Looking forward to seeing you at ten.
Me: Me too. See you then.
And I realize I am. Sure, I’m anxious to see the Belgian she mentioned, but it’s more than that. I’m excited to see Kyla again, to get to know her a little better. I’ve never been so damn eager to see someone before, which should probably be a little alarming, but it’s not. Well, not as bad as I thought it’d be.
Guilt sweeps in almost immediately. I hate lying to her. I hate the deception of leading her to believe I’m someone else, especially for money. I hate that my brother is so callous when it comes to her, treating her like some nameless, meaningless business transaction he can walk all over at his whim.
Most of all, I hate the sound of my brother’s name on her sweet lips.
The server returns with my food. It’s a massive plate full of comfort food. “Thank you,” I mumble before she slips away, leaving me with a big breakfast and my conscience.
Fortunately, I’m saved from having to deal with the guilt of lying to Kyla when a shadow falls over my plate. “Good morning, Matthew. Worked up an appetite last night, I see,” the man states, a coy grin on his face.
Before I can reply to his comment, he takes the empty seat across from me. “May I help you?” I ask, cutting into my biscuits and gravy and taking a hearty bite.
The man just grins, bringing his cup to his lips and sipping the hot liquid inside. The sound instantly grates on my nerves. I fucking hate listening to someone sip or slurp. “I was just discussing with Darnell Masterson about your big business venture.”
I mentally roll my eyes. “Yeah? What do you know about it?” I ask, taking a big bite of eggs and hash browns.
“Well, I heard they were entertaining another very generous offer.”
That makes me pause. Setting my fork down, I lean back in the chair and take in the man across from me. He appears to be a few years older than me, with the start of gray hair coming in around his ears. He’s freshly shaved and reeks of expensive cologne. “I’m sure you’re mistaken,” I finally reply, reaching for my coffee.
The man shrugs. “Possibly. Though, Masterson is usually spot-on when it comes to hearsay in the business world. He seems to have more contacts than any one person can have. Hopefully he’s mistaken.”
I grunt in reply, taking too big of a drink of hot liquid and scalding my tongue in the process.
“Anyway, I thought I’d just mention it to you. Something to keep an eye on,” he replies, slurping from his coffee cup once more. “I heard Miss Morgan was here last evening.”
I snort. “You’ve heard a lot already this morning.”
He lifts a single shoulder, getting comfy in the chair and waiting for me to comment. I don’t indulge, however. I go back to my breakfast, pretending he’s not there. I have no clue if these guys are my brother’s friends or not, and even though I should probably play nice, I just don’t have it in me. Not when these guys are sitting around gossiping like teenage girls in a schoolyard.
“Well, I can see you’re busy. I’ll let you enjoy your breakfast. Maybe we’ll see you in the sauna later today,” the man says, getting up and taking his coffee with him.
I’m left with my mind flopping between the mention of the business deal that’s supposedly all but signed and of Kyla. I realize how small this community is, even if it’s a huge building. Everyone knows everyone and everything and I’m not a fan. I much more prefer the small rural town I’ve become used to in the last decade.
Sighing, I drop my napkin on the table, breakfast forgotten.
I’m stuck here for twenty days, and this is going to be a big challenge.
Good thing I have Kyla to help pass the time.
Chapter Six
Kyla
“Look at you, pretty girl,” I greet the horse in the paddock behind the shelter.
Dolly whinnies, as if she knows how gorgeous she truly is, and nudges my hand with her muzzle. I take a few minutes to pet her, loving the feel of her soft hair under my palm. Longing sweeps in as I give the mare a small smile. Out of all the animals I’ve seen come through the shelter, this is the one I’d keep in a heartbeat. From the moment I saw her, I wanted her. I