Page 86 of Take My Heart
‘Yeah, well, don’t tell her that. Let her think her planworked and she just happened to show up tonight when you were there.’
I roll my eyes. ‘Yeah, whatever.’
‘I need to go. I’ll see you tonight.’
‘Yeah, see ya.’ I end the call.
‘Your mom wants to meet me?’ Kate asks.
‘Sounds like it.’
‘What did you tell her about me?’
‘Nothing. Whatever she heard about you she heard from one of my brothers, probably Nick, since he works there and sees her every day.’
‘Did he tell her we’re dating?’
‘I don’t think so. I don’t know why he would. He knows we’re just friends and that you’re leaving soon.’ I glance at her. ‘Did you decide what day you’re leaving?’
‘Not yet. Jill’s going to pick me up so it’ll have to be when she’s not working, so Saturday or Sunday. I should probably go back earlier and look for apartments, but that would mean leaving next weekend.’
‘That’s really soon. And you paid me for three weeks.’
‘You can keep the money. You deserve it for putting up with me.’ She laughs.
‘What do you mean? I’m not putting up with you. I like having you here.’
‘You do?’
‘Yeah.’ I glance at her. ‘I might even miss you when you’re gone.’
She looks down. ‘I’ll miss you too.’
The way she says it, all sad and quiet, makes me think she’s getting attached to me. I think I’m getting attached to her, too. Iknow I am. She hasn’t even left yet and I’m already dreading having to go back to living alone. I could find another girl, start dating again, but it wouldn’t be the same. When Kate’s around, the house feels warm and inviting. I actually like being there. Before she arrived, I was starting to really hate that house. Being there just reminded me how stupid I was for investing in a house I couldn’t afford to fix. I still think about that, but then Kate smiles or hugs me or falls asleep on me on the couch and I forget all about the stupid house and how in debt I am.
The good news is I was able to make the mortgage payment with the money Kate gave me. I had money left over which I used to pay off my bill at the drugstore and some other bills. The money I made plowing driveways is starting to come in, which will cover next month’s mortgage. I could use what’s left to pay back Jason or start repairing the house. I haven’t decided what to do yet. I’ve considered selling the house as is, but if I do, I’ll be selling it at a loss and I need to get Jason to agree to that since he owns half.
When we get home, Kate goes into her room to get ready for tonight. I need to take a shower. I spent the day shoveling sidewalks and worked up a sweat. I go into my room and get undressed, dropping my clothes in the hamper. Kate got it for me when she was out shopping with Gina. She insists it’s easier than tossing my clothes on the floor. I’m not convinced, but I’ll do it when she’s here because I know how much it bothers her to have my clothes everywhere.
I leave my room and cross the hall to the bathroom. I get the shower going and hear Kate behind me.
‘Sorry! I didn’t know you were in here.’
Turning around, I see her standing at the door with a towelaround her. Her eyes lower to my body, which doesn’t have a stitch of clothing on because I was about to close the door and get in the shower.
‘I wanted to shower before we left.’
‘Yeah, me too,’ she says, sounding flustered. ‘Go ahead. I’ll get in when you’re done.’ She hurries off.
‘Kate!’ I yell.
She appears at the door again. ‘Yeah?’
‘If you want to join me, you can. I was planning on a long shower. There may not be any hot water left when I’m done.’
I shouldn’t be doing this, but damn, I’ve been good all week. I haven’t even kissed her since Tuesday. And if she doesn’t want to do this, she can always say no.
She chews on her lip as she tries not to look at me.
