Speaking of the feline, she jumps from my bed and pads her way down the stairs as the front door opens.
It’s Thursday evening, right when he and hisgirlfriendare done with their little walk.
Yes, I’ve watched them as they’ve strolled away from the cabin. I’m not sure what I was hoping for. Maybe to see them kiss so that it just solidified my thoughts, but they always stay a decent distance from one another.
She never comes in, that is, until now.
“Ayden?” We haven’t talked since the first time we met, so this is surprising.
I suck in a deep breath through my nose and sit up in bed, making my way over to the loft to look down at her. She’s wearing a bright smile, and right behind her is Keo. He brushes past her, disappearing under me.
“Do you want to go out tonight?” she asks.
“With you?” It’s a genuine question, asked with nothing but curiosity.
“Us. Keoni’s co-workers are meeting up at the local bar to watch the game. Broncos versus the Cardinals.” She places a hand onto her hip and grins. “Cardinals are going to get theirasseskicked.”
I don’t hear him say anything, even if it seems like Brittany is trying to get a rise out of him.
I’m not the biggest football fan, even if I cheered for my high school team for nearly three years—I’ve seen one too many concussions in my line of work. Saying I’m grateful Keoni didn’t actually go play in the NFL would be an understatement. Not that being a firefighter is any less dangerous, but at least he’s less likely to break his neck by tackling someone the wrong way.
“So, do you want to come?”
I haven’t been out of this cabin except for short walks around it and to bring in the groceries that are delivered. It might not be the worst idea, but is that even what Keo wants? He isn’t the one asking.
The part of my brain that wants to socialize screams at mybody, fighting against the constant, never-ending gloom.
I release a heavy sigh and nod. “Yeah, I’ll come. Give me a minute to get ready.”
I’m honestly surprised she jumps up in excitement. Maybe she wants to get to know the rest of Keo’s family. It’s annoying… but sweet, which fucking sucks.
It takes me no more than ten minutes to brush my hair and teeth, throw on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, and head out the door to find the two of them waiting.
Keoni is angled away from me, and when he glances over his shoulder, he gives me a nod. I’m shrugging on my letterman, trying to fight the cold chill now that the sun has gone down.
His eyes never waver from looking at me.
“Want to drive together?” Brittany asks.
I have no preference, nor should I even have a say considering I don’t have any options myself to offer. So, I just keep quiet.
Keo’s gaze stays locked on mine, and I’m regretting the jacket already because I’m starting to get hot.
“I’ll take Ayden. No need for you to go out of your way to come drop us off when we are done.” He rolls up his sweater’s sleeves to his elbows. “Plus, your driving scares me.”
She gasps in mock horror. “Rude.”
I don’t wait for him to instruct me, and move over toward his truck.
“But regardless, thank god. I need a drink and don’t want to drive these roads with evenonein my system.”
It’s like her words were intentional, even though she has no idea what happened. She couldn’t—Michael’s dad made sure of that.
I nearly stumble, or maybe I do, because a strong hand grabs my upper arm to keep me steady. When I peer up, Keo’s brows are pulled together, worry etched across his face.
Before he says anything, and I have an unnecessary anxiety attack, I force a smile. “Sorry. I’m apparently still not used tonotliving in a concrete jungle.”
His eyes bore down at my lips, and his nose twitches. Is he… mad?
