Page 63 of Love Undecided
Chapter 27
Kat
"Nice sweatshirt,” a deep voice says in my ear.
Not Brad's.
I turn and see Ethan grinning at me.
"Hey Ethan," I say.
"Kat, fancy meeting you here."
"Yeah, well, I'm on the case." I try to peek around him to see if Brad is nearby. If Brad sees me wearing his sweatshirt I will die.
"Right, the case,” he says rocking back on his heels, arms crossed over his chest. “It looked more like you were trying to hide from the rig.”
“Pfft! Why would I hide from the rig?”
Oh I don’t know, Kat. Maybe because you’ve finally admitted to yourself that you’re still in love with Brad and want to be with him again?
“I’m guessing so you don’t see Brad again tonight.”
“Give me a little credit for being a grown-up, Ethan. I wouldn’t hide from Brad. I’m working a case and I was looking for clues,” I tell him.
“Looking for clues,” he says.
“Quit repeating what I say. I am working a case. And I'm very busy."
“I can tell,” he says as he looks me up and down. I cross my arms over my chest.
"You're wearing my boy's sweatshirt."
"Possession is 9/10ths of the law, which makes this my sweatshirt,” I tell him, not at all proud with that retort.
"Hmm,” he says in return. Clearly agreeing about my lame retort.
"Well, great seeing you... again... tonight... gotta go, I'm needed inside,” I say.
I turn to go back in the house, and run smack into a brick wall. A brick wall, outfitted in a tight blue t-shirt and turn-out gear, who smells a little like smoke, and a lot like coming home. I put my hands on his chest and look up.
Brad looks down at me, a smile in his eyes, his hands on my hips to steady me.
“We meet again,” he says, with warmth in his voice. “How did I get so lucky?”
“I was just thinking the same thing,” I say. A little breathless from the proximity to Brad, especially since admitting to myself that I want him back.
“I’m working on another case,” I say, lamely. “Were you the first responders?”
He nods in response. Then says, “It’s scary, he took her right from her house. That’s either really stupid or really ballsy. But you know, the bathroom guy hit this house too.”
“The Shower Stealer,” I say.
“Right, The Shower Stealer.”
“I know, that’s why we’re here.”
“Are you warm enough?” he asks with a slight teasing tone. “This sweatshirt doesn’t look thick enough for the chill tonight. Do you want my coat? I have an extra at the station.”
