Page 43 of Until Kendal

Maybe I should have told him how sorry I was for trying to keep us in a box where I didn’t need my heart. I didn’t ever want to hurt him.

ChapterThirty-Five

Joel

After we delivered the tray to her mother, we ate. The bread was similar to lavosh bread but not as soft. Either way, it was delicious with the cut avocados and walnuts. I added feta, then my breakfast was almost like what the chefs at my parents’ house made.

I sat back in my chair, and patted my stomach. “Breakfast was good. Where did you learn to make thin bread?”

She shrugged and stirred her coffee. “I’ve helped out restaurants and caterers in the back and in the front. Most of my life, I’ve been work for hire, so I learned a few things along the way.”

I stood as it was time to dress, which meant a suit. I’d also stacked clothes for Kendal so she had what she needed, though I didn’t tell her. “Well, now you have a full-time job, where you can devote your life to me.”

“Not to you, exactly, but I don’t mind hard work.”

When I opened the closet, I glanced at her, and her mouth opened. I directed her to the office clothes next to mine then changed into my suit.

She held her waist as she gazed like I’d shocked her. Last night, I’d been a jerk when I told her I loved her. I'd pushed, and I wished I could make myself stop.

She changed into a gray skirt, white shirt, and black flats. Once she was done, she sucked in her lips and didn’t say anything.

I offered my hand, debating whether or not to back off. She took it, and I asked, “Well, are you ready to go to your first day, which is mostly orientation?”

She held on to me as she said, “Sounds great.”

We left, and I held open the doors for her. I loved her, and it was impossible to back off, even if I should. “I’m glad you’re here.”

She patted my arm. “I’m nervous. What if your brother and family hate me?”

“Impossible.” I needed to do the right thing and give her more time. I kept my voice light as I said, “Don’t worry about any of that. You’re here because I need you.”

She stopped on the street. People passed us, but she didn’t seem to care. “I’ll never be able to repay you.”

“You don’t have to.” I kissed her forehead.

I needed to be stronger because she was honest. I was the one wishing for what might be impossible.

ChapterThirty-Six

Joel

Work was quiet since Arman never showed up. I opened the calendar app and saw he had a meeting with Ryan and Miguel on his schedule. And Arman was a stickler for meetings.

I checked on Kendal, who was still in orientation with human resources, then returned to my seat. Then I picked up my phone and dialed Arman's number. He answered right away, and I asked, “Why are you not in your office?”

“We had a meeting in LA with some investors today. I’ll meet your girlfriend soon.”

My mind rang like it was a forgotten detail. I sat back, rubbing my forehead. “She’s not that yet, but I’m hoping she’ll go out with me tonight.”

“Date night?”

I closed my eyes, remembering the last time I’d asked. However, I loved her, and hopefully, she would say yes this time. “Yeah.”

“Good luck,” he said before we hung up.

Once I was alone, I decided to call for a few tourist tickets and flowers. The Empire State Building, Top of the Rock Observation, One World Observatory, MOMA, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art were the five usual ticketed options. If Kendal preferred the theater, I would call my mother, who was a patron to every show out there and always had tickets. We could walk through the park, take in Fifth Avenue for shopping, or whatever New York adventure she preferred.

I also made dinner reservations while I finished my contract reading.

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