Curveball- Strike Zone Series Book two

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Nate

     "Kayleigh! Where are you going, sweetheart?" Yelling out to her, I watch Kayleigh moving away from us. I think she's joking around until I see the hurt look on her face. Surely she doesn't believe I want anything to do with those girls that came for me. Looking to my sister for an explanation for this sudden change, I ask, "Molly, what happened?"

     Kayleigh keeps backing away from me then turns away from me to head off toward the exit. I'm not letting her go, not alone, not in this area of town. I motion to the guys for help, since I can't move nearly as fast as they can. Reese and Dillon take off running after her, while I go as fast as I can behind them.

     Reese gets to her first, grabbing Kayleigh from behind and pulling her to a stop. She didn't even get out of the lot. She isn't struggling to get away, but seems defeated in a way I've not seen since she was fired by the medical office. Like she's stuck with us and doesn't want to be. Or more accurately, stuck with me. I've never had a girl feel that way about me, only Molly. Kayleigh was happy before all hell broke loose in there. I'm trying to put together the pieces of what would have upset her.

      "Sweetheart, you have to stop this running away thing. It's not that easy to chase you on crutches. Wait till I'm healthy, then I'll chase you all you want." I try to joke, but she's not finding it funny. Her eyes stared down, looking at the ground. I've never seen this before. Most girls are all in my face, crawling into my lap, getting into my pants if I let them. This is completely different. "Give us a minute, guys."

     Reese and Dillon step back but stay close, just in case Kayleigh tries to run again. I don't get it. Why would she run away from us? She's not making eye contact with any of us. I can see she's upset. I just don't know what happened to upset her this way.

     "I want to go home." Kayleigh says softly, so soft I almost missed it.

     "That's where we're going, sweetheart." I tell her, hoping she gives me a little leeway here.

      "No, I want to go back to New York. I don't belong here." She informs me and every muscle in my body tenses up. No! I'm not losing her now.

     "Kayleigh, I don't understand. Why? What happened? I thought you were having fun, sweetheart. I need you to explain this to me." Taking her hands in mine, I feel her shaking. I'm not going to let her feel this way. If I did something wrong, fine. I'll deal with it and apologize, but I'm not gonna just let her walk with no explanation.

     "I won't stay where I'm not trusted or wanted." Her voice is so soft and sad.

     "I want you, Kayleigh. I trust you. Please, don't leave me." I whisper. Pulling her into my chest and closing my eyes, refusing to let her go.

     She doesn't fight me as I hold her close, kissing her face and hoping I can fix this. I guide her back to the car, and one by one, we pile in. No one speaks as we head for home. With Dillon driving, I ask for him to drop us off at the beach house. I need some time alone with her to figure out what went wrong today.

     It's a long drive on the freeway during rush hour traffic, so I take that time to snuggle up with Kayleigh at my side and see what I can fix. Taking her hand in mine and linking our fingers, I watch her face. There's tears in her eyes but she's holding them back. Damn, she's got a strong will.

      The sun sets beyond the ocean as the ride goes slow. I see Kayleigh rub her eyes and blink quickly, she is getting tired. Her head gets heavy and leans to my shoulder. Glancing down, I see her eyes closed with tears glistening in her lashes. Brushing her hair gently from her face, I make sure she's out before talking.