Page 59 of The First Best Man

Memories of Kate convincing me we were hunting actual monkeys flash through my mind, making megrin. She’s been a delight since the very beginning of all this. A welcomed surprise I never expected.

“It’s named after a type of flower that grows here,” I say, answering his question even though it was rhetorical.

“And Logan? Everything going well with him and Penny and the wedding festivities?” he asks.

“Everything is great,” I say. “Penny was a little under the weather yesterday, but we think it was just something she ate. Hopefully, she’ll be feeling better today.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” he says. “I hope she’s okay.”

“Me, too,” I say simply.

“What time does your flight land on Monday? We need to meet with the marketing team as soon as possible to discuss the launch of the new flavors. The focus groups have garnered some very promising data.”

“Eleven-fifteen a.m.,” I say, and the corner of my mouth turns down as a heaviness settles in my chest.

“Good. I’ll set up a meeting for the afternoon so you can freshen up and grab some lunch first. I’m glad you’re having a good time, but it’ll be good to have you back. We need you here, son.”

“I spoke with Derek just before you called, and he said everything is running smoothly without me,” I say, unsure of why I’m suddenly feeling so defensive.

Like his saying I’m neededoffendsme, somehow.

“Sure it is, but it’s only been a few days. You have to know what an integral piece you are in our company. Your innovative ideas and attention to detail broughtRizzle to a whole new level when you took over. Plus, I miss you, kid.”

“I miss you, too, Dad,” I say, that heaviness in my chest becoming almost unbearable.

I might crumple under the weight of it.

“I have to go, but text me and let me know how everything went after the wedding. I’ll see you Monday.”

“I will. Bye, Dad.”

We end the call, and my frown deepens. I should feel great––appreciated––with all the praise from my father, but his kind words hit me all wrong. Why am I feeling this way?

I actually know, deep down, but I can’t admit to myself I don’t want to leave this place. It’s ridiculous. My whole life is in San Francisco. My home. My job. My family. Everything.

Except Kate.

I shake my head to dislodge the errant thought as the woman in question suddenly appears in the kitchen. She covers her mouth with the back of her hand as she yawns, then offers me a sleepy smile before shuffling closer.

“Do I smell coffee?” she asks, her voice thick and husky with sleep.

“Oh, yeah,” I say, swinging around to give her my back as I try to collect myself while pulling two mugs out of the cabinet and pouring us some coffee.

What is wrong with me? I need to get it together. I made the rules. I need to follow them.

But when I turn to hand Kate her cup, and she smiles at me with that half-awake, happy expression,something cracks in my chest.Sheis what’s got me all tied up in knots. I need some space to get my head on straight before I do something stupid.

Ignoring the way it scorches my throat, I down my coffee without another word, then turn to place my mug in the sink. When I turn back, Kate is staring at me with an odd look on her face.

“You okay?” she asks softly.

“Yeah,” I say, then repeat it for good measure. “Yeah. I just have to go. I need to get back to the B&B before Miss Ginny realizes I didn’t sleep there last night. And you know how she likes to gossip.”

Lies.

She stares at me for a long moment, those dark eyes laying me bare and stripping me of my inner-most thoughts and desires. Then, in a motion so slow and miniscule, I almost miss it, she nods.

I press a kiss to her cheek as I pass her on my way to the bedroom. Throwing on my clothes as quickly as possible, I head back out, ready to make my escape, but when Kate looks at me with big, frightened, doe eyes, I nearly crumple to the floor.

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