Page 53 of Coastal Rewind

After Owen graduated from CCU, he had followed in my dad’s footsteps and was now an executive at KavTech Industries. He was being queued up to become the next CEO when my father finally pulled the plug on the retirement he’d been threatening for five years. I didn’t think he’d actually retire, but I did think he planned to step down as CEO to spend more time traveling as the years of stress took a toll on him. He deserved to live the lifestyle he worked so hard for.

No one was shocked that my rule-following brother was the one to become a suit, but he seemed happy enough so we didn’t rag on him for the choice. He did, however, work himself into the ground more often than necessary.

“You need a vacation,” I scoffed.

“You’re in California now, what would I need a vacation for?”

“Touché.”

“You doing okay?”

I stilled. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“My twin telepathy was making me itchy.”

“I’m fine, promise.” My voice wavered and I cursed under my breath because Owen caught my change in tone.

“Try that again, Ry.”

I let out a breath and sniffed, blinking back my tears. “I’m maybe, possibly, almost, sorta seeing someone and it’s overwhelming.”

“Mason finally made a move. Good for him.”

“How’d you know it was Mason?” I gasped.

“Um, it’s obvious? Also, that man has been staring at you since the day we stepped onto the boat in Lake Powell. I’m shocked you never picked up on it.”

“He has not.” I rolled my eyes even though Owen couldn’t see the gesture.

“So, why are you freaking out?”

I shrugged. “He doesn’t know. About me. He doesn’t know about me.”

“Then tell him.” I stayed quiet, which caused Owen to continue. “Look, Ry, I love you, but you have let this control your entire life. Maybe he’ll surprise you and won’t care.”

“Of course, he’ll care. I’m broken beyond repair. I can’t handle another person telling me there is hope when that only leads to stress and heartbreak.”

“You deserve to be loved, Ryleigh. Kids or no kids.”

“I’m not saying you’re wrong, but I can’t ruin someone else’s life because of my genetics.”

Owen let out a long breath before adding in a softer tone, “Give this one a chance. Don’t run away from it. Maybe he’ll surprise you.”

“Yeah, maybe.” I wasn’t going to win this one. No one ever understood, and they never truly would.

“I love you, Ry.”

“I love you too.” I hung up the call and closed my eyes, tilting my head toward the sun like a flower that required light to exist. I was going to give Mason a chance, but I also knew it came with the risk that the moment he found out my secret, I was going to end up heartbroken and alone.

Just like I was twelve years ago.

Rule #2 Don’t run away from love. Sometimes the best love stories are the short ones.

twenty-three

Mason

When Ryleigh walked back into the hotel room, I sighed a breath of relief. I didn’t know what had sent her into a spiral and made her run, but I’d been pacing since she sprinted out the door so fast I thought she might have forgotten shoes.