Page 53 of Crossroads

He didn’t say anything for so long, I was afraid I had done the wrong thing by bringing up the past. But we were drenched in it, and there was no walking away from it.

“They’re good people sometimes.”

He kissed my temple and then cleared his throat before taking a step back.

“I have to drop off something for the deputy mayor later—a piece that he ordered. I’ll have my work truck, but if you need me, let me know. I’ll be near.”

I nodded, oddly holding back another bout of tears as I grabbed my purse, his keys, and walked with him to the truck. He helped me get in, his hands firm on my hips as he lifted me into the cab of the truck. And then, without another word, he gave me an odd look and then closed the door.

It had been a while since I had driven, let alone a truck of this size. So it took me a few minutes to figure out everything, and nerves still wrecked me as I rode down the winding road to the main street. Thankfully, there was a large parking lot at the end of the main area, so I could take my time parking, ignoring the odd look a tourist gave me as it took me three times to figure out how to guide this massive truck into the parking lot. The man seriously needed a smaller car. Then, of course, I wasn’t even sure he would fit.

Lips twitching, I grabbed my bag, looked at my surroundings to ensure that there wasn’t a camera facing me, and made my way to the bakery. When I went in, the place was nearly empty since it was a little bit after lunch, Bronwyn, the new bakery owner, smiled at me.

“Kiera, it’s good to see you out and about.”

“I’m glad I’m able to be. Has everything been okay in town?”

“Yes. I do love the fact that the town seems to rally around each other. I’m sorry you had problems.”

“I’m just sorry that I seem to have brought it here.”

The other woman shook her head, her honey-brown long locks spilling slightly from the bun on the top of her head.

“Don’t be. We’ve dealt with many things over the past years, and I know that between our sports stars and rock stars, Ashford Creek is getting a reputation as a town you can find solace and safety in. So I’m sure the town is going to want to ensure that it stays that way.”

“I hope so. I really love it here.”

“Does that mean you want to call it home?” she asked.

I opened my mouth to say something, though I had no idea what I would, when a familiar and unwanted voice interrupted.

“If she does stay, she’s just as stupid as I thought she was.”

I turned to see Nathan standing there, phone in hand, ready to film me. I took a step forward, anger radiating off me. Who the hell was this man? Bodhi had mentioned that Nathan was someone who had wanted Bodhi’s late wife. But that was it. That was his sole connection. Bitterness and hatred. And now here he was, trying to harass me? All so he could get back at Bodhi for daring to live? Bodhi had enough guilt on his shoulders that he drowned himself in. He didn’t need Nathan to be an asshole.

“Is there a reason that you’re here?” Bronwyn asked as she came around the counter. I wanted to crawl underneath something, hating the fact that I was once again the center of attention, because I was tired. So tired of this.

“Got a problem with that, Bronwyn?”

“This is my place of business, and I don’t like assholes here. So why don’t you go?”

“Fuck you. Just because nobody wanted you in high school doesn’t mean you can pretend you have all the power here. Go eat some more of your baked goods and add pounds to your ass like you’ve been doing since high school.”

“And that’s enough of that. Get out of here, Nathan. I would say go bother someone else, but that seems to be all you’re doing. You’re an immature asshole, and you need to stop,” I snapped.

“What did you say to me, bitch?”

“And I also said get out. Leave,” Bronwyn drawled out.

Nathan leaned forward, the smell of whiskey on his breath wafting throughout the bakery. “He’s going to kill you just like he killed his wife.”

“That’s a tired refrain, and not true. Get out.”

Nathan took a step forward and glowered, and that’s when I realized he had to have a foot on me. Fear eased through me, but I knew I wasn’t alone. Bronwyn already had her phone out, probably ready to call the sheriff, and I merely narrowed my gaze at the other man. “The asshole isn’t here to protect you. Just be warned.”

And with that, Nathan whirled, stomping out of the bakery and ringing the little bell at the top of the door. Bronwyn let out a deep breath.

“What an absolute fuck-face.”