Page 64 of That One Heartbreak

His chest felt tight. “Yes, he was.”

“I guess that means you’re watching over her for him.”

He took a deep breath. He didn’t want to think about that. He couldn’t. His need for Kate overrode any misgivings he had about her being his friend’s widow.

His mom walked over to the refrigerator. “Want a beer?”

“I’m on call. I’ll take a coffee, though.”

She nodded and busied herself grabbing a bag of beans and pouring them into the grinder. She made her coffee fresh. Heliked that about her. He liked a lot about his mom. She was a kind woman. She loved her family fiercely.

Just as she switched the machine on to brew, his phone vibrated in his pocket. He’d sent Kate a message as he was getting in his truck to drive to his mom’s place.

How’s the plumbing going? BTW, thank you for moving the truck like a stealth ninja. Today has NOT turned out how I planned at all. – Kate

His mom still had her back to him. He frowned, because he didn’t like that she was having a less than stellar day.

What’s up? Need me to come over and bash some heads together? – Marley

A moment later she replied.

Just the usual mayhem. My parents arrived unannounced. Addy thought she’d swallowed a LEGO head. Turned out it was in her glass of juice. I have NO IDEA why she had the thing in her mouth. She’s six, not six months. Anyway, I just wanted to say I’m sorry. I’m not ghosting you on purpose. I miss you. – Kate

Fuck, that sent a little dart of pleasure through him. She missed him. Well, he missed the fuck out of her.

I need to see you again. – Marley.

There it was. Laying it on the line. Last night felt…interrupted. The unfinished business between them was piling up.

I need to see you too. But my parents are staying here for a week. I have no idea when I’ll get some alone time. – Kate

Well, damn.

Can you sneak out? I’ll take you to the bar and we can underage drink. – Marley

Haha. We’ll have to make a date for when they leave. – Kate

Can I at least call you tonight? What time do you go to bed? – Marley

Eleven, usually. – Kate.

I’ll call after that. Wear something pretty. – Marley

Why? What are you planning to do to me? – Kate

Wait and see. – Marley

“There you go,” his mom said, holding out the cup. “Who were you messaging with?”

“Just Pres.” He slid his phone into his back pocket and took the coffee from her. “Thanks.”

“No problem.” His mom was smiling at him. “By the way, Pres dropped his phone in the driveway this morning. Cassie messaged me to say it was shattered.”

Busted. But he didn’t care.

Because he was still smiling like a damn loon.

Chapter

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