Page 80 of The Scars We Heal

Whitley, sporting a new haircut as well, immediately ran into the guest house, and once she was inside, I practically threw myself out of the front door, letting out a long, sharp whistle.

Caitlin spun around, a wide smile spreading across her face.

“Well, hello there, gorgeous. Have I seen you around here before?” I grabbed at her belt loops to pull her close to me.

“You’ve maybe seen me a time or two.” Cait looped her arms around my neck, and I pressed my lips to hers.

When we broke apart, I leaned down to whisper in her ear, “Love the new hair, Cait. It suits you.”

A rosy flush creeped into her cheeks, and her eyes darted away for a split second. “You think so? Are you sure it’s not too short?”

Fuck. If I ever catch Adam, I swear I’m going to murder him.

I twisted a lock of newly highlighted hair around my fingers. “I wouldn’t lie about something like that, darlin’. I love it.”

Her face turned an even deeper shade of pink as she mumbled, “Thank you,” then turned away toward her front door.

“What’s your plan for the rest of the day?”

She looked over her shoulder when she was halfway up the steps to the porch. “Not sure. I don’t have anything planned, really. Keeping Whit out of trouble,” she said with a laugh as she looked back at the guest house. A door slammed inside, presumably the one to Whitley’s room.

“Come over for dinner.”

I expected her to protest or come up with an excuse, but by my surprise, she agreed.

“Yeah, we can do that.”

“I’m looking forward to it. I’ll let you get back to it, then.” I closed the distance between us and gave her a quick peck on the lips before starting back to my house. “Oh, and Cait?” I turned around at the last minute when I was halfway across the lawn between our front porches.

She raised an eyebrow.

“You look fucking jaw-dropping with that haircut. Don’t forget that.”

Taking backward steps the rest of the way, I watched as she went into the guest house, sneaking one last look at me over her shoulder, a wide-toothed smile etched on her face.

I waited until she was safely inside, then I spun on my heel, making the rest of the trek across the lawn to my own house.

I opened the fridge, surveying the food I had. My eyes scanned each shelf until I figured out what I was going to make. Frozen chicken nuggets and mac and cheese for Whit, steak, potatoes, and broccoli for me and Cait.

Hours later, the kitchen was filled with the aroma of savory steak and buttery mashed potatoes, plus the added scent of mac and cheese. It smelled like all my comfort foods. Like home.

I turned on some country music in the background and lit a candle before deciding to blow it out at the last minute. This wasn’t a dinner for me to romance Caitlin. Well, maybe it was, but her daughter was going to be there, too. The vibe was more family dinner than wine and dine.

A soft knock sounded at the door, and I took a deep breath before padding over to it. I pulled it open, and Whitley bounded inside, immediately finding the chicken nuggets on the counter.

“Chicken nuggets!” she shrieked. “Those are my favorite!”

With a light chuckle, I said, “I know they are, bug. I made mac and cheese for you, too.”

“You didn’t have to make her something else,” Caitlin murmured as she passed me.

“I know she’s picky, so I wanted to make her food she was familiar with and liked. I know she’ll have to try new things, but I want her to be comfortable.”

Caitlin’s eyes grew misty, and she blinked a few times. “Thank you. That was really thoughtful.”

“Anything for my favorite girls.” I wrapped an arm around her shoulder and led her to the dining table, pulling out a chair for her. “Sit tight. I’ll get you a plate.”

She moved to stand, and I tutted at her. “Sit. Stay.”