Page 29 of The Last Key
I shrug. “I don’t know. Thus far, it’s always been to build a career at a long-lasting online magazine or news site, and hopefully writing more meaningful pieces as I go. Right now though… I don’t know. Maybe I’m chasing the wrong dream.”
“Or maybe you’re burned out and need a break. Have you considered leaving New York? Trying to find a job in a differentcity?”
I nod slowly. “A little.”I’ve been considering it a lot more these last few days.“Right now, I’m trying to figure out what I want most of all, then I’ll figure out where. Until then, I’m enjoying being here. With you.”
He searches my face for a moment, then smiles softly. “I’m enjoying it, too.”
Flipping my light off, I slide under the covers. My stomach ablaze, I snuggle against him, curling my body around his.
I have no idea what we’re doing anymore. It’s terrifying, but I like it.
“Hey, what are you thinking about for your future if it’s not your career?”
“Oh. Um, personal stuff, I guess. Falling in love, having kids.”
I lift my head to look at him, only to find him staring back at me. Desire wraps around me as heat fills the space between my legs. I could kiss him right now, but at that thought, I can’t breathe. My chest tightens, and I’m not sure if it’s out of fear or excitement.
“Anyway,” he continues, “that’s further down the line. Like you said, I’m just enjoying where I am right now.”
His lips graze my forehead, and he pulls me closer. As I rest my head on his shoulder again, he gently strokes his fingers down my arm, over and over, as my eyes grow heavy and I slowly drift off to sleep.
CHAPTER TEN
KENNEDY
Friday
Today is ameday.It’s been way too long since I had one, and it feels so damn good. I started my day with breakfast at the inn. Now I’m headed to the local library.
Libraries are one of my favorite places to visit. The one in Brighton isn’t massive, but it has a surprisingly large and eclectic selection. It seems like the type of library that stocks what their residents ask for more than whatever is “typical.” That’s my kind of library because it means they’ll be more likely to get a book for me if I want it. I can’t believe I’m even thinking that, but… I’ve been growing more attached to Brighton. I’m not sure what my next career steps are, but I’ve been thinking I’ll take a little extra time to decide that. If Devon is up for having me, I’d love to stay here for the entire summer.
As I bring my small pile of books to the checkout desk, I see a sign that reads “Volunteers Needed.”
“Hi, there. All set?” A woman with graying dirty blonde hairtucked in a bun walks over to me. She looks to be about Gladys’s age.
“Yes. Hi, um, I believe Gladys called. I’m a friend from out of town and she was going to let me use her library card to feed my reading addiction.”
The woman nods. “Yes. I thought you looked familiar. Kennedy, right? Leann’s girl?”
I chuckle at that. “Yep. That’s me. Between being around town and helping out at the inn, it’s been a test of my memory—I remember some faces, but rarely names.”
She takes the pile of books and the library card from my hand and begins scanning them.
“Well, I’m Cindy. I run this little slice of heaven. Let me know if you need anything.”
I tap the sign. “Looks like you’re the ones who need help. What kind of volunteer help do you need?”
She smiles brightly as she slides the books back to me. “Oh, mostly shelving books, assisting people with finding books, and running book clubs. Any of that sound good to you?”
“All of it?” I smile too. “I love books. Always have. And I’m good at hooking people up with the right books. If I don’t know about it, I know where to look to learn more. I’m not sure I’ve ever been to a book club, but I’m up for helping however I can. Do you have a romance one? I read most genres, but I read romance the most, especially indies.”
Cindy clasps her hands together. “Yes. Actually, that’s our most popular one. It’s on Tuesdays. If you’re willing to come and maybe help guide the conversation about it, that’d be great. If you think you have time to read the book.”
“Which is it?”
She gives me the name of the book, and I laugh to myself. I read it a month or two ago with Hallie and Frannie. And guess who is on the coverandnarrates the audiobook?
“I’ve actually read it already. Has Gladys ever come to the book club?”
