Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 79425 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79425 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
I’d love another pie, but I had a feeling I shouldn’t ask.
She might slam the door on my foot next time.
I rinsed my dishes while looking out the window. The fenced yard was a good size, and the flowers and trees were well cared for. A gazebo in the far corner contained a grill, plus a table and chairs. Beside the house was a fenced-off, private area with another smaller grill and a tiny table, as well as a hot tub, which I assumed was for Kassie’s personal use only.
I went outside, letting myself into the backyard. It was well-kept and spacious. Kassie’s private area was shaded, the fence high. I avoided that space and headed to the gazebo.
The chairs around the table looked comfortable, and I sat down, relaxing into the thick, cushioned seat. I shut my eyes, enjoying the quiet.
A short while later, a noise made me open my eyes and sit up straight. Kassie was standing at the edge of the gazebo, a book in hand, a glass of wine in the other.
“Sorry,” I muttered. “I probably shouldn’t be here. I was just getting some air.”
“No, it’s fine. I’ll sit on my deck.”
I stood, shaking my head. “I don’t want to disturb you or chase you out of your own gazebo, Kassie. I was going to go for a run, but I decided to sit a bit.”
“You, ah, run?”
“As often as I can. I’m hoping it’s more often here.” I inhaled the fresh air. “No one recognized me today except for Ginny at the grocery store, so I might have more freedom to run outside. I prefer it to the gym.”
“Any luck at the Y?” she asked, sitting down. “Or too shabby for you?”
“It was fine,” I snapped. “I’m not a snob.”
She lifted her eyebrows, saying nothing. It irked me.
“Can I use the grill?” I asked instead. “I bought a few things, but I’d enjoy a burger on the grill if I could.”
“You can cook?” she asked. “You don’t have a chef in La-La Land? Someone to run your errands and be at your beck and call? Will you hire someone to do all that for you while you’re here?”
I was still tired from the last couple of days and the early morning flight. Reeling over what had happened and being sent here like a child being punished and having to stand in the corner. My anger boiled over, and before I could stop myself, I bent down, leaning on the arms of the chair where Kassie was sitting, caging her in. Our gazes clashed and locked.
“Listen. I get you’re angry. I know our past is fucked up, and I made a shit-ton of mistakes. But that was years ago. You don’t know me any more than I know you. But despite what you obviously think, I’m not a jerk. The reason I asked about a private gym is because I’m used to being hounded when I try to work out in a public one. I’m constantly harassed. I can barely go out in public at times without being mobbed, which is a frightening thing to have happen. And, yes, I have a housekeeper who cooks for me at home, because I’m usually shooting a film or doing press junkets or whatever else I’m told to do. Lillian helps me stay organized and stops me leaving a fridge full of food to spoil.” I paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. “But I can look after myself. I can cook. I can shop. I clean up. I’m not the spoiled asshole you’ve decided I am. I’ve worked hard to get where I am. Made more sacrifices than you know. So I’d appreciate it if you’d stop with the attitude and the preconceived notions of my life.” I stood straight, the shocked look on her face almost comical if I weren’t so pissed. “And I’ll try to remember the sweet girl I knew and not this sanctimonious, sarcastic woman who took her place.”
Kassie’s eyes widened. She began to sputter, and I held up my hand.
“I don’t know if it’s just with me or not, but I assume I’m part of, if not the whole cause of, this change.” I shook my head in sadness. “I can only offer you my apologies. I have many regrets that I have to live with. Knowing that my actions may have caused you to become so angry—even to this day—saddens me more than I can say.” I shook my head. “When I allow myself to think of you, Kassie, what I remember the most is your sweetness and openness. Your light. The fact that I killed that will haunt me.” I huffed a weary sigh. “I’ll find another place. I think it would be best. It might take me a few days, but I’ll stay out of your way.” I stepped back. “Starting now.”