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We stood there for a long time, holding one another. It was when he backed away from me and we made eye contact that something changed. It was the most intense look I’d ever seen; so intense I could feel it. Instead of pulling away from me like he should have, his lips crashed into mine.
I wiped the tears from my eyes as I sat in the dark. As all the times before when I thought about that moment, I could still feel his body against mine, and I could remember feeling angry and jealous. She’d gotten to experience what it had been like with him. In all ways. The fun ways, the tender ways, the intimate ways, while all I got was to comfort him after she was gone. The entire time I hugged him that evening, along with that one kiss that ended faster than it had started, all I could think about was how much I hated her.
There were so many reasons I didn’t want to return to Willow Valley. He was only part of it. I was the other part. I’d never let go of that hate toward her. I also had to contend with the anger toward my brother. He never would have allowed me to date any of his friends, especially Connor, and now, it seemed, he was encouraging it. Throwing us together in some terrible experiment. I ran my hand through my hair and looked at the clock. It was almost three; I had to be up in an hour.
I placed my mug down on the table and leaned back against the couch. I hoped I could look at things a little differently in the morning, and I’d try.
I’d just thrown the blanket down on the back of the couch when I heard the bedroom door open and looked to see Gabe step out, his hair a mess. “What are you doing up?” he questioned, his voice thick with sleep.
“Thinking,” I muttered. It wasn’t odd that my brother was up. He was always early to rise.
“I see.” He came over and sat down, running his hands through his messy hair. “What about?” He yawned.
“What you asked me.”
“Ah, I see. And…”
I closed my eyes and leaned back against the couch. Gabe never knew about my crush on Connor, and now didn’t seem to be the time to tell him. He also didn’t know about that kiss that night. He also didn’t know that as his truck was roaring up the driveway, Connor followed me into the house, apologizing profusely, begging me not to tell Gabe. Yet he needed to know what I thought he was trying to do.
“Gabe, I’d come home for you anytime. This Connor stuff, well, to be honest, I don’t want to be Connor’s second choice,” I blurted out, not really caring what the hell my brother thought.
Gabe looked at me, rubbed his eyes, then leaned back against the couch. “Cadence, you aren’t his second choice, but I believe you just might just be his second chance, because right now, the man is completely dead inside.”
Cadence
August
It had taken me a couple of weeks to pack up and to get in touch with an agent willing to put up Gram and Gramps’ place on the market. The house needed work, and Gabe said he’d pay for all the renovations and updates if I was moving back. He’d even hired the crew to take care of everything. All I had to do was manage it. Once the renovations were finished, the agent I’d hired would list the property, and the plan was to have it sold by Christmas.
I’d left the hotel I’d spent the night at and had just filled the tank with gas. When Gabe left two weeks ago he’d taken the cattle and my cattle trailer. He said it would be easier for him as he’d drive straight through. He also told me it would give me the opportunity to take my time and not stress about making the drive, if I’d decided to come back home. He wanted to make it as stress free and as easy as possible for me.
I climbed into my truck, placing the cold pop I’d just bought in the holder. I reached into the bag and pulled out the bag of chips and ripped it open. It wasn’t the best lunch I could have bought, I thought to myself as I popped two chips into my mouth and started the engine.
I pulled away from the pump and back out onto the street, noting the sign for Willow Valley only a few more hundred miles. I turned on the radio and searched until I found some music I liked and settled in for the rest of the drive.
Almost three hours later, I pulled onto the road that led into Willow Valley. I blew out a breath as my stomach hitched. I’d given it thought on my drive out. The Willow Valley Bed and Breakfast would be fine to stay at while Gabe was gone, I thought to myself. It was easier than moving back into our parents’ house.
“And more expensive, too.” Gabe’s words ran through my mind as I drove through Willow Valley.
I finally pulled into the driveway of the bed and breakfast, surprised to see that the place looked closed. I frowned. I could see a note on the door, so I climbed out of the truck and made my way to it, where my stomach sank.
Because of personal family issues, the Willow Valley Inn will remain closed until further notice. Sorry for the inconvenience. Sincerely, Bessy Tulip.
I climbed back down the stairs and looked around at the small town. This wasn’t how this was supposed to go. I was supposed to get a room far enough away, but close enough that I could run and check on things.
I climbed back into my truck and drove down to The Crispy Biscuit. I wasn’t sure if getting food would be a wise idea because, suddenly, I felt very sick to my stomach. The matter only intensified when I stepped foot into the small diner.
The owner, Brooke, stood behind the counter, a large smile on her face as her eyes landed on me.
“Cadence! It’s so nice to see you.”
I smiled. I wasn’t used to this small-town life anymore. Everyone knew everything about each other. There were barely any secrets, and when one person found something out, it spread like wildfire.
“You too.”
“What can I get for you? Did you want to have a seat?” she questioned, grabbing a menu.
I nodded. I wanted to take as much time as possible before getting to my brother’s place. She led me over to a booth against the wall and left me with the menu, finally returning with a hot cup of coffee.
