Christmas Choices by Sharon Coady Page B

at her and she jumped down off her stool and hurried through the crowd of people.
    “Hey Kellen,” she said, looking up at him. “What’s up?”
    “Want to go back to your place?”
    “Sure. Let me grab my purse and I’ll meet you outside.”
    Kellen followed her back to her place, hoping he hadn’t just made a mistake. He didn't want her to think taking her home again meant he liked her. They usually did. He just wanted some distraction from his thoughts of Rhian. Why the hell can’t I get her out of my mind?
    Julie climbed out of her car and headed for her front door. “I’m so glad you wanted to come back here tonight, Kellen. I’m sorry about the other night.”
    “No problem. Just so you know, I won’t be staying tonight either.” He shrugged his shoulders. “It’s just not something I do.”
    Frowning, she replied, “It’s okay. I didn’t think you would. I’m just happy to have another time with you. That sounds crass, doesn’t it?”
    He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her against him. “No, you’re a woman who knows what she wants. That’s a turn on.” He leaned in and kissed her hard, leaving her breathless when he finally pulled back.
    “Come on, let’s go upstairs.” She grabbed his hand and pulled him along behind her. “You are a mystery, Mr. Slade. A nice mystery, but a mystery just the same.”
    After they finished, Kellen felt empty and alone. He had gone through the motions but hadn’t enjoyed himself. He truly felt like a complete dick. He heard Johnnie’s questions over and over in his head.
    He showered, dressed, and went out into the bedroom to find Julie gone. As he walked down the steps, he heard her in the living room.
    “Would you like a drink? I just made myself a vodka on the rocks.”
    “No, I need to go.” He opened the door, stopped, and without turning around said, “Thanks, Julie.”
    “No need to thank me, Kellen. We used each other. My husband left me a couple of weeks ago and I needed an ego boost. No hard feelings?”
    “Sure, no hard feelings. Take care of yourself.” He walked out her door, closing it softly behind him.
    When he climbed on his bike, he took his phone out of his pocket and checked for messages. Nothing. Damn it, Rhian, where are you?

Chapter Twenty-One
    R hian called out to Kellen. When he turned, the sadness she saw in his eyes tore through her heart. “Come back to me, Kellen. Don’t go, please.” He turned and walked away. She ran after him, but the distance between them grew. She woke, her breathing ragged, her heart pounding. She looked at the clock. Four o’clock, great. She threw the covers back and slid out of bed.
    In the bathroom, she splashed cold water on her face then brushed her teeth and combed her hair. She made some coffee since she knew she wouldn’t be able to sleep after the dream. While it brewed, she checked her phone for messages. Nothing. Why does that surprise me? He doesn’t give a shit I left.
    The painting of Kellen stared at her from the living room. What secrets do you have? A single tear slid down her cheek.
    She decided after breakfast that she would start a new painting of her mother and grandmother. The day they waved goodbye and never returned. They had both looked so lovely as they headed to the market for fresh meat and produce for the café. Rhian’s decision to stay back and help her grandfather still haunted her. There were days when the guilt would rush to the surface.
    Her grandfather had always told her it hadn’t been her time. She was meant to stay with him, his one saving grace from the pain of losing his wife and daughter. But being alive sometimes saddened her as well. Grandfather. She picked up her phone and sent him another message to see how he was doing. Even though they had been texting back and forth, she needed to call him later in the day just to say she loved him. She knew she would have to explain why she left without going by to see him. Neither of them had