Page 59 of Second Goal

He shrugs. “I’m just saying, she’s a pretty girl, and now that she’s at college, I’m sure there are a lot of guys—”

“She’s seeing someone?” A knot of jealousy forms in my gut.

Kane chuckles. “No. I just thought I’d give you a little motivation.”

“You’re an asshole,” I grunt as we walk around the side of the house, not listening as Kane starts to talk numbers with the real estate agent.

Brynne’s SUV pulls up, parking behind Kane’s car, and she waves at me as she gets out, but she’s not who my eyes are trained on. Kiley sits in the passenger seat, gaze fixed on me. Brynne gives me a sympathetic smile, giving my arm a quick squeeze, and says quietly, “You should talk to her,” before moving on to Kane and the realtor.

Glancing back at the car, I see Kiley take a deep breath before opening the door.

“Hi,” she says softly when she gets out, her warm breath causing the cold air to form a small cloud.

“I didn’t know you’d be here.” I struggle not to reach out for her, to draw her into my arms, especially when she shivers.

“Brynne asked me to come. She wanted me to see the place before they make an offer.” She glances over my shoulder. “It’s... huge.”

“I prefer the one on Oak Street. Bigger back yard.” I rub the back of my neck, hating the tension between us.

“Brynne showed me pictures of that one. The kitchen was gorgeous, but I think this one has better lighting for her studio.”

“Are you going to go in?” I ask her when she shivers again.

“Noah’s sleeping in the back.” She nods at the car. “I’ll go in once he wakes up.”

“You should wait in the car then, you’re going to freeze out here.”

“I’m fine.” She zips her jacket up.

More awkward silence stretches between us.

“What are we doing, Kiley?” I step closer.

“We’re talking.”

“You know what I mean. I’ve tried giving you space, and it’s...” I rub the back of my neck. “I miss you.”

She lets out a shaky breath. “I miss you too.”

I remove the space between us and place a palm on her cheek. God, I miss touching her. Not just the sex, but having her beside me, holding her hand, all the small caresses that made me feel alive.

Her eyes close briefly, but then she takes a small step back, and I let my hand fall to my side.

“How are your courses going?”

“Good.” She chews on her bottom lip. “One of my professors helped me get an internship with Harriott and Masters. I started last Monday.”

“Wow. That’s a big company.”

Her shoulders lift, then drop. “It’s not that big of a deal. But I’ve learned a lot already. I think...”

“What?”

“Nothing. It’s dumb.”

“Nothing you say is dumb.”

“I’d like to have my own clothing line someday.” She laughs. “See? Dumb.”

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