Chapter 19
Keke didn’t know where she was going, but she knew she was still on one of the camp’s trails. They all led to the office, so eventually she’d be back. However, she wasn’t sure if she had started on the blue trail that was half a mile long or the red trail that would be a good five miles. If she didn’t start hearing kids screaming soon, she’d start jogging.
She should’ve held it, but she’d drunk so much water and Gatorade to avoid eating that she had to go to the bathroom. She just didn’t expect Pete and Lea to be there locked in a loved-up embrace with Lea purring like a cat in heat and Pete crushing Lea to his body like she was the video game he’d wanted for Christmas.
And Keke didn’t expect the scene to elicit such a flare of jealousy that if she didn’t get out of there, she’d either scream or break down crying. Pete was hers.
No, he wasn’t. But she was his first kiss. The most perfect first kiss ever—in Keke’s opinion. She had felt it and so did he. Whatever was between them, it had tied them together during their kiss. She could’ve sworn her soul hummed in approval.
Her body sure did.
And Petey was her nickname for him! What was he thinking letting that…
Keke couldn’t come up with a bad word for Lea. The girl was an absolute sweetheart. But how could he let her use “Petey”? When Keke heard Lea moan the name, her heart sank to her feet. Lea must mean something to Pete. That’s the only reason that made logical sense. Pete hated his nickname.
And he probably hated her after she snapped at him this morning. Keke’s shoulders slumped as she remembered the words she hurled at him. He didn’t deserve her ire. The man who did was dead.
She was mad at a ghost.
And if she didn’t figure out a way to get rid of her anger, then she’d lose everyone she loved—and those she was just learning to care about. Her therapist—and Kat—would encourage her to take action and forgive.
Keke wasn’t sure she was ready for that step.
Keke passed a red sign and groaned. She was on the long trail. She stopped and turned around. She hadn’t been gone that long.
It was just as well she’d found Pete lip-locked with Lea. He finally took the plunge and kissed a girl, and by the sound of Lea’s approval, he did a fantastic job.
Keke knew all too well.
And there was Bertie. Her best friend had been so upset at the thought of Keke and Pete together, Keke didn’t think she’d ever speak to her again unless she promised—yet again—to do what Bertie wanted.
Keke’s stomach churned. Did Bertie have a right to demand she follow rule one? They weren’t kids anymore. As adults, Keke believed she should be with the man she wanted.
Did she want Pete?
Her body and heart said yes. Her mind? She struggled to find the answer.
“Keke.”
Keke stopped in front of Pete. “What are you doing? Following me?” she stuttered.
“Bertie was looking for you. Said she saw you run out here.”
Keke kept her gaze from going to his lips. She didn’t want to see any trace evidence of Lea there. “Then why didn’t she come after me?” Keke continued forward. Now the picture of Lea and Pete wrapped up loomed large in her mind.
He shrugged. “I don’t know what’s going on with her lately. Her or my mom.” He stared at her. “Or you. This morning…”
Keke ran a hand down the side of her face. She stopped. No matter what she was going through, Pete didn’t deserve that outburst. He’d been encouraging and friendly. Keke looked up at him. “I was a jerk to you. I know. I’m sorry.”
Pete crossed his arms and raised one dark brow. “Is Keighly Kaye actually apologizing to Peter Headley for something she said?”
Keke felt her cheeks burn. A retort was on the tip of her tongue, but she swallowed it back and opted for humility. “Yes, Peter. Forgive me?”
He smiled and touched her arm. His gaze was soft. “Of course I do. Want to talk about it?”
And reveal Bertie’s secret?Yes.“No…”
If he had just come after her, then they were still close to the facilities. She started around him. With any luck, they’d run into Mr. Headley, who would order Pete to complete another task.
