Page 23 of King

The other girls turned to look at her, curiosity in their eyes.

Remi tilted her head, lips twitching like she was holding back a smirk. “Do we need to go kick his butt? Because we will.”

“Oh, heck yeah,” Ivy added. “We can put slime on the seat of his bike.”

Crap. She didn’t want them to do that.

Ella’s cheeks burned. “No, he didn’t—” She hesitated, chewing on her lip. “It’s stupid.”

“Doubt it,” Harper said, crossing her arms. “Spill.”

Ella exhaled, feeling ridiculous even saying it aloud. “There was a woman at the firehouse today,” she admitted. “She wasgorgeous. And sophisticated. Way more King’s type than me. And she was all over him.”

Carlee frowned. “Did he touch her back?”

Ella hesitated. “I don’t know. I left before I could see.”

Harper pulled out her phone, typing something quickly. A moment later, she sighed dramatically. “My Daddy says she’s King’sex. She’s called Janelle.” She looked up. “And hehatesher.”

It took Ella a moment to remember that Doc was Harper’s Daddy. She’d seen him several times at the firehouse. He was one of the medics there.

“He does?” Ella asked.

Harper bobbed her head. “Apparently, they broke up forever ago. She cheated. He won’t even give her the time of day.”

Ella shifted uncomfortably, doubt still making her stomach twist. “It… it didn’tlooklike that.”

Remi rolled her eyes. “Trust me, if King were interested in her, we’dallknow it. That man doesn’t hide what he wants. And it was obvious at the BBQ that he wants you.”

Ella wanted to believe them.

But the image of that woman pressing herself against King was burned into her mind.

And no matter what they said, the doubt wouldn’t go away.

Ella stepped into her tiny house, the quiet bothering her more than it had since she’d moved from New York. Normally, coming home felt comforting. Her own little space full of warmth, softness, and things that made her feel safe. But tonight, everything feltoff.

She moved through the motions of getting ready for bed, trying to shake off the lingering sadness. After slipping into her favorite pair of footie pajamas, light pink with miniscule white clouds, she let out a small sigh. She hugged her stuffed bunny to her chest, running her fingers over its soft fur as she climbed into bed.

Her phone sat on the nightstand, the screen glowing with unread messages.

From him.

Ella swallowed hard, her fingers trembling slightly as she picked it up.

She hadn’t checked them since she left the firehouse. Sheknewshe should’ve opened them sooner, but she was afraid. Afraid of what he might say. Afraid that he wouldn’t even bother explaining. Afraid that he would, and it wouldn’t be one she wanted.

Taking a deep breath, she tapped the screen and began reading.

King: Ella?

King: Did I do something?

King: Talk to me, Little one.

King: Please.

King: Remi says you’re at book club, so I know you’re okay. But I need to know if you’re upset withme.

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