When Our Worlds Stand Still (Our Worlds #3)(37)

“I have the same number,” Graham states. His Adam’s apple bounces in his neck as he swallows. He shuffles his bare feet across the wood floor. I smile and nod. When I turn to leave, a hand wraps around my wrist. “Have fun today, okay?” he says. A giddy smile plays on his lips.

“I’ll be back soon.” I open the door and slip out, but duck my head back in to find Graham shaking his head and jabbering to himself. “Maybe when I get back, we can talk about a truce.”

“Didn’t we just do that?” Graham yells after me.

At the bottom step, I’m greeted by three smiling, eager faces.

As if it’s not a total invasion of my privacy, Amanda asks, “How’d he taste?”

Bea’s eyes widen, and she smacks Amanda on the shoulder. “Don’t be crude.”

“She can’t help herself,” Violet chimes in. Her eyes follow me. “You okay?”

“You guys ready to go?” I ignore her question, even though her eyes sear into the back of my head.

Dan walks into the room, distracting her. “Here’s the key, babe. I programmed the salon into the GPS, so you shouldn’t get lost.”

I admire them as they embrace. Dan ducks to wrap her in his arms, and she lets out a loud squeal when he kisses her neck.

Why can’t I have that kind of normal?

“Quit,” Graham whispers in my ear. I’m usually in tune to his presence, but somehow he’s slipped into the room without me noticing.

“I’m not doing anything,” I lie. He knows exactly what I’m doing.

“You’re allowed to want that,” he motions to them, “and I can give it to you if you’ll let me.”

“I know you can.” I smile as he moves in front of me. His lips drop to my forehead. At the contact, my eyes shut.

“I’ll see you when you get back, okay?” Graham whispers, tucking my hair behind my ear.

My face hurts from my impossible smile. When he’s out of the room, everyone’s eyes are on me. Bea and Amanda walk to the door, purses over their arms, and knowing grins on their faces. Violet follows them, and I bring up the rear.

“Kennedy, hold on,” Dan murmurs. He steps toward me with his arms open. His warmth is comforting.

“Thanks, buddy, but what was that for?”

“I like the strength he gives you. There was a time when I thought he would be the death of you …”

“Dan, he didn’t leave me. I left him.” The mention of our past only reminds me of the day after Craig’s conviction.

“And still he held on all this time. Imagine what kind of love is capable of doing that.” Dan smiles.

“Why are you saying this?” I motion to the door. “The girls are waiting.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. Him being here.” Dan shrugs, his head cocked to the side. “You two are my best friends, and I can’t believe I’m even going to say this, but don’t break his heart.”

My brow furrows. “He has more of the ability to break mine, Dan, and I understand why you didn’t,” I say.

“I wouldn’t be so sure anymore.” He turns on the balls of his feet, glancing over his shoulder at me. “You’ve been guarded for some time. Some may even call it cold, Kennedy, so if he’s not going to be able to melt the wall around you, don’t let him try.”

I nod, saddened by the reality of what I’ve put all of them through. I haven’t been the easiest person to deal with, and I’m woman enough to admit it. I run into Dan’s strong arms and cry into his chest. “I’ve always loved him. Not a day apart could change that.”

“And he loves you.” He pulls away, holding me at arms-length, and drying my tears with the arm of his shirt. “Now, go have fun. I didn’t mean to drag your mood down.”

“No, you were right to say something,” I state to ease his mind. “Thank you.”

I jump into the passenger side and don’t bother to explain my late arrival. Violet reaches over and squeezes my hand. Like always, I don’t need to tell her anything. She already somehow knows.

We arrive at the salon in perfect time for our appointments. The four of us are led to the back of the salon after we pick our preferred color. Violet and I sit with Amanda and Bea flanking our sides.

“Okay, Bea, spill it. I have to know what you and Mark have been up to.” Amanda leans forward, catching Bea’s stunned expression. “You were alone all day yesterday. Something had to have happened.”

“We kiss. A lot,” Bea answers her intrusive question. “That’s it. Nothing much to tell, except that we’re planning on seeing each other more often once I head back to the city.”

We praise her newfound love with smiles and silent claps.

“You deserve someone like Mark,” I offer.

“What about you and Graham? You two seem cozy,” Bea asks, making Violet and Amanda laugh.

“They are not cozy. They’re like warmth wrapped inside warmth. It’s disgusting.” Amanda rolls her eyes.

“He’s hot,” Bea blurts.

“Hey now.” I lower my eyes on her.

“I’m just saying. He walked into the kitchen with his shirt off this morning, and I about –”