Page 78 of Unraveled

“Yeah. And you look incredible.”

“Luckily, my hair is still cooperating with me thus far.”

Although it was hard to picture her without it, I knew my feelings for her went way deeper than her external beauty. “What do you think about driving up to the San Juan Islands during your next window? We can get a place for the night.”

A smile curved her lips. “Sounds amazing. Then again, I’d say the same if you took me to Target.”

“You’re so high-maintenance.”

She threw her head back and laughed. “I save that for the bedroom. Now then, I’d better let you get back to work.”

I glanced back at the house, realizing most of the guys had stopped what they were doing to eat. Carly was on the porch, clearly pissed. “I’m glad you came by.”

“Me too.”

“I have a meeting with a potential new client tonight, but I’ll bring you that clam chowder afterward?” Business was already lining up as a result of my current job.

“How about tomorrow night instead? I know it’s already a long day for you.”

“Sounds good.” My lips dropped to hers for one final peck goodbye.

Carly was in a huff when I went up the steps. “I’m not paying you to play kissy-face with your girlfriend on the job.”

“You’re not the one paying me at all. And I don’t work on an hourly basis. My fee is project-based.”

“Well, make sure you don’t go falling behind.”

I turned to face her while trying to tamp down on my irritation. “Don’t threaten me.”

She turned red. “I could shut this entire thing down.”

“Actually, you can’t. There’s something called a contract. There’s nothing wrong with the work being done here that’s in breach of it. If you’d like, I’ll call your stepfather to confirm that.”

We’d reached a stalemate. One she must’ve realized wouldn’t go in her favor if I made the call. So, she took another approach. Tears.

“I’m sorry, Kellan. It was tough for me to see you with her. I’d hoped— I hoped maybe we had a chance.”

“We don’t. Even without Layla in the picture. But I hope we can be civil to one another while my team does an amazing renovation on your parents’ house.”

She wiped her eyes. “I don’t have much choice, do I? I, um, should go. I’m sure hanging around here every day makes me pathetic.”

“I wouldn’t use that word, but I do think you not being here every day would be for the best.”

She sighed. “Your girlfriend is very beautiful.”

“I think so, too. I’m going to get back to work now. Take care, Carly.”

It felt good to be done with this chapter and put it permanently in the past.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Layla

Marking territory for his ex hadn’t been my most mature plan, but God, it had felt good. And once he’d reassured me I was very welcome there, all my insecurities over Carly disappeared. I’d actually felt like a badass again. Maybe I was getting my groove back.

At least it felt that way until I woke up on Friday morning, and the bottom dropped out. Because on my pillow was a clump of dark hair. I stared at it for a full minute before the truth sank in, and I started crying.

Yes, it had been stupid to think I’d be the exception. Stupid to get my hopes up about not losing my hair. But I’d still hoped. As I stumbled into the bathroom, I fisted out another clump by tugging gently. The strands falling in the sink had me sobbing. I’d foolishly hoped I was past this point, despite having read it could take a couple of treatments before hair started falling out. So much for our romantic weekend away in the San Juan Islands. Now I’d not only need a padded bra, but also a wig. And before long, fake eyelashes and drawn-on brows. It was too much to process.