“Okay. Be back soon.”
I wait until I’m sure she’s gone, then peek out the kitchen doors. I don’t see Kash, and the lobby is mostly empty, so I guess I’m safe for now.
“Hey. Want me to make you a drink or something?” Joelle offers. I start to shake my head but then reconsider. I have not been sleeping well. Between my dreams of Kash and the couch, it hasn’t been easy. I don’t know why I do this to myself. Maybe I should go back. I’ll just reaffirm boundaries.
“I can do it, but thanks.” I give her a small smile, and head toward one of our coolers where we keep green tea and some juices. I don’t think I’m ready for more coffee yet, but a light afternoon drink sounds good. Mixing together the tea and juice, I distract myself and try to piece together what I need to say to Kash. Nervousness fills me, but I know it’s necessary.
By the time I finish cleaning the counters and a few tables, Mara’s back. “Are you good if I head out early? Joelle is here if you need anything, and Bailey will be here in an hour.” Bailey is one of our other kitchen workers. She’ll be able to keep up with anything for the afternoon.
“You sure you’re good, Mila?”
“Yes. I’m fine. Just feeling tired.”And confused.
“Maybe you’re coming down with something?” Mara looks at me, her face scrunching in concern.
“Nah. Probably just need to sleep more.”
“Well, hopefully Kash isn’t keeping you up. I know you guys basically have opposite schedules, so I hope he’s being respectful of that.” She folds her arms over her chest.
“Yes. I promise. I’m good, just going to head out.” Not wanting to think about how he kept me up, I return to the kitchen, grabbing my coat and keys. I’m not exactly sure where I’m going, but I just can’t stay here right now.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Kash
Iwish I could say I was surprised to wake up alone, but I really wasn’t. I was hopeful Mila would be in my arms still, but I had a feeling she would take off. It would have been too easy for her to stay, and Mila has been skittish since the start. I just need to up my game.
Saturday night was the best night I’ve ever had, and Sunday was looking promising, but Mila had other ideas. She hasn’t been home since, and it’s starting to get old. If I wasn’t so busy trying to get the shop back together, I’d be dragging her sweet little ass back. As it stands, we’re waiting to reopen until after Atlas and Cora’s wedding.
I’m not complaining because not only does it get me more time with Mila, but it’s also partly my fault. Bri never would have smashed up the shop if it wasn’t for our... interaction.
“I never thought she had that much rage in her,” Rhett remarks, putting supplies back into a row of storage cabinets that Bri broke and destroyed.
“I don’t think any of us did,” I admit. Bri was always a go-with-the-flow kind of girl and seemed laid back, but it changed right after we slept together. She got mean and possessive crazy fast. I know I’m possessive of Mila, but that’s different. My possessiveness comes from a place of pure, deep love—not a need to keep her for myself. Who am I kidding? It’s both.
“Well, I guess you learned your lesson.”
“Leave him be,” Atlas cuts in, giving me a knowing nod. His station is the most put together. He’s said multiple times he wants to be done so he can focus on his girl. Care Bear is lucky he gave her any time at all to plan something.
Rhett looks between the two of us, confusion and interest on his face. “What’s that look for? What do you know that I don’t?”
“You guys gossip more than old biddies at church on Sunday,” Seth cuts in. “Don’t you all have work to do? I already had the front window replaced. If it were up to you lot, we’d never reopen.”
“Hey, that’s not fair. I’m helping.” Rhett lifts the box of supplies in his hands. “Don’t start with me. I need coffee and if you keep picking, I may punch you in the chin, Seth.”
“You want to spar, pretty boy?” Seth offers, arms outstretched. “We can go to Emma’s.”
“No!” I shout. It took me a minute to focus on their argument, but Rhett said coffee. Coffee meansTwin Roasts, andTwin Roastsmeans a reason to see Mila. “I need coffee too.” I turn around and start looking for my keys.
“Nope, caffeine is the last thing you need.” Seth points at me. “You’re already wound up enough, and your station is almost nonexistent.” He gestures to where my chair used to sit, and the dent in the floor where Bri swung her bat. Damn it. He might be right.
“It’s fine. I’ll stay here and help Kash get his stuff together. We need to get this done sooner than later. Right, Kash?” Atlas stares back at me, daring me to disagree.
“No. It’s fine. You guys go ahead.” An idea is already forming in my mind. With them gone, I can put part two of my plan into motion. I’ve already got Mila at my apartment, sort of; now it’s time to take some permanent steps.
“Alright. We’ll be back in a bit. I’m going to grab some extra lights.” Rhett sets the box of supplies down. “I was growing tired of the ones we had anyway.”
“Sure, buddy.” Seth clasps his shoulder on the way out. “Whatever you say.”
