Page 45 of Tangled in Temptation

“Are you sure you’re going to be okay?” he asked. “I don’t mind sitting with you. I promise, I will keep my hands, lips, and all other body parts to myself.”

I laughed. “Thank you, but I’m going to pass out. Take care, Luke. I’ll probably be seeing you around at the shop.”

“Your dad is going to make sure of it,” he chuckled.

I groaned. “I’m sorry he’s coming on so strong.”

“I’m not worried about it.” He shrugged. “Good night.”

I closed and locked the door. I made my way upstairs to my room and barely had the ability to strip before collapsing into bed.

Chapter Twenty

Catherine

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I WAS AWOKEN BY A VERY cruel sun streaming through the window that overlooked the back yard and had no curtains. After a few groggy minutes, I decided to get up. My head was pounding. Too much alcohol. I wasn’t normally a big drinker.

I grabbed my ratty robe that wasn’t pretty but was very comfortable. I needed caffeine. And water. Maybe orange juice. And bacon. My body was crying for protein and rehydration.

The house was eerily silent as I slowly made my way downstairs to make coffee. I started the coffee and then pulled out the half can of Diet Coke that I had put in the fridge with the intention of making myself another drink last night.

I sucked it down, letting the cold liquid wash down my throat. Then I went on the hunt for food. I grabbed the carton of eggs and found a pack of bacon that would make a perfect breakfast sandwich.

As the smell of sizzling bacon filled the kitchen, I thought about the events of the night before. Going to the bar with Tristan and Amber, meeting Luke again, talking... it all seemed like a dream now. It was nice to have met someone like Luke. He was gentle, kind, and understanding. But my heart was still aching from Timothy’s need to break it.

I poured myself a cup of coffee, letting the hot liquid do its thing. I decided right then to swear off alcohol for a while. Two mornings in a row were just a little too much. I made myself the sandwich and stared out the back window, watching a bird flit from one branch to the next.

The morning progressed slowly, and true to her word, Amber called to check up on me and insist that I eat something. I assured her that I had eaten and was doing fine.

After taking a shower and cleaning up around the house, my body was still starving for more coffee. I decided to treat myself to some of the good stuff. I needed the fresh air to help clear my head.

I took a walk to my favorite coffee shop, inhaling the fresh air and doing my best to forget about all the drama with Timothy.

As I approached the coffee shop, the familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. I ordered my favorite cup and stepped to the side to wait.

As I waited for my order, I scanned the surroundings and noticed a group of teenagers gathered outside. I was surprised to see Paisley with them. The kids were laughing and having a good time. It was strange to see her laughing. I was so used to the surly teen thing.

My name was called, and I quickly moved to get my coffee. When I walked outside, I wasn’t sure if I should wave or if that would be too uncool for her to be seen associating with an adult. Not to mention, I didn’t want to do anything to earn Regina’s wrath.

Paisley noticed me and waved. “Catherine!”

She quickly excused herself from the group and rushed over to greet me. Her friends followed.

“Hi, Paisley,” I said. “How are you?”

“Good. This is Catherine.” She introduced me to her friends. “She went to school here, lived here her whole life.”

The other teens greeted me with friendly smiles.

“What are you guys up to?” I asked.

“We were just talking about school,” Paisley said with a smile, which was a stark contrast to her usual dour look when she mentioned going to boarding school.

“Oh?”

“Yep, I was just telling them I was for sure going to school here this year.”