Free Miles From Kara by Melissa West

start?”
    She cocked her head and then shrugged. “Monday work? You can do three full days or Monday through Friday, four hours per day. Your choice.”
    â€œI’ll do the three full days, if that’s okay. Then if I decide to take a summer class, I’d be able to work it around my schedule.”
    She smiled. “Like I said, your choice. I’m glad you’re staying. And I know one person who will be especially thrilled.” Her gaze locked on the girl coming through the front door.
    Maggie. The pregnant teen.
    I’d intentionally avoided her since our last encounter, and I knew she must be getting even closer to her delivery, which meant she was afraid and desperate for someone to help her. I just wished she could see that I wasn’t that someone.
    â€œI don’t really think I should be talking with her, Tori. She’s a minor. Shouldn’t she speak with someone who’s trained?”
    Tori studied me. “The teens and college kids who come here often just want an ear to listen. Someone other than their parents or friends, someone who won’t judge. You aren’t giving them therapy in the clinical sense; you’re giving them comfort. And clearly that girl needs some comfort about now. I won’t force you to help anyone you don’t want to help, but she is seeking you for a reason. Maybe you should ask yourself why.”
    ***
    I made my way outside Helping Hands and down the street, my mind still on Tori’s words. I managed to avoid Maggie again, but I knew I was being selfish and each time I avoided her, I felt more and more like the lowest scum on the planet. All she wanted was someone to talk to. I should be that person. I should be strong and put her first.
    Only . . . I couldn’t.
    I rounded the corner, past the old barbershop, and reached into my purse for my keys. I had just pulled them out, when I noticed the person leaving the architecture firm at the end of the square. He glanced down the sidewalk and his gaze met mine. He tucked his hair behind his ear, a small smile beginning to form on his face. Our gazes held as he started for me, my heart ramming against my chest as I watched Colt walk closer and closer to me.
    â€œG’day,” he said, his expression guarded.
    I thought back to my admittance that I wanted to see him and his reply.
How badly?
    â€œWhat are you doing here?” I breathed, unable to hide the excitement in my voice.
    His mouth twitched. “My dad knows the owners of Applegate and Long, that architecture firm down the street. He introduced me to them at Christmas, so I gave them a call to see if they offered any internships, and, well, here I am.”
    â€œSo . . . you’re in Charleston? For the summer?”
    Colt took a step toward me, so close I could smell the clean, spicy scent of his aftershave. Now that I was able to look away from his face, I noticed that he was wearing business attire—black suit and tie, crisp white shirt. The look made him appear older, mature . . . tempting.
    â€œYes,” he whispered, his breath dancing across my face. “I’m in Charleston for the summer.”
    I glanced up into his golden-brown eyes and smiled. “All right, then.”
    He smiled back.
    Suddenly, my summer was looking a lot more interesting.

Chapter Eleven
    I lay in bed that night, my phone beside me, my fingers itching to grab it and call Colt. I thought of him being in Charleston and felt my entire body turn warm. I’d never felt such a physical impact from a guy before. It was exhilarating . . . and exhausting.
    We had left each other on the street, me peering over my shoulder just to find him doing the same. I smiled and he smiled, and all I could think about was my candle and how very clear everything seemed to me all of a sudden. I didn’t allow myself to ask where he was staying or if I could see him again. Not yet. I knew Ethan was