“We’re not.” It would have been a great story to share, but Hayes and Wheeler wouldn’t have believed it anyway. “Thanks for this conversation we never had.”
“One last thing,” he said.
“She’s too good for me?” I guessed.
“Hm. Sounds like something I’d say. And probably true. But not what I was thinking.”
“Then what are your final words of wisdom, oh great sensei?”
He scowled. “Be smarter than you look and don’t fuck this up.”
26
CAMI
At 8:00 a.m., I began pacing back and forth from the kitchen to the living room, peering out the front windows with each pass. Last night, when I’d made the decision to tell Kyle about Scott first thing in the morning, I’d imagined having it behind us by now. But he’d been called into HQ and I’d been stuck in a hell of my own making.
After ten minutes of pacing, I poured a cup of coffee, then realized I’d already drunk two, and set it aside. Overdoing it on caffeine would only make my nerves worse.
Half an hour later, I was staring out the glass doors overlooking the back yard when movement in the trees caught my eye. Bella, on her long leash, emerged from the trees, followed quickly by Kyle. I unlocked the back door for them, then began pulling items out of the warming oven and fridge. By the time the back door opened, the breakfast I’d prepared for him was set up on the table.
He stopped inside the door to let Bella off her leash, then glanced from to the table to me. “What’s all this?”
I rubbed my arms, hugging myself. “You’ve done somuch for me, I thought the least I could do was make you breakfast.”
He smiled. “Thank you. You didn’t have to do that, but I appreciate it. It smells great. Are those... How did you know Belgian waffles with fresh strawberries and cream are my favorite?”
I hesitated. What had seemed like such a good idea over an hour ago might come across as creepy now. “I texted Savannah to ask if she knew what you might like. She checked with Ben. I hope that’s okay.”
“That’s more than okay. I love this.” He came to the kitchen and pulled me into a hug.
The knot in my chest tightened. I clung to him, wondering when or even if he would want to hold me again after I told him about Scott’s threats and the reason he could make them. Too soon, we pulled apart and Kyle washed his hands while I poured coffee. We sat down across from each other. My mind scrabbled for something to say, for anything to change the topic.
But I’d learned from the decision I’d made last night, the one I now regretted, that delaying it would only make it worse.
He offered me the waffle platter.
I shook my head. “I have something to tell you.”
“You do?” He relaxed now, seeming relieved
I wondered why, but didn’t ask because I had to start talking before I punted this again. “Yes, I do, but please start eating. It’ll be easier for me if you do.”
“Okay.” He loaded his plate, then took a bite. “Mmm. This is delicious. You’ve been holding out on me.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.” Tears filled my eyes. Damn it, I didn’t want to cry. I didn’t want to seem weak or defeated, or like I was angling for sympathy.
He reached across the table and took my hand. “Hey, I was joking. I meant about being such a good cook.” He set down his fork and took my other hand as well. “Cami, you can tell me anything.”
I took a deep breath, and finally plunged into the murky waters. “It’s about Scott.”
He nodded, unsurprised, and waited.
I almost blurted it out, but I needed to set the stage, to provide context in the hopes that he wouldn’t think I was an idiot. Or something worse. I decided to start at the beginning,
“I met him about ten months ago. I was volunteering with a greyhound rescue agency at a pet store. They’d brought some dogs who were available for adoption and I was there to answer questions for potential adopters. He started a conversation, and by the end of it, he’d asked me out. I’m sorry, could you keep eating? It really would make it easier if we’re not just staring at each other.”
“Sure.” He grinned, and my heavy heart lifted a tiny bit. “No need to twist my arm.” He took a bite, then nodded, encouraging me to continue.
