Page 10 of When Love Comes Home

“Do you have dinner plans on Saturday?” he asks, shifting the conversation.

“No. I don't have any plans," I say.

"Come to dinner at the house," he says. I guess this is his way of tabling the Katie discussion for another time.

I pay the tab, and we head out. In the parking lot, we part ways with a hug, agreeing to see each other on Saturday if not sooner. I wonder if Katie will be there this time.

I drive back to the hotel and immediately start stressing about Jon's invitation to dinner even though it's days away.

I change into some shorts and the third T-shirt today, and I try to focus on getting some work done.

A few hours later, I’m hungry and on edge. I put some ham between two slices of bread and call it dinner. I do some deep breathing. I turn on the news. I watch some useless content online. I try to read the book Jon gave me for my birthday,The Bridge Between Us, but the words blur together. I even open the drawer on the nightstand and pull out the hotel’s complimentary Bible. I read a few familiar scriptures, but nothing can calm my racing thoughts. So I pray, "God, help me find some peace. I also pray that Katie realizes I’m not her enemy. I never was. Amen."

When sleep finally claims me, she fills my dreams. Her green eyes, vivid and bright, seem to hold me captive, drawing my attention in ways I can’t resist. The freckles, perfectly dusted across her beautiful face, remind me of constellations—something extraordinary, yet always just beyond my grasp.

Chapter 6

Katherine

Yesterday,Ispentmostof the day at an open house, avoiding Dad for the third day in a row. This morning, as I walk into the office, I dread passing by his door because I know he’ll want to usher me in for a talk. I admit my behavior was unacceptable, but honestly, that’s just the effect Adam has on me. My regret deepens with each click of my high heels, and I wish I’d worn flats to make the walk feel less daunting.

I steel myself as I approach Dad’s office, but when I glance inside, it’s empty.

“Where’s Dad?” I ask Sheri, his assistant, trying to keep my tone casual.

“He’s coming in later,” Sheri replies, looking up briefly from her screen. “He had breakfast plans.”

“Breakfast plans?” I echo, narrowing my eyes, suspicion blooming. There’s only one person I can think of. “Do you know where he went?”

“Oh, he said Adam was stopping by the house to have breakfast with him and Sharon.”

“Adam, huh?” My surprise is palpable. “You know him?”

Sheri’s lips curve into a smile. “I met him yesterday. The man is totally hot.”

"Really?" I say, feeling heat rush to my cheeks.

Sheri leans back in her chair with a dreamy expression. "And he smells as good as he looks," she says, fanning herself slightly. "It’s this woody sandalwood scent, clean but warm, mixed with just a hint of fresh soap."

"I... I wouldn't know," I stammer, trying to sound convincing.

"Girlfriend, are you blind?" she says, not buying it for a second.

"I just haven't noticed," I lie.

"He was wearing a plain T-shirt and jeans," she continues, undeterred. "Those pecs, those arms. You couldn’t see the six-pack, but it’s not hard to imagine... lordy."

I blink, trying not to picture it. I know exactly what she means—even though I'd rather die than admit it.

"Alrighty, then," I mutter, already stepping back toward my office. "I'll be in my office."

Sheri barely notices my exit, still rattling off a detailed inventory of Adam's attributes—which, according to her, are apparently endless. As I close my door behind me, I exhale sharply. I lean against it, trying to shake the image her words painted in my head. But it's no use. Now he's there too, vivid as ever. Damn it, Sheri.

***

"Loren," I say as soon as my sister picks up. "I don't know what you have going on today, but I need you and Laila to drop everything and meet me at the house this afternoon."

"What's wrong?" Loren asks, her tone immediately filled with concern.

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