Page 33 of I Should Hate You-but I Don't

"Yeah?" he said.

"I'm on her trail."Kingsley's heavy breathing came fast over the phone."I spotted Kenna last night, but before I could get to her, I lost her again. But I found a woman who shared that Kenna is staying in the next town, about fifteen miles from here. Livingston, Montana."

"Jesus. It's about time." He raked his hands through his hair. "Don't lose her."

"Trying not to."The call broke up."I'll call—running—tomorrow."

"Watch your back, brother," he murmured before hanging up.

He paced, going over the news. There was no use getting River's hopes up. Not until Kingsley had Kenna beside him.

Chapter Fourteen

River

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Razz and Conner turned as River approached the bar. She smiled and shook her head when they opened the door for her.

"Thanks, but I'm going through the back," she said.

Nobody told her she couldn't enter the bar through the front door. However, she had yet to turn the legal age to visit the establishment. She was also used to working in the kitchen, so she preferred staying in the back of the building.

Inside the kitchen, Lori stood at the fryer. River relaxed, seeing two others helping. She recognized Tucker's old lady, but the other woman was new to her.

"About time you showed up." Lori lifted a basket of fries out of the oil. "You must've been living off cereal the last few days."

"I was working." She sat at the counter. "I also went into town to see Taylor and on another day to the store to grab some groceries. I can make a mean toast with peanut butter."

Lori grinned. "So, you learned a few things while watching me, huh?"

"I learned from the best." She laughed. "Taylor wanted me to tell you hi and that she misses you."

"Is she ready to come back and work for me?"

As much as she missed Taylor's friendship and working with her, her friend was happy living in town. "Not yet."

"So, what's been going on with you, baby?" Lila carried over a fresh plate of fries.

"Thanks." She squirted ketchup on the side. "Just working, mainly."

She hadn't even seen Zane. When she called him to see about getting a ride to town, he had Big John take her in the truck. Kingsley was still gone. Summer was in full swing. Okay—she might be feeling sorry for herself.

She missed him.

Lori frowned. "Are you sure you're okay? You look like you lost your best friend."

She smiled, covering how much it bothered her when Zane stayed away, especially after they'd had sex. It felt a lot like he used her, but why would he when he had a club full of women ready to sleep with him?

"I haven't been sleeping well." She dipped a fry. "New job. Campers." She shrugged. "Once I'm not stressing, it'll get easier."

She also had no idea what was happening with Kingsley. Because she hadn't seen Zane, she had no idea if his brother found Kenna or was still looking for her.

Lila slid a hamburger onto her plate. "Eat up. Nothing in the world will help you feel better than putting food in your belly."

"Thanks." She pinched a piece of melted cheese off the bun and popped it into her mouth.

Even though her appetite was gone, she finished most of the burger and all of the fries.

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