Just A Kiss (Angel Sands 4)

“I don’t know,” he admitted. “Lucas hasn’t mentioned it.”

“I think about the Russells a lot,” Daniel told him. “As messed up as it is, I keep thinking about that Christmas and how kind they were to us.”

“Yeah, I think about it, too.” He looked away from the webcam, not wanting his brother to see the telltale glint in his eyes.

“So could you call her?” Daniel asked. “Find out if she’s coming for Thanksgiving. It would be really good to see her again.” He grinned. “Kind of like closure.”

Breck thought about the number in his phone that had been burning a hole in his pocket for weeks. Ever since Caitie had left Angel Sands and headed back to New York. He’d wanted to find an excuse to call her, but there had been nothing. Until now…

“Sure,” he said softly, smiling at his brother. “I’ve got her number. I’ll give her a call tonight.”

10

“So, Trent tells me your work is going well.” Damon poured them both another glass of wine, sliding Caitie’s glass toward her. “Do you enjoy it?”

She nodded. “Yeah, it’s good.” This was the third topic of conversation they’d gotten to. None of them were sparking. It all felt so stilted and forced, as though she was being interviewed for a job, and not trying to get to know the man. If Harper was right, and dating was like learning to ride a bike, Caitie needed to up her game.

“How about you?” she asked, turning the conversation on

Damon. “How’s your work going?”

“It’s boring,” Damon said. “I thought graphic design was going to be all glamor and glitz, but it turns out I only get to design logos for gardening companies.”

She couldn’t even think of a reply to that. Instead, she stabbed a piece of steak and stuffed it in her mouth, chewing on it while she wracked her brain for another question.

Was it really supposed to be like this?

Ten minutes later, after the waiter had cleared their plates, she grabbed her bag and shot Damon a smile. “I, uh, need to use the bathroom. I’ll be right back.”

“Sure. I’ll grab us some dessert menus. And I can order us some coffee, too?”

“Great.” She shot him a smile and ran into the bathroom, pulling the door closed behind her, and sliding the lock. Grabbing her phone, she tapped rapidly on the keyboard, watching as the words formed on the screen, sending the message to Harper.

Caitie - Get me out of here!

Harper - It’s going well then?

She could practically see Harper’s grin as she replied.

Caitie - It’s awful. It’s as though he made a list of questions and is determined to ask me all of them. Each time I do… crickets.

Harper - I told you, you have to kiss a lot of frogs. Just think, this is one Kermit closer to Mr. Right.

Caitie tapped furiously.

Caitie - Do you know where I want to shove your frogs right now? I’ll give you a clue – the sun doesn’t shine there.

Harper - Not California then.

Caitie - Funny.

Harper - Look, C, you got to finish the date and then you can come home. Chalk it up to experience. Be glad you got a meal out of it. Then put yourself out there and try again next week. Mr. Right’s out there somewhere.

Caitie - What if I don’t want to find him?

Harper - Of course you want to find him. You’re a romantic. Now go finish your meal and come home. I’ll put some wine in the freezer. We can drink ourselves silly and cry over lost loves.

Caitie - Sounds better than this date.