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“Twelve years ago,” he finished my words, scrutinizing me to check my reaction. I think he wanted to see if I realized how much time had passed since that kiss, or if the memory affected me in any way.
“River, I...I remember that day as if it was yesterday.” I sighed, my arms prickling with goosebumps at the most amazing memory of my life, but also the one causing my downfall. I was a grown woman now at twenty-three years old, River being a year older than me, and it was still ingrained into my mind.
“Me, too,” he whispered, surprised by my answer.
“I hated it when you left five years ago,” I replied, looking sullen and broken.
“I know. But I had to,” he brokenly reasoned, matching my gaze. I could see a glimmer of hope in his eyes, though.
I couldn't hold back the emotion as a tear slipped down my cheek, and a quick brush of his thumb wiped it away.
“Thanks for getting me through that,” I whispered, changing the subject quickly as his arm pulled me into his chest for a hug. I glanced out of the window at the clouds surrounding us.
The last thing I needed was River second-guessing me.
All I had to do was get through this trip ahead, without falling again for this charming man. He always knew what I needed, no matter how I tried to hide my feelings from him. I was tethered to him though, and I couldn’t have escaped, no matter what I tried to do. I knew I had a lot to answer for in future, but the longer I could delay talking about it, the better. My stomach flipped in wonderment at the prospect to spend the next few days so close to River Matthews. Once upon a time, the love of my life.
CHAPTER2
River
I had delayedthis for as long as possible, traveling back from London to Tampa Bay. I enjoyed flying, however, Tampa Bay was raw and held so many memories of the girl that had gotten away from me. Instead, I threw myself into my work and created a business to make my father proud of me.
* * *
Five years ago
Why did time move so slowly? The clock was torturing me, ticking down the minutes until Savannah arrived for Thanksgiving Day lunch, and I could spend the afternoon obsessing over the perfection in front of me.
“River, can you grab the door?” Mum shouted with her head peeping round the corner with the turkey baster in hand.
“Sure.”
I swaggered over to the door, running my hand quickly through my hair before I opened it up with a smile plastered on my face. Mike had arrived earlier, apparently.
“Savannah, how are—” My words faltered when I saw my friend skipping up the path behind her out of breath, looking disheveled. “Liam what are you doing here?”
“Sorry, I was late, babe.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply, marking his territory before addressing me, “I had to grab these,” he waved the box of chocolates, “for your mum, River. The least I could do for inviting me and all.”
“Of course,” I responded, trying to stop my world from crashing into a deep dark place. “Mum never said you were bringing anyone with you, Savannah.”
“I thought you knew…”
I watched Savannah all afternoon, locked in Liam’s embrace. Their every touch and whisper gradually broke my fragile heart. I was enthralled by her, and I couldn’t even cope with one afternoon seeing her with someone other than me. She had stolen my world with that one kiss, becoming my weakness. I knew then I had to protect myself before there was nothing left of me worth saving. I didn’t want to be an empty shell worthless of love, even though the only person’s love I desired was hers.
I had to do what was best for my heart, so I didn’t have to be near her, away from the daily reminders of her wrapped up in love and start afresh. It was a new life for me to hopefully try and move on. With a strong determination in mind, I moved out of the country to forget the love of my life — Savannah.
Construction design kept my mind busy as I pushed myself to the limits with the next drawing plan to break the designing boundaries. I strived to be the best and use my resources at my disposal in an efficient way, but I often felt lonely. I had established my business in a country where I didn’t fit; away from the painful truths of my life. My father had always supported my choice, even if he often disagreed with my decisions. That man gave me a life of freedom, to do what I want, on my terms. But he left me too soon — a heart attack claimed his life and he passed away. His best friend and business partner, Mike, took over the reins in supporting my ventures, both through the highs and the lows.
Mike had always been there for me. He treated me like I was the son he never had, so when he announced that finally he was making an honest woman of Katherine, my heart skipped a beat. I couldn’t say work was too busy or that I had no one who could cover me — Mike would’ve seen straight through that. I had to come home and face my past head-on. I owed him that at least.
I didn’t expect to come face to face with a terrified Savannah, or talking about the experience that started all those feelings of mine with her. When she asked me to ‘distract her,’ the first thing that flung out of my mouth was the treehouse kiss. I would have devoured her mouth right then, if I were given a chance, but that wouldn’t solve either of our issues.
I had never witnessed someone get so delighted to land as Savannah was. I couldn’t help myself chiming in, “Savannah, do you want to travel together?”
“Where are you heading?” she questioned me obviously, amused by my question.
“Rehearsal dinner.” I tilted my head to the side and double-checked my watch to see the time correctly, before trying to stifle a yawn.
