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“My realtor has been through it, and he didn’t fall through a floor.”
Heath’s expression remained stoic. “That doesn’t mean anything.”
“As much as I appreciate your concern”—I really didn’t because I didn’t need him in my space—“I don’t need your help. I’m a big girl now.”
His gaze slowly perused me. “I can see that.”
My face flushed from his appraising gaze.
“If you need anything, you have my number. I built a cabin through those trees.” He pointed in the direction of some lights.
“I’m the closest to your property.”
It was close to our spot. I wondered if he’d chosen it on purpose.
“Knox’s cabin is on the other side of the mountain and closer to the road. Talon’s cabin is behind his. I’m building a cabin for Sebastian next. His will be closer to the main farmhouse. He wants to be close to Mom. We were hoping that she could watch his daughter, Ember, but with her recent health scare, he might need a nanny.”
My heart skipped a beat. “What recent health scare?”
He shook his head. “We thought it was a heart attack, like my dad had, but it was just an anxiety attack. The doctor wants her to slow down and reduce her stress. Gram didn’t talk to you about my family?”
“She talked about Lori and your brothers.”
He smiled. “She didn’t talk about me?”
I looked away. “If she did, I didn’t want to hear it. It’s not that I’m still hurt by what you did. I just couldn’t…” I couldn’t say the words.
“I enjoyed listening to her talk about you. Lila was so proud of you. How you put yourself through school and wouldn’t accept her money.”
I scoffed. “Of course not.”
“And how you built an online business and were living in a house in Malibu.”
My throat tight, I said, “I’m proud of everything I’ve accomplished. I wanted to get out of this town, and I did.”
“I’m glad you’re happy,” he said.
I wouldn’t have said I was happy. I would have said I felt safe and secure now that I had money. I was able to buy an amazing house and whatever else I wanted. But money wouldn’t bring Aiden home or protect him while he was deployed. Money had elevated my station in life and provided amazing opportunities, but it hadn’t given me lasting friendships or even a good man to spend time with. “Are you?”
“I hate that my dad died and won’t get to see Emmett and Knox happy with their significant others. He won’t get to see Ember grow up. But I love working on the farm and being close to my family.”
I wanted to know if he’d realized his dream of owning a contracting business. When we used to talk, he mentioned his internal conflict about working at the farm and pursuing his own dreams. I’d bet that had intensified since his father died.
“I’m sorry about your dad, but I’m glad that things seemed to have worked out for you. And I’m sorry about confronting you about the lights. I thought there were teenagers out here drinking beer and causing trouble.” That didn’t explain why I continued to yell at him when I realized who it was. That was my frustration with seeing him again and my traitorous heart that picked up at the sight of him.
“It’s okay.”
I threw my thumb over my shoulder. “I should head back. I have a lot to do.”
Something passed over his face, a hint of longing. It was so quick I almost thought I’d imagined it.
“I’ll stop by to check your place tomorrow.”
There was no point in arguing. Heath was stubborn.
“I’d appreciate that.”
When we were teens, our relationship felt exhilarating because it was forbidden. I’d wondered over the years if that’s why my connection to Heath felt different. But now that I’d run into him again, I still felt that undeniable pull. He was like a magnet I couldn’t help but be drawn to. But I knew if I got too close, there was the possibility I’d get burned.
