Page 65 of Forbidden to Fall

“When do you go back?” I asked, hoping I sounded casual.

His gaze dropped to his hand, which fiddled with his jacket. “In a few weeks, I think.”

It went quiet for a few seconds as I thought about what he’d said—about living in the best town and belonging here. Like he wished he did too.

“Should we head back?” he asked.

“Are you going to make me drive?”

He smiled. “Yes. But can we make a quick stop at the hardware store on the way?”

I didn’t even protest. If I really was going to use this truck, I needed more practice, and heaven knew I was safer getting it with James sitting in the passenger seat.

The way into town allowed me to practice third and fourth gear, which, as James had said, were easier to get into than first and second. He kept reminding me to listen to the engine as a gauge for when to shift. I was still learning, though, so he had to coax me a couple of times.

I pulled into a spot in front of the hardware store—next to Keller’s.

James opened his door, then looked at me.

I was hesitating, trying to decide if I should go in or stay in the truck. We hadn’t been out in public together.

His questioning turned to recognition—and just like that, the easy dynamic we’d achieved shifted to something cooler. “I’ll be quick.”

I undid my seatbelt. “I’m coming.”

I hated that James didn’t feel like he belonged in Autumn Ridge—a place he evidently loved. Of course he belonged. This was where he’d grown up. It was where all his best childhood memories took place, where his home was.

As I skipped up next to him, he glanced at me.

“You don’t have to come in,” he said.

“I’ve got a few things to pick up.”

He cocked a skeptical brow as he opened the door. “At the hardware store?”

“For sure,” I said, doubling down on my lie. “I need a…two-by-four and some…screws.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Lemme know if you need help finding anything. I basically live here.” I strode confidently down the first aisle.

“Sadie?”

I turned.

“Screws are that way.” James pointed to the last aisle.

“I know. I’m just grabbing some”—I looked at the selection in front of me.

Ugh.

“Toilet lids?”

I nodded firmly. “Always good to have a couple extras on hand.”

“I’ll leave you to your business, then.” Smiling, James turned and headed the other direction.

I sighed and looked at the selection of toilet seats, and after a minute, I actually started to wish I had the money to buy a new one. The molded shape of the fanciest one looked very comfortable.