Page 63 of Catch You

“I get it, Corey. I really, really do. Go and sort your head out. If you want to talk or … not, call me.” He nods before releasing me.

‘Thank you,’ he mouths before watching me get into the car.

I breathe out a tense sigh as the car pulls away. That wasn’t how I was expecting our time together to end. I kick myself for not being able to keep my lips shut about that damn nightmare, but at the same time, I’m glad I mentioned it. If it gets him talking, whether it’s to me or someone else, then it might help.

Jesus, I sound just like all the people who’ve given me ‘helpful’ advice over the years.

16

HARLOW

“Here she is, doing the walk of shame at almost lunchtime,” Brooke calls happily through the house when I close the front door behind me, making me groan. “Get ready, because you know I want all the juicy deets.”

Ignoring her, I walk past the stairs and go straight for the kitchen. The coffee Laura served might have hit the spot, but I need more caffeine if I’m going to have to give Brooke a play-by-play of our date.

I think back to our picnic on the beach last night. It feels like a million years ago after the tense morning.

My mug is almost full when Brooke’s feet race down the stairs and she appears dressed in her robe with a white face pack on.

“Wow, you’re looking ravishing this morning.”

“Is that for me?” She swipes the coffee from the machine and turns to put some sugar in it.

“No, it wasn’t, but please, help yourself.” I roll my eyes at her and pull down another mug to start all over again.

“So … from the beginning, please,” she encourages once she takes a seat at our table.

“He took me for a picnic on the beach.”

“Aw.”

“We sat out on a blanket and watched the sunset. It was a pretty incredible date.”

“I knew he was hot, but I didn’t think he had that in him. Way to go, Corey.” I laugh at her antics. “And then you didn’t come home, so I’m assuming you got a taste of the goods.”

“Yeah. We went back to his place.”

“Where does he live?”

“An apartment building that overlooks the ocean.”

“Sounds flashy.”

I think back to Corey’s place. Right now, flashy is not a way I’d describe it, although I must admit it does have potential.

“What? You’ve got a weird look on your face.”

“I think he’s got money issues.”

“Oooooh. Now I get the face.”

“What?”

“It’s your I-must-help-and-be-a-good-Samaritan face.”

“Shut up. I do not have a look for that. I just like helping people. Hell knows, I can’t help myself most days.”

“I know, H. And I love you for it, for your generosity. But should you be getting involved?”

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