Page 35 of A Change of Heart

“Hi,” he said to Noah. “I take it you’ve been in touch with Trystan?”

“He was worried when you didn’t answer your phone. I was about to come over.”

The concern of his brothers almost tipped him over the edge and he blinked back tears. “I’m okay,” he said hoarsely.

“What happened?”

“I told Seren how I feel about her. It didn’t go well.”

“Shit,” he replied.

Kit closed his eyes for a moment. “You knew, didn’t you?”

“Knew what?”

“That she didn’t feel the same. That’s why you’ve never pushed me to talk to her. You knew it’d only mess things up between us.”

His hesitation spoke volumes. “I didn’t know for sure.”

“Well, I’ve completely messed things up now anyway.”

“No, you haven’t. It’ll probably be a bit awkward for a while, that’s all.”

“Can you go and check on her?” His chest clenched when he thought about her tear-streaked face. “She was upset when I left.”

“I’m sure she’s all right. I’ll message her, but I’m going to come over and see you.”

“I’m fine. Please go and see her.”

“Keira’s here. I’ll send Keira to check on Seren and I’ll come to you. I’ll bring beers.”

Kit sat up straight and tried to keep his anger under control. “She won’t want to see Keira. You’re her best friend. She’ll want to talk to you. Please just go over there.”

“Fine. I’ll check on Seren, then I’m coming to you.”

“Thank you.” He ended the call and dropped his head to his hands.

CHAPTERTWELVE

Seren had known as soon as she’d opened the door to Kit what he was going to say. She wished he hadn’t. Them denying their feelings for each other wasn’t ideal, but it was better than the current situation. Hurting Kit was the worst thing she’d ever done. All she’d wanted to do was kiss him and tell him she was confused and scared but she felt the same.

The tears wouldn’t let up as she perched on the edge of the couch, cradling her head in her hands. It would never have worked, she reminded herself. She had a track record of messing up relationships, and with Kit she’d be risking too much.

The sound of the doorbell spurred her to dry her eyes, not that she intended to answer it. When it rang again, her resolve dissipated and she made her way down.

Anger coursed through her at the sight of Noah standing out in the rain, though she wasn’t sure why she was angry. “What are you doing here?” she snapped.

“Nice to see you too,” he said with a sheepish smile. “I brought crab cakes from Tanglewood Kitchen.”

The fact that he’d brought her favourite food should have softened her mood, but all it did was remind her of the times they’d hung out at her place eating takeaway from the Tanglewood Kitchen. Now it never happened.

“Considering you never come to my place any more, I’m assuming Kit sent you?”

His eyebrows drew together. “Are you annoyed with me?”

“No,” she said unconvincingly.

“It seems as though you are. And I can understand why. I promised we’d still be friends and I’ve been a really crap friend … I’m just trying to help Keira settle in and—”