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Maybe they shouldn’t go?Maybe she could cry off with an excuse?Surely Kyle would be tired after a day of work and the drive?
Kyle arrived and got out of his car, tucking his phone into his pocket as he grabbed a small bag from the trunk.He bounded up the porch steps, smiling as he dropped the suitcase and gathered her up, kissing her.
“I’ve missed you.”
“We’ve talked every evening,” she said.
“Yeah, but talking isn’t the same,” he said, his gaze lowering to her mouth.“Are you sure you want to take this thing slow?”
Hadley pressed her hands on his chest and pushed, insisting on being lowered to her feet.“I’m sure.Especially after…everything.In fact,” she said, taking a deep breath, “I want you to be tested,” she said, bringing up the very touchy subject Izzy had brought to her attention later that night on the beach.
“What?”
“I know, my timing is horrible—”
“You’ve got that right.”
“But you’re a doctor, so surely you see the importance of blood work?”
“You think I’d give you something?”
“By sleeping with her, you’ve slept with everyone she’s been with, so is it possible?Yes.”
Kyle ran his hand over his face and glared at her.
“I can’t believe I drove all the way here, and before I can even get in the house, you’re giving me orders to get tested.”
“Not an order, a request.Besides, you’re the one who wants to go straight to bed, so it’s as good a time as any to discuss it,” she countered.“You can’t be angry with me for wanting to protect myself from harm.”
The words hung in the air between them, and Hadley ignored Hershey’s whine from behind the screen door.No doubt Hershey felt the tension and anger.
“You’re not going to sleep with me unless I do your bidding, so fine.”
“Thank you,” she said, meaning it despite his anger at the thought.“Would you like to change before the party?Take a shower to freshen up?”she asked, leading the way into the house.
“Yeah.Guess a cold shower is all that’s left for me.”
She ignored the statement and led the way upstairs, showed him to the spare bedroom, while noting the mulish glare he sent her that they wouldn’t be sharing a room, the shower, or sex.
He dropped the case onto the bed and Hadley watched, uncomfortable.The old Hadley would’ve jumped in and unpacked his clothes, hung them up, and organized things.The new Hadley expected him to do it himself like the adult he was.“Hershey and I will be downstairs.”
“Does that dog have to go everywhere with you?”
“Dogs are pack animals,” Hadley said.“I’m now her pack so yes.Enjoy the shower.”
Hershey followed Hadley back downstairs when she remembered she’d forgotten to take up the load of freshly laundered towels.She went to the laundry room to collect them and then reluctantly told Hershey to stay in the kitchen while she took them back upstairs.
Kyle obviously needed time to get used to having a dog and to realize his every wish wasn’t going to be met upon request.Hadley also didn’t want him taking his anger with her out on Hershey.
She entered the bedroom and found the bathroom door slightly ajar, the shower running on the other side.
She left the towels on the bed and hurried out into the hallway, not wanting Kyle to catch her in there and try again to seduce her.
Men thought differently than women.She knew sex meant acceptance to men, but in this case, she couldn’t take that step.Not until she felt safe and loved and—
And what?
She moved downstairs once more, her thoughts whirling like a spinning top filled with disorienting facts, fears, and unwanted images of Kyle with his twenty-something playmate.
