Free The Broken Road by Melissa Huie Page B

all ready for you.”
    “Good. I’m not sure how long we’ll be up here. Allison’s family’s up here, so we may take a side trip on the way home.” Really? Is he trying to make jealous? I brushed aside the ridiculous notion. He has no idea how I feel. And it’s going to stay that way.
    “That’s fine. Just be safe,” I replied, blushing furiously. I couldn’t help feeling a pang of jealousy.
    “I will. Hey Megs,” he said softly.
    “Yeah?”
    “Just be careful, okay?” Shane’s voice was suddenly thick with worry.
    “Yeah, Shane. I will. You too. Tell Allison I said hi,” I replied. Might as well heed Jen’s advice and try to include her.
    I disconnected and stood for a moment. I knew that my affection or feelings for Shane wouldn’t dissolve instantaneously. I guess I didn’t factor in how hard it will actually be. I pocketed my phone just as Alex came into the kitchen.
    “Everything okay?” he asked, as he put his arm around my waist. “You look… I don’t know... annoyed.”
    I had to chuckle at his perceptiveness. “Yeah, I am slightly. Just a friend causing trouble again, that’s all. Nothing big.”
    “Good.” Alex leaned in for another kiss. I raised my lips to his and then gently pressed my hand to his chest.
    “Alex. I’m relatively new at this whole dating thing. And honestly, I want to go slow, okay?” I said, looking him in the eye. No point in playing games; I was through with all that nonsense.
    Taken aback, Alex looked surprised. “I completely agree.” He kissed my lips softly again. “Just tell me where I can sleep tonight. It’s getting late and I’ve had a long day.” I smiled and led him into the laundry room where I kept the spare pillows and blankets.
    I offered up Shane’s sweats, but he actually came prepared.
    “I always keep an overnight bag in my car, in case I have to spend the night in a barn waiting for a mare to foal,” he replied before he braved the short distance to his car. A gentleman, a boy scout, a great kisser; wow, I can get used to this . I made up the couch with fresh linens and a heavy comforter. Alex changed in the bathroom and came out in a pair of jersey shorts and a long-sleeved gray t-shirt. The man had beautiful legs and I had to shake my head to clear the clouds.
    “Thanks for a wonderful dinner,” Alex said, giving me a good night hug. He brushed his lips against mine.
    “Good night Alex. Sleep tight,” I said softly.
    His cologne stayed with me when I went upstairs, Penny trailing behind me. I debated on locking my door, but figured if I couldn’t be safe with a vet in my house, who could I be safe with. I changed into what is now coming to be my standard bedtime uniform of boxers and a t-shirt, and climbed into bed. As I drifted off to sleep, I could hear the muffled ring of a cell phone.

Chapter 7
    Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville” jolted me awake, sending my heart into a panic. I almost jumped out of bed when I remembered that I had the day off. Groaning, I turned my alarm clock off and rubbed the sleep from my eyes. I knew I needed to get out of bed, but I hesitated before I got out of bed. I wasn’t sure how to act after last night. I mean, I like Alex. I like being around him and I definitely like kissing him, but this feeling of waking up with someone downstairs that you I do not know very well, is almost akin to doing the walk of shame in the aftermath of a drunken one-night stand. Or at least that’s how I felt as I dragged myself out of bed. I pulled on my discarded sweats from last night and followed Penny down the stairs, where she headed straight to the kitchen. I sniffed the air and breathed in the delicious aroma of coffee brewing and what is that? Nutmeg? I wandered into the kitchen and my mouth dropped open in utter disbelief. What used to be a clean and orderly kitchen is now a disaster zone. Spices covered the counters, the sink filled with dirty dishes, and a busy Alex clanging away on the pans. Is