Page 19 of Edged

Her eyes widened, dark pools of misery and hope all in the same look. Who was this guy that Kaley was so emotional?

“I can’t read minds, Kaley, but I won’t let that prick ruin our night.”

Their waiter came bustling up. “I’m so sorry about that. I was in the kitchen.” He set the bag with their food on the table.

“Not your fault,” Anthony said. It wasn’t, but their waiter looked upset. “I would love some coffee and a dessert menu. Kaley?”

“I’m good.”

The waiter rushed off.

Anthony didn’t like how Kaley wouldn’t look at him; instead, she was staring at the table. “Please look at me.”

She shook her head.

He dropped his voice. “Kaley, honey. I want you to raise your eyes and look at me. Now.”

She responded and lifted her head. Her gaze met his.

“That’s better.” He trailed his fingers over her hot cheek. “Who is Junior?”

“Someone I went to high school with.” Her voice was soft.

Anthony shook his head. “There has to be more than that.” The man was obnoxious.

“He was the captain of the football team and had his sights set on me because he thought I’d be easy pickings.”

“Damn, I should have punched him.”

“That’s what he wanted.” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before she met his gaze again. “He learned quickly I wasn’t interested.”

“What did you do?” She was brave, even though there was a hint of fear in her eyes, and her voice was soft. She was so strong.

“Just introduced his family jewels to my knee.”

Anthony winced. “And that makes him abuse you in a public place?”

She nodded. “I’ve seen him around town. He’ll make snide comments, but I just ignore him. Trust me; I have clients who think I’m no better than the dirt on their shoes.”

“Drop them.” His anger returned. She didn’t deserve to be abused by anyone.

“Someday, maybe. But, this is why we can’t be together,” she whispered.

“BS.” He shifted the arm around her shoulders, and his hand clasped the back of her neck. Her intake of breath was swift, and her breathing changed. “Junior’s an asshole, and you say some of your clients are too. You are not to believe a word they said.”

“But it’s true.”

“Those words are never true.” God, he hated that someone could cause her to retreat into herself. “You did what you did to survive. And you made it.”

“I did survive.” Her voice was a little stronger now.

“I’m sure others didn’t, but you found your way, and now you’re a successful business woman.”

“I’m not sure I’d consider myself successful.”

“Oh? How long have you been in the dog grooming business?”

“When I left home, I needed a job and a place to live. So I worked at a pet store and found a crappy little apartment.” She shifted in her seat.

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