Kelly Hill Read Online Free PDF Page B

those.” Rachel offered, trying to remain polite and helpful, but he was effectively removing all the duties of hostess in one bright shining morning. Taking away all of the things she could use to get away from the topic that was coming.
    “ Nope, it’s okay.” He set the glasses down and then waited for Rachel to slowly walk over, dreading this breakfast.
    When she reached the table he pulled out her chair for her and seated her as if they were on a date. He had always been a little too familiar. More feelings of guilt washed over Rachel and she tried not to think about it.
    When he was sitting next to her, and they were both overlooking Rachel’s backyard, he sighed contentedly. “This smells really good.”
    Of course it did. Three years of culinary art paid off well in the eating department.
    “So Rachel,” Kelly began as if he was starting a strange debate, “How’s it been?”
    Rachel cleared her throat and swallowed the food that she was working on. “Well, I’ve lived here, with my dad for the past two years, but you knew that.”
    Kelly laughed, “Yeah, I think I remember you telling me that this was where you were headed.”
    Rachel took the chance to sneak a peek at him, but he wasn’t looking at her, he was staring off into the backyard, thoughtfully chewing. He swallowed and leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest.
    As if he could sense her looking at him, he tilted his head at her, “Took me awhile to find you.”
    The way he said it sent a chill up Rachel’s back and she shivered. His voice held an air of familiarity that she wished it didn’t. Why couldn’t he just have stayed away?
    Again, her mind took her back to her days at Phillips and she wondered if he had said anything to Ethan about it.
    Three kids creating a system to buy and sell answers to tests wasn’t all too much to talk about, but the rest of it was. The part that Rachel had too much to do with.
    “I’m sorry if I kept you up.” Rachel decided to keep the conversation moving. She didn’t particularly like uncomfortable silences and this breakfast was full of opportunity for just that.
    “ Don’t be.” Kelly shook his head, finishing off his quiche, “I would have been awake, anyways.”
    “ Oh? Do you have trouble sleeping?” Rachel was continuing to try and be accommodating, to regain her position as perfect hostess. Maybe there was something she could do.
    “ Sometimes.” Kelly nodded thoughtfully, he was frowning slightly and his green eyes had darkened, but in a moment the look was pushed away and he was smiling again. “But it’s okay.”
    “ Kelly.” Rachel’s voice was lower than before, like she was revealing a secret. But wasn’t she? She looked down at the table and her arm that was resting in her lap. Her gold watch read 8:46, “I’m sorry.”
    All that seemed to make noise in her backyard were the birds and her own nervous heartbeat, thumping away. Waiting for him to say something.
    Kelly looked down at his lap and licked his lips, “You don’t have to be, Rachel, it’s okay.”
    If it was okay, why didn’t it feel that way? Why was she still terrified of the fact that he was sitting here with her?
    Rachel stood up to take her plate to the kitchen, “Are you finished?” She was trying to change the subject in the only way she saw possible and Kelly had cleaned his plate in the first five minutes of them being outside.
    “ Uh, yeah.” Kelly stood with her and tried to take her plate from her, “I can do this.”
    “ Oh no, really, it’s okay.” Rachel held onto her plate tightly, “You’re my guest, I can do the dishes.”
    “ Don’t be ridiculous.” Kelly didn’t let go, “I’m Ethan’s guest. You don’t have to take care of me.”
    Rachel felt her fingers relinquish the plate into his hands and stood there. That last sentence he spoke carried more weight than it should have and Rachel knew why.
    “I can at least carry the glasses.” She offered up a