That Day by Karen Deen (best novels to read in english txt) 📕

I need to work out how I can keep her in my life without putting her in danger.

Plus, how do I tell her the truth?

Not that I’m sure I even know what the truth is anymore.

So many lines are now intersecting, and it reminds me that nothing is easy.

And time is something that one day will run out.

Whether that is good or bad, only time will tell.

Chapter Thirteen

ASHA

From the moment I start to wake, I know I’m not at home, because this bed is way too comfy to be mine. People talk about women marrying for money. Well, I’d happily marry for a bed like this.

Sadly, though, there are no strong arms wrapped around me. I don’t want to open my eyes fully yet, but reaching out, all I feel under my hand are cold sheets. Rolling onto my back, I stretch out my muscles. My body is still feeling a little odd from yesterday, and my head is a dull ache, which I’m guessing will take a while to disappear.

The wet nose on my arm lets me know I’m not alone.

“Morning, Coco. Have you been watching me sleep like a good guard dog?” Rolling to my side, I open my eyes to face her. Patting her head makes her tail start wagging quickly, and I know she’s happy to see me awake.

“Where is your partner in crime?” I try to sit up a little, waiting to make sure there’s no dizziness. Coco trots off towards the bedroom door, trying to show me Kurt is downstairs.

“I can’t go down there yet. I need to freshen up first. I must look atrocious. Plus, he has a friend here and I don’t want to embarrass him.”

I realize I’m in one of Kurt’s t-shirts and that I don’t even remember much of last night. I splash water on my face to try to wake myself up, being careful around the bandage over my lump on the forehead. The painkillers from the hospital must have made me super sleepy and I just zonked out in the car.

Oh god, poor Kurt. He would have had to carry me up here and strip me. Seeing my clothes from yesterday neatly folded on the bathroom counter, I pick them up and find they smell fresh and clean. Can this guy get any cuter?

I pad down the hallway towards the top of the stairs, the cool floorboards under my feet. Hearing voices, I know Kurt is in the kitchen. Dishes clatter, and the aroma of food wafting up the stairs makes my stomach growl.

I’m nervous to go down there but know I can’t stay up here forever.

Meeting new people is not my strong point. I have an underlying fear that they’re bad until they prove me wrong.

The funny thing is that I never ever felt that nervousness with Kurt. All he made me feel was happy and calm.

Coco left me standing there like she knew I was stuck in limbo. So, she went for the reinforcements.

“Where is she, girl, is your Momma awake now?” Kurt’s voice starts getting closer, and I know he’s coming to find me. I know I should start walking down to meet him, but I’m wanting just a few seconds with him on my own before we’re with his buddy.

“Morning, beautiful, how are you feeling?” Not wasting any time, he leans in and kisses me softly, wrapping me in his strong arms, his head nuzzling into my neck. I swear I can hear him take a sniff of my hair while he’s there.

“Hi there. I missed you in bed when I woke up,” I whisper because I don’t want his friend downstairs to hear me.

“Mmm, I missed my morning snuggle too. But if I stayed there this morning, I’d be struggling to stop myself from doing more than snuggling, which is against doc’s orders.” Pulling back, he takes my face between his two hands. “Are you doing okay? Do you need more painkillers?”

“No, I’m okay. It hurts a little, but I’m tough.” I prefer to have a clear head. I don’t want to be feeling sleepy all day.

“Toughest woman I know.” Kurt slowly kisses my forehead.

“Doubt it, but whatever.” I give a little giggle. If only he knew how weak I am on the inside.

“You underestimate yourself, Asha. Now, are you ready for breakfast and to meet Oscar? I’m sorry, it’s not ideal, him being here when you aren’t feeling well, but it happened before you tried to scare the crap out of me last night.”

I can see the fear still lingering in his eyes a little. I’m not sure why he’s looking at me as if I could have died, but I can’t deny it feels amazing to have someone who cares this much.

“It’s okay, I’m just not good with new people, but if he’s your friend, I’m sure he’s great. I mean, look at Seth. He turned out to be a good guy.”

Kurt’s laughter bursts out of him. “Seth is many things, but a good guy isn’t one of them. Come on, let’s go. And just so you know, your good guy is downstairs too, because apparently you made quite the impression the other night and he needed to check on you this morning too. Oh, and breakfast became bigger than just us. Jodie is here too. I’m actually surprised Mom and Dad haven’t arrived yet, either.”

As Kurt takes my hand, the panic sets in. “Kurt, I look terrible. I’m a mess. I need to shower and do my hair…”

His finger lands on my lips, stopping my rant before I can even really get wound up.

“You met Seth when he was all smelly and sweaty after our run, Jodie saw you last night when you were in a far worse state than now, and Oscar is too busy eyeing off Jodie to even pay attention to you. Besides, you look your gorgeous natural self. That’s all you need to worry about. Now, no more panicking, otherwise they