Cupcake:I need to come there.
I shut down my computer and get all my shit together.
"You can head out," I tell Beckett, putting my coat on. I'm not quick enough. The trek from Town Hall to the station is not long. Kindred comes strolling in with a basket in her arms.
"I'm glad I caught you guys." She gives a warm smile. How does she get prettier and prettier? I bet if she'd left New Hope and had gone to the city, those modeling casters, or whatever they are called, would have offered her millions to be on all those makeup and magazine covers. I don't care what Beckett is saying; I'm not biased. This is simply fact. "I got this for you."
Kindred takes the basket over to Beckett, setting it on her desk.
“For me?” She sounds skeptical. I’m not. This is Kindred at the end of the day. Always thinking of others. Don’t get me wrong; she can be a brat at times, but she wears her heart on her sleeve, and it always wins out in the end. Most times, anyway.
"A little birdie, and mind you, there are a lot of little birdies in this town"—a small, sweet laugh leaves her—"told me that you're moving to New Hope, and I think we got off on the wrong foot. So this is my peace offering."
All the shit she had to get done today, and she made time to put a basket together. From here I can see it's filled with treats and trinkets from the shops all over town.
"Oh, wow." Beckett shifts on her feet, for once appearing awkward. "Thanks."
"If you need anything, you can always pop into Town Hall and ask. I tend to be around." Beckett nods. Now she's at a loss for words too? "I'll see you tomorrow at the wedding."
"Yeah, I see you too." Kindred strolls over toward me. "How are you doing, handsome?" She places her hands on my chest, lifting to offer me her mouth. I take it. "Cash," Kindred laughs when I finally release her. I'm sure she only meant to give me a quick kiss, but if I have the opportunity, I'm indulging in her mouth for as long as I can.
Chapter Twenty-Four
KINDRED
Iwait for Katie and her basket to vacate the building.
“That was nice of you.” Cash gives my ass a squeeze.
“Was it?” I bat my lashes up at him innocently.
“Shit.” Cash lets out a sigh. “You think it’s her too.”
“It’s all been going around in my head this afternoon. Everyone really pitched in today, so things slowed down, and my mind got going.”
Half the town had been coming and going today to help make sure things were ready for the wedding tomorrow. Even while we’re in one of the busiest times of the year.
“Why do you think it’s her?”
“I refuse to believe a local would do such a thing. Call me naïve.”
“I agree. I didn’t like you wondering if it was last night. Questioning who you are. The friendships and relationships you’ve built and nourished your whole life.”
“Right, that’s what I said to myself in the bathroom mirror this afternoon when I had a chat with myself.”
“A chat with yourself?” He smiles down at me.
“Sometimes you have to remember who you are.” I do a little wiggle dance in his arms, making his smile grow. “I don’t care for her. The vibe is off, and I normally get along with other girls.”
I mean, take Shelly and me. The banter is all in good fun at the end of the day. Every now and then, we have to make our own drama around here. Keeps us busy. Also keeps these men around here in line.
“You do.” He dips his head and presses his mouth to mine.
“I have bad news,” I tell him. My plans are already in motion.
“Hit me, Cupcake.”
“The bride can’t stay the night with the groom, so I’m with Candy tonight.”
