Chapter 19
Chapter 19
Before Kaylee could explain, William spoke up. “I’m not that kind of man‘
–
“Oh, new boyfriend?” Emma’s voice brightened. “Good for you! Never liked your ex anyway. What a jerk – never cared about you, just pushed you around. Remember finals week? You were running on empty, and he made you bake a cake just to impress his friends! Still makes my blood boil.”
“That’s all in the past, he-
11
“Listen here,” Emma turned to William, “don’t you dare treat her like he did, taking advantage of her kind heart, making her do everything! She might not stand up for herself, but her friends will.”
Emma was convinced William was Kaylee’s boyfriend. She wouldn’t hear any explanations, already in full protective–friend mode.
Before she could continue, an ambulance pulled up, sirens wailing.
“Got to run!”
Emma waved and rushed to the incoming patient.
Back in the car, Kaylee shifted uncomfortably. “Sorry about that. She jumped to conclusions. I’ll set her straight later.”
After a moment of silence, William spoke. “You did well today.”
He ignored her apology, seemingly lost in thought.
“What do you mean?”
“Calling for me when you were in trouble.” William turned to her, his dark eyes unexpectedly soft. “If you ever feel threatened, I want to be your first call.”
His tone was surprisingly earnest.
“Well… I’m moving out tomorrow. I won’t be staying at the Morgan house anymore. Besides… things are different now. It’s a safer world.”
Kaylee had called William’s name after calculating her options. Only the housekeeper, Susanne, and William had been home. The housekeeper couldn’t handle Alex, and Susanne might have sided with her son.
William had been her only real hope.
But now… their paths would probably never cross again.
William held out his hand. “May I see your phone?”
“Don’t you have yours?”
Still, Kaylee unlocked her phone and handed it to him.
His right arm hanging loose, William typed a number into the dial pad. He pressed call. A ringtone chimed from his pocket.
After ending the call, he returned her phone. “That’s my number. Save it. Call me for anything.”
“Thank you.”
Kaylee accepted politely.
1/2
Chapter 19
+25 BONUS
She took back her phone and began saving his contact while he watched. She had just typed “Mr. Morgan” when he spoke up. “William or Uncle – take your pick.”
Silently, she deleted “Mr.Morgan” and changed it to “William.”
It was past midnight now. The car glided down empty streets. Kaylee watched the repetitive nightscape blur past, feeling sleep creep in. Her eyelids grew heavier…
Only when her head dropped onto William’s shoulder did he notice she’d fallen asleep. “Drive slower,” he told the chauffeur.
To make her more comfortable, William gently cradled her face, easing her head onto his lap. Through the window, streetlights mixed with moonlight painted soft shadows across her features.
Chapter 20
