Impossible Love: An Unforeseen Destiny Novel Book One by Kimberly Readnour Page B

which leaves me covering the last tour. And since I have a double tomorrow, there’s no way I can go out tonight. I’m so sorry.”
    Silence greets me, and for a slight second, I fear she’s hung up. I should explain how exhausting it is to do back-to-back doubles, but I don’t want to sound like a wimp.
    “Oh, that’s all right,” a soft-spoken voice says.
    My head drops, and I bang my palm against my forehead. God, she thinks I’m ditching her. That’s not what I want her to think.
    “Hey, I’ll call you tonight when I’m through, and we’ll make new plans. Okay?” I hold my breath as I wait for her answer.
    “Sure. That sounds good.”
    Kayla’s voice is still off, but I have to get back to work. I glance over at the van and cringe. Everyone’s already seated, waiting for me.
    “I really need to go. I’ll talk to you later.”
    I hang up and sprint to the van. Paul throws me a questionable look when I pop the door open, no doubt wondering why I was on the phone. I’ve never held up a tour before. Twisting in the passenger seat, I start asking the routine questions while Paul shifts the van into drive. As soon as the last tourist stops talking, I face forward and stare straight ahead. God, I hope I didn’t fuck up my chance with her.
    **~~**~~**
    Kayla~
     
     
    I stare at the phone in my hand. Did I just get ditched? Or does Kai really have to work? Uneasiness filters its way in my subconscious, planting seeds of doubt. Maybe I imagined the spark between us. Kai did, after all, kiss my forehead. Nah, the feeling was too intense between us. He wanted me.
    I push off the bed and tromp down the stairs that lead to the kitchen. There isn’t any reason not to believe him. And Kai said he’ll call. I’ll just wait and see if that holds true.
    As soon as my feet hit the tile, I dash to the refrigerator for some cold water. I twist the lid off and lean against the green quartz countertop. My gaze strays to the ocean. God, I love these windows. You can see miles of water.
    A splash followed by something gray springs out of the water, catching my attention.
    “Mom, come quickly. I think I see some whales.” I race to the lanai and peer into the vast space.
    “Really?” Mom rushes from her bedroom and joins me by the railing with the camera in hand. We stand in awe, watching the whales splash along the ocean break. Mom laughs while snapping pictures, and I take a few with my phone. Mine won’t turn out, but still. It makes me feel better. We keep watching until the glorious creatures disappear.
    My phone buzzes a text alert displaying Brian’s name. I waltz to the patio table to grab a chair.
    “I’m getting a cup of coffee. Ya want anything?” Mom asks.
    “Yeah, I’ll have my water. There’s an open bottle on the countertop.”
    “Okay, I’ll be right back.”
    I open my messages to see what Brian wants. Other than him texting to see if I landed okay, I haven’t talked to him.
    Brian: How’s it going?
    Me: Good. Been kayaking and sightseeing. R U staying warm?
    A winter advisory alert flashed on my phone last night. Five to seven inches of snow with temps dropping below zero is expected across Illinois to Ohio. Four days ago, the weather was in the fifties. Crazy Midwest.
    Brian: I’d be warmer if you were here with me.
    Me: Grab a blanket ;)
    Brian: Will you be wrapped in it?
    I stare at my phone, and Staci’s words replay in my mind, “It’s so obvious he wants in your pants.” Brian and I have always bantered back and forth. It’s how we are together. And he’s always been a flirt. That’s his personality. He’s been on several dates, none of which he’s asked me on. Our friendship is completely platonic. There’s no way he likes me beyond friendship. Staci’s wrong. She has to be. I stare at his suggestive words, but don’t reply.
    “Talking to Staci?” Mom asks, setting my water bottle in front of me.
    “No, Brian.”
    Mom smiles. I sigh, knowing what’s coming.
    “I