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“I’ll see you soon.”
After a few seconds of sitting with my cell to my ear, I realize she’s disconnected so I drop my cell to the bed. I lean forward with my elbows resting on my thighs and my head in my hands still reeling from hearing her voice. Knowing she’s the one who made contact fills me with hope.
Elise
Hearing Jake’s voice for the first time in years has tears running down my face. He’s the only man I’ve ever given my heart to, and he still has it. No one has come close, although I thought, not too long ago, that maybe I’d be able to give it to Tom, my fiancé.
Guilt fills me as I think about Tom. I was feeling lonely when Tom arrived in Jackson Hole, and moved in with his sister, Grace. When he finally got around to asking me out to dinner, I accepted, and things went from there. The thing is, I have no clue how I became engaged to him. He never really asked me, it was more of a one-sided discussion on his part, and before I knew it, everyone was talking about ‘Tom and Elise’ being engaged. I’m too soft for my own good. Too worried about hurting someone the way I’ve been hurt, that I went along with it thinking I’d eventually get used to the idea. And now Jake’s home.
Beth had told me Jake was coming home for good, but not the reason why. That’s how I managed to work up the courage to call him—our first contact in too many years to count.
I know Jake too well. It must be pretty serious for him to be home permanently. He had the drive to go after the career he had his heart set on, and now that he’s out of the Marines, I’m really worried about him. There’s no way it’s voluntary for him. He broke my heart, but if I were honest, I’d be back with him like a shot if he indicated he wanted to try again. He’s my weakness, and now I have to figure out a way of breaking it to Tom that the wedding is off.
That thought terrifies me. When I met Tom, he was sweet and harmless—a guy who’d make a great friend. He seemed as lonely as I, so it made it easy to be with him. But something has changed in him lately and it worries me. I can’t go on with him the way things are. Not when I’m still in love with Jake; it just isn’t fair to Tom. Plus, I’m not made to be with two men at the same time, even though I’ve never actually had sex with Tom. I wasn’t ready, although I should have been considering it had been years for me. Eventually we decided we’d wait until after we were married.
Still clutching my cell to my chest, I hear a car pull up my driveway. My heart sinks as I watch Tom climb out of his car. I was hoping for Jake, but that was silly. I told him I’d call him to arrange a time.
Quickly running into the bathroom, I wipe away my tears with a damp washcloth, and after I’ve patted my face dry, I nearly jump in surprise when I pull the towel away and see him.
“You frightened the life out of me.” My heart pounds in my chest with fright and nerves.
“I wasn’t exactly quiet when I came through your front door. I actually tripped on that missing tile,” Tom grumbles. “You need to get that fixed before I break my neck.”
You could offer to fix it.
“It’s on my list of things to do.” Hooking the towel over the rail, I slide past Tom and head into the kitchen like I have purpose.
Grabbing the jug with freshly brewed coffee in it, I pour him a cup and lace it with sugar and milk. Sliding it across the breakfast bar, I offer him my full attention and say what I’m thinking, “You could fix it for me.”
“Sorry. I don’t have time.” He shoots me down as though I’m a piece of dirt on the bottom of his shoe.
Reaching for my own drink, I wrap my hands around it for warmth as I feel all the heat leave the room with Tom’s cold words. He’s an ass and these past few weeks have made me see him in a different light.
“Okay. I’m outta here. Just thought I’d stop by and make sure you’re here and not out gallivanting in town.” He kisses me on the forehead
as though I’m a child that needs consoling before turning tail and driving away.
Well, he’s never been so rude before. I’ve really had enough of him and the way he treats me.
Chapter 6
Cade
Arriving at Anna’s house, I glance over at Rona who seems nervous if her constantly twisting hands are any indication. In addition, she’s been fidgeting in the seat for the past ten minutes. Jake isn’t much better and seems as agitated as a hornet’s nest, which I notice as I help Rona out of the car. “Are you okay?” I whisper.
“Yes, I’m fine. Just a bit nervous.”
“You don’t have anything to be nervous about.” I offer her an encouraging smile and turn my attention to Jake. “Are you all right?”
“Yeah, I’m fine,” he automatically replies.
Something is going on with Jake tonight. He’s been distracted since he came out of his room to join us for dinner. As though he’s here in body, but his mind is elsewhere.
I take Rona’s elbow and we follow Jake to the front door, which has just been opened by Gaby.
She only has eyes for Rona. “Are you Uncle Jake’s girlfriend?”
Her question brings Jake and me up short.
