Page 60 of Boulder's Weight

Is that who I want to be?

After showering and changing into clean clothes, I decide to check on Kelsey.

Even with Amara's warning, I can't stop thinking about her, about the fear in her eyes last night.

I need to make sure she's safe, the same way I need air to breathe.

The ride to her apartment is quick, the late afternoon sun warm on my back.

When I reach her building, I take the stairs two at a time, knocking on her door with more force than necessary.

There’s no answer.

I knock again, a sense of unease growing in my gut. "Kelsey? It's Boulder."

Still nothing.

I try the handle, surprised to find it unlocked.

Drawing my gun, I push the door open slowly, scanning for any sign of danger.

The apartment is empty, no signs of struggle, but no Kelsey either.

Panic surges through me before I spot a note on the kitchen counter.

Emergency shift at the café. Astra called. Back by 8. - K

Relief floods through my entire body, followed immediately by annoyance at my own reaction.

When did I become the type to panic over a woman not being where I expected her to be?

This shit is getting out of hand.

I decide to head to the café, just to make sure everything is really okay.

The need to see her, to confirm with my own eyes that she's safe, is stronger than my desire to keep her away from me.

CatsAndJava is busy when I arrive, customers filling most of the tables, cats weaving between legs and lounging on window sills.

I don't go inside, choosing instead to watch from across the street.

Through the large front windows, I can see Kelsey moving behind the counter, a small smile on her face as she hands a customer their order.

She looks different here—more relaxed, more at ease than I've ever seen her.

As I watch, Python enters the café, greeting Astra with a kiss before nodding to Kelsey.

They exchange words, and Kelsey laughs at something he says.

The sight stirs something uncomfortable in my chest.

Jealousy?

No, that's ridiculous.

Just surprise at seeing her so comfortable with club members who aren't me.

I decide to wait for her shift to end rather than go in.

---