Free Jolted (Conflicted Encounters #1) by Alyne Roberts Page B

mattered to me as much as it mattered to my parents. They would constantly remind me that every impression I made was important for when I became his wife. I was constantly trying to be perfect and worrying about what everyone thought of me. The thought of being in the limelight, for everyone to judge, was terrifying, but I would do it for Carter. I just wanted to be by his side and nothing else mattered to me.

C HAPTER E IGHT

    Kallie
    I pushed the doors open to the familiar cafe and spotted the same kid that served me a few days ago.
    "You're still here?" he asked, obviously checking me out.  
    "Yep. Large Mocha Latte. And can you add an extra espresso shot, please?" I asked and slid my bank card across the counter.  
    "Sure thing. Anything else?" he asked. I looked into the case of pastries and considered a muffin. "I just baked some brownies. My own special recipe. It'll be on the house," he said, giving me a big smile.
    "Sure, thank you." I gave him the best smile I could. My body still felt weak and I was hoping the coffee would bring me back to life. He swiped the card and went to make the coffee. He came back, handing me the cup and a little brown bag. I told him thank you again and left the coffee shop.  
    I let the fresh air whip across my skin. The sun was warm on my face and I enjoyed the coffee on the short walk back to the apartment. I let myself in and found the place was still empty. I paced the small living room before realizing what I was doing. I forced myself to sit at the breakfast bar and tried to finish the coffee without any nervous tendencies. I pulled out the brownie and munched it down to keep myself busy. I left the other one in the bag for later.  
    I eventually settled on the couch and turned on the TV. I spotted a cartoon and started laughing hysterically at the talking dog. He was arguing with a talking baby with a British accent; it was the funniest thing I had ever seen. My sides hurt from laughing so hard that when the show finally ended, I was almost relieved. To my delight, another episode was on next. I kicked off my shoes, pulled my feet up on the couch, and sat back to continuing enjoying the show.
    Halfway through the episode, I jumped up when I heard the door open and Ryder came in. I waved enthusiastically at him and went back to my show. After another laughing fit, I noticed Ryder watching me with a curious look.
    "What?" I asked defensively.
    "Are you watching Family Guy?" he asked me, coming in to look at the TV.
    "I don't know what this is, but it's super," I laughed.
    "You’ve never watched this before?" he asked incredulously.
    "Nope," I said, popping the “p” sound a little too much.  
    He shook his head and walked back into the kitchen. He picked up the brown paper bag and empty coffee cup and examined them. Hearing the rustling of the paper bag perked my interest.
    "Oh! I forgot about that. I'm starving," I said, getting up and rushing him for the bag.
    "Where did you get it?" he asked, holding the bag up over his head and out of my reach.
    "It's mine," I whined, hopping up and down, trying to reach the treat.
    "Who gave it you?"  
    "That boy at the coffee place," I huffed and pouted like a child. "Can I have it now? Please?"
    Ryder looked down into my eyes and sighed. He reluctantly handed me back the bag, and I quickly pulled out my precious brownie.
    "Why did you ask for one of those?" he asked, watching me break it into little bit-sized pieces.  
    "He gave them to me for free," I exclaimed with a full mouth. I offered him a piece, but he shook his head and mumbled something under his breath. His eyebrows came together and I wanted to reach up and smooth out the lines on his forehead. A laugh bubbling up from deep inside me was all that stopped me from touching his face. When Ryder glared at me, I only laughed harder.
    "You're so mad," I giggled and pointed at his scowl.
    "And you're high," he pointed out. I stopped laughing.
    "No, I'm not," I told him,