Tempting

“No offense though?”

She laughs. “Yeah. Of course not. I mean, you’re no Ryan, but you were kinda on your way there. The last six months at least. And Kay… I’m just glad she has someone to help her right now. Well. That she did. But if you’re breaking up with her for her then you’re a fucking idiot. Who takes advice from their eighteen-year-old sister?”

I can’t help but laugh. “You’re wiser than you think.”

“Well, yeah, if you need some help with your makeup or wardrobe. We have some great skinny jeans on sale. If you want a new pair, I can help with that. With Kay—”

“You know you’re giving me advice right now.”

“Okay. Let’s say I’m wise. You should listen to me.”

Yeah. I’m pretty sure I should.

Emma pulls out her cell. “Did you get this?”

It’s a text from Kaylee’s mom.

Mrs. Hart: Kaylee is going to be staying with us for a few extra days. She’s doing okay. I’m sure she’d appreciate a call from you, Emma. I’m not sure she’s in a place to reach out.

“It sounds bad.” Emma’s gaze goes to her screen. “I called a bunch, but she didn’t pick up.”

“It’s late on the East Coast.”

“You think it’s bad news with her grandma?”

“Hard to say.” But probably.

“We should be there. Shouldn’t we?” Emma pushes her door wide open and steps into her room. She goes straight to her laptop. “I looked at tickets. And I talked to my manager. We could leave tomorrow night. Get in first thing in the morning. Or… well… if you really don’t want to be with Kay, then you probably shouldn’t come.”

No shit. I nod.

“So, what’s it going to be? Are you coming or not?”

Chapter Fifty-Three

Kaylee

I spend the entire day in Grandma’s hospital room, talking about everything and nothing. Mom gives me the morning with Grandma. She joins me in the afternoon. We share stories and they team up to give me life advice.

Grandma stays quiet about things with Brendon. But I know Mom is going to find out. And that’s going to be the end of me living at his place.

Not that I could live there with things as they are.

I… I’ll just have to work more. Take out another student loan. Commute a little farther. Do whatever it takes to make it work.

We don’t leave until the nurse insists.

It’s so quiet at home. It’s strange. Usually the house is full of Grandma’s laugh. Or some loud, exciting show she’s watching. This whole place is her. The walls are bright jewel tones. The blankets on the black leather couch are hot pink.

She’s always so bright and vibrant.

It’s scary that soon she won’t be alive.

But I’m starting to accept it.

I’m halfway through my morning tea—shitty generic tea—when the doorbell rings.

Mom is making eggs in the kitchen.

Dad is asleep in the bedroom.

It’s early. Seven-something. Who the hell could that be?

“Can you get that, Kay?” Mom’s voice is even. Knowing.

Huh.

I take one more sip and push myself to my feet.

This is a small place. It’s only a dozen footsteps to the door. “Hello.”

“Hey.”

That’s Brendon’s voice.

What the hell?

My stomach gets all light and floating. Nervous energy spills through my limbs. He’s here. Why is he here? What does that mean?

I need his comfort so badly.

But I…

If he’s not here to kiss and makeup…

I can’t take falling more in love with him.

I pull the door open. “Hey.”

He’s standing there in jeans and a t-shirt. Like it’s a normal day. Like we’re about to walk to the shop.

But then…

His shirt is wrinkled. His hair is a mess. His eyes are heavy. Tired.

“We just got in.” He nods to the black suitcase next to him. Then to the car parked on the street. A rental car. Emma is in the passenger seat, staring at the mirror. “Emma insisted on fixing her makeup. I told her I wouldn’t wait.”

I nod. That’s so them.

“Your mom told me what’s going on. I’m sorry, Kay. I wish things were different.”

“Me too.”

His eyes meet mine. They promise that everything will be different. But he doesn’t say anything.

I try to find the words, but I can’t. Mom is moving toward us.

She stops at the door. Smiles at Brendon. “Mr. Kane. You didn’t have to come.”

His eyes meet mine. He raises a brow. She doesn’t know?

I shake my head. She doesn’t. Not yet. But I’m going to tell her. I’m going to stop taking on the whole world by myself.

“I get a little protective of Emma,” he says.

Mom nods. “I can imagine. She’s a spitfire.”

“You have no idea,” he says.

Mom laughs. It’s the first time she’s laughed since I’ve been here. “Well, come in. We’ve already got a pot of coffee on.” She looks out to the car. Waves. “Hey, Emma. Come in whenever you’re ready.”

Emma steps out of the passenger seat. Taps the key fob. The car beeps locked. Her eyes meet mine. She mouths I’m sorry. I think. She’s far away.