“Then we deal with it when it happens.” Laney frowned. “Honestly, I wish you’d just give him another chance. He’s trying to be better.”
“I don’t want to give him another chance.” Jeb growled. “He’s a piece of shit, Laney. I hate that you and Lydia were so quick to forget all the horrible things he’s done; the things he’s said to us, done to us. It sickens me.”
“People can change.” Kelly was careful with her words, and while she wasn’t trying to make Jeb angrier than he already was, it didn’t work.
The veins in his neck popped out and his face turned red. He stood from the table in the break room and kicked his chair aside.
“This is bullshit!”
His voice echoed all around them and Kelly winced. Angry Jeb was scary as hell, but a part of her felt protective of Devin and she wasn’t sure why.
“It’s only bullshit because you refuse to believe he’s changed.” Her voice trembled. “Do you know what Nick told me? He said that Devin’s brothers seriously believe he was only using amnesia as an excuse to get out of jail. Sound familiar?”
“It’s the truth.” His voice was dangerously low as he turned away from the table and put his hands on his waist. “If anybody is capable of stooping that low, it’s Devin Fucking Rose. When will you people learn that?”
Laney sighed. “Jeb...”
“I’m done talking about it, Laney,” he barked. “You and Lydia, and everybody else can be stupid about this if you want, but I know the truth. He’ll eventually screw up and then you’ll all feel really dumb for falling for it.”
“I beg your pardon.” Laney stood from the table and glared at his back. “We aren’t being stupid, Jeb; we’re being decent people. I know what Devin’s done—it’s hard to forget. But, if Lydia is willing to move past it; Benji’s willing to move past it;
I’m
willing to move past it, why can’t you?”
He slowly turned around to stare at her and the rage silently brewing behind his eyes made Kelly’s stomach twist into nervous knots.
“Because somebody has to protect this family.” He rasped. “He’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing, Laney. Mark my words. That little bastard will drop the act soon enough, and then he’ll laugh at you for being so damn gullible. I’m going home.”
“You can’t just leave!” Laney’s hands flew into the air. “You’re my ride. Jeb!”
He stormed out of the break room and Laney released a frustrated grunt.
“He is so impossible.” She sank down into her seat and pressed a palm to her forehead. “He’s...ugh.”
“I’ll give you a ride home.” Kelly touched her shoulder gently. “I’m sorry I brought it up. I should have known better.”
“It’s not your fault, Kelly. He’s been like this since Devin got out of that place. I’m worried about him.” Laney had tears in her eyes as she gazed at her. “I fear Jeb is letting that hate consume him. His inability to forgive, no matter the circumstances, is really bothering Lydia. I mean, if she can forgive Devin, why can’t Jeb?”
“Maybe Jeb just feels all of his efforts to keep you both safe were for nothing?”
“It was never for nothing. Up until the night of the accident, I really hated Devin for everything he’d put us through. But, Jeb wasn’t there. He didn’t see what I saw in Devin’s eyes. He was so lost, Kel; he was frightened and alone. I don’t know why I let it get to me like it has, but I can’t hate someone who doesn’t remember being so terrible. He’s like...like a child, almost. He
is
innocent.”
“It’s a tricky situation.” She wasn’t sure what else to say. What else
could
she say?
Jeb wasn’t going to be persuaded by them. If anyone could get through to him—and it was a one in a million chance—it would have to be Devin. Devin would have to prove him wrong.
But she wasn’t going to put Devin in that situation. If anything, it was probably best for him to avoid Jeb at all costs.
“And it really doesn’t help that Ags went and got himself a boyfriend.” Laney groaned. “He says otherwise, but I know it’s killing him.”
“Whoa, hold the phone! What?” She nearly fell out of her seat. “Ags got a boyfriend? When?”
“Just a few weeks ago. It’s some guy from Aero City. He’s very snobby though. I don’t like him at all.”
“Well, I can’t imagine how that makes Jeb feel.”
Everybody in their small circle knew how Jeb felt about Ags and vice versa. He was totally in love with Lydia’s gender fluid BFF, even if he wouldn’t voice it.
And the part that stumped Kelly was the fact she knew Ags felt the same way. Why on earth would he suddenly date someone else?
“His anger just keeps getting worse with each passing day. Nothing is making him happy anymore. Not this Devin thing; not Ags dating someone else. I’m so worried we’re going to lose him to it, Kelly. He’s turning into stone or something. He’s so bitter about everything.”
“That’s not good. I’m so sorry.”
If only there was something she could do, but she was no cupid. Trying to get Jeb to confess his feelings and knocking sense into Ags was a terrible idea. It made her feel helpless.
“Ah, well. Something will give eventually. Let’s just finish our lunch.” Laney forced a smile and picked up her fork. Though she tried to act so brave and strong, Kelly could see right through it. However, getting Laney to talk about it was a different story.
If she wants to talk to me about it, she’ll say so.
“So tell me about Nick, hm?”
“What do you want to know about him?”
“Anything. Everything.” Laney giggled. “Have you kissed him yet?”
“Wh-what? No, of course not. Don’t be ridiculous, Laney. I hardly know him.” Her cheeks caught fire as she averted her gaze to the table.
“Oh, don’t you lie to me. Tula told me about how you were fixing dinner for him last week. I can’t believe you didn’t tell me!” She swatted her arm gently. “How did it go?”
“It went. The power went out halfway through our meal and I was...a little under the influence.” Kelly bit her lip. “Devin was there, too.”
“What? No way!” Laney’s eyes widened and it was easy to see she was eager for all the dirty details, but she was about to be disappointed.
“Nothing happened, Laney, I swear.” At least as far as she knew, nothing had happened. “They were perfect gentlemen.”
“You lucky little trollop.”
“Excuse me?”
“You and them? Oh, come on. Surely you’ve thought about it. I’ve read books like that before...”
“Oh, Laney. Don’t. This is real life, not fantasy or paranormal or whatever it is you’ve been reading. Absolutely nothing happened between us—any of us. I was way too drunk so Nick put me to bed. That’s the end of it.”
“Uh huh. He put you to bed.” She wiggled her eyebrows and laughed like a schoolgirl. “You know, Devin really is a good looking guy, it’s just his attitude that made him so shitty.”
“This conversation is done,” Kelly interrupted, giving her a warning glare. “There is nothing, and will be nothing, between Nick, Devin, and me. It was just dinner, and a lousy one at that. Next subject, please?”
Just thinking about her friend’s suggestion made her skin warm to extreme levels. It wasn’t something she had given a lot of thought, but now that the possibility was in her mind...
A knock sounded on the door and startled her. The dusting rag she’d been clutching fell from her gasp and she nearly jumped out of her skin as she glanced at the door, pulse racing.
“What on earth?”
Glancing at the clock, she knew it wasn’t time for Justin to be home yet. Jamie was out with Mrs. Harrington for some ice cream and ‘girl time’, so who else would be visiting her so early in the day?
Please be Nick.
Ha! As if she had any right to hope for a visit like that. Their dinner had gone disastrously awry; Nick probably never wanted to see her again. She couldn’t blame him for that either.
The lovely breakfast he’d prepared for her and Devin was probably just his way of letting her down easy.
“Just a minute!” She hurried into the bathroom to examine her reflection and released a noise of disgust. Her hair was in a messy bun with loose strands everywhere, and God, her clothes were definitely what one would describe as ‘I wasn’t expecting company today’.
Too late to fix it now!
She tucked the loose strands behind her ears and then readjusted her flannel shirt before exiting the bathroom and racing to the front door.
“Sorry about that. I was—Nick?” Her knees became jelly as she swung the door open and saw him standing there, painstakingly handsome as ever and grinning like the Cheshire cat. “What are you doing here?”
“Well, hello to you, too.” He slid his hands into the back pockets of his jeans and arched an eyebrow. “Were you busy?”
“Not really. No.” Crossing her arms over her chest and mirroring his stance, she shrugged. “Just dusting. It’s nothing important.”
“Nothing important?” His eyes sparkled as he took a step closer and then glanced over her head. “May I come in?”
“That depends.”
“On what?”
“On why you haven’t had the decency to call me.” She narrowed her eyes at him. “You could have at least called.”
“I’m really sorry about that. I’ve been busy. The storm caused a lot of damage and I’ve been working overtime for my dad.” His smile faded and he tilted his head to the side. “You aren’t upset with me over that, are you?”
“Well, no.” She sighed and dropped her head. “It just would have been nice to get a phone call. I thought maybe...no. Never mind. Come on in.”
“No, you can’t ‘never mind’ me and think you’ll get away with it.” He stepped inside and pushed the door closed with the heel of his boot. “What did you think?”
“Nothing. It’s stupid.” She turned away from him and pulled her hair down, nervously raking her fingers through it. “Do you want some coffee or something?”
“Coffee would be great, thanks. Where are the oompa loompas?”
“Oompa loompas?” She laughed and eyed him over her shoulder as she walked into the kitchen.
He was right on her heels. Oh, boy.
“Yeah, your mini-mes. It seems oddly quiet for a Friday.”
“Well, one of them is on a play-date and the other is out with Mrs. Harrington. Sometimes I get off early on Fridays, so I enjoy the quiet time when I can get it.”
“I can appreciate that.” He leaned against the counter and watched her every move. “Did you have a good week?”
She scoffed and shook her head. “I wouldn’t necessarily say good; both of my children seem to have gotten possessed at the same time.”
“And have you considered calling an exorcist?”
That made her laugh, as much as she didn’t want to. Pouring him a cup of coffee, she turned to face him and clutched the mug between her hands, trying her best to hide the smile threatening to break free.
“Admit it, that’s funny.” He took a step towards her, and then another. His fingers touched hers as he attempted to take the mug and their gazes locked. “I’m truly sorry I didn’t call, Kelly. Things got busy, but I’m here now. Can you forgive me?”
Oh, God. Oh, God! He was capable of giving puppy eyes? What kind of monster was he?
Nibbling on her lower lip and weighing her options, she finally nodded and let a smile slide onto her lips. “Okay, fine. But just this once.”
“I accept.” He nodded, and then he took a sip of coffee. “Mm, that may be the best damn cup of coffee I’ve ever had. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Heat crawled up her neck and filled her cheeks as she gazed at him, wondering how on earth he’d suddenly gotten under her skin.
What exactly happened on the night of the storm?
“If it’s all right with you, Devin and I will come over and finish working on your basement this upcoming weekend.”
Her stomach dropped in disappointment. She had to wait another week? That would seem like a lifetime to her, and why did she suddenly care so much?
Was it possible she’d developed a crush on Nick already?
“Kelly?”
His deep, smooth voice pulled her out of her mental turmoil and she blinked.
“Huh?”
“I was asking if it’d be okay for us to come over to finish up. I mean, unless you’ve got plans – do you have plans?”
“Who, me? N-no,” she stammered, which was very unlike her. “Why would I have plans?”
“Well, gee. I don’t know.” He grinned and lifted his free hand to curl some of her hair around his finger. “A pretty little thing like you? I’m sure the guys are lining up for a date.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Her face was on fire. She pushed his hand away and froze as his fingers curled around hers. Her heart ran rampant against her ribcage and it was all she could do to remember to breathe as his eyes drifted down to her mouth.
“I’m not being ridiculous at all. You do realize how beautiful you are, don’t you?” His voice grew husky and she grew aroused. “Kelly, tell me you know how beautiful you are.”
“I...”
“You are. You’re breathtaking. In fact,”—he licked his lips and inched forward—“you’re taking my breath away right now.”
Her eyes fluttered closed of their own accord and it was all she could do to keep from falling. The scent of his cologne dizzied her senses, and the closer she got, the more she realized something.
She
wanted
him to kiss her.
The tip of his nose bumped against hers as their fingers laced together. Palm to palm, Kelly wondered if he could somehow hear how fast her heart was beating. Did he have any idea what he was doing to her?
“If you don’t tell me to stop, I’m going to kiss you.” He murmured. “And I’m going to kiss you like you’ve never been kissed before.”
Oh, God. Please yes.
Swallowing the lump forming in her throat, she tried to remember that kissing another man was not wrong. Patrick didn’t want her to be alone forever, did he? No, of course he didn’t. If the table had been turned and she’d left him so suddenly, she would have wanted him to be happy.
I deserve to be happy. There’s no need to punish myself.
For some reason, those words sounded eerily familiar, but she couldn’t place where she’d heard them before.