Chapter 24
Chapter Twenty-Four
Mila
Opening the door to my temporary home, I listen for any sounds to indicate whether or not Kash is home. It’s pretty quiet, so I take a chance and push the door open and step inside. Tossing my keys on the entry table, I slowly walk in.
I’m glad I’m alone. It gives me some time to think.
Going back to my construction zone of an apartment isn’t going to work.
My back is killing me, and I just want a hot shower, or maybe a soak in the tub.
The spare bedroom doesn’t have one, but it makes me wonder if Kash’s does. That wouldn’t be weird, right?
Walking back toward our bedrooms, I find my door shut still, and Kash’s door wide open.
Peeking inside, I’m pleasantly surprised to see how neat it is.
I was picturing clothes everywhere, or an unmade bed, but in fact, his room might be cleaner than mine.
I still hate making my bed. There’s no point when I’m just going to crash into it later on.
Kash’s bedroom smells just like him. It’s masculine and fresh, like cinnamon and laundry soap.
There’s a large bed along a wall with navy bedding.
He has artwork hanging everywhere, along with a few photos on a tall, dark dresser.
Picking up a frame, I see a much younger version of Kash and a man that could be his twin.
Two happy faces are sporting the same broad grin—one that’s full of trouble and mischief.
Their hair is shaggy and unruly, matching brown eyes full of happiness. It has to be his dad.
“I look just like him, don’t I?” a deep voice rumbles next to me.
“Damn it, Kash! You can’t sneak up on me like that.” Scolding him, I try to get my heart back to a normal rhythm. “You scared me.”
“I said your name when I came in and saw your keys, but you didn’t answer. If I had known you’d be in my bedroom waiting for me, I would have been here sooner, Sunshine.”
Rolling my eyes, I set the photo down and focus on the picture. I ignore his comment and choose to pretend I didn’t just invade his privacy. “You guys look alike. It’s uncanny.”
“We do. Where have you been, Mila?”
I see we’re not beating around the bush.
“I needed space.” There. I said it. Honesty is always the best policy.
When his hand reaches for mine, I ignore the way my body lights up in excitement at his touch.
“From what?” he asks, pulling me over to sit on his bed. His leg is pushed up against mine as he cradles my hands in his.
“Kash. I don’t think we’re a good match.”
“I agree.”
“Wait. What?”
“I think we’re a great match. A perfect match actually,” he tacks on with a smile.
“Be serious.”
“Mila, if there’s anything I’m ever serious about, it’s you. Now, tell me what’s going through that head of yours.”
Yeah, that’s probably not going to happen. If I admit that I have even the smallest amount of feelings for him, he’s going to be even worse than he is now. I can’t live with him and start a relationship. That’s so out of order.
“I don’t know where to start, Kash,” I tell him honestly. I don’t want him to know how much he’s affecting me already.
“Well, how about I start then?” he offers.
Moving his hand to my face, he turns my gaze to meet his.
“Mila, I’m never going to want anyone else the way I want you.
I know my history is ugly, and I wish it didn’t exist, but it does.
I hate that you can’t trust me because of the person that I used to think I needed to be. ”
“You can’t change who you are, Kash.”
“I already have.”
“How? You’re still you from what I can see,” I point out. It probably makes me sound like a bitch, but I don’t see how he’s changed. He’s still his regular happy-go-lucky self.
“I haven’t looked at another girl since I met you eighty-five days ago, and I’m not the least bit bothered by it.”
“What? Kash, we haven't known each other that long.”
“Yes, we have. Girls’ night was exactly eighty-five days ago. I’ve been counting the days since I met my future wife. It’s important to know.”
I have no idea what to say to that.
“You hit on Cora like three months ago, and your ex just smashed your car and shop to shit, Kash.”
“I didn’t exactly hit on Cora. Just egged Atlas on. I knew from the start he had eyes for her; I just wanted him to make a move and not be mopey.” He laughs. “As for the other part, don’t hold Bri against me, Mila, please.” His dark eyes stare into mine. “We were over before it even began.”
“Like us?”
“No. Never. There is nothing you could ever do that would make me bored or not want you.”
“You say that now...” I trail off, pulling away from his gaze.
“I’ll say it always. Forever.” Pulling my attention back to him, he continues, “All I need is one chance and you’ll never doubt me, Mila. You’ll never have a reason to.”
He looks and sounds so sincere; I wonder if it would be that bad of an idea. Kash makes me feel things, but his attention is so big. I’m not sure I’m ready to accept that yet.
“If I’m going to continue staying here, I think we need to be honest with each other. Starting with an apology from me. I’ve done something I shouldn’t have.”
I feel horrible about it, so I hope he forgives me.