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“She hasn’t come back at all? You haven’t talked to her?”
I chuckle. “No, she hasn’t come back. But I’ve talked to her. Not too long after she left. She wouldn’t tell me where she was because she didn’t want me to come looking, but she explained everything. That she wasn’t made to live her entire life in a small town like this. It hurt, but I had to move on.”
“What about divorce?”
“For a long time, I wouldn’t even consider it. I was holding out hope that she’d come back. I was still in love with her, even after all the hurt she caused me. And then, once it became clear that she wasn’t coming back, I started to think about divorce. But I had no idea where she was and didn’t know how to file without being able to get her the papers. And then, I just forgot about it and moved on. I didn’t need to get divorced to live my life. I wasn’t seeing anyone, and I didn’t plan on it.”
She giggles. “So, we’re sleeping together and married to other people. I think there’s a movie about that,” she teases.
I roll over until I’m settled between her thighs once again. “Who knows? Maybe two divorces will turn into one marriage that’ll last.” I lower my lips to hers and she wraps her arms around my neck, pulling me closer.
11
RILEY
When I wake in the morning, he’s no longer in bed. I pull on my clothes and move out of the bedroom, finding him making breakfast in the kitchen.
He looks up at me with a smile. “Food isn’t ready yet, but there’s coffee. Want some?”
“Yes, please.” I sit at the island, watching him move about. He places a cup of coffee in front of me and I pick it up, taking a sip. It’s perfect; strong but not bitter.
“Hope you like eggs.”
I smile at him. “I do.”
A little while later, he puts a plate down before me. There’s eggs, bacon, toast, and two pancakes. “Wow, you went all out.”
He chuckles. “I love to cook, just haven’t had a reason to do it for a while.”
“John opening the bar today?”
He nods as he takes a bite of his bacon.
I sip my coffee before directing my eyes to his. “Can we talk about… whatever this is between us?”
He puts down his fork and wipes his mouth with his napkin. “I’ve been thinking about it all morning.”
“Okay?”
“We’re both technically still married, so we obviously can’t elope.” He smirks at his joke. “But I was thinking that maybe while we figure out these divorces, we could date. See how things go with us before jumping in over our heads.”
I smile as I feel my chest develop a warmth that wasn’t there before. “I’d like that.”
“I would like to keep things between us for now though. With us working together at the bar… I think it would be easier to test the water without everyone being in our business.”
“I agree. In a town this small, the less they know, the better.”
We finish breakfast and clean up before driving back to the bar where I left my car the night before. He parks in his usual spot and then walks me to my car. I turn to face him. “Thank you for such a great night.”
He smirks. “Any time.” He leans in, softly pressing his lips against mine. “I’m closing the bar tonight.”
I nod, understanding. “I’ll see you later,” I promise.
He takes a step back, watching as I climb behind the wheel and drive out of the parking lot. Back at my parents’, I’m surprised when I don’t get the third degree about staying out all night without letting them know. Nobody is even home, so I put myself at ease as I take a long, hot shower. After a nap and getting myself ready for the day, I spend the day with Evie and then I end the night by going to the bar.
The place is dead, and it looks like Travis is already closing up. The lights inside have been turned off, and the blinds are shut. I try the door and it opens. The inside of the bar is empty, but I can see a light shining from inside his office. I lock the door to the bar before walking back.
He’s sitting at his desk when I approach. I tap on the door before walking in. He looks up with a smile. “Hey.”
