GILDED ARTIST
HAYLEIGH DAVIS
GildedArtist
Copyright©2024byHayleighDavis
Allrightsreserved
Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedinanyformorbyanyelectronicormechanicalmeans,includinginformationstorageandretrievalsystems,withoutwritten permissionfromtheauthor,exceptfortheuseofbriefquotationsinabookreview
AbouquetoffloralscentsfilledtheairinsideFern-tasticFloralsflowershopandeasedsomeofthetensionthatmadeevery muscle inmybodyache. I’d come inearlier thanusual because sleep wasn’tsomethingIhad beenable to do recently. Thankstomyexforbeingthekingofbipolarjackasses
Seriously.ThedudewasmentallyunstablebecausehethoughtIshouldjustforgivehimfor cheatingonme.Likeitnever happen Thatwasn’thowthingsworked,butMarkthoughtitdid
Adding another sprig of baby’s breath to the flower arrangement, I stepped back to admire my work. While I was the manageroftheshop,mylovewascreatingbeautifulfloralarrangementsthatwouldmakesomeonesmile.
Everyonedeservedtosmile Atleastfiftytimesormoreaday
Findingthejoytobrightenothers’dayshadbeenachallengeformeoverthelastfewmonths.EversinceIwalkedinonmy exandhissecretarygoingatitontopofhisdesk MarkandIhadbeendatingfor alittleover ayear Apparently,he’dbeen boninghisassistantthewholetime.
Ifisted myhands atthe memory Sharp paindrew myattentionto myhand The thorns fromthe rose stemIwas holding embeddedintomypalm.InstantlyIreleasedthestemandmovedtothesinkbehindme.AsIturnedthewateron,thebellover thedoorsounded.
“Morning”EllieKinley,mybossandtheowneroftheflowershopwalkedin “Morning.”Iturnedthewateroffandsnatchedupakitchentoweltodrymyhands.
Ina flash, Ellie rounded the counter, headingstraightfor me Her wavybrownhair cascaded around her shoulders She woreapairofpurpleoverallswithawhitelong-sleevedt-shirtunderit.Onlyshecouldmaketheoutfitclassy.
“Whathappened?”Shemovedclosertome,lookingatmyhands
“Rosethorns,”Isaidasanexplanation,showinghermypalm.Ellienarrowedherbluegaze,studyingmyface,soIoffered moredetails.“ImighthaveimaginedthatIwaschokingMark.”
Elliegruntedatthatassheslippedintothebackoftheshoptoputherpurseintheoffice Shecamebackafew moments laterwithherlavenderapron.“Youknowwhatyouneed?”
Asmiletuggedatmylips “Besidesahitman?”
Sheletoutoneofthesurprisedlaughed,thatturnedintoagiggle.“Thatto.Butwhatyoureallyneedistogetlaid.Justa one-nighter.Nostrings attached.WhamBam,Idon’twanttoseeyouinthemorning.”Shegrinnedatmewhilewagglingher brows.
Iletoutasnort.“I’mnotbuiltforone-nighters.”
“Meneither That’smoreGrace’sthing”Ellieshruggedandpickedupabouquetholder “Friendswithbenefitsisbetter” GracewasEllie’stwinsisterandownedCreeksideBarandGrill.
Ishookmyhead “I’mdonewithmen”
MarkandIstartedoutasfriendswithbenefits.Itquicklyturnedintosomethingmore.OratleastIthoughtitwassomething more.Markobviouslydidn’tfeelthesameway.
Ellieturnedtofaceme.“Onedayyourprefectmatchwillwalkintoyourlife,andyouwilljustknow.Atleastthat’swhat mymomsaidhappenedwhenshemetmydad.”
Warmthbloomed inmychest Zachand Marissa Kinleyhad the storybookromance Theywere bestfriends growingup Theirfriendshipgrewintoapassion-filledromance.They’dbeenmarriedforthirty-nineyears,andtheystilllookateachwith loveandadesirethatIcouldonlydreamofeverhaving
“Idothinkyourparentsareanexceptiontoallrulesofloveandheartbreak.”Thewordscameoutwithanedgetothem,but Elliewavedmeoff.
“Theyreallyare Nopressureformeandmysiblings,right?”
Ilaughed.EllieandGraceweretheyoungestofsix.Theirfourolderbrotherstookoverprotectivetothenextlevelwhenit cametothetwins.Elliedidn’tseemtomind,butGracerebelled.
EllieandIsettledintoacomfortablerhythmasweworkedsidebesidefillingtoday’sorders Usually,Elliedidn’tcomein butonceaweekbecauseshealsoownedthenurserywherewegotmostourflowersfrom.However,wegotslammedwitha fewdifferentweddingorders
The bell over the shop door chimed. “Welcome in.” Iglanced up, shears suspended mid-snip and letouta curse. Mark filledthedoorway,asmugsmiletuggedathislips IusedtothinkthatsmilewascutebutnowIknowbetter Thesightofhim knottedmystomach.
"Rea,"hestarted,hisvoiceamixofnervesandsomethingthatmighthavebeensincerityifIhadn'tknownbetter.
"Mark" Ididn’teventryto keep the snarl outofmytone "Whatare youdoinghere?" Myhearthammered, butIstood rootedinplace,refusingtowiltundertheweightofhisunexpectedpresence.Iwasdonecryingovermen,especiallytheturd infrontofme
IcrumbledinfrontofhimthedayIcaughthimandhisassistant,andIrefusedtolethimseeanytypeofweaknessfromme again
"Iwantedtoapologize.Makeituptoyou."Hestoppedatthecounterinfrontme.
"It’stoolate.YouandIareover."Icouldn’ttrusthim.Plus,theBraedenCreekgossipgroupwasalreadytalkingabouthow Mark’sassistantlefthimtwodaysago I’vebeenexpectingforthejerkfacetostartcomingaroundagain Iwasdone.Markwouldhavetofindanotherbootycall.
"Rea,Ijust "Hebegan,butIraisedahand,stoppinghimmid-sentence
"Mark, listen," I said, the clatter of Ellie's workinthe background a comfortingreminder of where I was and who I'd becomesincewepartedways."I'vemovedon.Youshouldtoo."
Itwasn'teasy, standingthere, drawinglines I'd once blurred for the sake oflove or whatIthoughtwas love. Butas I lookedathim,IrealizedIneverlovedhim.Sure,IwaspissedandhurtwhenIcaughthimcheating,butIwasn’theartbroken. Notreally
Mark’sgazehardenedandhecurledhisupperlip.“Youwon’tgetanothershotwithme,sodon’tcomepeggingmetotake youback”Thenhestormedouttheshop
Not going to happen.
“Don’tcomeback!”Ellieyelled.
Asthedoorclosedbehindhim,Itookadeepbreath,lettingthefloralscentsfillingmylungs,sweepingawaytheremnants ofunease.Withhandsthatweresurprisinglysteady,Iturnedmyattentionbacktothehalf-finishedarrangementbeforeme.
Myfingersworkeddeftly,weavingstemsofbaby'sbreathamongtheboldhuesofdahliasandpeonies Eachsnipandtuck wereasmallassertionofindependence,everybloomplacedwithintent.Thecolorsseemedbrighternow,morevividagainst thebackdropofmyreclaimedsolitude
DeepdownIlongedforthekindofloveEllie’sparentshad.Onethatwasonceinalifetime,romancenovelperfection. Toobadthatkindoflovewasn’tguaranteed.
The moment turned mySUVonto MainStreet, the serenityofBraedenCreekwrapped itselfaround me like a warmhug. There'ssomethingaboutthisplacethatinstantlychasedawaythetensionofcitylife.Itwaslikeyousawandfeltlifearound youstarttoslowdown
ThesmallrusticSmokyMountaintownhadastorybookcharm,makingittheperfectplacetounwind.WhileIwashereon business,IwasalsogoinglookforahouseandfinallymakethemovetoBraedenCreek
Since mybusiness partner retiredsixmonths ago,Ididn’tneedthe bigoffice inthe cityanymore.EventhoughItookon Roger’sclients,thecaseloadwasn’toverwhelming.Icouldworkfromhome.Asanarchitect,Itraveledtotheclientbefore startingonplans Itwaseasierformetovisitthesiteandvisualizetheclients’dream AlotoftimesIwouldhangoutonthe siteanddomyprimarysketches.
AsIpassedthroughthecenteroftown,thesoundofchildrenlaughingdriftedoverfromKinleyPark,whichwasbehindthe Farmer’sMarketandCityHall.Thesmellofburgersandbarbequehungintheair,comingfromCreeksideBarandGrilland theBraedenCreekDiner
"Hasn'tchangedabit,"IsaidasIsoakedinthefamiliarityofitall theredbricklibrary,thebarbershopwithitsstriped polelazilyspinningoutside,andtheoldmovietheaterthatstillboastedasinglescreenandpopcornwithrealbutter.
When I reached the edge of town, I took the bridge to cross over the creek and made a left onto Maple Drive This neighborhoodwassmall.Eachhousehaditsownquirksandcharmsandsatonatleastanacreofland.Mysister'splacewasat theendofthecul-de-sac,nextdoortoDadandIsabelle
Ipulledintoherdrivewayandturnedofftheengine.Ihadnosoonertakenasteptowardthefrontdoorwhenitswungopen, andtherestoodMorgan,herfacelightinguplikethesunbreakingthroughafteraweekofrain
"Alex!"Sherandowntheporchstepstowardme.Iwaswrappedinatighthug.
"Missedyou,kiddo,"Imurmured,squeezingherback.It’dbeentoolongsincemylastvisit.
She crinkled her nose atthe nickname, makingme chuckle Iwas a senior incollage whenshe was born, after our dad found his second change romance withMorgan’s mom, Isabelle. I was practicallya second father to her. The cool dad, of course
"UncleAlex!"Myeight-year-oldnephew,Jensonbarreledoutthefrontdoorlikeapint-sizedfreighttrain.Hecollidedwith me,nearlytopplingmeover,hislaughterringingoutashelookedupatme.
"Heythere,champ!"Iruffledhishair,andhebeamed,alreadytuggingonmyhandtocomeinside.
"Watchoutforyoursister,"Morgancautionedgently,noddingtowardSophia,whotoddledintoview.Shewasclutchinga well-lovedstuffedrabbit,hertinyfeaturesseriousasshesizedmeupwithasolemnitythatcouldonlybelongtoatwo-yearold.
"HiSophia,rememberme?"Icroucheddowntoherlevel,offeringasmilethatearnedmeashynodandasmallgiggleas shehidbehindMorgan'slegs.
Sophia was Morgan’s ex-husband’s daughter. David and Morgan had grown up together. They were best friends with benefits.WhenMorgangotpregnantrightafterhighschool,theygotmarried,thinkingitwasthebestthingtodo.Afteracouple ofyears,theydivorcedandstayedthebestoffriends.Theylovedeachother,butwasn’tin lovewitheachother.
Twoyearslater,thetowngotanewdoctor Dr KathyBird WhenDavidmetherhefellhard Theymarriedandnowhavea daughter Sophia. Kathy and Morgan became fast friends. The trio were the bosses of coparenting. Ateamthat had each other’sback,alongwithMorgan’sothertwobestfriends,GraceandEllieKinley
"Tea?"Morgansuggested,pickingSophiaupandbalancingheronherhip.Inodded,followingherintothekitchenwhere warmthenvelopedusalongwiththerichscentoffresh-bakedcookies.
"Someofthosechocolatechipcookiestoo"IwinkedatJenson,whowasalreadyclimbingintoachairatthetable Isat
besidehim.
"Ofcourse."MorganflashmeabrightsmileassheputSophiaintoherhighchair.
"CanIhavethree?"Jensonbargained,flashingatoothygrin "OnlyifyoushareonewithUncleAlex,"Morgancountered,asshepouredtheteaandsetoutaplateofcookies. "Deal!"Jensondeclared,grabbingthreecookiesandhandingmeaslightlycrumbledonethatIgraciouslyaccepted "Thankyou,kindsir,"Isaid,takingabite."Mmm,theseareawesome."
Jensonnodded “BecauseMomisawesome” “Yeah,sheis.”
Morgansatacrossfromme.“Youtwoarefamily.YouhavetosayI’mawesome.” "Cookie!"Sophiapipedup,holdingoutherhands
Ichuckledandbrokeoffapieceofminetoshare."Hereyougo,littlemiss." "Tata,"sheresponded,takingthecookie “Whydidn’tyouhavekids?”Morgansatbackinherchair,studyingme.
“Thetimingwasn’teverright”Itwasn’tlikeIneverwantedthem Ijusthadn’tfoundanyoneIwantedtosettledownwith NowthatIwasfifty-five,Iwondereditwastoolate.
“Thetimingneverseemsright.”Herwordsweresoft,almostawhisper.
Ireachedacrossthetableandtappedthebackofherhandforhertometmygaze “Youokay?”
Sherelaxed.“Yes.It’sworkstuff.Speakingof,youcansetupyourtemporaryofficeinoneofourspareones.MomandI cleanedoutthebigoneintheback ShehadDavidbringinyourolddrawingtableoutofstorageandsetitup” “Icouldhavedoneit.I’llbesuretothankher.”IsabelleandMorganwerethetownaccountants.
Jensonstarted talkingaboutschool and his friends. Morganfinallygothimto take Sophia inthe playroom. “David still makethepaymentsonthehouse?”
Sherolledher eyes.“Yes,eventhoughIcancover it.Hedoesn’tneedtopaychildsupportbecausehe’s inJenson’s life everyday”
Davidwasagoodguy.HealwaystakencareofMorganandeveryoneinhisinnercircle. “I’mmeetingwitharealtortomorrow”
Morganstilledandslowlymetmygaze.Hopefulnessfilledherdepths.“Areyoumovinghere?” “Iam.”
Mysistersquealed.“Yes!HaveyoutoldMomandDadyet?”
“No.Iwasgoingtotellthematdinner.”Isippedmytea.“WhoknowsmaybeI’llstayinoneplacelongenoughtofindMs. Right”
Morgangrinnedandpickedupherteacup.“Anythingispossible.”Sheheldoutthecuptomeforatoast.“Here’stonew beginnings”
Itappedmycupagainsthers.“Tofamily.”
MyphonedingedasIenteredTheCozyBeancoffeeshop.Gettinginline,IcheckedthephoneandgroanedatMark’sname flashedonthescreen.Isodidn’thavetimeforhisshitthismorning.Ignoringthecall,Islidmyphonebackintomybag. Therewasnothingelsetotalkabout
Anotherdingsoundedfrommybag,followedbyanotherafewsecondslater.Again,Iignoredit.Coffeefirst.
JilliansmiledwarmlyasIapproachedthecounter “Goodmorning,Rea WhatcanIgetyou?” "Hi,Jillian.Alargecaramellatte,please."Idugthroughmybagformywallet.Intheprocess,Ibumpedmyphone,making thescreenlightup.TherewerethreetextmessagesfromMarkandavoicemail.Great.
"Comingrightup,"Jillianchirpedassherangmeup Ipaidandmoveddownthecountertopickarea
JillianhadownedTheCozyBeanforaslongasIcouldremember.Thecoffeeshophadbeeninherfamilyforyears.Jillian wasalsoheadofthelocalbookclubwheresheandherfriendssharedallthelatesttowngossip
Pullingoutmyphone,Ilistenedthevoicemail.“Rea,pleaseanswer.Youhavetogivemeachancetoexplain.Makeitupto you Imadeamistake Callmeback”
Ididn’thave todoanything.Whycouldn’thegetaclue?
Openingthemessingapp,Ifroze.ThetextmessagesfromMark,eachonemoredisturbingthanthenext. Answerthephone
Rea.I’mserious.Stopignoringme
Don’tmakemehuntyoudown. Thatlastone sentice downmyspine. Itread too muchlike a threat. Italso pissed me off. Ibroughtup his contactand blockedhisnumber There Thattookcareofthat Dipshit.
Jillianset me latte onthe counter “Thanks,” I said and spun, eager to get out of there and somewhere I could process Mark’stexts.
Thestraptomybagsnaggedachair,yankingmebackjustenoughtosendmecrashingintoasolidformthathadn'tbeenin myperipheralvisionasecondago.
"Oof!"Theimpactjoltedthecoffeecup,transformingitintoavolcanoofhotliquidthateruptedoverthestranger'sshirt.A mortifiedgaspescapedmeasIwitnessedthedarkstainspreadacrossthecrispwhitefabric "Iamso,sosorry,"Istammered,reachingforastackofnapkinsfromthecounterwithtremblingfingers.
"Hey, it's alright," came a calmvoice that seemed to roll withthe punches far better thanI did Our hands brushed a currentofsurprisezingingthroughme aswebothtriedtodabawaythemess.Histouchwaswarmandgentle.
Finally,Iliftedmygazeandmetdarkblueeyes.Therewassomethingaboutthoseeyes,thewaytheyheldmine,thatmade everythingaroundusfadeaway.“I’msorry.Iwasinahurryandnotpayingattention.”
“It’sreallyokay.”Hetookthenapkinsfrommeandtossedtheminthetrash.Whenheturnedbacktome,hesmiledandheld outhishand “I’mAlex”
“Rea,”Ireplied,slippingmyhandinhis.
Notlettinggoofmyhand,heasked,"Wouldyouliketograbdinnersometime?"
Hisquestioncaughtmeoffguard.Myheartdidthisoddlittleskip asensationIhadn'tfeltinages andfor amomentI waslostinfeelinglikeateenager again."I'dlikethat,"Ireplied,thewordscomingoutinabreathlessrushthatsoundedfar moreeagerthanI'dintended
"Great."Hebeamed,andIsworehissmilecould'vepoweredthewholetownofBraedenCreek.Hepulledouthisphone andhandedittome "Canyouputyournumberinforme?"
"Sure."MyfingersbrushedhisasItookthedevice.Thescreenlitupundermytouch,andIquicklykeyedinmyinfoinhis
contacts,hyper-awareofhis gazeonme.Our hands metoncemore,ajoltofelectricitypassingbetweenus as Ireturnedthe phone.
"Thankyou,Rea And I'mlookingforwardtodinner,"hesaid,hisvoicelowandwarm "Metoo,"Iconfessed,therealityofwhatjusthappenedsettlingin.Excitementbubbledupinsideme,minglingwithatinge ofnervousness
"Sorry, Ihave to dash. Workawaits,"Isaid, glancingatthe old clockhangingonthe wall. Itconfirmed myfears;Iwas runningevenlaternow
"Ofcourse,don'tletmekeepyou,"hereplied,steppingasidetoclearthepathtothedoor."I'llcallyou."
"Looking forward to it," I called over my shoulder, pushing the door open and stepping out into the fresh morning air. Behindme,IcouldfeelAlex'seyeswatchingmego,anddespitetherush,agrinspreadacrossmyface Todaywasshapinguptobefullofsurprises.
THE BELL abovethedoortoFern-tasticFloralschimedasIopenedthedoor.Ishruggedoffmycoatwithaflourishanddove intoworkwithoutmissingabeat,despitethecaffeinetremorsvyingformyattention "Morning,Rea!"Elliecalledfrombackroom.
"Hey," I managed, still riding the high from my collision-turned-date arrangement with Alex As I began to arrange a bouquet,thescentofliliesandrosesenvelopedme,butitcouldn’toverpowerthememoryofcoffeemingledwithhiscologne.
Ellie came outfromthe backand placed a few bundles offlowers onthe worktable. She turned to me, a brow arching playfully "What’swrong?"
“It’sbeenacrazymorning.Sorryforbeinglate.”
Shewavedmeoff “I’mnotworriedaboutafewminuteslate” Ihesitated,unsurewhatnewstosharefirst.Mark’sthreateningmessageormydatewithAlex.So,Igaveherthechoiceof whichshewantedfirst “Goodnewsorbadnews?” “Um,badfirst.Getitoutoftheway.”
InoddedandtoldheraboutMark’svoicemailandtexts.Elliecurledherlipandangerflashedinhergaze.“He’sunstable. YoushouldletDeclanknow”
Asighslippedfrommylips.Ifiguredshewouldsaythat.DeclanwasoneofEllie’sbrothersandtheBraedenCreekChief ofPolice “Idon’tthinkitwarrantsgettingthepoliceinvolved Ifitdoesn’tblowover,thenI’llgotalkwithDeclan” “Okay,butI’llholdyoutoit.”Elliestudiedmeforamoment.“What’sthegoodnews?”
Mycheeksheated "Imetsomeone,"Iconfessed,feelingarushofgiddiness "AtTheCozyBean,ofallplaces" "Ooh,spill!"Ellieleanedagainstthecounter,herinterestpiqued.
"Hisname'sAlex.We...sortofranintoeachother.Literally.Ispiltmylatteonhim."Ichuckledattheunderstatement."He askedmeoutfordinner"
"Alex?Wait,notAlexCross?Morgan’sbrother?"Ellie'seyeswidenedwithsurpriseanddelight.
"Wait,youknowhim?"Iblinked,thrownforaloop
Ellie pulled outher phone and scrolled throughher social media accountuntil she found whatshe was lookingforward, thenturnedthescreentofaceme.ApictureofAlexwithawidesmile,huggedMorgan.“That’shim.”
"Morgansaidherhotshotarchitectbrotherwascomingtotown.Ijustdidn’tknowhewasalreadyhere.Andyousnaggeda datewithhim?ReaFlynn,youslyfox!"Elliegrinnedandstartedtypingonherphone.Nodoubt,textingMorgan.
"Snaggedisastrongword,"Iprotested,mycheeksheatingupattheterm “DidyounothearthatIspiltmylatteonhim?” Ellielaughed.“Well,itdefinitelygothisattentionandheapparentlylikedwhathesaw.”
Ishookmyhead,andsheadded,"Details,woman!Ineeddetails!"
"Later,Ipromise,"Isaid,glancingattheclock."Rightnow,wehaveaweddingtomakeunforgettable." "Fairenough,"sheconceded."ButI'mholdingyoutothat."
Westartedworkonthecenterpiecesfortheweddingoverthefewhoursinbetweentakingcareofcustomers.
Theshrillringofthephonecutthroughthequiethumofmyhouse,andmyheartdidalittlesomersault.Ilungedformycell notevenbotheringtolookatthescreen "Hello?"
"Rea?It'sAlex,"camethatfamiliarbaritonevoice,lacedwithawarmththathadmyinsidesdoingcartwheels. "Hi"Isaid,probablyatadtooenthusiastically
"HopeI'mnotcallingatabadtime.”
“Notabadtime.”IglancedatEllie,whoraisedherbrowsatme.Ishookmyheadandmadeashooingmotionather.She laughedanddisappearedintothebackoftheshop
“Iwantedtoseeiftonightwasgoodfordinner.Howdoessevensoundtoyou?"heasked.
"Sevensoundsperfect,"Ireplied,tryingtosoundcomposedwhilemyheartpounded
"Great!IthoughtwecouldtrythatItalianplace,LaBellaNotte.Haveyoubeen?"
"Yes,itisamazing.”I’dorderedtakefromthereafewtimes,butneversatdowntoeatthere.Marksaidhedidn’tlikeitso weneverwenttogether
"Good.I'llpickyouupatseventhen."Thepromiseinhiswordssentarushofbutterflieswingingthroughmystomach. "I’lltextyoumyaddress Seeyouthen"
Hangingupthephone,IletoutalongbreathIdidn'trealizeI'dbeenholding.Gratitudewashedovermelikewarmsunshine afterdaysofrain Whowouldhavethoughtaspilledcoffeewouldleadtothis?
After having coffee spilled on me at The Cozy Bean, I went home to change before my appointment with the mayor. I couldn’tbringmyselftobeupsetaboutthecaffeinatedmishap.Itwasn’tRea’sfault.Herpursestrapgothookedonachair. It was clear that something had spoked her I saw it in her brown eyes that were right behind the flare of concern and embarrassment.
Shewasbeautifulandwhenourhandsbrushedagainsteachother’s,itwaslikeI’dbeenzappedwithanelectricpulseor something.I’dneverfeltadrawtosomeonelikeIwithRea.
Askingher to dinner was impulsive, somethingthatwas againstmynormal reactionto meetinga beautiful woman. Then again,Ihadn’tmetanyonethatpeckedmyinterestasmuchasshedid Evennow,Iwantedtotrackherdownjusttobenexttoher.
IshookmyheadandpulledintoaparkingspaceinfrontofCityHall Thesingleredbrickbuildingwastwo-stories,larger thantheotherbuildingsliningMainStreet.
ThesoundofcarspassingbyandkidsplayinginKinleyParkandTheFarmer’sMarketnexttothebuilding Iclimbedthestairsandopenedthedoor.AnelectronicchimewentoffasIenteredandcrossedovertothereceptionist’s desk.
"Morning,"Igreetedthereceptionist,amiddle-agedwomanwithasmileasbrightasthesunflowersonherdesk "I'mAlex Cross.IhaveanappointmentwithMayorKinley."
"Ah,yes,Mr Cross He's expectingyou,"shesaid,gesturingtothecurvedstaircasetomyleft "Goupthestairs andhis officeisontheright."
“Thankyou”Imovedtowardthestairs Judehadplansforanewcommunitycenter,onethatwouldbridgethegapbetweentheoldandtheyoung,aplaceteeming withlifeandpossibilities.Hewantedabuildingthatwasbothmodernandrustic,somethingthatwouldblendintothesmalltowncharmwhileofferingstate-of-the-artfacilities Ienvisionedatimberframewithexpansiveglasspanelstoletinnatural light,acozyfireplaceforwintergatherings,andanoutdooramphitheaterforsummerconcerts.Itwasgoingtobetheheartbeat ofthetown,orsowehoped
Rightnowalltheyhadwasthepark,whichfilledthehugepropertybehindtheFarmer’sMarketandCityHall.Beingright inthecreek,whichwasbigenoughtobeclassifiedasariver,madetheparkaperfectplaceforfamiliesandevents.Butthe additionofacommunitycenterwouldofferthetownanotherplacetoconnectwitheachother.
ThedoortoJude’sofficewasclosed.Iliftedmyhandtoknockbutstilledasaraisedvoicesoundedfrominsidetheoffice. " justdon'tunderstand whyit's so hard for you, Macy!" Thathad to be Jude firm, authoritative, a touchoffrustration lacinghiswords.
"Dad,it'snotthatsimple!"Theretortcamefromayoungervoice,sharpwiththedefianceofadolescence I hesitated, not wanting to intrude. I stood there, feeling like an eavesdropper, as the voices continued their heated exchange. It sounded like a typical parent-teen clash about school, performance, expectations universal themes that transcendedthewallsofthemayor'soffice.
"Mathis stupid, okay? I'mnever goingto use it!" The girl's voice was tinged withthe desperationofsomeone tryingto makeherpointheard,yetknowingshewasfightingalosingbattle
"Mathis important,Macy.Itteaches youtothinkcritically,"Jude countered,his tone softening,perhaps realizinghe was gettingnowherewiththesternapproach
Amomentlater,thedoor swungopen,andawhirlwindofteenageangststormedpastme.Macy,her cheeks flushedwith angerandembarrassment,barelyglancedupasshemutteredsomethingthatmight'vebeenagreetingoracurse Icouldn'ttell. Herfootstepsechoeddownthehallway,astaccatoaccompanimenttotheclosingchapteroftheirargument
"Sorryaboutthat," Jude said, standinginthe doorwaywithanapologetic shrug. His eyes metmine, and Icould see the weightofbeingasinglefatherpressingdownonhim."Teenagers,right?"
"IrememberwhenMorganhitthatstage,"Irepliedwithasympatheticchuckle "Come in, come in," Jude beckoned, steppingaside to allow me into the sanctuaryofhis office a starkcontrastto the emotionsthathadjustvacatedit
The office door snappedshutwitha decisive click,leavinga silence thatseemedtoecho.Jude wavedme inside witha wearygesture,thelinesaroundhiseyesdeepening
Judepulledoutalarge,rolled-upsheetofpaperandspreaditacrosshisdesk,revealingadetailedoutlineofaplotofland wherethecommunitycenterwouldgo.Myeyestracedtheperimeter,imaginingthepossibilities.
"Whatwe're lookingatis the future site for the new communitycenter,"Jude explained,tappingthe paper withpurpose "Wewantaplacethatbringspeopletogether young,old,everyoneinbetween.Ahubforactivities,learning,and,well,life."
Ididn’ttake me longto figure outthe land was across the streetfromCityHall, whichwas perfect Centralized There werethreebuildingsalreadythere.
Inodded, mymind alreadyracingwithdesigns and structural ideas "Agatheringplace for all seasons," Imused aloud "Indoorspacesthatareversatile,outdoorareasthatinvitenaturein.Maybeevenarooftopgarden?"
"Exactly."Jude'sfacelitup,andIcouldtelltheprojectwasclosetohisheart."We'vegotagrowingpopulationhere,but notenoughcommunalspaces This,"hegesturedbroadlyattherendering,"couldchangethat" “We’ll make sure that happens. What is your thoughts about the placement ofthe buildingand the ones that are already there?”
Jude satbackinhis chair. “Ihave a few ideas, butyou’re the expert. Myfirstthoughtwas to move the buildings so the communitycenterisinthecenter.Andadditionalbuildingscanbeaddedformoreshopsandstores.”
"Ilikethesoundofthat,"Isaid,thesparkofcreationignitingwithinme."Didyouwanttowalkoverwithme.Sometimes standingonthepropertyhelpswiththecreativityofthedesign."
Judenoddedandstood Togetherwemadeourwayoutofthebuildingandacrossthestreet
"Greatspot,"Iremarked,standingonthesidewalkandscanningthelandscapefortheperfectangle,therightorientation.
"Yes,it’sperfectforkeepingeventsandfestivalsinthecenteroftown”Judesaid,hishandsburiedinhispocketsnextto me.
WewalkedaroundthebuildinginthecenterandfurtheroutsoIcouldgetadifferentvieworthearea."Wemaybeableto keepthemiddlebuildingandexpandit.”
“Money’snotanissue.Ifit’seasiertotearitdownandstartover,thenthatwhatwehavetodo.Ijustdon’twanttodisrupt anyone’sbusiness”Judeglancedupasawomancameoutofthecenterbuildingtothrow trashinthebin Shewavedasshe headedbackinside.
“The trickis havingthese businesses temporarilyrelocate Maybe do the constructionduringthe offseason” ImetJude gaze.
Henodded.“I’mmeetingwiththemtomorrowafternoonasagroup.”
“Icandraftupsomenotesforpossiblesolutionsyoucansharewiththem”Ihadagoodfeelingaboutthisproject Wepacedtheperimeter,eachstridebirthingnewideas.Iwantedtoheadtomytemporaryofficeandstartonthedrawings. However,Ihadanotherappointmentafterthisone
IfacedJudeandheldoutmyhand."I'llgetstartedonsomepreliminarysketches.Expectmynotesthiseveninganddraftsof theplanstoyoubynextweek"
"Lookingforwardtoit,Alex,"Judesaid,takingmyhand.
"Seeyousoon,Jude,"Isaid,tippinganimaginaryhatasIturnedbacktomycar.Withafinalglanceatthefuturesite,Ifelt thecreativeenergycoursingthroughme Thiswasn'tjustanyproject;itwasachancetostitchthefabricofacommunitytighter, oneline,onebrickatatime.Icouldn'twaittogetstarted.
staredintomyclosetalittlelostatwhattowearfordinner.Normally,Ididn’thaveanissue,butthiswasmyfirstdateina while.MarkandIhadn’tgoneoutinpublicasacoupleinoversixmonths.Iknewwhynow.
Ipulledoutapairdarkbluejeansthathuggedmycurveswithoutapology Theywerecomfortableanddressedupnice I pairedthemwithalightcreamsweater,withaswoopedneckline.ItwasFebruary,afterall.Beinginavalleyinthesouthern partoftheBlueRidgeMountainsmeantwedidn’tgetalotofsnow
Aglanceinthemirror,andIworkedontamingmybrownhair intoloosewavesthatframedmyface,anechoofnature's ownchaos.Mymakeupwasnaturalwithenoughtohighlighttheearthytonesofmyeyes.Atouchofmascara,ahintofroseon mycheeks,andanudelipgloss Done
"Rea,you've gotthis,"Iwhispered,tossingone more lookatthe mirror before the knockonthe frontdoor sentmyheart tap-dancingagainstmyribs
"Coming!"Icalled,smoothingdownmysweaterandtakingadeepbreathbeforeopeningthedoor.
Alexrakedhisgazeover Hissalt-and-pepperhairwasstyledinthateffortlesslysuavewaythatmademyinsidesflutter Hispiercingblueeyescrinkledatthecornersashesmiled,andIfeltthewinterchillretreatjustabit.
“Hi,”Isaid.ItwaslamebutIhonestlywasatalossforwords.
"Good evening Youlook breathtaking," he said, and Ifoughtthe blushthreateningto rise byfocusingonthe actionof steppingoutintotheporchandlockingthedoorbehindme.
"Thankyou You'renotlookingtoobadyourself,"Iteased,allowingmysmiletobloomfullynow Heworeajacketthat seemedtailor-made,accentuatinghisbroadshouldersandsoftgrayscarfloopedaroundhisneck.
"Shallwe?"Hegesturedtowardsthecar,andInodded,stillbuzzingfromthecompliment "Absolutely."
Our pleasantries floated betweenus as we walked to his SUV. He opened the passenger door and Islid into the seat. I clickedtheseatbeltinplacewhileherushedaroundtogetbehindthewheel
ThedrivetoLaBellaNottewasshortsinceIlivedclosetotown.ThequaintItalianrestaurantwasnestledintheheartof Braeden Creek, glowed like a beacon against the encroaching dusk The orange hue of its exterior lights cast a warm, welcomingglow over the frosted windows, and mynose twitched atthe minglingscents ofgarlic, basil, and freshlybaked breadthatseemedtowraparoundusevenbeforeweentered.
"Smells like heaven,"Imurmured, unbucklingmyseatbeltwhile stealinga glance atAlex. His smile was anecho ofmy thoughts,asilentagreementthatwewereabouttoindulgeinmorethanjustfood.
"Readytogoin?I’mstarving,"hesaidwithawink Ilaughedandsaid,“Metoo.”
HegotoutoftheSUVandroundedthefrontofittoopenmydoor Hehelpedmeoutwithahand Assoonasour hands touchedajoltofanticipationshotupmyarm.
We crossed the threshold into La Bella Notte and were immediately enveloped by its cozy embrace. The soft lighting bathedeverythinginagoldenhue,fromtherusticbrickwallstotheblackandwhitetablecloths.
"Tablefortwo?"thehostessasked.
"Please,"Alexresponded,hisgazeneverstrayingfarfromminefortoolong
Our table was a secluded spottucked ina corner where the candlelightcastshadows thatdanced to a silenttune. Alex pulledmychairoutforme OnceIwasseated,hesatnexttome Soclosethatourkneesalmosttouched Theproximitysenta flutterthroughmethatwasn'tentirelyduetothecoolairoutside.
"Have you been here before?" I asked, unfolding a napkin onto my lap and trying to focus on the menu instead of the magneticfieldthatseemedtopullmetowardsAlex
"Once,alongtimeago,"hereplied,hiseyesscanningtheofferingsbeforeus."Butitfeelsdifferentthistime." "Gooddifferent?"
"Thebestkind,"heassuredme,withareassuringgrinthatmadethecornersofhiseyescrinkle WesettledintoaneasyconversationthatflowedfromtheoriginsofourcareerstothehiddengemswithinBraedenCreek.I learnedaboutthestructuresintownAlexhadhelpeddesignaswellashisnewprojecthewasworkingwithJudeon "Sounds like we bothcreate,justindifferentmediums,"Imused,feelinga kinshipthatbloomedmore witheachpassing moment "Itdoes,"Alexagreed,hisblueeyesalightwiththereflectionofthecandle'sflame."Andtonight,we'recreatingsomething newtogether."
Werewe?Ifeltalittlefast,butifIwasbeinghonestwithmyself,Ididn’tmind Thisfeltright Hefeltright Ourwaiter,Joe,slidtowardsuswithpracticedease.Heflashedmeasmile.“GoodeveningMs.Rea.” “HiJoe”ImotionedtoAlex “ThisisAlex”IfrozeasrealizationhitthatIknewnothingaboutmydate Joe looked at Alex and his eyes widened. “The architect that is going to design the new community center? Morgan’s brother”
Alexlaughed.“Thatwouldbeme.Howdidyouknow?”
Joeshrugged.“Smalltown.PlusmysisterSaraworkswithMorganandy’allsmom.” “Thatmakessense,”AlexmetmystareandIsworehisbluedepthsflaredwithdesire Wegotlostineachother’sgazesforafewmomentsbeforeJoeclearedhisthroatandasked,“Areyoureadytoorder?"
Thatbrokethespell InoddedandhandedJoemymenu Ihadseveralfavorites,soIalreadyknewwhatIwantedbeforeI gothere.“I’llhavethebakedziti.”
Alexliftedhismenu.“Lasagnaforme.”Hepausedandlookedatme.“Youwantwine?” “Yeah.Somethingred.”
Anothersmallsmileliftedthecornersofhismouth.“Abottleofyourbestred.”
JoeglancedfrommetoAlexwithaknowingsmirk “I’llputyourordersinandbebackwiththewine”
OnceAlexandIwerealone,Istudiedthemaninfrontofme.Ihadsomanyquestionsrunningthroughmybrainthatitwas hardtopickwhichtoaskfirst “Isbeinganarchitectyourdreamjob?”
“Yes.Mymomwas anartist.Apainter.Ipickedupthe love for artfromher.Myfirstjobwas a helper for a contractor whenIwasinhighschool.Theconceptofbuildingthingsintriguedme,soIstartresearchingarchitecture.”Hepausedwhen theJoereturnedwithourbottleofwineandtwoglasses.
Afteropeningit,hefilledtheglasses.“Didyouneedanythingelse?”Heeyesbouncedbetweenus. IshookmyheadwhileAlexsaid,“No,thankyou” Joebouncedofftoanothertable.Alextookasipofhiswine,nottakinghiseyesoffme.Ilovedtheattention.Marknever lookedatmelongerthanasecondortwoatatime Eventhen,heneversawme Alexsaw “Whatdoyouforwork?”
“I’mthe store manager atFern-tastic Florals.It’s notwhatIenvisionedas mydreamjob.Nor is itfancy.Ilove it.Ellie fullytrustsmetomanagetheshopwhileshefocusesonthenursery It’slikeI’mworkingformyself Plus,Igettobecreative whenassemblingthearrangementsfororders.”Itookasipofwine.
“You’reanartisttoo”
Iwassmilingagain.Ididn’tthinkIstopped.“Yeah.IguessIam.”
“Ellieopenedanursery?”
“Yeah.Shecangrowanything.Thatwomanismagicwhenitcomestoplants.”Ipickedupmyglassanddownedthelastof mywinejustasJoeappearedwithourfood.
AlexandIheldaneasyconversationwhileweate Hesharedstories ofwhenMorganwas younger His sister was best friends withEllie and Grace and the three ofthemgotinto some shitinhighschool. Nothingillegal, buttheycertainlygave theirparentsafewmoregreyhairs
Whenwefinishedeating,weordereddeserttogo.TherewasnowayIcouldeatanotherbite.Afterpayingthebilling,we madeourwayoutoftherestaurant Alexpressedahandtomylowerback,hiswarmthseepingintome,sparkingadesireI’d neverfeltforanyone.NotevenMark.
Ourdrivetomyhousewasfilledwithacomfortablesilence.Itwassurreal how Alexdidn’tfeel likeastrangertome.I actuallyfeltsafejustbeingnearhim
Pullingontomystreet,thehousesweredark,slumberinggiantsagainstthenightsky.Butinsidethecar,therewasavibrant energythatbuzzedthroughmyveins,keepingthesleepyworldatbay
"Thanksfortonight,"Isaid,thewarmthinmychestspillingintomywords.
"Thankyou,"hereplied,hisvoicesoftandsincere.
Andastheenginecutoff,leavingusinthequietglow ofthedashboardlights,IrealizedthatIdidn’twanttonighttoend. Notyet.
Withaswarmofbutterfliesinmybelly,Iasked,“Wouldyouliketocomeinside?” Hemetmygazeandsmiled.“I’dlikethat.”
AlexgotoutoftheSUVandwasatmydoorbeforeIcouldopenit.HeofferedmehishandandItookitasIslippedoutof the SUV. Tingles of awareness and heat traveled up myarmat the connection. The sensationwas new yet wonderfully familiar,likewe’dknowneachotherforyearsinsteadofjustmeeting
We walked up to the porch. Iunlocked the door, myhand shakingever so slightly. It wasn't just the Februarychill that causedashivertodanceupmyspineaswesteppedinside GoodGod,I’veneverbeensonervous
"CanIgetyouacoffee?"Iasked,turningtowardshim,eagertoextendtheeveningbyevenjustafewmoremoments.My smalllivingroomfeltsuddenlymoreintimatewithAlex'spresencefillingit.
"No,"hesaidquietly,closingthedistancebetweenusuntilhewrappedanarmaroundmywaist "Iwantyou,Rea"
Hiswordsignitedsomethingdeepwithinme,alongingI'dtriedtoburyaftermylastpainfulbreakup.Ilookedupintohis eyes,thosepoolsofwisdomandwarmth,andfoundmyselfdrowninginpossibility
Thenhislipswereonmine,andoh,howtheytoldjusthowmuchhewantedme.Itwasakisschargedwithallthepent-up desireoftheevening,gentleyetinsistent HishandscuppedmyfacetenderlyasifIweresomethingprecious Thefloralscent ofmyownperfumemixedwiththeearthytonesofhisaftershave,creatingaheadyfragrancethatwouldforeverremindmeof thismoment.
This wasn't just a kiss; it was a promise, a silent understandingthat whatever was bloomingbetweenus was real and fervent.Aswepulledaway,breathless,Icouldtastethesweetpotentialofwhatwastocome,anditleftmehungryformore.
"Alex,"Iwhispered,myvoiceasoftexhalationofhopeanddesire "Rea,"hebreathedback,histhumbtracingmylowerlipasifmemorizingitscurve.
Inthe quietofmylivingroom, we started into eachother’s eyes This was exactlywhere Iwas meant Withhim Here Now.Therestoftheworldcouldwait.
ThewarmthofAlex's hands radiatedthroughthefabricofmysweater as his fingers tracedthecontours ofmyback.His breathwaswarmagainstmyneck,sendingshiverscascadingdownmyspine,awakeningeveryinchofmyskinwithhistouch Itookhishandandleadhimdownthehallwaytomybedroom.Outsidethedoor,heasked,"Areyousure?"
"MorethanI'veeverbeen,"Ireplied,myvoicesteadyevenasmyheartraced Therewasnodoubtinmymindormyheart thatIwantedthis.Wantedhim.
Steppingintothebedroom,Alexwrappedhisarmsaroundmeandkissedmeashekickedthedoorshut.Theurgencyofthe kissignitedawildfireinsideme.ItwaslikemyassurancethatIwantedthisasmuchashedidfueledhisownneedtopossess everyinchofme.Iwassoonboardwiththatplan.
Heslippedhandsdownmybackuntilhecuppedmyassandlifted Instantly,Iwrappedmylegsaroundhim Thefeelofour bodiespressedtogetherflaredtolifeaneedsodeepIknewI’dberuinedforallmenaftertonight.
TherealitythatIneverwantedanotherbesidesAlex,hitmehard Wasittoosoon?Maybetoothers,butthisfelttooright Toobadthereweretoomuchclothingbetweenus.Ituggedathisshirt,tryingtopullitoverhishead.Needingtofeelhis skinagainstmind.
Whenwereachedthebed,heloweredmetomyfeetandpulledmysweateroff,tossingittothefloor.Ikickedoffmyshoes andstartedtoremovemypants,butAlexgrabbedmyhands,stoppingme.
“Iwanttoundressyou”Helockedgazeswithme,adevilishsmirkformingonhislips “Laydownandletmetakecareof you.”
Desire flared more intense thanwhenwe first kissed Iclimbed onthe bed and laid back Alexremoved mypants and underwearatthesametime.Thenhepulledmetotheedgeofthebedanddroppedtohisknees.
Hekissedtheinsideofmythigh,sendingtinglesskitteredacrossmyskin.Igaspedwhenhepressedakisstomysex.
“Youareincredible Beautiful”Hewatchedmefrombetweenmylegs
Ijerkedmyhipsoffthebedashelickedmyclitoverandover,quickly.Ishovedmyfingersintohishairtoholdhismouth there.Irolledmyhipagainsthisface.Pleasurethreatenedtoconsumeme.
Desirefloodedmysensesashesuckedandlicked Mybreathscameingaspsandmoansasheslidafingerinsideme He pumpedinandout.Sensationsandemotionsracedthroughmeaspleasurebegantobuild.JustwhenIdidn’tthinkIcouldtake anymore,heslidasecondfingerinsideme,makingmecryout
He nipped atmyclit, thensuckeditintohis mouth. Anorgasmexploded ina rush, and mybodyshuddered as Ifell into bliss
Alexstoodandremovedhisclothes,thenpulledoutacondomfromhiswallet.Aftertearingthepackage,herolleditonto hiscock.Hecaughtmewatchinghimandsmiledashecrawledontothebed,liftedme,andcarriedmewithhimfurtherupon thebed,settlingbetweenmythighs
Herolledhiships,pushinginsideme.Pleasurewashedovermeashekissedmeandbeganmoving,slowlyatfirst.Desire builtinsideme,makingmefeeldrunkandoverwhelmedatthesametime Butitwasagoodoverwhelm Idugmyheelsintothe mattressandliftedmyhips,takinghimdeeperandincreasingtheintenseblissofthemountingclimax.
We picked up the rhythm, gettinglost ineachother and how our bodies moved withone another like we’d done this a milliontimesbefore.
I cried out as myworld exploded and the orgasmripped throughme. Alexfollowed withhis ownmoments after mine began
Afterthelastshuttersofourreleaseleft,Alexpulledoutandheadedtothebathroomattachedtomybedroomtogetridof thecondom Islidunderthecovers
Hereturnedandheldupmyhand.“Willyoustaythenight?”
Aslow smile liftedhis lips,andhe slippedunder the covers withme.Once settled,wrappedhis arms aroundme while pullingmeintohisbody.Itfeltamazing.Markneverheldmeaftersex.
Alexkissedmytemple.“Goodnight,Rea.”
“Night,”IsaidasIslippedintosleep
ThebellabovethedoorchimedasIsteppedintotheCrossAccountingoffice.Thebuildingwasastand-alonethatsatatthe eastsideoftownacrossfromtheBraedenCreekDiner.Thescentofcoffeedriftedontheair.
Asmiletuggedatmylips ThesameonethatformedwhenIwokewrappedaroundReathismorning Wehadtakenourtime gettingoutofbedsinceReadidn’tneedtobeatworkuntilnine.Thenweshoweredtogether,madebreakfasttogether,anditall feltlikewe’ddoneiteverydayforyears
AtinyvoiceinmyheadquestionedhavingfeelingssostrongforawomanIjustmet.Ipushedthatvoiceofdoubtaway.My hearttoldmeitwasright.Iwasgoingwiththoseinstincts.
I moved toward the receptiondesk The youngwomanbehind the desklooked up fromher computer and smiled Sara TherewasafamilyresemblancebetweenherandherbrotherJoefromLaBelleNotte.
“Morning,Mr Cross,”Sarasaid,handingmearollofblueprints “MayorKinleydroppedthisoffearlier” “Thankyou.”Itooktheblueprintsfromher.
JustasIsteppedintothehallwayleadingtotheoffices,Morgansteppedoutofhers Shegaveanimpishgrin "Wheredid youdisappeartolastnight?IwasabouttocallDeclantoputaAPBoutforyou."
Ichuckled, shakingmyhead ather familiar teasing. "Justhad a nice eveningout, that's all. Are youcheckingup onme, Kiddo?"
Sherolledhereyesatthenicknamebuthersmilewidened."Nice,huh?"Shearchedaneyebrow,obviouslynotbuyingthe understatement "Fromthefactthatyounevercomehomelastnight,I'dsayitwasmorethanjust'nice'Reamustbesomething specialtomakeyousmilelikethat."
Isurrenderedwithaplayfulrollofmyeyes,knowingfullwelltherewasnododgingMorgan'skeenobservations "Reais she'samazing.There'sjustsomethingabouther."
Morgan'shazeleyessoftened,andhervoicetookonararenoteoftenderness."I'mreallyhappyforyou,Alex.Youdeserve someonewhomakesyourworldbrighter"
"Thanks,"Ireplied,feelingawarmthspreadthroughmychestthathadnothingtodowiththemorningsun."Itfeelsdifferent withher,youknow?Ourconnectionwasinstant,anditjustfeelsright"
"Ooh, sounds serious!" She followed me to mytemporaryoffice witha hop inher steps. "Does this meanIshould start planningaweddingorjustaveryelaborateseconddate?"
"Let'snotgetaheadofourselves,"Isaidwithalaugh,eventhoughtheideadidn'tscaremeasmuchasIthoughtitwould. "Buthey,whoknows?Withthewaythingsaregoing..."
"Take your time, Alex," Morganadvised, her gaze sincere "But betweenus, I thinkRea's a catch And seeingyouthis happy?It'saboutdamntime."
“Youdon’tthinkit’stoofast?OrthatI’mtoooldforher?”Thosewereacoupleofthedoubtsthatlingeredinthebackof mymind.
Morganshookherhead.“Nah.Ifitfeelsrighttoyou,thengoforit.Don’tquestionit.”
Withthatshewentbackdownthehalltoheroffice,leavingmetomythoughts.
ThesmilewasbackasIscannedtheoffice.Themorningsunspilledthroughthelargewindows,castingawarmglow on thedrawingdeskthatIapproachedwithasenseofpurpose IunrolledtheplansthatJudddroppedoff Inthecenteroftheroll wasanote.
My dad had these done when he was mayor They’re a little outdated but thought you’d like to see them Call me if you have questions.
JK
This project wasn't just another job It felt personal, like I was crafting a part of Braeden Creek's future, a legacy
intertwinedwithmyown.EspeciallysinceIdecidedtomakethistownmynewhome.WithRea.
Ispentthenextfew hoursrearrangingmyofficeandgettingitjustlikeIliked.Itwasn’tperfect,butthiswasatemporary thinguntilIfindaplaceandhavemyhomeofficeandstudiobuilt
Withastretchandacrackofmyback,Idecideditwashightimeforabreak.Asmiletuggedatthecornerofmymouthas anideatookroot
I made my way down the street towards Fern-tastic Florals. My steps quickened with anticipation, a boyish eagerness bubblingwithinme
Astheflowershopcameintoview,itsquaintsignswayinggentlyinthebreezethatanticipationswirledfasterinsideme.
ThebellabovethedoorchimedasIsteppedinside,immediatelyenvelopedbytheearthyscentofsoilandblossoms.
"Looking for something special today?" called out a voice frombehind a floral arrangement that boasted hues vibrant enoughtorivalanyartist'spalette.
"Onlythe mostspecial thinginthis shop," Ireplied, mytone light, teasing, as Iwaited for her to emerge and catchthe twinkleinmyeye.
"Alex?"Thesurprisemadeherbrowneyesdanceasshesteppedaroundtheflowerarrangement
"Hey,Rea,"Igreeted,mysmilespreadasIstaredintohereyes.
"Thisisapleasantsurprise."Apinkblushbloomingacrosshercheekslikethepetalssurroundingus.
"ThoughtI'd come see how the true artists work"Ileaned againstthe counter, enjoyingthe wayher presence seemed to slowtheworlddownanotch."Wouldyouconsiderjoiningmeforlunch?"
Thewordsfelleasily,yetmypulsequickenedslightlyasIwatchedforherreaction
Aslowsmilecreptacrossherface,curvingherlipsinawaythatseemedtodrawlightintothislittlecornerofFern-tastic Florals.
Therewasaflutteringinmychestthatmirroredtheflittingofbutterfliesinthepottedflowersoutsidetheshopwindow.It wasasensationIhadn'tfeltinages,areminderthattheheartdoesn'tgiveadamnabouttheagegaporthefactthatwejustmet.
"Lunch sounds wonderful," she said, her eyes sparkling with an emotion I dared hope mirrored my own With a swift motion, she placed the bouquet ina displaycooler and wiped her hands onher apronbefore removingit. "Just give me a minutetolockup"
Inodded, steppingoutside into the crisp air ofBraedenCreek, where the goldentendrils ofsunlightplayed tagwiththe shadows.Thetownwassmallenoughthatthebustlingsoundsfromthemainstreetwereacomfortinghuminthebackground asoundtracktoasimplerlife.
Thebellabovetheflowershop'sdoorjingleddrewmyattentiontoReaasshepulledthedoorshut,turnedthekeywitha definitiveclick,andtuckedthekeysintoherpurse
"Ready?"Iasked,myhearttappingoutarhythmofanticipation.
"Leadtheway,Mr Architect"
Wefellintostep,ourpaceleisurely,matchingtheunhurriedheartbeatofthetown.ThewalktoCreeksideBar&Grillwas ashortone,buteverystepseemedtodrawuscloser,shrinkingthespacebetweenusuntilourarmsbrushedwitheachexchange oflaughterorsharedobservation
As we approached the restaurant, its rustic woodenfaçade and swingingsaloondoors promised a cozyretreatfromthe world Thesmellofsizzlingsteakandthesoundofcountrymusicspilledoutontothesidewalk,invitingusinside IopenedthedoorandhelditforRea.
"Thankyou,kindsir,"shereplied,hervoicetingedwithplayfulformalityasshesteppedpastmeintothewarmembraceof thegrill.
Inside, the clink of cutlery and murmur of conversation wrapped around us. We navigated through the maze of tables, movinginsyncasifwe'ddonethisdanceathousandtimesbefore
Thehostesssmiledasweapproached.“WelcometoCreekside.Atableortwo?”
Inoddedandthehostessledustoaboothinthecentersectionoftherestaurant
"Hereweare,"thehostesssaid,settingdowntwomenusbeforeslippingawayintothehumoftherestaurant.Reaslidinto thebooth,pickinguponeofthemenus
"What'syourgo-tocomfortfood?"Iasked,studyingmymenu.
"Macandcheese,"shesaidwithoutskippingabeat."Butnottheboxedkind.I'mtalkingaboutthehomemade,oven-baked withthatcrispycheesecrust,andagoogy,cheesycenter"
"Forme,it'ssteak.Medium-rare,juicy,withasideofgarlicmashedpotatoes."
"Garlicmashedpotatoes?"Rearepeated,hernosescrunchingupplayfully "That'smykryptonite Nexttomacandcheese, ofcourse."
"Ofcourse."Ichuckled."Wellthen,Iguesswe'llhavetoshareaplate."
"Deal,"sheagreed,herlaughtermixingwithmine."Andfordessert?" "Anythingchocolate,"Iconfessed."I'vegotabitofasweettooth."
"Me too," she said, nodding. "Chocolate lava cake is myweakness. Warm, gooey, withthatperfectscoop ofvanilla ice creamontop."
"Rea Flynn, you're speaking my language" A shared love for food seemed to unveil yet another layer of our budding connection.
"AlexCross,"shemirroredmytone,"thiscouldbethebeginningofadeliciousfriendship"
"Or more," Iadded, notwantingto shyawayfromthe possibilitythatsimmered betweenus, muchlike the dishes being preparedinthekitchenoutback
"Ormore,"sheechoed,ahintofsomethingdeeperinhervoice.
GraceKinleyappearedthetablewithacoupleofglassesofwaterandsettheminfrontofus."HeyRea.Alex,goodtosee youbackintown,"shegreetedmewithawidesmilethatcrinkledthecornersofhereyes "What'sitgonnabetoday?"
"HeyGrace,"Ireplied,feelingthatfamiliareasethatcamefrombeingaroundfolkswhotreatedyoulikeoneoftheirown. "We'llstartwiththespinachandartichokedip,andI'mthinkingtheRubensubwithfries" "I’llhavethegrilledsalmonsalad,please,"Reaordered,handingGracethemenu. "Igotcha,"Gracescribbleddownourorders “Drinks?"
"Water'sfineforme,"Isaid,andReanoddedinagreement.
"Alright, I'll leave youlovebirds to it," Grace quipped, and witha wink, she whisked herselfawayto the bustle ofthe kitchen
ThemurmurofthebararoundusfadedintoalowhumasIturnedmyattentionbacktoRea.TherewassomuchIwantedto say,toask,tolearnabouther Butinsteadofwords,Ifoundmyselfreachingacrossthetable,extendingmyhandtowardhers Sheslippedherhandintomine,warmandsoft.Thetouchsentajoltofelectricityupmyarm,asilentcommunicationthat spoke volumes. In her grip I felt the tremble of vulnerability, the strength of resilience, and the tentative hope of new beginnings.
"Everythingokay?"Iasked,givingherhandagentlesqueeze.
"Better thanokay," she murmured, giftingme a smile that seemed to make our space inCreekside Bar & Grill the only placeintheworld.
Ourfingerswerestillentwinedwhentheshadowfelloverourtable Iglancedup,myeyesnarrowingastheysettledonthe figureloomingbesideus.
AndIdidn’tlikehowhelookedatRea.Itwasamixofrageanddiscuss.
"Rea, darling, whyhaven’tyoureturned mycalls?" His voice dripped witha possessiveness thatsetmyteethonedge. "Andwhoisthis,yourfather?"
ThecommentstungmorethanIexpected,butIkeptmyexpressionneutral I’dneverhadaproblemwithmyage Rea'sgrip tightenedaroundmyhand,asilentpleaforsupport.Isqueezedback,anunspokenpromisenottoletthisjerkrattleus.
"Mark,"Reasaidwithasnap,hertoneascoldastheiceinourwaterglasses,"Iblockedyournumberaftertherudetexts yousentyesterday.ThisisAlexCrossandmyboyfriend.Notthatitisanyofyourbusiness."
"Quitetheagegap,huh?"Marksneered,hisgazeflickingdismissivelyoverme."Mustbetoughfindingsomeoneyourown ageinasmalltown"
Iwas abouttojumpoutofmyseatandshopthis asshole tothedoor whenGrace materializedwitha fierytemper anda zero-tolerancepolicyfornonsense SheplantedherselfbetweenMarkandourtable,herstanceradiatingauthority "Mark,youneedtoleave.Now.You'rebeinganasstomycustomers,andIwon'thaveitinmybar,"Gracedeclared,her voicefirmbutsurprisinglycalm
Hetriedtoprotest,butGracepointedtowardsthedoorwithsuchfinalitythatresistancewould'vebeenfutile.Withahuff, Markturnedandslunkaway,leavingbehindatrailofdisapprovalfromtheotherpatrons.
"Sorryaboutthat,"Graceapologized,thoughthefireinhereyestoldmeshe'ddoitagaininaheartbeatifneeded "Your foodwillberightout."
"Thanks,Grace,"Isaid,gratefulforhertimelyintervention
As Grace walked away, Rea and Ishared a look, a mixofrelief and bemusement at the absurdityof the situation. The laughterbubbledupbeforeIcouldstopit,andsoonReajoinedin,thetensionmeltingawaylikesnowinspring
"GuessI'mofficiallypartofthesmall-towndramanow,huh?"Ijoked,tryingtolightenthemood.
"WelcometoBraedenCreek,"Rearepliedsoftly.
“Whowasthat?”
Reasighedandglancedatthefrontoftherestaurant.“Myex-boyfriend.WebrokeupmonthsagoafterIcaughthimbanging hisassistantinhisoffice HethinksIshouldforgiveandforget Notgoingtohappen”
Thenshechangedthesubject,sayingshedidn’twantMarktotaintourlunch.Iwashappytotalkaboutsomethingelse,butI filedMarkandhiscommentsinthebackofmymindforlater.Rightnow,Iwantedtoenjoymygirlfriend’scompany. Girlfriend.Didguysmyageusedthattermanymore?Ididn’tcareiftheydidbecauseIlikedthewayitsounded.
The chime above the door of Fern-tastic Florals announced Morgan's entrance. I looked up frommy task of arranging a bouquetofwildflowers,theirearthyscentgroundingmeinthemoment."Hey,Morgan,"Igreetedher,brushingastraylock ofhairbehindmyear
"Hey,Rea,"shereplied,herhazeleyesscanningtheshopasifabsorbingthetranquilityoftheplace."Theselookamazing," shesaid,gesturingtowardthebloomswithatimidsmilethatdidn'tquitehidethestrengthIknewlaybeneath "Thanks,"Ireplied,feelingmycheeks warmunder her praise.Isetdowntheflowers andwipedmyhands onmyapron. "Whatbringsyouhere?"
Shehesitated,thentookastepcloser,loweringher voiceeventhoughwewerealoneamongthegreenery "Iheardabout whatMarksaidyesterday,"Morganbegan,herwordstreadinglightlybutpurposefully,"aboutyouandAlex."
Athornydiscomfortprickedatmyheart,andIbrieflyconsideredbrushingitoffandtellingherthatitdidn’tbotherme But Morgan's presence was toocomfortingto ignore.Plus, she was a friend. Itdidn’tsurprise me thatshe heardaboutit. Grace probablytoldMorgan
"Yeah,well,Markhasalwayshadmoreopinionsthansense,"Itriedtojoke,butitcameoutflatterthanIintended.
Morganreachedout,herhandrestinggentlyonmyforearm."Rea,don'tlethiswordsgettoyou.Hedoesn'tknowwhathe's talkingabout"Hergazeheldmine,unwaveringandsincere
"Alexis different, Iknow that,"Iconfessed, feelingthe truthofmyownwords mixwiththe lingeringbite ofinsecurity. "Buttheagegap,it's "
"Nothingbutanumber,"Morganinterjected,her voicecarryingtheconvictionthatseemedtobolster mywaveringspirit. "Trustinhowyoufeelwhenyou'rewithAlex That'swhatmatters AndIknowthatAlexreallylikesyou"
Herwordssettledoverme,warmandreassuringlikesunlightbreakingthroughanovercastsky."You'reright,"Iadmitted, allowingmyselfasmallsmile."Thanks,Morgan."
"Anytime,"shesaid,givingmyarmafinalsqueezebeforesteppingback
Witha laugh, Iwatched her head out, the chime singingher exit. Alone again, Itooka deep breath, lettingthe lingering floralfragrancefillmysensesandchaseawaytheremnantsofdoubt Itwastimetocloseup
Imovedaroundtheshopwithpracticedease,straighteningvasesandsweepingpetalsfromthefloor.Thefamiliarmotions were soothing, a dance I'd perfected over countless evenings. Once satisfied thateverythingwas inits place, Iheaded out, lockinguptheshopbehindme.
Tonight,insteadofgoinghome,IwasheadingtotheGallerywhereAlexwasmeetingme.Weweretakingapaintingclass. Myheartthrummedwithamixofanticipationandnerves,eagertospendtimewithhim Iwasstartingtofallforhimandworrieditwastoofast.
The eveningair held a crispness that hinted at the approachof autumn, and the fadingsunlight cast elongated shadows across the quiet streets of Braeden Creek. I quickened my pace, the soles of my boots clicking against the pavement in a rhythmic beat. As Imade mywayto the gallery, anodd pricklingsensationrippled up myspine. It was as thoughpairs of unseeneyesweretracingmyeverystep.
"Probablyjustnerves," Imuttered to myself, tryingto dismiss the unsettlingfeeling. Yet, Icouldn'thelp butdartglances over myshoulder, scanningfor anysignoflife behind me The quaintstorefronts and cozyhomes liningthe streetrevealed nothingamiss,theirwindowsreflectingonlythehuesoftwilight.
"Get a grip, Rea," I chided under my breath, shaking off the unease "You've walked this street a thousand times" But despitemyself-assurances,thesenseofbeingwatchedclungtomelikethecreepingivyontheoldbricklibrary.
Thegallerycameintoview.It’slargewindowsaglowwithwarmlightthatspilledontothesidewalk.Takingadeepbreath, Itriedtoletgooftheirrationalfearsandfocusontheupcomingclass Thearomaofoilpaintandturpentinewaftedtowardme
evenbeforeIreachedthedoor,weavingaspellthatpromisedescapeintoaworldofcolorandcreation.
Alexwasthere,asIknew hewouldbe lookingeverybitthedistinguishedartistwithhissalt-and-pepperhairperfectly disheveledandthosepiercingblueeyessearchingthecrowduntiltheyfoundmine Hissmile,genuineandinviting,actedlikea beacon,drawingmeinfromthechilloftheoutsideworld.
"Heythere,beautiful,"Alexgreeted,hisvoicealowmelodythatimmediatelysetmeatease Heslippedhisarmaroundmy waist,pullingmeintohimandkissingmebeforereleasingme."Readytocreatesomethingamazingtonight?"
Heatrolledthroughme,andIalmostofferedtogohomesowecouldexplorethisdesirebetween "Hey,"Ireplied,tucking astraybrownlockbehindmyear."Ican'tpromiseamasterpiece,butI'mreadytogiveitmyall."
Hechuckled,thesoundrichandcomforting,andextendedhishand.Iplacedminewithinhislarger,callousedone,feeling anelectricconnectionashegentlypulledmeintothegallery'sembrace Aroundus,thewallsdancedwithvibrantpaintings a cacophonyofcolorsthatreflectedthewildimaginationofoursmall-townartists.
"Trust me, withyou, everythingis a masterpiece," he said, his words liftingthe corners of mylips into aninvoluntary smile.
With Alex leading the way, we navigated through the mingling crowd, his presence beside me a solid reassurance Whatever strange feelings had dogged mysteps earlier seemed to dissolve, replaced bya buddingexcitement for the night ahead.Mypulsethrummednotwithuneasenow,butwiththesheerthrillofanticipation,andIallowedmyselftobesweptup inthemoment,eagerforthefirstbrushstrokeonafreshcanvas
The moment we settled into our seats, a peculiar hushfell over the classroom, as if the veryair was teemingwiththe potential of what was about to unfold Easels stood like silent sentinels around us, each one bearing a blank canvas that beckonedlikeasiren'scall.Anarrayofpaintbrusheslaymeticulouslyarrangedacrossthetables.
"Goodevening,everyone,"cametheinstructor'sclearvoice."I'mViolet,andtonight,we'regoingtoexplorethethemeof 'tranquilityinnature.'Letyourbrushesbringforththecalmnessyoufindintheworldoutside."
Myheartskitteredwithexcitementatthethought,anervousenergybuzzingthroughme.Nature,withitseffortlessbeauty, hadalwaysbeenmysanctuary IglancedatAlex,hiseyesalightwithanencouragingglint,andfeltasurgeofgratitudeforhis presence.
"Soundsperfect,"Iwhispered,moretomyselfthantohim,asIreachedforthepalette,myhandstremblingeversoslightly withanticipation.
"Let'sgetlostinit,"hereplied,hisvoicelowandsteady,groundingme.
Asclasscommenced,Ipouredmyselfintotherhythmofmixingcolors,thevibranthuesbloomingundermytouchlikethe flowersIarrangedbackatFern-tasticFlorals.Theoutsideworld,withallitsdoubtsandshadows,meltedawayasmybrush dancedacrossthecanvas
"Looking good, Rea," Alex murmured from beside me, his voice a warm breeze that didn't steal my focus but rather anchoredmefurtherintomycraft
"Thanks,"Isaid,withoutlookingup."Thisis...it'slikeeverythingelsejustfadesaway."
"Exactly,"heagreed,andIknewwithoutseeingthathewassmiling.
Weworkedinsilence,theroomaroundusablurofmotionandcolor aseveryonesoughttocapturetheir ownversionof tranquility. Time became irrelevant, measured onlyinthe layers of paint that slowlytransformed our canvases fromempty spacesintoworldsofourownmaking
Withthelaststrokeofmybrush,Isteppedbacktoappraisemywork.Thecanvasheldariotofcolors,awildmeadowthat seemedtodanceinanunseenbreeze Satisfactionbloomedwithinme,warmandbrightastheimaginedsuninmypainting
"Looksgreat,"Alexmurmured,hisgazenotonmyartworkbutonhisown astructured,almostarchitecturalinterpretation ofthetheme.Hewasoblivioustomyinternalstruggle,thegraceofignoranceallowinghimtobeutterlyabsorbed.
"Thanks,"Ireplied,voicebarelyaboveawhisper "Timetocleanup,everyone!"Theinstructor'scheerful voicecutthroughthehumofmythoughts.Webegangatheringour things,brushesclinkingsoftlyagainstjarsastheywerewashedandlaidtodry
"Ready?"Alexasked,holdingbothourpaintingslikecherishedartifacts.
"Yep,"Isaid,aforcedsmileplayingonmylips
Steppingoutside,theeveningair caressedmyface,butitdidlittletosoothetheuneaseknottingmystomach.Theearlier feelingofbeingwatchedwasback.Shadowsstretchedlongandsinisteracrossthesidewalk,andIfoundmyselfpeeringinto them,searchingforthesourceofmydiscomfort
"Rea,whatisit?"Alex'sconcernwasevidentnow,hisperceptiveblueeyesscanningmyfaceinthefadinglight.
"Nothing,Ijust "Mywordsfaltered,thecertaintyofmysensesbetrayingme "ThoughtIsawsomeone" "Who?"Hescannedthecrowd,hisarchitect'seyeassessingeverydetail,everypossibility.
"Nobody, apparently," I said, the frustration clear in my tone. But deep down, the unease held firm, a stubborn weed refusingtobeuprooted.
"Let's getinside,"hesuggested,steeringus towardtherestaurant's entrance.His handfoundmine,fingers intertwiningin
silentsolidarity.
Aswecrossedthethreshold,thewarmthoftheeateryenvelopedus,thesmellofgrilledmeatsandheartystewsawelcome distraction Iwilledmyheartbeattoslow,tomatchthegentlecadenceofthesoftjazzplayingoverthespeakers "Tablefortwo,"Alexsaidtothehostess,hisvoicesteadyandsure.
"Rightthisway"Shesmiled,oblivioustothedramathathadunfoldedjustoutsideherdoor
Butevenaswefollowedhertoourtable,Icouldn'tshakethepricklingsensationthathadcrawleditswayupmyspine.I pusheditallawayandfocusedonenjoyingdinnerwithAlex
THE HEADLIGHTS CUT through the darkness, casting a warmglow on the front porch as Alex's SUVrolled to a stop in my driveway.Heturnedofftheengineandgotouttorushtomyside.Iunbuckledmyseatbelt,justasmydooropened. "Rea,"Alexsaid,turningtowardme,hisblueeyessearchingmineinthedimlight. "Yeah,"Iwhisperedback.
Hetookmyhandsinhis.“Thelastfewdayshavebeenamazing,andIdon’twantittoend.Iknowitmightbetoosoonfora commitment,butIwantmore Toseewherethisleads”
Iblewoutabreathasifblowingawayallmydoubts.“I’veneverfeltlikethiswithanyone.I’mallinifyouare.” Hesmiledwide,makinghisblueeyessparkwithpleasureandneed His hand found mine again, fingers intertwiningwitha tenderness that sent shivers up myarm. It was a lifeline thrown acrossthespacebetweenus,pullingmebackfromtheedgeofmyracingthoughts.Apromisewithouttheneedforvows. "Comeon,"hesaidsoftly,releasingmyhandtoopenhisdoor "Let'sgetyouinside" We stepped outinto the cool air, the breeze ghostingacross mycheeks and stirringmyhair. Together, we walked up the stepstomyfrontdoor
Iunlockedthedoor andsteppedinsidewithAlexrightbehindme.Heshutthedoor andlocked.Ifacedhimandtookmy bottomlipbetweenmyteeth Steppingclosertohim,Isaid,“Takemetobed” Desireflashedinhiseyesashescoopedmyupinhisarms.“Yes,ma’am.”
oltedawakebytheunmistakablecreakofafloorboard,Iopenedmyeyes.Fearburnedinchestandstomach,makingmyskin cool.Lyingthereinthedark,Istrainedmyears,hopingitwasjustthehousesettlingorsomething.
"Alex," Ihissed, shakinghimgentlyatfirst, thenwithmore urgencywhenhe justsnorted and burrowed deeper into the pillow."Alex,wakeup!"
"Wha What'swrong?"hemurmured,thegravelinhisvoiceindicatinghehadn'tquiteleftdreamland "Someone's inthe house," Ibreathed, barelyaudible. We bothwentstatue-still, our breathingshallow as we listened. A shadowoffearpassedoverhisfeaturesbeforebeingquicklyreplacedbythestoicmaskofaprotector.
Thetickoftheclockonthewall wassuddenlydeafening,markingtimeinasituationwheretimeseemedtohavelostall meaning.
"Areyousure?"Alex'swhisperwassosoftImight'vemisseditifnotforthechargedsilenceenvelopingus "Positive,"Ireplied,myvoice tremblingdespite mybestefforts.Mymindraced,flickeringthrougha dozenhalf-formed plansanddiscardingthemjustasquickly
"Okay.Stayhere,"hesaid,sittingup,hisprotectiveinstinctkickingin.“Call911.” Igrabbedmyphoneoffthenightstandanddialed.
“BraedenCreekPoliceDepartment,what’syouremergency?” Ikeptmyvoicetoawhispered."There'ssomeoneinmyhouse."
"Ma'am,canyougivemeyouraddress?"Thecalminthedispatcher'svoicewasalifelineinaseaoffear Irattledoffmyaddresswhileclenchingtheblanketinmyfreehand.
"Areyouabletogettoasafelocation?"thedispatchercontinued,hervoiceasteadydrumbeatagainstthechaos
BEFORE I COULD RESPOND,somethingheavyhitthebedroomdoor,thenitcrashedopen.Mybreathhitched,timestretchingand snappingasafigureloomedinthedoorway.
Theintrudersteppedforward,andeventhroughthemurkiness,Isawtheunmistakableoutlineofagunintheirhand Acold dreadsnakeddownmyspine.Ididn'tscream couldn'tscream.Instead,Iletmyphoneslipfrommygrasp,buryingitamong thetangledsheets,hopingbeyondhopethedispatcherwasstilllisteningandsendinghelp
Thedarknessseemedtocongeal aroundthefigure,makingtheirfeaturesmuddledandobscure.Myheartracedastaccato rhythmagainstmyribs.Alextookmyhandandgentlysqueezeditlikealifeline.
"Peter," Alex's voice cut throughthe fear, clear and steady, thoughI felt his pulse quickenbeneathmyfingertips. Not a question arecognition.
eter?" Isputtered, myvoice a choked whisper ofdisbelief. The sightbefore me feltlike the jagged edge ofa broken bottle,unexpectedandcuttingdeep.
"Alex,"Peterspatoutmynamelikeitwaspoisononhistongue,hiseyeswild,thekindofcrazyyoucouldn'tpredict orreasonwith."Youdidthistome!"Eachwordwaspunctuatedbyamanicgesticulationofthebarrel,asifhecouldshootthe blameontomewitheveryaccusation
Didwhat?Ihadn’tseenPeterisyears.Thelasttimewasataconvention.Afterabriefandpolitegreeting,westayedclear ofeachothertherestoftheweekend.PeterandIhadgonetocollagetogetherbutneverbeenbuddies.
"Peter,comeon,man,"Isaid,tryingtosoundcalmwhilemyheartwashammeredagainstmyribs "Yourperfectdesigns,yourperfectlife!Youtookeverythingfromme!"Angerradiatedoffhiminwaves.Itwasclearthat hewasunstable
"WhatdidItakefromyou?”Iedgedcloser,eachstepcareful,deliberate.Ineededtokeephimtalking,distracthimfrom thegunhewieldedlikeascepterofhismadness "Wecantalkaboutthis,whateveritis"
"Talk?"Helaughed,anditwasahigh-pitchedsoundthatsentshiversdownmyspine."Talkwon'tgivemebackmycareer!" "Okay,okay,we'll fixit.Whatever itis,wecansortitout,"Iliedthroughmyteeth.Ihadnoideawhathewas rambling about, mycareer never intersected withhis ina waythatcould’ve ruinhis Honestly, Ihadn'tgivenhimmuchthoughtsince collage.
GlancingoveratRea,herbrowneyeswidewithsilentterror,Ifeltafierceprotectivenesssurgeupinsideme Herearthy beautyseemedsostarklyoutofplaceinthissceneofchaos.Ineededtogetusoutofthis,keephersafe.Thatprimal,protective instinctwasstrongerthananyarchitecturalfoundationI'deverdesigned
"Fixit?FIXIT?"Peter'svoicebroke,hisfingertwitchingdangerouslyonthetrigger."Youcan'tfixwhat'sbeencrumbled todust,Alex!"
"Peter,please "Butthesoundofapproachingsirenscutmeoff,slicingthroughthetensionintheroomlikearazor-sharp draftingknife.
ThewailofsirenssentPeterintopanic HishandshookasheswungtheguntowardRea Fearslicedthroughme Icould loseherwhenI’djustfoundher.
Shedidn'tneedtosayanything.Hereyeslockedwithmine,asilentpleawithintheirdepths.I'dbuiltmylifeonstructure anddesign,butinthatmoment,nothingmatteredexcepttheunspokenpromiseI'dmadetoprotectthiswomanwho'dfoundher wayunexpectedlyintomyheart.
Withouta second thought, Icharged across the room Myshoulder connected withPeter's midsection, the impactjarring throughmeaswehitthefloor.Thegunwasknockedoutofhishandandskitteredaway,butnotfarenough.Wewrestledonthe floor,eachofustryingtogetthegun
Alexlungedforit,putIpunchedhimintheside,knockinghimoffme.Twistingup,Islidmyselfacrossthehardwoodfloor andgrabbedthegun.“Giveup,Peter.”
Myfingersbrushedthecoolmetalofthegun,andwitheveryounceofstrengthIhadleft,Iwrencheditfromhisgrasp.
"Police!HandswhereIcanseethem!"Thecommandwaslikeaphysicalforce,andIcompliedwithoutthought,releasing thegunandshovingitawayfrombothPeterandme
PoliceChiefDeclanKinleystormedin,hispresencefillingthespaceasofficersflowedinbehindhim efficient,precise. Theydidn'thesitate OnepairofhandsyankedPeterupandawayfromme,anothersetofcuffsclickedshutaroundhiswrists withanominousfinality.AndPeterwasledaway.
"Are youtwo, okay?" Declan's eyes scanned us quickly, professionally, butIcaughtthe flicker ofconcernthere. Itwas brief,goneinthenextmomentasheturnedtobarkordersathisteam "Clearthehouse!Securetheweapon!"
