Page 127 of Mountain Daddy (Mountain Men #2)

Kendra

“I’m glad you’re okay.” Luther’s whisper is spoken into my hair as his fingers flex around my shoulder.

I want to turn into him. I want both his arms around me.

Even if it’s a mirage, I want him to hold me against his chest and wrap me in his warmth.

But we can’t do that when we’re sharing this hug with my dad.

And we can’t do that because we aren’t a we anymore.

So instead, I whisper back, “I’m glad too.”

Another few seconds slip by, then Dad sighs. Loudly. “I need ice cream.”

Three build-your-own ice cream sundaes and an hour-long documentary about penguins later, I set the dirty bowls in the sink.

Emotional exhaustion setting in, I cover my yawn.

“Good night, Kendra.” Luther’s voice draws my attention to where he’s standing with my dad by the front door.

I can feel how badly he wants to say more.

Ever since dinner. Since I told them what happened. I could see it written all over his face.

And I get it.

It was an unexpected turn of events. For him.

And I get it.

It’s a lot to unpack. Especially after…

And knowing Luther, knowing the type of man he is, I can only imagine how much he’s beating himself up right now.

I didn’t say it all while he was here to hurt him. No matter how bad I’ve felt. No matter how many tears I’ve cried. Hurting him back was never the goal.

But I can’t tell him that. Not with my dad here.

Not with the other half of the reason Luther ended things with me standing beside him.

Luther doesn’t want to mess around behind his friend’s back.

So ultimately, there’s nothing else to say.

I still give him a small smile as I take a step toward the hallway. “Good night, Luther.”