Page 38 of Shattered

As soon as all of my attention flitted to the woman on my right, Kael intently took notice.He, like many others, was simply not used to seeing me with any female.Unless, of course, it was our old college days and women were nothing but a distraction.

Feeling as if I was betraying Sara on some level by even recalling such memories, I returned all my attention to the present.Even though I knew my good friend was married to an amazing woman, and even though I knew he would never over-step his bounds, I leaned close to Sara and gave her a kiss.It was an innate reaction to claim her in front of him.In reality, he was another male who had to be made aware of the simple truth that Sara was all mine.

My actions weren’t obvious, but Kael knew exactly what I was doing.When I glanced back over at him, I saw him smirk, his attentions roving between the both of us.

Releasing her hand, I gripped her waist and pulled her into me. “Please forgive my rudeness, honey.This is one of my oldest friends in the world, Kael Stonebridge.Kael, this is my Sara.”They quickly shook hands.The sight of Sara touching another man did crazy things to me.Normally, I would have been upset, causing some sort of scene.Her touches were only for me.But I reeled it in, knowing full well she was merely being polite.Kael saw it, though.He took notice of the fleeting tick in my jaw, the quick flare of my nostrils.

“YourSara?Wow, whoisthis guy in front of me?” He chuckled.“You never referred to anyone as yours before.You must be pretty damn special to my friend here,” he claimed, turning his attentions back on Sara.

“You better believe she is.I was merely drifting through life before she came into my world.”A blush stole across her cheeks as I spoke, the sight instantly exciting me.I didn’t know what it was about the heat of her skin, but it always did strange things to me.

I’d been so consumed with Kael and Sara, I hadn’t taken notice as to where his wife was.Glancing around behind him, I asked, “Where’s Adara?”

“She’s in one of those shops several doors down.Speaking of, I should probably go and get her; otherwise, we’ll be here all day.”I laughed.I’d known Adara a long time, and shopping was one of her most favorite indulgences.“Hey, you two have to come over for dinner this week.We’re almost done unpacking, so it’s perfect timing.”

“Of course.We’d love to come.Are you still at the same number?” I asked.We’d kept in contact with each other over the years, but I knew he had some issues with a client of his a while back so he had to change his cell number.I was simply making sure he hadn’t changed it since.

“You know it.Great.Listen, I have to run now, but call me later and we’ll set everything up.Sara, it was a true pleasure to meet you,” he declared before taking hold of her hand.Before I could react, he pulled her close and kissed her cheek.

He’s pushing it.

“All right there, Casanova.Enough.Remember, you’re married, plus this woman here is off-limits,” I reminded him.

The fucker knew he was riling me up, but he didn’t care.“I would never think of it.” If Kael wasn’t my good friend, he would’ve been on his ass right then, staring up at me in disbelief.But he was and I knew he wasn’t hitting on Sara, so I allowed him to remain upright.

“Give Adara my best,” I called out as he turned and walked away.

“He seemed nice,” she said, watching him disappear into a store twenty feet away.

“He is.He’s truly one of the greatest guys I’ve ever met.”

“I’m assuming you guys go way back.”

“Yeah, we grew up together.We were thick as thieves until we were in our mid twenties.We even went in on numerous projects.But then his work took him to California, where he’s been all this time.”

“Well, I’m excited to go to dinner and get to know him and his wife.It should be fun.”A genuine smile tickled her lips as she spoke.

“You’ll love them,” I promised as we made our way inside one of the many shops on the street.

~19~

Sara

Three days later, Alek informed me we were going to have dinner at Kael and Adara’s house.I was really looking forward to getting to know them better.I’d only briefly met Kael, but he seemed like a genuine person.Any man who put my guy in such a good mood was definitely worth spending more time with.

Thankfully, my interaction with him was brief because when I’d first laid eyes on him, I almost bugged out.He was no comparison to Alek—no one was, in my opinion—but the man was hot.His penetrating blue eyes drew me right in, almost as if he was peering into the deepest parts of my psyche.I wasn’t interested in him, furthest thing from reality.But I knew a fine specimen of a male when I feasted my eyes on one.

Having no doubt I’d hit it off with Alek’s friends, I became excited at the prospect of having another couple to hang around with from time to time.In no way was I complaining about spending time alone with Alek, but someone new to give me a better insight to my guy was always welcome.Never mind, I was beyond curious to see him interact with someone who wasn’t an employee.

We arrived at their house around seven o’clock.They told us we would be having a late dinner but wanted us to arrive early enough to have a tour of their new home.

Kael greeted us at the door and surprisingly welcomed me with a big, warm hug.I wasn’t sure, but I could’ve sworn I heard Alek growl behind me.

As soon as I stepped foot inside their foyer, I was overwhelmed with a sense of home, which probably had a lot to do with the fact there was a woman’s touch involved.Alek’s house was wonderful, but I could definitely tell from the décor, while appealing, that a man lived there.Alone.

We were led toward the kitchen where the woman of the house was checking on dinner.Whatever she was making smelled wonderful.I hadn’t even realized how hungry I was until the wafting aroma filled my nose.

As soon as Adara saw us, she put her towel on the counter and rushed right over.First she approached Alek, kissing him on the cheek before enveloping him in a big hug.Then she turned her sights on me.“Sara, it’s such a pleasure to meet you.”She took me in her arms, and I couldn’t help but be affected by her warm welcome.She seemed so genuine and down-to-earth, someone I knew I would get along great with right away.

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