Page 84 of Hope After Loss

A throat clears, and both our heads swing in Isley’s direction.

“I think that’s my cue to head on out.”

“Don’t let us run you off,” Langford says.

She stands and places her plate in the sink, then walks to him. His stance softens as she wraps her arms around his waist.

“I’m not. I’d actually love to stay and hear this story, but I have a meeting with the city administrator today, and I need to get to the office and go over a few things before he arrives. I’ll pick Tucker up on my way home, and he and I’ll make dinner tonight.”

She bears up on her tiptoes and kisses him. Then, she releases her hold and lays a calming hand on his chest.

“Take it easy on him. He looks miserable enough,” she whispers before turning to me and mouthing the words,Good luck.

We watch as she gathers her things and walks out of the door.

Then, his stern eyes focus back on me.

“What did you do? Take her home? Is her husband looking for you? You’re here to hide, aren’t you?”

I take my steaming cup and walk over to the fridge. I add a generous dollop of cream and plop onto one of the barstools.

“Nothing like that. I kissed Anna.”

He blinks a few times.

“Anna, Anna?”

“The very one,” I admit.

He blows out a breath.

“Exactly,” I say before taking a long sip.

He turns back to the stove and clicks off the burner. Then, he loads two plates with pancakes and bacon, places one in front of me, and sits across from me.

“So, you weren’t drunk?”

“Nope.”

“Was she drunk?”

I narrow my eyes at him. “No. I’m not an asshole.”

He grins. “Sometimes, you’re an asshole.”

“Not this time,” I snap.

He nods, and we both dig into our plates.

“Do you have feelings for her?” he asks, keeping his eyes on the food in front of him.

“I like her.”

“Like her,” he repeats.

“I like her a lot,” I clarify.

“Hell, Weston, I like her. Mom, Leona, and all the girls do too. As well as the men and women down at Valley Fire and Rescue. Even Zemry Wells likes her a lot. Do you havefeelingsfor the woman?”