Page 23 of Where She Belongs

Rylee picked up a pineapple and smelled the bottom. She put it back on the display and picked up a different one. It had been so long since she’d been able to go to a small market. Displays of fruit, vegetables, and fresh flowers surrounded her, adding a splash of color to an already bright day.

Since she’d moved back here she’d had her electricity fixed, her sink unclogged, and the dishwasher repaired. She was proud to say she’d been capable of doing one of the three all on her own without any help. She’d finally caved and let her aunt send someone to replace the dishwasher. Apparently, it wasn’t just the seal that had been a problem. The whole thing wasn’t in good shape.

Her thoughts often drifted to Tate while she’d been slowly going from room to room in her house to make repairs or to change out old furniture for new. She wondered if he’d end up coming out to see her—at least to check on her—after that stormy night.

Apparently, disappointment was something she’d have to add to her future.

Nightmare turned out to be in good health. She needed to be spayed and to get a round of shots, but taking into account she’d been living on her own for who knew how long, she was perfect. Nightmare liked to cuddle on her terms which meant she preferred to sneak out at different times of the day. She still seemed intent on eating the field mice instead of the cat food Rylee had purchased. It was just as well. Rylee could remember how hard it was keeping the mice at bay when her father was caring for the animals on their farm.

The third pineapple she plucked from the pile smelled divine and she placed it in her bag before handing her payment to the vendor. When she received her card back, she turned and ran straight into someone tall and solid.

His brown eyes were shaded by a cowboy hat that made him seem even more rugged than usual. There wasn’t a lick of surprise in his gaze as he stared down at her which meant he might have intended the collision. She couldn’t decide if she was thrilled by the notion or annoyed.

Probably the former.

Rylee held in her gasp of surprise and flashed Tate Dennison her most charming smile. “Hello, Mr. Dennison. How are you this fine morning?”

He cocked a brow, his head tipping in that adorable way of his. “Mr. Dennison is my father.”

She snickered. “And how is your father? We never really got that far in our conversation a few weeks ago.”

“He’s good. My parents are taking some time for themselves to travel.”

“That sounds wonderful.”

“You travel much?” His eyes swept over her in an almost caress and this time she held her breath, letting the heat from that stare alone fade before speaking.

“I’ve been to a few places.”

“Do you have a favorite?”

She tapped her finger to her chin. “You know? There’s this quaint little town in the middle of Montana…”

His grin was everything. Right here it was like no time had passed. They were just two kids who liked hanging out together. No awkward moments in the rain. No arguments about whether or not she could take care of herself. They were just Ry-Ry and Tate.

He nodded toward her canvas bag. “Mind if I join you?”

Maybe she should have been surprised. This wasn’t the same Tate who’d walked away all scratched up from his altercation with her new cat. This Tate was different. It was like he’d come to terms with something, and he wasn’t willing to hold back anymore.

She had to admit, she liked this version of him much more. It was really too bad she had a knack for putting her foot in her mouth. “You okay?”

He stilled, his smile fading. “Yeah, why?”

Rylee poked his chest, then poked it again. “You’re just acting… different. Less guarded.”

The contemplative look on his face made her wish she could jump into his head and find out what he was thinking about. Especially when he simply shrugged. “Can’t a guy want to catch up with his childhood friend?”

Her eyes narrowed. “He can…” she drawled.

“Good. Then that’s what we’ll do.” He said it so quickly, she didn’t have a chance to prod him further. It was fine. She knew enough about Tate to understand there were certain things he kept close to his chest. They barely knew each other anymore. And now she was living next door. He probably just wanted to make sure she wasn’t going to become a problem like that annoying developer.

They wandered through the farmers’ market, side by side. She couldn’t help but steal glances of him. He seemed at home in it. And perhaps he was. That thought was proven when he nudged her and pointed toward a booth filled with vegetables her father prioritized when she was a kid. “Remember when we used to come to these markets to help your dad?”

She bit on the inside of her cheek as if doing so would help keep her smile at bay. “I recall that I was required to come help, but you and Jason tagged along.”

He shook his head. “Hardly. Your dad dropped hints about it all month long. Jason and I had just as much of a choice as you did. Just ask my folks.”

Rylee snickered. “It wasn’t like we did much to help. Do you remember how many times we’d sneak away so we could look at the other booths? And when my dad finally managed to get us to stick around⁠—”