Page 29 of Loving Kai

“Not really a card game guy, unless you’re talking about poker.”

“I’ve never played poker.”

Abe set his unfinished frozen fruit bars down on the trunk. “I’m going to go work out a little before bed.”

She nodded. “Okay.”

“You can have the bedroom tonight. I’ll sleep out here on the couch.” He stood. He knew he was being rude, but he didn’t like how she made him feel. If they spent time together having fun, he knew they’d end up sleeping together again. That wouldn’t be good.

“I don’t mind sleeping on the couch.”

“Take the bed.”

“Okay.”

“I’m ah…” He picked up two candles. “I’ll leave the lantern for you.”

“Thank you. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Make yourself at home.” Just leave the room already. Geez. He gave her a nod, then headed down the hallway to the spare room. So damn stupid. He blew out a breath, then mumbled, “It’ll be better tomorrow.”

Abe spent thirty minutes rowing, then moved to the treadmill. He selected a challenging course that simulated variable terrain for five miles. Two miles in, he took off his shirt and tossed it aside. Around the three-mile mark, Maggie appeared in the doorway.

He glanced at her, then slowly decreased his speed until he came to a stop. He picked up a towel and wiped the sweat from his face. “Hey.”

“Hi. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“It’s okay. Are you alright? Do you need something?”

“I feel like you’re trying to avoid me.”

“Nah.”

“Abe.”

“Well, maybe a little.” He picked up his shirt and put it on. “I’m ah…sorry. I don’t know what I am.” He sat on the end of the weight bench. “So, yeah.”

“I don’t want you to be uncomfortable in your own home.”

“I’m not. I just needed to clear my head. Kind of like Zeus blowing off steam.”

“But we’re okay?”

“Yes. We’re perfect.”

“Perfect?”

“Almost perfect with a dash of awkward and a pinch of…”

“Regret?”

“No.” He stood. “No regrets. Slightly confused. But I’ll figure it out.”

“Okay. Should we talk it out?”

“No. Everything started last night with us talking. So, I’m going to go with brooding avoidance.”

Maggie smiled. “Okay. I’ll leave you to it.”