Read Online Walk with Me (BookStrand Publishing Mainstream) by Kaitlyn Stone - Free Book Online Page A

your shirt?”
    He points to the hall leading to the bathroom. “It should be in the cabinet outside the bathroom. If you get most of the blood out the cleaners can do the rest.”
    I get to work scrubbing the shirt. “I got most of it out.” I walk over to the couch. “I hung it in your shower to dry.”
    My uncle smiles at me. “Thanks, hon. How’s the car running? The transmission giving you any more trouble?”
    I sit down next to Donovan but we don’t touch or hold hands, which is almost painful. I’ve been driving my uncle’s car since his caretaker now takes him to dialysis and to run errands during the week.
    “Yes. It sticks more often now. I think it may be time for me to buy myself a car. I’ve been squirreling away almost every penny I make.”
    Donovan chimes in. “My cousin runs a car dealership in Santa Monica. We can go down this Sunday to take a look at what he’s got if you want. I’m sure he can get you a good deal, if there’s something you like.”
    “That would be great,” I say to Donovan, but I’m also surprised and leery at his offer. The most Cruz ever did for me was bring me a helmet to wear. “When does he work? I can go either before or after work on Sunday.”
    “I’ll call him and find out, and then let you know.”
    “Why don’t you do that then, Matilda? Go see what Donovan’s cousin has in stock and get a price.”
    “Yay, I’m getting a new car,” I say frivolously, letting my shield slip.
    I stiffen next to Donovan, concerned I may be revealing too much of myself, but he smiles at my childish display and places his open hand on my lower back and rubs supportively. I turn, facing him, and plant a quick kiss on his cheek. I catch him looking at his watch and remember we need to leave so he can be to work on time. “Sorry, Uncle William, we have to go. Donovan has to be at work by four thirty.” Popping off the couch, I walk over to my uncle and carefully hug his frail frame.
    Uncle William returns the hug and whispers in my ear. “I got an interesting call from your mom earlier this week. I’ll talk to you about it next time.” I blanch at his comment, saying nothing in return. Things have been going so well with my new life, and my uncle’s place has always been the neutral zone. I don’t want them ruining it. What could she possibly want after all this time? You’d think she’d get the message by now.
    My uncle turns to Donovan. “What kind of job do you have that starts at four thirty?”
    “I’m a cop for Santa Monica.”
    My uncle’s eyes go wide and his eyebrows shoot up. “Really, you’re a cop? You look more like the banker or lawyer type. Well, be safe out there. It’s good to know Kenna has such nice friends in her life. Maybe I’ll see you again soon…” My uncle’s eyes shift to me, searching for clues, as he reaches out to shake Donovan’s hand good-bye.
    So far we like hanging out together and Donovan somehow knows just how much I can handle. If things continue like they are, my uncle will see him again.
    “Good-bye, sir.” Donovan shakes my uncle’s hand. “It was a pleasure meeting you, too. And if all goes well, you’ll probably see me this Sunday when we drop off your car.” We leave with our short visit on a good note.
    We hold hands the entire drive home. I craved his physical touch during our lunch and I almost jumped out of my skin with pleasure when he brushed my back with his hand. But I may have to just settle for hand-holding and a good-bye kiss for now.
    Sure enough, when we arrive back to my place Donovan doesn’t get out of the car. He gives me a quick, passion-filled kiss, followed by soft little pecks. “Thanks for taking me to meet your uncle. He’s a really cool guy.”
    “I know. He has been a big part of my family and partly raised me when my mom was working or when she was busy on the weekends,” I add between our good-bye pecks.
    Donovan drops my hand and smiles. “Okay, now get out of my car so I