Page 122 of Be My Compass

Mom grabs her purse. “Oh no. I forgot I had an appointment. I need to run off. You two stay here. Have dinner.” Mom winks. “Catch up.”

“Thanks, Amelia,” Ana whispers.

Mom hikes her purse on her shoulders and disappears before I can voice one word of protest.

I grit my teeth.

What a blatant set-up.

Ana cups her wine. “You’re even more handsome up-close than on the show.” She sighs happily. “I’ve been dreaming about this moment for years.”

Just great.

It’s time to let this chick down gently.

There’s a cold beer and a ton of work waiting for me back home.

“Look, Ana. I don’t know what my mom told you but…” My eyes catch on a woman stepping into the restaurant.

“But what?” Ana asks, leaning forward.

I barely hear her. My body, my soul, my mind—they’re locked on the girl stepping closer to my table.

She’s wearing a simple blouse and a flared skirt that shows off her long, toned legs. Her curls are wild and voluminous. Her confident stride turns every head in the restaurant.

I’d recognized those deep brown eyes and that sparkling smile anywhere.

Kaelyn.

Twenty-Seven

Kaelyn

The moment I step into the restaurant, my eyes fall on Kastle. I’m not even looking in his direction. I have no reason to glance that way except that my body naturally pivoted and my gaze locked to his like a homing device.

The dim interior of the restaurant should have hidden him from me. The lights are too dark. The candles too mysterious. The music is all sensual jazz and moody pop.

But I don’t need to see Kastle to know him. To know he’s near.

Silky black hair. Pointed cheekbones. Jaw carved like stone.

It’s Kastle.

My body locks up.

I don’t look away and neither does he.

There’s an invisible wall between us. A stumbling block that shoves away the smile that would normally spread on my face. Punches back the joy that would normally bubble in my heart. Kicks the urge that would prompt me to join him. To make conversation. To wave.

I stay still.

Frozen.

In time.

In him.

This is not our first fight.

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