The Inevitable

“Oh, you were, but I’ll try to keep my clothes on in front of all these people. What’s underneath is for your eyes only.”

I groan, hating that I don’t hate him at all. “What can I get you?” I ask, making him smirk.

Dammit! I keep setting myself up for this shit.

“Other than me,” I add.

He chuckles. “I’m done with these games. I want you to go on a date with me.”

“It’s not happening. We’re family.”

I know. I know. Stupid excuse. But it’s all I’ve got to keep him at arm’s length while I figure out my feelings toward him.

“We’re not family. But I am excited to officially meet my nephew.” A genuine smile graces his lips. “Keegan is meeting him today. He and Mom went shopping for Zane earlier. The guy is on cloud nine.”

My heart soars for my nephew and sister. This reunion could have gone in so many directions, and I’m thankful it went in the one that means Zane will have a loving, caring father, and my sister will have a partner to parent with.

“He’s an amazing kid,” I tell him. “Smart and adorable and funny.”

“Of course, he is,” he quips. “He’s a Reynolds.”

I roll my eyes. “Salad and iced tea?”

“Yep, with a side of you, please.”

“It’s not happening.”

“Oh, it is. And the sooner you accept that, the sooner we can move forward… together.”

He pulls a bunch of papers out of his briefcase and sets them on the bar top. “Do you mind if I grade my papers here?”

“I don’t care.” I shrug. “But wouldn’t you want to do that in peace and quiet at your house?”

He shakes his head. “I’d rather do it with the backdrop of you.”

I shake my head and walk over to the computer to place his order, trying not to seem affected by his words, when the truth is, I’m very much affected. For years after my parents died, I kept everyone at arm’s length, not wanting to risk my heart getting broken. I watched my mom’s heart get torn to shreds little by little, bit by bit, all in the name of love, and I swore I would never allow that to happen to me.

But the second I heard my nephew’s heartbeat on the monitor, it was as if my chest was cracked open, and my heart was on display for the world to see. Which was fine since my entire world consisted of Blakely and Zane—and I knew they would never hurt me.

But now Kolton wants in, and I have no doubt, if I give him my heart, he has the capability to destroy it the same way my dad destroyed my mom. And I have to decide if I’m willing to take that risk.

The evening flies by. Kolton hangs around, grading papers, and when I’m not busy, we chat. When the final customer pays his check and leaves, I glance over at Kolton, who’s still nursing his iced tea.

“You ready to go?” he asks, standing when I come around the bar to lock up. The staff has all cashed out and shut down their stations, and Kolton and I are the only ones left.

“Yeah.”

He hands me his helmet, and I reluctantly put it on my head, knowing it’s going to ruin my hair.

“What’s wrong?”

“These helmets are clearly not made for women.”

He chuckles. “No, probably not, but you still look sexy as hell with it on.”

The ride to my apartment complex is quick, and when I get off the bike, I expect him to ask me out, so I’m shocked when he walks me to my door like a gentleman, kisses my cheek, and tells me he’ll see me soon.

When I walk inside, Blakely is still awake, studying. She gushes about her evening with Keegan and how well it went telling Zane he’s his dad. He also mentioned he wants to get to know her as more than Zane’s mom. After we chat for a few minutes, I jump in the shower and drop into bed exhausted. When I plug my phone in to charge it, I notice a text from Kolton.

Kolton: Good night and sweet dreams.

I usually ignore his texts, afraid to open that door, but tonight, I reply: Good night.

The rest of the week feels as if it’s in fast-forward. I’m working every day—between managing the restaurant, manning the bar, and running interviews. Kolton shows up every day, but he no longer asks me out. He eats and drinks and grades papers. When I’m not busy, we chat about everything and nothing. I have to admit I miss his flirting, but I also enjoy getting to know him without feeling like there’s an agenda.

By Friday, I’m convinced Kolton is over asking me out, and the only reason he continues to frequent The Orange Sunrise is for its iced tea and salad.