Page 106 of The Lighthouse at the Cove
“Do you mean that?” Her voice hitched, and her body felt heavy with grief.
“Come on, Piper,” Reid said. “Let’s go.”
Piper kissed George again. “Night night, doggie.” Then she hugged Kaiah’s waist. “Good night, Miss Kaiah.”
After Kaiah kissed Piper’s head, the little girl flounced toward the front door.
Kaiah studied Reid. “Let’s talk about this, okay?” she asked. “Maybe after she’s in bed?”
He rubbed a spot on his sternum with the heel of his hand and shook his head. “There’s nothing more to say, Kaiah. I never really expected you to stay, and I could tell that you really never intended to.” His cold expression sent a chill through her. “It’s been fun. But it’s over now.”
Her eyes brimmed with tears, and she brushed them away. His words had cut her to the bone.
“You don’t mean that.” Her voice was a strained whisper.
“Come on, Daddy!” Piper hollered from the front door.
“Good night, Kaiah.” His deep voice sounded rough. “Thanks again for everything. Have a safe trip home, or wherever you wind up next.” Then he turned on his heel and stalked into his house.
As she watched him go, an ache started in her belly and worked its way up to her chest as her heart began to shatter.
Reid kept his eyes locked on the ceiling in his bedroom later that night. He’d been tossing and turning for hours while his last conversation with Kaiah replayed in his mind.
It had torn him in two to tell her to go with Hayes, but he knew it was the best solution. He could tell as soon as he set his eyes on Hayes that he had plenty to give to Kaiah. Plenty of money. Plenty of stories to write. An opportunity to explore the world and achievethe dreams she’d had since she was a kid. All Reid had to offer was his heart.
Reid pressed his hand to his forehead while a headache throbbed. He felt like an idiot for falling for this woman when he knew as soon as he’d met her that she was going places—far, far away from the little town of Coral Cove. But he’d been attracted to her the moment he’d seen her walk into the Roast Shack. He wasn’t just drawn to her beauty; he’d fallen for her sense of humor, her generous spirit, her intelligence, her work ethic. She had not only written the articles that had drawn the crowd to their festival, but she had also rolled up her sleeves and helped make it all happen. Aside from that, Kaiah was the first woman who had not only captured his heart but also captured Piper’s.
Groaning, he rolled to his side. How on earth was he going help Piper heal when he had no idea how he’d ever get over losing Kaiah himself?
Reid nestled deeper under the covers. He had to find a way to get through this. He’d already endured one loss. How would he recover from a second one?
But he knew one thing for certain—he’d never be the same after Kaiah left Coral Cove.
Chapter 26
Kaiah yawned and rubbed her eyes while she sat in a booth at Pancake Palace the next morning. After only managing to sleep for a couple of hours, she finally got up around eight and took George out for a walk, then gave him breakfast from the food she’d had delivered. After George was settled, she called an Uber to take her to Coral Cove Car Care to pick up Daisy. She’d considered asking Reid, but after the way last night ended, she couldn’t bring herself to face him again.
His words had echoed through her mind nearly all night long.
You and Hayes have a history. Of course he came after you.... I’m happy for you two.
She’d tried to make sense of it. Why would Reid ask her to stay and make Coral Cove her home but then reject her?
She’d managed to make a mess of everything, and now she was more confused than ever. She had two killer job offers and Reid had pushed her away. Was that a sign to take one of the jobs? But would a job take away her longing to be with Reid and Piper?
Kaiah cupped her hand to her mouth to shield another yawn just as Hayes walked into the restaurant. She tried to bury any thoughts of Reid as Hayes took a seat in the booth across from her.
Hayes beamed at her. His smile had once set her heart aflame, but no longer.
“How’d George do last night?” he asked.
“Fine.” She tried to sound more neutral than she felt. “He slept at my feet like he always did.”
“He missed you.” Contrition filled Hayes’s face, and he took her hand in his. “We both did, Ky. I’m so sorry for hurting you like I did. I’ll do anything to make it up to you.”
She pulled her hand away and shifted on the bench seat, trying to put some space between them. “Cut it out, Hayes,” she hissed. “I want to hear more about this job offer.”
Hayes studied her for a moment and then sat up straighter. “Fine. I messed up, and it’s over between us, yada, yada, yada. But hear me out: I want you to consider this job.” He tapped the tabletop. “You’re a great writer, and I need you on my staff,” he continued without missing a beat. “I think you’ll like the salary.” He told her the amount, and she tried to mask her shock. It was more money than she could ever dream of making as a freelancer. “I can ask for more if that’ll help with your decision.”
