Page 221 of Mountain Daddy

Slowly, I extract myself from Luther’s hold.

I have a call with a supplier this morning. The perfect excuse to get out of bed.

Because we do need to talk. But if I stay next to a mostly naked Luther much longer, it won’t be our mouths that do the talking.

Chapter 136

Luther

Buttoning my shirt,I still can’t believe how late I slept.

I figured I’d be tired from sneaking around so late at night, but I didn’t think I’d stay asleep past eight.

When I step out into the hall, I can hear the soft cadence of Kendra’s voice.

It’s coming from her office, through the partially closed door, and I want to peek inside just to see her. But I don’t know if she’s on the phone or a video call, so I keep walking to the kitchen.

She hasn’t made coffee yet, so I figure she couldn’t have gotten up too long ago.

Standing in front of the coffee maker, I spot the beans I bought for Kendra on the counter.

I’ve thought about our date at the coffee shop over and over. Thought about how good she made me feel.

Replayed the look in her eyes when Joe showed up.

It’s a day that haunts me. But knowing she’s been using the coffee I got her… that she didn’t throw it away… It settles something inside me.

And holding on to that bit of calm, I brew us a pot.

The back door slides open,and I turn my head to watch Kendra walk onto the deck, mug of coffee in hand.

“Morning.” It’s the first time I’ve used my voice today, and it comes out a little rough.

“Morning.” Kendra shuts the door and moves to the chair beside mine.

She’s in a pair of soft-looking shorts and a sweatshirt. The morning air is still cool enough to justify the layers.

“Thanks for making coffee.” She takes a sip, then rests her head against the back of the chair.

I set my mug on the armrest. “I didn’t mean to sleep in so late. I should’ve made it before your meeting.” Kendra turns her head so she’s looking at me. I hold her gaze, knowing I need to give her nothing but the truth from now until forever. “I haven’t been sleeping well. I haven’t been doing well.”

“Me either.” Her whisper breaks my heart.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper back.

Kendra holds up a hand, stopping me from saying more. “Before… Luther…”

I sit forward, hating the pain in her voice.

I want to go to her. I want to close the few feet of space between us. But I don’t want to push her.

She swallows and turns in her chair, bringing one foot up onto the seat so she can face me. “Before we… go further. I need you to know that I’m okay. That the cancer stuff is in the past. I’ve made peace with it.”

The cancer stuff.

I press my hand over my heart. It hurts every time.

She watches the movement. “If you’re here because you feel bad for me… Then you need to stop. I don’t want your affection because of pity.”