AllFreeNovel
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A pang ricochets in my chest as I think about the guy looking out in the crowd for his mom. Adored by thousands and missing one.
It’s a reminder of how we all share the basest of instincts, even when we have different backgrounds and different circumstances. For all their faults, my family has always shown up, and I’m immensely grateful for that.
Instead of offering more empty words, I move closer. It’s easy in the close confines of the truck cab to shift a few inches across the bench seat. I squeeze his arm without thinking it all the way through, offering him the comfort of physical touch.
Kyle glances at me, confusion flashing in his eyes before he looks back at the road. “Thought you’d try to talk me into signing a new contract again.”
“Nope.”
“They made me another official offer. I turned it down.”
I swallow, painfully aware relief isn’t what’s swirling around in my stomach.
I know what he’s really saying.
This is ending soon.
“Okay.”
Kyle turns into the ranch driveway, the truck’s suspension groaning as we hit a dip in the dirt.
The rain has slowed to a mist.
It coats my hair, skin, and dress as I tumble out of the cab, the ground dark and uneven.
“Don’t break anything,” Kyle says, closing the door behind me.
It’s still foreign, having him open doors for me like I’m an invalid, but strange in a special, unexpected way.
“I can’t see anything.”
“I moved all the shingles. There’s nothing to trip over. Just head for the house.”
“Yeah, I know you moved all the shingles,” I grumble. “How’s your hand, by the way?”
“It’s fine.”
I stumble again. “Crap. Your yard has it out for me.”
Kyle chuckles. “Just walk straight.”
“Iwas,” I insist, but I take the hand he’s offering anyway.
He doesn’t let go. And I don’t pull my palm away.
I swing our interlocked fingers like we’re little kids, tilting my face back so the falling water hits my skin straight on.
This feels like one of those rare, effortless moments where time is suspended and the rest of the world doesn’t really exist. I don’t have to worry about what Kyle is thinking or wonder what it means thatIdon’t want to let go.
His steps slow, and mine do too. We’re both getting wetter than we need to, walking at the slowest pace possible.
“Glad the rain is easing off,” Kyle comments.
I glance at him. He’s looking at the shiny metal roof, a wrinkle between his eyes.
“I get it,” I say.
“Get what?” He’s still focused on the roof.
