Free This Trust of Mine by Amanda Bennett Page B

getting
concerned, but I didn't pry, I just let her finish. "I know how much she
cares for you. She's just havin' a bit of a rough time, that's all. Give her
some time. She'll come to ya." Her small weathered hand covered mine as she
began making small circles across the back of it. Everything about this woman
made me feel comfortable. She was understanding in a way that I had only felt
from my own grandmother.
    "Thanks
Mrs. James. Can you please tell her to meet me out by the tree tonight around
ten thirty?"
    "Absolutely
love. I will personally make sure she hauls her butt up that hill." She
winked and then stood to go inside. "Tell your grandparents hello for me.
We will see ya soon honey."
    I waved as I
made my way down the steps and back towards my truck. At least I knew I had one
James family member on my side.

Chapter 12
    Kayla
    I was
locking the front door to the boutique when I felt a hand graze my lower back.
I was already on edge because of Madison's little impromptu arrival earlier, so
I literally jumped about a mile high when I felt the cool skin of someone
else's hand against mine. I turned ready for action. There was no way I was
going to let someone get me without putting up a fight. I had my truck key
between my first and middle finger that were in a fist, just like my granddaddy
had taught me. It wasn't the most effective weapon, but it would definitely do
a little bit of damage if need be.
    "Holy
shit there killer. You expectin' a throw down?"
    The minute I
heard his voice, the surge of adrenaline that had begun spreading throughout my
body suddenly dissipated. "What the hell are you doin' here Joey? You
scared the ever livin' hell outta me." I clutched my chest as I tried to
slow my rapid heart rate.
    I could tell
he felt bad the minute he saw me fighting to catch my breath. His arms snaked
around my waist, pulling me closer to his chest. "I'm really sorry love. I
swear I didn't mean anything by it. I was just havin' a little fun." He
pressed his lips to the top of my head and my fear and anxiety instantly melted
away.
    "It's
okay. I'm just a little jumpy."
    "I'd
say more than just a little." He chuckled.
    I pushed
back against his chest and out of his embrace. "What are you doin' here
Joey?"
    "I just
wanted to make sure you closed up all safe and sound. Don't need anyone around
here tryin' to scare my girl."
    My brow
furrowed in confusion by the sweet sentiment. Joey had a habit of callin' me
his girl since day one. We both knew it wasn't what he really meant, but other
people at school were starting to talk and now that Madison was back in town, I
was going to have to tell Joey he couldn't say it anymore.
    "So,
why you lookin' so sad?"
    "Madison's
back. Wait, that sounded really bad. I'm not sad that he's back, I just don't
know what exactly he's doing back. I don't know. I think I'm just
confused."
    "I
would say so. Look, I've known Madison practically my entire life. He's a
really good guy and I would never want to interfere with whatever you two have
goin' on. So, if I'm stepping on his toes or anything like that, I can pull
back a bit."
    "No!"
It came out more demanding than I had intended, but Joey was one of my only
friends here and I wasn't willing to lose him because of how Madison may or may
not feel about our friendship. "Sorry, I just meant, well, no. I can be
friends with whomever I want. If he has a problem with it, than he can just
deal with that on his own time."
    We started
walking in the direction of my truck when Joey's cell phone started blaring the
stupid annoying rock song I have had to hear one too many times lately. I would
have to make a note to change that next time I had his phone in my possession.
    I could tell
it was Brandy, the girl he had been seeing since summer and was still talking
to now that we were in school. She was nice enough, but for some reason or
another, she despised me already. For what reason, I may never know. I was
already at my truck unlocking the door, when