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“Sometimes if you grow too fast, it keeps you awake.” I wrinkle my nose at his mom. “Growing pains are real, and he’s right at the age for it. Try a heating pad.”
He nods, walking over to the door. “Mom, I can’t miss history class. Our exam is Friday.”
“More like, who ever heard of a teenage boy not wanting to miss school?” Dylan mutters.
“Hey,” Allie catches my hand. “I was talking to Zane last night, and he suggested I bring Eddie with me to school a few days a week to kind-of get him used to the place, help him find the bathrooms, you know. Is that okay?”
“Really?” My eyes blink wide.
“Yeah, Zane said he loves to read, and I can always use a library aide. He can hang out with me, maybe shelve some books. I’ll talk to Ms. Laverne, but I’m sure she won’t mind.”
“Definitely! Text me what to do. I can bring him by your house, or?—”
“Zane said he’d drop him off on the way to Gloria’s.”
Zane did this.
“Mom!” Austin pushes through the door, and she gives me a quick wave.
“Okay?”
I nod, a grateful smile splitting my cheeks. “Okay! And thank you!”
“Sure thing.”
Allie takes off after her son, and when I turn back, Dylan has one hand on her hip and powdered sugar on her lips.
“Can you believe that brother of mine?” She shakes her head, polishing off her beignet. “He acts all stoic and aloof, then he does something so sweet like that.”
“Don’t forget the horses.” My chest burns, and I feel bad for fussing at him the way I did last night in my bedroom. “I’d better get to Miss Gina’s. I’ve got to take care of something.”
“Here, take a beignet!” She quickly wraps one of the small yeast donuts in a napkin and shakes powdered sugar all over it.
“I’m not eating this in Logan’s car. He’ll kill me!”
“Eat it on the walk.” She gives me a hug, and I’m out the door, stuffing the delicious, sugary pastry into my mouth.
Driving to Miss Gina’s, all the things he’s done filter through my head, from the equine therapy to the books to him driving Edward all around…
He broke through the door when he thought I’d fainted in the shower. My cheeks heat when I remember opening my eyes to him staring down at me, soaking wet and worried.
Last night in my bedroom he said it was more than just a kiss.
It certainly was more to me, because I was kissing him. Is it possible he felt the same? How would I ever know with the way he runs from me?
I park in the circle drive and quickly dash up the steps toMiss Gina’s house. I need to check on her and get her all set so I can prepare the massage table.
“Rachel, I’m so glad you’re here.” She’s finishing her breakfast when I enter the dining room. “The nursery called, and they’re delivering my Christmas tree today!”
“Oh.” I hesitate, looking over my shoulder at the patio. “Did they tell you what time?”
“After lunch, and my niece Alexis called. She’s driving down for a visit as well.” The old lady holds up both hands. “When it rains it pours!”
“I’ll take care of it.” I walk over and catch her hands, smiling. “Don’t worry about anything.”
Her face relaxes, and her eyes narrow. “Something changed. You haven’t smiled in three days—and you left early every afternoon.”
Chewing my lip, I look around, thinking fast. I’m not about to tell her I’m planning to put my hands all over Zane Bradford and make him fall in love with me today. Not after her Nuru massage comments yesterday—good lord!
