Page 56 of Rejected Plus-Size Mate

I look over at Kyle, who is still staring at the grave. He obviously hasn’t heard her.

I shake my head. “Thank you, Gina, but I don’t think Kyle’s up to it,” I say quietly. “I think he just needs some time to himself.”

Gina nods. “I understand completely. Please let us know if you need anything. Just call anytime. I’ll answer.”

“Thank you,” I reply.

Gina holds out her arms, and I lean in to hug her, letting her comfort me.

The others begin to walk away, and Kyle stands not far from the grave, flinching every time a load of dirt hits the top of the casket. I grab his hand and pull on it, unbalancing him and forcing him to follow me.

“Did you want to just go home?” I ask him gently.

Kyle doesn’t answer, and his eyes look blank and dull. All the warmth we shared yesterday seems to have evaporated, andI don’t think that eating snacks and watching movies is going to be enough to distract him this time.

I make a snap decision on the way back to the car. While Kyle buckles up, I pull out my phone and open my travel app, booking a nice hotel in Montrose for the night. I don’t say anything as we pull out from the cemetery or when I stop in at the gas station for snacks.

We’re some distance out of Silver Meadows before Kyle looks around and gives himself a little shake.

“Hey, where are we?” he asks.

“On our way to Montrose,” I answer. “Here, I got you some candy.”

I hand over a handful of candy bars and gummy snakes, his favorite. His eyes light up just like an excited kid’s, and relief washes through me.

“Thanks,” he says, tearing open the gummy snakes and taking a big bite of a bright red one. “Is there anything to drink?”

“Cans of soda, just there on the floor. Open one for me, would you?”

“Sure,” he replies, popping one open and handing it to me. I take a sip, balancing the can between my knees as I put my hands back on the wheel.

“How are you feeling?” I ask, wondering if I’m being too blunt.

Kyle shrugs. “Okay, I guess. I… I’m excited to go to Montrose with you. I think that was a good call.”

“Good,” I answer, smiling. I know it’s impossible to assuage his guilt, but if I can get his mind off things, even for a short while, I know it will help.

We spend the rest of the trip sharing candy and singing along to the radio. Even though both of us are still sad about Liam, and nervous about the upcoming inevitable fight, it’s clear that Kyle has decided to put it aside. At least for now.

When we pull into the hotel, Kyle looks over at me with wide eyes. “You booked us a room?”

“Yeah,” I mutter a bit bashfully.

“Here?”

“No,” I answer very seriously. “I booked us a room on the moon. This is where the rocket takes off.”

Kyle chuckles. “This is a really nice place. Are you sure?”

“Yeah. It’s not a weekend or holiday season, so it was actually a really good price. We got a hot tub and everything.”

The way Kyle grins at me makes my heart sing.

I park in the hotel garage, and we walk into the lobby, holding hands and giggling. The receptionist gives us a knowing look as she checks us in and winks when she tells us to have a good night.

The room is bigger than I expected, with a beautiful mountain view. There is a gift basket of artisan treats and a bottle of champagne chilling as well.

Kyle is standing at one of the big windows, his eyes fixed on the icy peaks. I hurry over to him, putting my arms around his waist.

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