Page 108 of The Lighthouse at the Cove
“Kaiah? Did you hear what I said?”
Her eyes cut over to Hayes’s, and she found him watching her. “I’m sorry, what?”
“I said that you really need to consider the offer,” he said. “I told my boss about you, and he’s impressed with your work. If you want it, then I’ll get you a plane ticket. We can find a service to bring your car for you.” He paused. “This is a great career move, Kaiah,and you deserve it. You’ve paid your dues. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by.”
She moved her fingers over her mug.
He took a drink and then nodded. “How much time do you need to think about this? I have to be back in California on Monday.”
“Give me until the end of the day.”
He smiled. “That’ll work. I hope you’ll say yes.”
“I almost called you in the middle of the night,” Becca told Reid while they sat on her deck and drank sweet tea. “I woke up and had this awful feeling. It almost reminded me of when...” Her voice trailed off, and she focused her eyes toward the backyard.
Reid sipped his drink. After his restless night, he had dropped Piper off at school and then gone straight to his sister’s house. He was grateful Cash was working so that he could talk to her in private. He’d craved relief from his foul mood and broken heart, and just being with his twin gave him comfort.
“I’m so stupid, Becks,” he admitted. “I actually believed she might stay. And when I saw her ex in the driveway, I realized how naive I’ve been.”
“You’re not naive, Reid. I thought she’d stay too.” She shook her head. “I saw how you two look at each other. Even Cash noticed it, and he doesn’t noticeanything.” She tapped his arm. “Don’t give up hope, Reid. She’s not gone yet.”
“But why would she stay here? This is a small town. She’s used to the city and exciting adventures. What can I possibly offer her?” He set the glass down on the table and covered his face with his hands. “I’ve known her a grand total of three weeks. What am I thinking?”
“Love knows no timeline, bro.”
“Love?” He gave her a humorless laugh. “Please.”
She gave him a look of disbelief. “You can’t lie to me. I can feel it.” She touched her chest. “You care about her—a lot.”
“Yes, but love her? No.”
Yes, I do. I’m crazy about her, and I thought she was crazy about me.
He rubbed his eyes. “Let’s talk about something else. Have you gotten a final number for how much money we raised?”
“No, but Misty Rodriguez is supposed to call me with the total later today. I know we already exceeded our goal, but I can’t wait to hear by how much.” She gave him a sad smile. “Thanks to Kaiah.”
His nostrils flared. Even the sound of her name was a stab to his soul.
She tapped his shoulder. “Chin up, Reid. She’ll decide to stay.”
“I doubt it.”
“Don’t be such a pessimist.”
“I’m not. I’m a realist. And it’s best if things go back to normal and it’s just Piper and me again.”
Becca shook her head. “You two have already been alone for too long. It’s time to open your heart and home to someone who can make you happy. Both you and Piper.”
If only it was as easy as his twin made it sound.
Kaiah left the restaurant and drove aimlessly around Coral Cove. She parked in front of the Roast Shack and let her head fall back against the headrest.
She stared at the front window of the coffee shop and thought back to the first time she saw Reid. She’d immediately been drawn to him, and when he’d handed her the vanilla latte, there wassomething about him—something so authentic and mesmerizing. When she’d gotten to know him, she realized her first impression of him was accurate. He was kind and loving, funny and smart, and super generous. He was an incredible father, and for the short time she’d known him, he’d been a wonderful boyfriend.
But when the going got a little tough, Reid had pushed her away.
Since there was no place for her in Coral Cove, maybe she should take the job in California. But then she’d have to work for Hayes. She couldn’t think of a more awkward working relationship. She’d have to talk to him about her projects, get his approval, allow him to edit her stories. He’d be up in her business all day every day.
