Chapter 6

The next morning, I woke up early. The memory of what happened last night was still fresh in my mind.

I couldn’t help but wish that I’d been more sensible the night before, instead of allowing my feelings, and a bit too much alcohol, to get the better of me.

It was a bright, sunny day. I dressed up and went straight to the kitchen. Unexpectedly, Ray was already there.

My hair was up in a ponytail. I was wearing a black tank top with blue jeans. It didn’t scream, ‘Come and get me’, but when I glanced up and saw Ray watching me, I felt as if I was wearing the slinkiest, hottest piece of lingerie on the planet. He wanted me. It was spelled out in his clear blue eyes, as his gaze slowly traveled down my body and meandered its way back up again.

He was staring at me like he wanted me for breakfast.

I took a deep breath and tried to keep it cool, though questions stirred inside me.

Did that hungry look mean he’d forgiven me? Was he mad at me? Could I hope things were okay between us?

When our gazes met, I could see the tired yet wary lines around his eyes and mouth.

“Coffee?” he asked.

I nodded in reply.

“I made eggs, bacon, and toast.”

“Sounds great. Thank you. Are you okay?”

He nodded. “I’m fine. You?” He was trying to act as if nothing happened last night. But I could tell something wasn’t right.

“I’m fine, too,” I lied. I finished my coffee in one gulp. Then, I fished in my purse and got out my car keys.

“I have to go to work. I won’t be back until the evening. Make yourself feel at home.”

“Thank you,” Ray just said.

The best thing I could do for him was leave him alone. I pivoted and strode away, still feeling crappy

We were definitely going to talk later.

It only took me half an hour to show up at the construction site. Middletown was growing and my boss construction company had a lot of work building and renovating properties. I arrived earlier than usual. My job usually involved making budgets, dealing with suppliers, checking materials delivery, paying salaries, going to the local council to get permission to execute the plans, and so on.

Paul Olson pulled his truck alongside my car, his forearm hanging out the opened window. He was the one charged with the responsibility of supervising the crew of workers when Percy was busy with another worksite. He wasn’t around a lot lately, because he expanding his business to other towns.

“Morning, Kara,” Paul said solemnly, as he cut the engine and exited the truck. “I heard you have a guest.”

I rolled my eyes.

“My friend from high school, Ray Clarke, is staying with me,” I said. He probably knew anyway. “He’s going to stay for a few months.”

Paul came closer to me, lowered his voice, “People are talking, you know?”

“I’d be surprised if they didn’t.”

We both laughed at that.

“Just be careful, Kara, okay?”

I sighed. “Look, Paul, Ray is one of my best friends. You must remember him; we were always together in high school. He is not going to try anything with me.”

“It was the other way around,” I thought. I felt a pang of guilt.

“That’s not what I’m worried about. I know you can take care of yourself,” Paul said.