I was shocked to find out they all grew up in foster care together with Emma, their pseudo mom. Kash is so happy whenever I see him that I never would have guessed he grew up in the system. It makes me more curious about him, and I can’t afford for that to happen. I have to remind myself that Cora only works here because the other girl went nuts after Kash didn’t want a relationship with her. At least, that’s what I hear. From Cora’s run-in with her, she’s pretty firm something must have been off with her in general.
Mara and I stay for a bit and mingle with the guests. I try my hardest to avoid Kash, but he’s always popping up right by me.
“Where have you been, Sunshine?”
“Would you stop calling me that?”
“Nope. It’s either Sunshine, Sweetheart, or Wifey.”
Choking on my drink, I look at him in bewilderment. “Are you sure you’re not crazy? Have you actually been checked?”
“Are you worried about me, honey? Hmm…” He tilts his head as if in thought. “I don’t care for that one as much as the others.”
“Are you like this with everyone?”
“Like what?”
“Like this.” I wave my hand in his general direction. “You’re oddly happy right now.”
“Why wouldn’t I be happy? I’m here with my girl, and my buddy gets to celebrate his birthday with his girl.”
“I'm not your girl, Kash. We’ve been through this.”
“Maybe not yet, but you will be. I’m not giving up, Mila. I know you’ll come around.”
Would it be so bad to give in? I know I don’t really date, but maybe one night with him would settle me for a while. It’ll be a nice memory to hold on to.
“Can you help me with the cake, Mila?” Cora’s voice cuts into my thoughts.
Smiling at my friend, I walk away from Kash. “Of course.”
“Talk soon, Sunshine,” Kash murmurs from behind me.
“What’s that all about?” Cora asks with a lift of her brow.
“Nothing. I swear. He’s just being friendly.”
Cora’s quiet for a minute as I grab the candles and get ready to place them strategically around the cake. There’s a smattering of chocolate covered strawberries on top, and I don’t think anyone wants to eat wax.
“Mila,” she starts, “I know I said Kash is a bit of a flirt and all that, but he’s not a bad guy. He’s dependable, kind, and is really sweet to Noah. I think Noah actually likes him more than Atlas.” She smirks. “Maybe at least try to be friends with him. I’m not saying you have to go out with him, but maybe you couldtryto be friends?”
Placing the last candle in the cake, I step back and think about what she said. Looking across the room, I see Kash standing with Rhett, deep in conversation. As if he can sense my gaze on him, he turns and offers me a large smile.
Maybe she’s right. Maybe I can be friends with Kash. Just because I find him funny and good-looking doesn’t mean I have to date him.
I’ll just keep him in the friend zone. That should be easy, right?
Chapter Nine
Kash
Ithink I deserve an award for the amount of restraint I’ve shown. I miss my Mila. A lot. I’ve been keeping tabs on her, and here’s what I’ve discovered.
First, my girl is an early riser, likeearly. Before it’s even light outside early. I may or may not have camped out when I discovered she lives in the apartment above their coffee shop. That doesn’t feel very safe. What happens if there’s a fire or an intruder at their business? I need to get her out of there.
Second, she’s kind. Toeveryone. I’ve watched her at the counter interacting with their customers, and where Mara is all sharp edges, Mila is soft. She smiles at everyone and seems genuinely happy. I’d kill to have one of those smiles aimed my way.
Third, she doesn’t eat much. I’ve watched her work from six AM until one thirty in the afternoon, and I don’t think she ever stops to take a break. Unless she packs—though I never see her take anything in with her but her water bottle—she’s not properly taking care of herself.
