Keeping Hope (Broken Girl Series) by Rachael Tonks Page B

open the door, gesturing for me to go in. I stand rigid, looking at him. I fold my arms across my chest, giving him an unspoken warning.
    He raises his eyebrows. “Just calling a cab, Ken. Don’t worry, it’s not a ploy to get you in my room. If I remember right, that’s your trick, isn’t it?” He shoots me a cheeky wink and my face heats in response.
    I walk in the room and sit on the edge of the bed. I place my shaky hands on my knees, trying to steady myself. I feel like I’m drowning in grief and confusion. I jiggle my legs, needing to dispel the feeling of my amplified senses. I take several deep breaths, but my senses are filled with his aromatic scent. It completely fills the room. Every breath I take intoxicates me. I shut my eyes tightly as I listen to the hum of his voice as he calls for a cab. I feel his warmth suddenly appear beside me, his hand resting on my leg.
    ‘Breathe’ I tell myself.
    I feel Pete’s weight shift on the bed. I turn to see him pulling his legs underneath him as he sits crossed legged beside me.
    “I don’t know if you got the gist of that conversation, but a cab will be here in about fifteen minutes. What do you want to do for the next ten?” He looks at me and I watch as he wiggles his eyebrows suggestively.
    I glare and chuckle all at once.
    “See! I knew I could get you to smile,” he laughs.
    I look toward him; the sadness overtaking me. My thoughts are consumed with what Abbey is going through, the images almost too much to take. I bite the inside of my cheek, a weak attempt at fighting back the swell of impending tears.
    “Hey, hey, what’s wrong?” he asks, resting his hand on my back.
    “I shouldn’t be smiling. My friend is critically ill in the hospital. It just feels all wrong.”
    “You really think Abbey would want you to be sitting here upset? Everyone knows how much Abbey loves to laugh, and I’m going to be frank here, Ken. You’re much prettier when you laugh.”
    I screw up my face. “Hey.”
    He holds up his hands in surrender “Just saying,” he chortles out.
    He pokes my side, causing me to jump. My mouth twists ruefully. I drop down, lying flat on my back resting my arms over my eyes.
    I feel his weight shift on the bed beside me as he lies down. I turn my head toward his, our faces practically touching. I close my eyes as I take in a deep breath, not knowing how to feel with him laying here beside me. Inside I’m hurting, confused and exhausted. I fought for my freedom, only to find that Abbey has lost hers.
    Pete clears his throat, trying to get my attention. I drop my arms, turning my head further toward him. His puppy dog eyes bore into me, his lip curled downward. I chuckle lightly, fighting back the tears. I blink down hard and a warm, stray tear falls slowly over my face and down my cheek.
    Pete reaches his hand up to my cheek. His thumb swipes away the tear. I can’t help it; I lean into his touch and the warmth of his soft hand as it grazes over my skin. He hooks his fingers around the side of my face, pulling me to him.
    His lips are barely touching mine, but before I know it we are kissing. Not full on passion, but gentle, sensual, soft slow kisses. I realize what we are doing and break the connection, jumping off the bed and onto my feet.
    I glance over at Pete. His face fills with sadness and regret. He slips off the bed, standing in front of me. I step back instinctively, increasing the distance between us.
    I hold up my hand, indicating for him to stay where he is. “Please, Pete, don’t.” I hang my head, the shame and disgust washing through me.
    “But…” he stutters.
    “I never wanted this to happen,” I interject. “I think we should go down and wait for the cab.” I look up slowly and see him nod in agreement.
    “We need to tell Cole where we are going. I don’t want him to freak the fuck out and think something bad has happened to you.”
    We head downstairs and straight out the main entrance. I notice the