Page 8 of Until Kendal

He reached for the door and not me. My gut twisted, reminding me that I didn’t need to be disappointed and put my trust in Joel. He would disappear soon.

“I understand," he said. "Since I’m not invited, I’ll handle some business, but text me to meet you when you get close so I can be on hand to meet your mom and prove how devoted I am to you.”

What a joker. We walked out, saying nothing. But as we reached the parking lot, I asked, “Are you sure?”

“For you. Yes.” He unlocked the door and took out his boxes.

My legs went all weak. When he stood straight, I cupped his face and wished I was the type who believed in romance. I would kiss him and know what he tasted like. However, I said, “I've never met a guy like you.”

He didn’t move, and neither did I. I pursed my lips. If he kissed me, then I would reciprocate.

He pressed his forehead to mine. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

I trembled. I was living in a dream world. My heartbeat pounding, I let him go and reached for the car door. “Sure.”

He held it for me, meeting my gaze. He trusted me with the car and the hotel, and he'd promised a night of safety. Sure, part of me wondered what being his might be like, but I knew in my soul that everything with Joel would be different.

ChapterFive

Kendal

Once I explained about the car and what had happened to mine, Mom raced as much as she was able. She never rushed anywhere, anytime. I finished packing the car with the bags, keeping my gaze on the driveway. Silence clung in the air, but goose bumps grew all over me. We were alone except for the trees that surrounded my mother's house on the outskirts of town. If my father were here, I would have no defense. My heart raced, reminding me to run.

Here, we were so far away that no one had heard my screams for help as a kid. Or my mom’s. Memories fueled my fears. I wished those memories would disappear as fast as they came.

Finally, she finished with her bags and walked out with me.

I packed up the car and hopped in. A second later, I drove faster than I normally did in case my dad showed up. If we hurried, I would have a chance. Mom didn’t mention my speed for once.

At the inn, I pulled into the old carriage house, which I thought was heavenly for outdoor weddings, and parked the car.

Valerie let herself out and asked, “Where is this boyfriend of yours? I hope he’s handsome and good enough for you, sweetheart.”

“Right here. I’m Joel.” He rushed out the door toward us.

I let out a breath as I stared at those muscles of his and that sweet smile.

My last boyfriend wasn’t that exciting. He sure as hell didn’t make my skin feel like electric circuits on overdrive.

Joel grabbed both of my mom’s bags.

My mother smiled, flashing her white teeth. “Well, I’m Valerie, Kendal’s mom, and you’re much cuter than I expected. I’d always thought Kendal was settling for bums.”

Now he thought I had bad taste. I jerked to a stop then closed the trunk. Heat rose up my neck, and I rushed to walk next to them. “Why would you say that?”

Mom didn’t take her gaze off Joel. “Because Kendal took after me in the past in picking the worst possible guy for her. I’m so happy she’s found one that might be good for her.”

Joel said, “I hope to prove you right, ma’am.”

“Valerie.”

His lips curved higher. “Valerie.”

This was not how I normally got a guy to notice me, and my mother had never tagged along before.

I would never know what he tasted like if she kept on this conversation. I was sure she would start talking about changing my diapers next, then all hope was lost. My stomach twisted, and I looked around my mother to meet Joel’s gaze. I pressed my hand to my heart and said, “I’m not… I wasn’t serious about anyone is all she meant.”

We walked inside. He put his hand on my back for a second, and my pulse zipped.

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