Page 16 of Healer’s Betrayal

An urge to tell her suddenly fills me. “He only charged me for parts. When I asked how I could repay him, he asked me out for dinner.”

Her grin widens. “I knew he was into you.” Her face falls a moment later. Before I realize what she’s doing, she puts her arm through my elbow and pulls me towards the kitchen and to one of the back rooms. “Do you not want to go?”

I shrug. “I don’t know.”

She frowns. “You don’t have to if you don’t want to.” Her brows furrow. “Has he done anything that makes you uncomfortable?”

“What? Cole? No, not at all. No, he’s fine; it’s just.” I wave a hand. “It’s totally me; it will be fine.” She eyes me with concern, and I regret saying anything to her. “What are your big plans for tonight?”

Thankfully, she lets me change the subject. “Oh, hmm. Monday night. Let’s see. Probably laundry, dinner, and oh,” her eyes brighten. “Cleaning my bathroom.”

I laugh. “Got it. Big plans.”

“We can’t all have a date like you do,” she says in return, but there’s no heat to her words.

“What happened to that guy you were dating? Sam or Seth or somebody.”

“Steven, and it didn’t work out. We went on a second date over the weekend, and it was a disaster.”

“I’m sorry,” I offer.

“Eh, don’t be. He was pretty in love with somebody else; it took me until the second date to see it.”

I frown. “Really? That’s terrible. Another woman?”

“Nope. Himself.”

I laugh. “I love you, Jessie.”

“Aw, I love you too. Seriously, though, don’t feel any pressure for tonight. If you want to go out with him, do it; if not, don’t. Just because he fixed your car doesn’t mean you owe him a date.”

“Yeah, you’re right. Thanks, Jess.” She leans forward and gives me a quick hug. “Text me tonight if you decide to go and let me know how it goes.”

“I will. I’m going to grab Noah and get going.”

“Me too. See you tomorrow.” I start to walk away, but she calls me back. “Kayla, wait.”

I turn back. “What about Noah?”

“I’m going to ask Renee.”

“Okay. Let me know if she can’t.”

I smile. “Thanks, Jessie.”

I head back out to the main area, sending Renee a quick text as I go. “You ready?” I ask, stopping next to Noah.

He stuffs his book into his bag and slides out of the booth. I make a mental note to try to get to the library soon and get him some more books to read. We head towards the front door. “Have a good night, Kayla,” Mama May says as she bustles past.

“You too.”

We step outside a minute later, and I close my eyes a moment, letting the sun warm me. “Where’s Jessie?” Noah asks.

“We got the car back,” I tell him, wiggling the keys in front of his face.

We throw our bags in the backseat. “It’s good to have wheels again.” I glance over at Noah once we’re both in the car. “Let’s go to the library.”

He turns to me. “Really?”