Page 9 of Son of a Preacher Man
He lifted his brow.
“Upstairs, in my room, I just stare at his empty pillow…or the bathroom door, waiting for him to come out of it.” Squeezing her eyes shut, Linnea chewed on her lip. “The sheets…”
She paused and he went over to her.
“…I can still smell him.”
Shit.
Holding her head on his shoulder, Kodiak stroked her hair. “I’m sorry.”
“I should change them, but I just can’t bring myself to do it.”
“Do you want me to help you?”
“Yeah.” She nodded. “Not now, though. Okay?”
“Okay.” He pulled himself back, swiping tears away from her eyes. “Whenever you’re ready.”
Turning from him, Linnea went right to work on breakfast. It wasn’t long before the savory scent of mushrooms and tarragon filled the kitchen, and by the time Kodiak answered all the emails in his inbox, she put a plate in front of him.
“Banana bread too?”
“I whipped it up last night after Dillon went home.” Sitting down beside him, she took up her fork. “The bananas were turning all brown and I couldn’t sleep.”
Yeah, he was worried.
“Don’t look at me like that.”
“Like what? Concerned?” Wrapping his fingers around her wrist, Kodiak forced her to look at him. “Because I am, Linnea. You’re having a baby. You need—.”
“I know what I need.” She blinked and tears rolled down her face. “I need to go visit Kyan.”
“I’ll take you.”
“No,” she insisted, shaking her head. “I need to do this by myself.”
“Okay.” Nodding, Kodiak exhaled through pursed lips.
“I love you, Seth.” Linnea took his hand in hers and squeezed it. “I’m going to be okay; I promise.”
“I know.” He squeezed back. “And I love you too.”
This was the hard part. Knowing when to give her space. And when not to.
So, after a subdued breakfast with his sister, he found himself walking along the trail in Coventry Park, coming out on First Avenue. Kodiak didn’t hesitate this time. He opened the door and went in.
Katie ran out from behind the counter, wrapping her arms tight around his waist. “How are you?” she asked, gazing up at him. “And Linn?”
“I’m all right.” With a tilt of his head, his lips pressed together. “My sister will be too.”
At least I hope so.
“Koko.” Crooking his finger, Leo beckoned him over. “We’ve missed you around here, bebé.”
His hair was a lovely shade of burgundy today. Swept up in a high ponytail, his glossy lipstick matched. Tight pleather pants. Big hoop earrings.
Offering his cheek up for a smooch, Kodiak grinned. Leo was a walking ray of sassy-ass sunshine. How could anyone not love the guy?
