Kisses After Dark (Gansett Island Series Book 12) by Marie Force

Author:Marie Force [Force, Marie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HTJB, Inc.
Published: 2014-10-01T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20

After they were dressed and Katie had put her wet hair into a ponytail, Shane walked slowly by her side as she hobbled down the stairs.

“I wish you’d let me carry you.”

“Not happening. It’s bad enough you had to carry me the other night.”

“So being held in my arms was bad. That’s what you’re saying.”

“I did not say that,” she said, laughing, “so don’t twist my words.”

“Are you two kids already bickering?” Laura asked from her post at the reception desk. “Shouldn’t you still be in the rose-colored glasses stage?”

“Who’s in the rose-colored glasses stage?” Abby asked as she came out of the gift shop. “Oh,” she said, when she saw Shane and Katie. “I know who. Come down and tell us everything.”

“While that’s a lovely offer,” Shane said sarcastically, “we’ll pass.”

“I’ll get it out of him and fill you in later,” Laura said to Abby.

“No, you won’t,” Shane said firmly.

Though she was horrified by the idea of Laura “getting it out of him,” Katie laughed at their banter. They reminded her of the way she spoke to her siblings now that they were older and out from under the black cloud they’d lived under as children.

Shane handed Katie her other crutch. “We’re going to breakfast. Leave us alone.”

“Do I have to?” Laura asked, chin propped on her upturned hand.

“Yes,” her brother said, “you have to.”

“He has no idea how things work around here, does he?” Abby asked.

“None at all,” Laura replied. “By the way, Katie, we’re getting up a girls’ night out for tomorrow. We’d love to have you join us.”

“She’s busy,” Shane said before Katie could reply.

“I am?” Katie asked him.

“Very, very busy.”

“Doing what?”

“Come with me, and I’ll tell you.”

Katie smiled at Laura. “Thanks for the invite, but it seems I have other plans.”

“If you change your mind, you know where to find me.”

“She’s not going to change her mind.”

Katie knew he was joking around with his sister, but something about the way he said that gave her pause. “Wait.”

“What?” Shane asked.

Katie looked over at Laura. “I’d love to go tomorrow night. Thanks for asking me. Let me know what time.”

“Oh,” Laura said. “Okay.”

Keeping her head down, Katie moved slowly and painstakingly into the restaurant, uncertain if Shane was following her or not. Her heart beat fast from the exertion as much as the fear of what he might have to say to her. She wasn’t actually “afraid” of him or anything like that, but where she came from, being assertive and overruling a man led to trouble.

“Table for two, please,” Shane said from behind her as Katie reached the hostess stand.

They were led to the same table Katie had shared with her grandmother the day before. As she settled into her chair, Shane took the crutches from her and leaned them against the porch rail.

Maybe it was less than courageous of her, but while he took a seat, she took an interest in the menu.

“Katie.”

She glanced at him, hoping he couldn’t somehow tell that her heart was racing and her hands were trembling ever so slightly.

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