they didn't need them, he was insistent that he paid for them and had them installed as soon as possible.

My breathing hitched, and I panicked, worried he was going to admit to Zach barging his way into the house and attacking me.

Kaleb glanced at me again. His hurricane-like eyes clung to mine for a few more seconds before he averted them, shrugging at his mother's question. “No reason. It’s just safer.”

Thank God.

The drive took around fifteen minutes, and once Kaleb had parked in the middle of what looked like nowhere, we made our way around the corner to a small Thai restaurant. Jackie gazed up at it with what appeared to be a mix of sorrow and excitement, and I smiled at her with questionable brows.

“This was Brie's favourite restaurant,” my mom whispered to me as we hung back slightly, noticing my confused expression. “I don't think they've been here since she passed.”

I nodded in understanding, picking at my cuticles, and my mom sighed after noticing my sombre expression.

“Honey, I was going to tell you but didn't have the time. I contacted the police the other day about your father, but they didn't take my claim seriously. They said since this doesn't seem too out of character for him, they aren't overly worried, and I need to contact them again if he's not back by next week.”

I arched my brows, shaking my head. “How could the police not be worried? He's a missing person.” I’d spoken louder than intended, gaining a couple's attention nearby.

Jackie and Kaleb were glancing at us from the restaurant table with strange expressions, and my mom cleared her throat, nodding to them. “We can finish this conversation later. Right now, let’s celebrate with Jackie. She's worked very hard.”

Tightening my jaw, I sat down next to Kaleb. Our legs brushed as I got comfortable, and he stiffened from beside me, his throat bobbing up and down as he swallowed.

“Welcome, guys. Can I get you all something to drink?”

I recognised that voice. Gazing up at the server, I narrowed my eyes. “Ty?”

“Oh, my God.” He chuckled. “Freya? It's been ages!”

I beamed, standing up to hug him, his arms wrapping around me tightly. “I know. How have you been? We haven't spoken since high school."

“I'm good, I'm good. I'm playing ice hockey for Richmond now. Coach wants us to remain humble, and his plan is to get us to work once a week to stop us from getting too cocky, as he thinks it affects the way we play, hence this side hustle. Plus, with the name Ty, it’s kind of fitting to work here.” He laughed, gesturing down to his server's apron. “How’s college?”

“It’s good. I'm studying art.”

“Of course you are. You always had a talent for drawing. I expect to see your artwork hanging at the Louvre soon.” His words caused my mom to chuckle, and they exchanged a quick hello. “Look, I'd love to catch up, but I've got a heap of orders to take, so could I just grab your drink orders, and maybe we can chat later?"

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