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I’m a terrible person.

She wouldn’t smile at me like that if she knew just how awful I am.

I want to cry.

“Sweetie, are you okay?”

“What?” Can she see it? The burn he left behind when he brushed his lips over my neck?

I can still feel it.

Mrs. Kepler points a finger at me, waving it over the whole of my face. “You’re all blotchy and your eyes are watery, dear.” She moves in closer, a quick little thing even in her age. At least, quick when she wants to be. “Have you been crying?”

“Oh, no.” I’m crap at lying. “Allergies.”

Her face twists into dry disbelief.

See? Crap at lying.

I force a smile I’m confident trembles. Mrs. Kepler raises a brow.

I blow out a breath and ask, “How’s the new flooring?”

“Oh, yes. That’s why I’m here.” She leans in, the deconstruction of all that I am momentarily forgotten. “You see, the flooring is so lovely, now I’m noticing some other imperfections.”

“Oh?”

“I’d like to start with my bathroom, dear. It’s horrendous.”

“Really?” Color me surprised! “What are you thinking?”

Mrs. Kepler has a lot of thoughts about her bathroom. None of them fit cohesively together. I’m all too happy to offer to pack up my samples and meet her at her house ASAP. She is all too happy to take me up on the offer.

I’m pretty sure I’m going to call in sick tomorrow. It’s Friday. I don’t think we have anything pressing happening that I need to be in the office for, anyway.

And the idea of seeing Holt…

Yeah, I just can’t with that right now.

24

THEY’RE OURS

JUNE 2023 – PRESENT DAY

The little coward called in sick. Or should I say texted in sick.

I smirk down at my phone where her text is illuminated and sit back in my chair. Steepling my fingers, I touch my lips and consider my next move.

I hadn’t been planning on coming onto her like that. I’ve been taking it slow with her since Dad’s visit the night she was sick. I’ve been testing the waters, getting to know her again. I’ve been moving slowly, because I know she needs time.

If I’m being honest, so did I.

But then I read Tate’s letter.

And then that fire flashed in her eyes when I teased her. She turned to flee me, and something kicked into gear inside me. I didn’t think. I chased.

I hunted.