Page 39 of Faker
“Did something happen to change things between you two?”
I contemplate telling her about the kiss in his car, but I don’t want to get into it here.
“He’s just trying to be nice.”
“I wonder what brought on the sudden kindness.”
I’m wondering the same thing. “Where did he go?”
“There was no one else in the room when I walked in.”
“Maybe he went home.” An unexpected ping of disappointment hits. I have no right to feel this way. He’s done more than enough for me and deserves to enjoy what little is left of the weekend.
Kaitlin starts to ask another question, but Tate walks back in, cup of coffee in hand. “Oh. Sorry.”
“Don’t apologize!” Kaitlin pulls him into a hug. He’s wide-eyed as his arms hover over her back, barely touching her. I chuckle at how his large, muscled frame swallows her petite body.
“This is Kaitlin,” I say.
She returns to my side. “Thank you for taking care of Emmie.”
“Of course. Here, I’ll step outside and give you two some privacy.”
Tate walks out of the room. When Kaitlin turns to face me, her jaw is wide open. “Holy hell,” she says in a loud whisper.
“What?”
“He is gorgeous. Why have you never mentioned how good looking he is before?” She steals another glance at the doorway.
I roll my eyes. “I never really thought about it. I was too busy being annoyed at him to notice.”
She plops on the foot of the bed and raises an eyebrow at me. “I’d bet good money he likes you.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
She counters with a knowing smirk. “A man would never spend an entire Saturday taking care of a woman he can’t stand.”
I shake my head, but inside I wonder if what she says is true. She pats my leg and checks her phone.
“Thank you for coming to check on me, but you should go pick up Libby.”
“I told you. I can stay.”
“It’s fine. I’m fine.”
“You sound like a broken record.”
I clutch her hand. “Kaitlin, don’t push yourself. You’re sick. You should be home resting. You don’t want to end up in the room next to me, do you?” I wink, and she lets out an exasperated sigh. “As soon as I get out of surgery, Tate will text or call you.”
“You are too stubborn, you know that? You’re lucky I love you.”
“And I love you. Thanks for checking on me.”
She leans down to give me a kiss on the cheek. She waves bye and stops at the door, smiling at an unseen person before walking out. Tate walks in the moment she’s gone.
“She’s nice,” he says before sipping his coffee.
“She is. She’s the best.”
