Page 26 of Hers to Kiss
“I haven’t told him.”
“What are you waiting for?”
Pete sat on the edge of the desk beside her. He thought for a moment about his father and the expectations he had for his kids. Neither of them were meeting his standards, and Pete believed it was only a matter of time before their father exploded. Even at the start of camp, he seemed tense and agitated. Often, Pete had seen their mother rub their father’s back and speak to him in low tones.
Or maybe he was just sensitive and it had nothing to do with him.
“Courage,” Pete answered softly.
“Hmm…” Keke sighed loudly. “You and me both.”
“What do you need courage for?” Pete looked at her. “Keighly…” He chuckled. “You’re one of the bravest persons I know. The way you got out of town and became a dancer? I envy you.”
Her mouth opened slightly. As her wide eyes searched his, moisture gathered in their corners. “Peter…”
He ducked his head, hiding his uncontrollable grin. He was proud of her. “That took guts.” He shook his head. “I feel like I’m on the precipice of something great, and I’m finding myself…faltering at the last obstacle.”
Her hand splayed across his back. She leaned in. “Pete—”
“You two have nothing to do?”
Pete saw his father standing in the back doorway. Keke jumped up, but Pete took his time. “I had to bandage Keke’s arm. She fell and scratched her elbow.”
“Sorry to hear that,” Titus said curtly. “If you’re all better and my son is done trying to flirt, the kids are ready to go out on the water.”
Pete smarted. He wasn’t flirting. And why did his father say it like he was failing at it?
“Pete did you find those extra life jackets?” Titus quickly looked around the room. “By the looks of things, you didn’t. Guess I’ll have to handle that myself, like I do everything around here.” He stormed out of the office.
Pete and Keke looked at each other.
“No wonder you don’t want to tell him what you’d rather do. I wouldn’t tell him anything either.” Keke gave his arm a squeeze. “I’d just run.” She followed his father out the door.
He just might do that. If Warp Entertainment offered him a job, he’d take it without a second thought. Wouldn’t even look back.
Pete took a moment to close his eyes and get himself centered. Forgetting his father, he focused his thoughts on Lea and the next tactic to employ.
The touch.
