29Greta
On the second day without the ability to leave, Kaelee had grown visibly agitated. By midday, Greta watched her pace the house like a caged animal.
“She’s worse than me,” Toni said in a low voice. They were standing in the kitchen waiting for coffee while Addie was off somewhere, and Kaelee was walking around from window to window as if she’d spy something in the thick snow outside. “Is this because of hearing from her family?”
“You know her family was threatening her?” Greta matched her volume to Toni’s, although there was no chance of being overheard.
“They aren’t going to show up at my door.” Toni looked out at the unmarked snow all the same. “Right?”
“The man has deep pockets, lawyers, politicians, and likely a few police who seem willing to do as he wants. I’m not sure what he can do.” Greta had been weighing the possibilities. If Tripp Alden wanted to avoid publicity, he couldn’t send the media after her. Was physical violence the real threat? Kaelee had experienced gaslighting, physical, verbal, and sexual violence because of that man. Her fear was logical—even ifwhatthey should fear was still nebulous.
“Kae lives at the gym. I suspect the lack of exercise is adding to her agitation.” Toni stared at the coffeepot like it was insulting her by not being instantaneous. “Addie’s feet look about your size. I’msure there’s boots you could borrow since you only brought those high-heeled things. Utterly impractical of you.”
“Maybe I should invite Kaelee to the room to try to wear her out.” Greta bit back a smile at Toni’s expression. “But honestly, even when we have sex all night, she never runs out of en—”
“Stop.” Toni’s back was to her now as she fixed her coffee. “No joking about that. My editor doesn’t have sex.”
Greta chortled. “Lies. At least I’m not in the news like you and Addie were.”
Toni sighed loudly. “True. So… you’re dating? Put her in front of your career?”
“Yes. She’s an incredible person.” Greta squirmed slightly. “I have other authors, you know. One of them is going to have another bestseller soon.”
“Hmph.” Toni stepped to the side and gestured at the coffee machine and assorted creams and sweeteners. “By the way, I graded your quiz on the book. You passed. You can buy the book.”
This time Greta’s laughter was loud enough to draw Kaelee’s attention. She popped into the kitchen. “What’s so funny in here?”
“I’m allowed to buy Toni’s book.” Greta held out her free hand, and Kaelee stepped closer.
Once Kaelee had Greta snuggled in against her side, she asked, “Do you think the author or editor might allow me to read the book if I take a quiz?”
“It’s not edited yet.” Toni scowled. “Probably filled with typos, insufficient plot points, and maybe it’s a terrible—”
“It’s absolutelynotterrible,” Greta interjected before taking another drink of the coffee she now clutched in the hand not curled around Kaelee.
“—book that will fail,” Toni continued, ignoring Greta entirely. “And honestly, Kae, sitting down right now doesn’t seem like an option with the way you pace around like a convict awaiting escape.”
Kaelee flipped her off but said nothing. Even nestled into Greta’s side, Kaelee was squirming.
“Do you want to go for a walk? I don’t run, but maybe getting outside would be helpful,” Greta asked.
“Yes!” Kaelee squeezed her like she’d offered something incredible. “Two days of being away from the gym has me a little stir-crazy.”
“We hadn’t noticed,” Toni muttered. “If you got up earlier you could’ve gone for a run with me.”
Kaelee shook her head. “Naked woman in bed. Couldn’t move.”
Toni walked away without an audible word. So Greta looked at Kaelee. “Are you regretting staying here?”
“I’d have ended up here with or without you. Toni started thinking she’s my older sibling or something. Honestly, it’s a weird problem. My friend Cher claimed me as an honorary sister recently. What I lack in blood family, I collect in declared family.” Kaelee kissed Greta’s temple.
“Rest assured, I have no familial feelings toward you. My thoughts are one hundred percent grounded in sex, dating, and friendship,” Greta declared.
“The same.” Kaelee took the coffee cup from Greta’s hand. “I can go out by myself again today if you want to stay in where it’s warm. I bet you can find a book on the shelves or—”
“I just need warm boots, and I’m good.”
“They cleared the lot and at least one of the side roads,” Kaelee said. “I watched when I was—”
