Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 113272 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 566(@200wpm)___ 453(@250wpm)___ 378(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 113272 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 566(@200wpm)___ 453(@250wpm)___ 378(@300wpm)
But who was to say she wanted that? Wanted him? Perhaps she’d only want Eli.
Which would break all of them. Because Eli was too loyal. Would he resent Kellan if he was the reason he couldn’t have her?
“Well, that reaction is interesting.” Laken studied Eli, then glanced over at Kellan who just stared back at her without giving anything away.
He hoped.
“Isn’t it?” Shaw said, sounding more lively than he’d been in ages.
That alone was worth a bit of ribbing about Arabella. He’d take much, much more if it meant that Shaw would smile. Would find something about life to live for.
Yeah, he’d happily be the butt of every joke.
“You should have seen them with her. They couldn’t take their eyes off her.”
“They, huh?” A calculating look filled Laken’s face.
Kellan narrowed his gaze at her. “Don’t even think about it.”
“Don’t think about what?” she asked innocently.
“Whatever it is that you’re thinking about,” Eli told her. “I know that look.”
“No idea what you’re talking about,” Laken said airily. “I really should make her a welcome to Haven basket, though, right?”
Yep.
She was trouble.
“Going to talk to Duncan about you,” Kellan told her.
“I don’t know what you would have to talk to my husband about me for,” she said haughtily.
“Maybe because you sound like you’re matchmaking,” Eli pointed out.
“Do I?” Laken said. “I’m sure I have no idea what you mean.”
Shaw actually let out a chuckle and Laken looked like she might cry at the sound. Kellan got it.
He couldn’t remember the last time Shaw smiled.
“Duncan also said that Arabella is Cole’s ex-fiancé,” she added. “I remember hearing something about that a while ago. How Cole’s ex-fiancé and her father turned up in Haven to confront Cole. The dad was certain that he’d still want to marry her.”
Yeah. That was curious.
Had she loved Cole? Had she been upset when things had fallen apart?
Kellan had a feeling there was more to the story.
“Cole’s in Hawaii at the moment with Keira and Julian,” Laken added. “Could be a good thing.”
“If you need help making that gift basket, I’m happy to help,” Shaw said to Laken.
“Really?” Laken asked.
“Oh yeah.” Shaw nodded. “I’ve met Arabella before. We had this crazy night together. It was dirty and delightful.”
Kellan let out a growl before he could stop himself.
Shit.
Way to play your hand.
Now everyone was staring at him like he’d lost his mind.
“I’m going for a run.” Getting to his feet, he strode out toward the car to grab his spare workout bag.
“Kellan, hey,” Eli said, rushing after him.
“I’m fine. Just need to run.”
“Kellan.”
“I said I’m fine.” His temper stirred. Eli was one of the few people he let his control slip around.
“I get that and I know you want to go for a run. But we only have one car and I need to get back to the hotel to work. Are you going to run to the hotel?”
“Yes. I’ll meet you there later.”
“Fine, and Kellan?”
“Yep?” he asked.
“It’s okay to let yourself feel something for her. She’s gorgeous and amazing. She could be the one.”
Kellan shook his head. Eli was a smart guy. An excellent agent. Fair and firm.
But he was also an idiot sometimes.
There was no such thing as ‘the one’. No such thing as fate.
All he could hope for was that Eli would find someone who could tolerate being in a relationship with Kellan. Who didn’t need him to meet their emotional needs since he had no idea how to do that.
Because a proper relationship required trust and communication and touching outside of sex or play. And that was something that he couldn’t see himself doing.
Kellan wasn’t a touchy-feely guy. He couldn’t casually hold someone’s hand or hug them when they were feeling upset or tired or just wanted affection.
Those sorts of things weren’t something he’d been given as a child. Yeah, his brothers had grown up in the same household. But their father had enjoyed targeting him.
Singling him out. And Kellan had been happy to take a punishment to spare his brothers.
Where was Arabella staying? Was it safe? Secure?
She’s not your problem.
He kept telling himself that and yet . . . he couldn’t seem to stop thinking about her. It seemed that maybe he did care more than he’d thought he did.
Which was . . . worrisome.
11
Arabella knocked on her neighbor’s door the next morning. She had Horse on the new lead that she’d bought him. She’d meant to do this last night, but her equipment and supplies had arrived and she’d gotten busy unpacking.
“Who is it?” someone called out from in the house.
“Um, I’m Arabella. Your new neighbor.” She glanced down at Horse in concern. Perhaps she shouldn’t have brought him with her. What if their neighbor didn’t like dogs?
The door opened and an older man peered up at her through thick glasses. He was using a cane and was slightly hunched.