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But one she never could. Staying in Silverbell Shore would only bring him harm, because if Miles ever tracked her down here he’d do whatever he had to in order to ensure Beth went back to Arizona with him. And if that meant hurting the man she was deeply attracted to? Her ex wouldn’t hesitate.
Beth knew Wyatt was absolutely capable of defending himself. He was a trained SEAL, more knowledgeable than most men about how to protect himself from attack. But Miles Newman was relentless. He wouldn’t stop until he got what he wanted.
The idea of Wyatt being hurt because of her brought tears to her eyes as she scampered back to her cabin. She cried in the shower. About the current state of her life. Being on the run. Desiring a man she could never risk touching in any way sexually.
All she’d ever wanted was love. To love and be loved by a man who treated her with respect and kindness. Who made her the center of his world, as he would be of hers. Maybe one day, when she was far away and settled into a new life.
But that man would never be Wyatt. Could never be.
Not if she wanted him to stay safe.
ChapterEight
Later that day, Beth wandered around the Book Cellar, her gaze traveling over book after book. This store was her happy place. Being able to indulge and buy new books whenever she wanted was a luxury she’d not had in years, so she took her time, wandering the aisles and selecting a book here and there to take home with her.
When the small, plastic basket she was carrying was half full, she made her way to the register where Leni Patterson, the bright, bubbly owner of the bookstore, was waiting for her.
“Let’s see what you’ve got today!” She pulled each book out, giving it a once over. “Someone likes her romances, huh?”
Beth felt the blush as it stole across her cheeks. Despite the traumatic ending to her relationship with Miles, she still believed in love. Was still hopeful that maybe one day, she’d find the man she was meant to share her life with. Reading romances made her smile, kept that hope alive. “I do! I like to read books that make me happy.”
The other woman winked at her. “Good for you, honey. Life’s too short not to be happy, wouldn’t you agree?”
Beth nodded and gave the brunette a shy smile. “It’s hard not to be happy in a town as beautiful as this.”
“I know, right? I adore living here. The sun shines brightly in the summer, and then the leaves look spectacular in the fall. And then there’s winter, when it gets cold and the air is crisp and it’s perfect weather to snuggle under a blanket and drink hot cocoa.” She let out a happy sigh.
Longing like she’d never known coursed through Beth at the idea of living such a picturesque life here in Silverbell Shore. Then before she could stop them, thoughts of a certain former SEAL popped into her head. Visions of them snuggled up together in front of a roaring fireplace, then snuggled up together in bed.
“I’d give far more than a penny for your thoughts right now,” Leni teased as she placed the stack of books into Beth’s tote bag. “That’ll be five dollars, please.”
Beth glanced at the number of books she’d purchased. “Five dollars? That can’t be right. They were on the two-dollar table.”
“I know, but you get the friends discount.”
“Leni–”
“Nope, no arguing with me, Beth. I’ve told you before, I’m always glad to be moving stock from the store. It gives me room to add more books!” She pushed the bag of books toward Beth.
Beth pulled a five-dollar bill from her wallet and handed it over. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, honey. Now, are you going to tell me what you were thinking about before that made you blush?” She leaned over the counter. “Or I should ask, more precisely, who.”
Beth was sure her face was so red it looked like a tomato. “Can I plead the Fifth?”
“Uh huh. That’s all the answer I need.” Leni winked at her. “Wyatt Kincaid is definitely easy on the eyes.”
Without knowing it, the other woman had given Beth the opening she needed. “What do you know about him, Leni?”
Leni straightened up and eyed her shrewdly. “Honestly? Not much. He’s lived here for about three years but mostly keeps to himself. His family has visited a couple of times, so I know he’s got two very adorable young nephews because he brings them in here to buy them books when they’re in town. We all know he was in the military, but he doesn’t talk about that much at all.”
Beth sighed. “I want to know more about him, but I don’t want to ask in case he feels like I’m prying.”
Leni’s face softened. “I may not know much about him, but I do know this, Beth. He’s a good man. One of the best I’ve ever met. Even though he chooses to live privately, he’s the first to come to the aid of a neighbor if needed. He’d never ignore someone if they asked for help. But I get the impression…” She trailed off, tilting her head slightly and gazing at Beth intently. “I think he’s lonely. He may not realize it, but he leads a very solitary life. I’m sure there’s valid reasons why he’s chosen to cut himself off from the world, but it’s not good for him, not in the long term. He needs the love of a woman.”
The bookstore owner gazed deeply at Beth long enough to make her squirm. Was she trying to play matchmaker? Leni’s words remained in Beth’s thoughts long after she left the bookstore. She was right about one thing; Wyatt was a very good man, but he was quiet. Reserved. Almost felt uncomfortable around other people.
But not around her. He’d never made her feel uncomfortable, or like she was intruding in his life. Instead, she just felt…safe. Safe around him, around his strong, masculine presence. What did that say about him?
