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She was back in Destiny Falls. In the pub. Only a handful of yards away.
Why was she here?
Someone coughed, breaking the hush. Eyes burned into me as our audience waited to see how I’d react so they could follow my lead. The community had been a great source of support when she first made a name for herself in Hollywood. They’d rallied around me, boycotting everything Kennedy Carter. The store had refused to sell any tabloids with her picture on the front. The movie theater had never played the films she starred in. And if anyone ever happened to learn anything about her, they sure never mentioned it to my face. A few had gone further and helped shield me from reporters who’d come to town, trying to dig up dirt about Kennedy’s time in Destiny Falls. Now, she was here. Inexplicably.
I had no doubt someone here would toss her out if I gave any indication that was what I wanted. Hell, either Asher or Toby would gladly volunteer for the job. I just needed to force myself to move.
“Liam.” Someone jostled my elbow. Firm fingers gripped it. “Let’s go, man.”
It was Asher, trying to get me to leave. But I couldn’t look away from the woman who’d crushed my heart and stolen my future.
“What the fuck is she doing here?” he muttered. “Come on.”
I stood up.
“Help me, Tobes,” Asher urged.
Before my brother could move, Kennedy lifted her chin and crossed the room. I caught a waft of her scent as she stopped in front of me. Slightly sweet but unfamiliar. My throat threatened to close over. I didn’t even know what she smelled like anymore. Somehow, that made me want to kick shit down.
I could still read her face though. She was nervous. Rightfully so.
Asher tugged my arm again. “Liam has nothing to say to you,” he snapped at her.
It wasn’t true. I’d had plenty to say to her over the years. Questions, angry rants, random observations I knew she’d have appreciated. But she hadn’t been around to share them with. Because she hadn’t wanted me enough to stay—or rather, to come back.
“Can we talk?” Her voice was deeper than it used to be. Smoother. That tiny discrepancy jolted me into action.
“I wanted to talk eleven years ago,” I bit out, “but you weren’t interested. So no, we can’t talk.” I brushed past her, heading for the exit with Toby and Asher flanking me. As soon as the door swung shut behind me, I released a shaky exhale. “Did that just happen?”
“Yeah, mate.” Asher clapped me on the back. “Come on. We’re going back to your place.”
“She’s in Destiny Falls.” I could scarcely believe it. Kennedy had become something of an urban legend in these parts. The Hollywood It Girl who’d broken the hometown boy’s heart—discussed in whispers behind my back but never, ever to my face. “Why the fuck is she here?”
“Who cares?” Asher guided me to my Ute. “I’m driving. Toby, you get beer and meet us there. We’re going to need lots of it.”
Toby saluted. “Aye aye, captain.”
I climbed numbly into the passenger seat, registering that it felt odd not to be driving my own vehicle, but my whirring thoughts kept me from dwelling on it as Asher started the engine. Kennedy Carter—or Cox, whatever stage name she was calling herself these days—had a lot of nerve showing up in my father’s pub.
“She won’t stay,” I murmured to myself. I needed to remember that, and hold onto my anger at her for leaving without even giving me the chance to consider going with her. Many years had passed, but no matter what had brought her back here, I couldn’t afford to let her into my life. Kennedy was a chapter of my past that needed to remain closed.
ChapterThree
KENNEDY
Hi Liam,
Someone asked me on a date this morning. It was the first time that’s happened since we broke up. I was at a coffee shop, enjoying some downtime for once. I hardly get any of that these days.
Even though it’s been months, and even if I thought I’d have the time to date, I couldn’t say yes. It felt wrong. The only man I’ve ever wanted a future with was you.
Love,
K xx
Well,that had been a dismal failure.
I let myself into the cottage and locked the door behind me. Then I set my takeout meal on the kitchen counter and flopped onto the couch, drawing my knees to my chest and resting my forehead on them. I’d wanted to go after Liam, but when I’d gotten outside, he and Asher had already been climbing into Liam’s Ute—the same one he used to drive—and then I’d been accosted by two teenage girls who’d apparently seen me go into the pub from their car and came to check if I really was who they thought I was.
