Page 29 of Kian's Devotio
Karalee felt her face go hot. Why was he doing this?
Mila laughed, “Oh! I like it. Have fun. You start tomorrow Karalee. Be here at 8.”
Karalee nodded and took another bite of her burger, trying to hold back another moan.
Kian slid into the booth with her on the opposite side and Mila leaned down and asked him what he wanted.
“The same as what my girl has. Thanks.”
Karalee choked on her bite of food and Kian immediately jumped up from his chair and very gently patted her on the back.
She stopped choking and he sat back down.
She took a drink of the water Mila brought them both and glared at him.
He looked at her with innocent eyes. “What?”
She threw her hands up, “You. I do NOT understand you. You don’t acknowledge me for years, treat me as though our friendship didn’t matter and then kissed me that night and took it back. I just can't. I can’t.”
She went to stand, and he stopped her, “Wait. Kara, please. Please. I want to talk to you about that and couldn’t wait.”
She sat back down stiffly and crossed her arms over her chest. “Talk then.”
He heard her stomach rumble and he shook his head, “Eat as I talk. Okay?”
She sighed and picked up a fry and popped it in her mouth.
“Talk. I am only so patient Kian.”
He grimaced, “This isn’t where I wanted to have this conversation. Can we pack this up to go?”
She glared at him, “What? You just said for me to eat.”
“I know I did. I just know that what we are going to talk about will be upsetting and or make you hurt. I don’t really want this town to see you that way. I know you don’t either.”
She felt herself melt a little and then nodded, and Mila came over with his plate.
“Can we get this to-go Mila? Sorry for being such an inconvenience.”
Mila nodded, “Of course, let me grab that real quick. Kian, your meal is on the house today also.”
Kian shook his head, “I don’t want anyone to lose money or anything.”
Mila laughed, “My Granny knows how much your family has struggled in the last few days. It's her way to thank you and to help you. Even in this small way. Let me grab those boxes.”
She hurried away and then came back a few seconds later and they put their food in the boxes.
Mila brought them two waters that were in to-go cups and she told them that Granny packed them two slices of pie also.
Along with some throw away silverware.
Then Kian led her out of the restaurant and to his car.
She sat in silence and as he pulled away from the diner, she could see Mila grinning and Karalee gave her a tiny smile back.
Mila gave her a thumbs up and then Kian was turning away and heading to the mountains.
