It felt nice to be included, but I really didn’t want to be around anyone other than Kael today. I didn’t know how to respond in a way that wasn’t rude. I wanted to keep open the chance of being invited again. My brain was failing me, not coming up with the words fast enough, when Kael spoke. He was answering Gloria, but his eyes were on me.

“Actually, we have plans. And we can’t move them.” He shrugged and looked at her.

“Next time, then.” Thankfully, Gloria’s smile was just as warm as it was when she arrived.

I nodded to Gloria, tentatively accepting her future invite.

I would be sure to thank Kael for saving me from my own social awkwardness when they left. Honestly, I wanted them all to leave, even adorable little Julien. I wanted to be alone with Kael.

CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE

“Sorry, Kare. Next time, dinner’s on me.” Austin gave me a hug and said another quick sorry against my ear.

He was out the door before I could respond. I waved goodbye to Gloria as she left carrying Julien. Elodie double-kissed me and gave me a puzzled look before opening her umbrella and following Gloria out of the house. As their voices trailed off, Kael shut the door, locking not only the main door, but the screen door, too. Just like that, the kitchen was empty.

“Are you keeping something out or locking me in?” I asked him, sarcasm coating my voice.

He laughed and brought his gaze to meet mine. I nearly squirmed when he focused in. “Both.”

I couldn’t move the smile from my face, and Kael’s doubled in size, bigger than I’d ever seen. Finally, a level-ten smile from Kael Martin! I won. I didn’t know what, but in my head there were buzzers going off and neon signs saying !!WINNER!! and I knew that something special was mine. We stood there for a few seconds, taking each other in, the rain outside filling our silence. Kael’s eyes went from my scalp to my socks and back up to my face before he spoke again.

“Hi.”

“Hi.” I smiled a smile that was so big that I couldn’t close my mouth, even when I tried.

“How are you?” he asked, nudging his shoulder to mine.

“I’m okay. How are you? You seem pretty happy for someone who got smoked today.” My brows drew together. I nearly apologized for my brother again, but Kael’s voice in my head stopped me.

His smile stayed as he replied. “It’s done now. I needed the exercise anyway.” He laughed, and I felt relief and guilt at the same time.

“Kael, I’m—”