Page 3 of Lovestruck
Lily just rolls her eyes. “Seriously? The only person around here who doesn’t know you’re crushing on Hunter Callaghan, is Hunter Callaghan.” She pauses, tilting her head to the side. “And your brothers, I guess.”
“And they never will,” I whisper fiercely, scrubbing the counter as I glare at her. “Because you are going to keep your mouth shut.”
Lily scoffs. “As if your brothers would listen to me, anyway.”
It’s my turn to roll my eyes. Because she’s got a point. We’ve been best friends since we were kids, which means my four older brothers have also known her since we were kids. And Lily is basically their second little sister.
“It doesn’t matter, anyway. It’s not like anything is ever going to happen with me and Hunter. I just don’t need them knowing I like him that way. You know the boys would never let me hear the end of it.”
“How can you say nothing’s going to happen when you haven’t given Hunter a chance? I see the way he looks at you sometimes, like a lost puppy who wants to follow you home.” Lily giggles as she accepts the cup of tea I push across to her.
“What is it with everyone comparing Hunter to a dog,” I mutter under my breath. “There’s no point. Anything I feel for him is definitely one-sided.”
“Umm, the point is, you could get laid for the first time in what, two years? Three?”
“Shh! Oh my God, Lily.” My eyes dart around, but thankfully, no one seems to be paying attention to my annoying best friend. “I don’t want to just have sex with Hunter. Or with anyone, for that matter.”
“Girl, you need to claim your mother effing coal and ask Hunter out.” Lily folds her arms in front of herself, arching her brow at me.
All I can do is shake my head. It isn’t the first crazy thing Lily has said, and it won’t be the last. “I have no ideawhatyou are talking about, but I’m not asking Hunter out. End of story.”
But that evening, before I make myself open my pharmacology textbook, I’m scrolling through social media on my phone when my gaze catches on a post fromUS Daily. Normally I wouldn’t pay it any mind, but the headline of #claimyourcoal makes me pause. The accompanying photo is of Hollie Berry, who stars in tons of the cheesy Christmas movies Lily, my mom, and me like to binge watch over the holidays.
I open the interview between Hollie and some creepy dude named Lyle, and start to read. Damn, Hollie isn’t pulling any punches. Sure, she’s saying things every woman has thought at some point, but with her platform? This is big. The comment section alone proves the fact women everywhere are joining forces with Hollie, claiming their coal in whatever way works for them.
My mind jumps to Hunter. And then immediately back to reality.
“Nope. Not going there,” I mutter. Dropping my phone to the couch, I make myself get up and go to my small kitchen table where my study materials are waiting.
Because this is my future: school, then a career as a Nurse Practitioner in Dogwood Cove. Maybe, hopefully, love at some point. But I’m not a lovestruck fool. It won’t be with Hunter.
Walking through the doors of the Dogwood Cove Animal Shelter the next morning, I’m hit with the familiar sound of dogs barking. I knew when Mila Monroe and her husband Dr. Jackson Holt — the town veterinarian — said they were opening an animal shelter, I would be one of the first volunteers. Walking the shelter dogs and playing with the cats who are waiting for their forever homes a couple times a week fills my cup with all the animal love I need. At least until I have the time for a pet of my own, of course.
When I get to the back room where volunteers and staff can store their things, Mila’s there, tidying up the desk where we all sign in. She’s my boss at Camille’s café, and technically my boss here, but Mila’s never been anything but awesome.
“Hey Kat, how are you?”
“Good. Great.” I yawn. “Okay, tired. I’m in study mode for the next week until exams are over.”
“Oh man, I don’t envy you that. You’re done before the fundraiser, right?”
The second annual Dogwood Cove Animal Shelter gala is coming up in two weeks. It’s a night when the town gets to put on their fancy clothes and have a party with a silent auction, all to try and raise more funds for the animal shelter. I missed it last year, thanks to my school schedule, but I’m looking forward to it this year.
I nod. “Yeah, I’ll be done a couple of days before, so if there’s any last-minute stuff you need help with just let me know.”
She waves me off. “It’s all good. You’re busy enough with school, work, and here. I know, I’m one to talk, but from one workaholic to another, listen to me when I say, you deserve time to slow down and rest.”
I laugh, but it’s hollow sounding. “Rest. What’s that?”
Mila fixes me with a pointed look. “Exactly my point. Anyway, I’m outta here, Jackson and I are taking Milo and Annie for a snowshoe hike.” She pauses at the doorway. “Oh, make sure you visit the nursery. Jackson just finished checking over a mama cat and four kittens. They are the cutest little things.”
That brings a smile to my face. There’s nothing better than kittens. “I will. Have a good hike, Mila.”
“See ya, Kat. Oh, don’t forget to let Rosie know if you’re bringing a date to the fundraiser. She’s in charge of tables. Right now we’ve got you with Lily and your brothers, but we still need to know who’s bringing a date and who isn’t. Just call her at Jackson’s clinic.”
“I’ll be going alone,” I answer quickly. Mila waves and walks out the door.
Yep. Alone. Just like always.
