Author: Winter, Alexis
Date: 2019-01-19

Protect Me

Alexis Winter

A Novel

By Alexis Winter

Mountain Ridge Series

Copyright 2019 by Alexis Winter - All rights reserved.

In no way is it legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document in either electronic means or in printed format. Recording of this publication is strictly prohibited and any storage of this document is not allowed unless with written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved.

Respective authors own all copyrights not held by the publisher.

Contents

The arrogant bastard is back…

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Three Months Later…

Epilogue

WANT TO READ MORE FROM ALEXIS WINTER?

Just Friends

No feelings. No expectations. No Forever.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

The arrogant bastard is back…

I promised myself I was done with men…but when Tyler pressed his muscular mountain man body against mine that all went out the window.

He swept in and rescued me from the hell I was living in. He made me feel wanted, needed, safe from any more heartache. I fell for him hard.

And then, he left…with a note. No explanation, no ‘I’m sorry,’ just a pathetic goodbye note.

Now he’s back…showing up at my best friend’s wedding, demanding a second chance.

I’m so done with him.

Except that I can’t stop thinking about ripping that suit off his delicious body…It’s fine, I’m fine. As long as he doesn’t kiss me…or touch me…or look at me I’ll be fine!

He says this time is different. This time he’ll protect me and make me his, no matter what it takes. But can I trust him after he broke my heart?

Chapter One

The alarm clock blares from beside my bed, stirring me from the most perfect sleep I’ve ever had. With a groan, I roll over and smack it off the table, silencing it.

“Too early,” I mumble, forcing myself to sit up. My back curves, shoulders slumping forward and my head hanging as I rub the sleep from my eyes. “Why did I think it was a good idea to drink last night?”

I push the blankets from my body and nearly sleepwalk to the kitchen to start a pot of coffee. Luckily, I have one of those fancy coffee makers that always keeps the water hot. By the time I get out of the shower, I’ll have a whole pot of freshly brewed coffee—my reason to live.

After pouring the water into the back, I place the carafe on the burner and turn toward the bathroom, hitting my head on the corner of the wall. “Ow!” I rub the sore spot on my head as I push myself through the dark living room and into the bathroom.

Stepping beneath the hot stream of water feels amazing. I dip my head back, letting the water rain down over my soft brown hair. Pouring a heaping handful of shampoo into my palm, I work it into a thick lather, deeply breathing in the scent of coconut. I love smelling like I’ve just stepped off the beach. Why I didn’t move to California to become a beach bum after college is beyond me.

I pour my coconut-lime body wash into a loofah and scrub every inch of my body with it. The hot water helps to relax my muscles and wake me up. I almost don’t want to step out. But I know that if I’m late, Vesper will have a fit—even though she’s been keeping extra busy between the clinic and training the new vet at the O’Connor Ranch.

With a heavy sigh leaving my lips, I turn off the water and step out, wrapping my pink fuzzy robe tightly around my now cold, wet body. Slipping my feet into my matching house shoes, I shuffle back through the living room and into the kitchen to reward myself with that cup of coffee. The aroma fills my nose, instantly making my mouth water. After four spoonfuls of sugar and a nice big helping of hazelnut creamer, I take the first sip. “Mmm, so good,” I mumble around the cup as the warm, sweet liquid makes its way past my lips.

With the cup still attached to my mouth, I head for my bedroom to fix my face for the day. Sitting behind my vanity, I pull the towel from my hair to let it air dry a bit while I apply my daily makeup.

It takes me at least a good hour to fix my hair and makeup, but I have plenty of time to spare. I’m not one of those girls who can slap on some tinted moisturizer and lip gloss and call it a day—like Vesper. I’m envious of her in so many ways. She’s smart, naturally beautiful, and always in a good mood. Me, I’m the complete opposite. I feel like I need a full face of makeup to look decent. I wasn’t one of the smart girls either. In high school, I did okay—got decent grades, but I was more the popular party girl than the academic girl. In college, that party girl label only sunk in deeper. To be honest, I’m surprised I graduated at all. I skidded by, hanging on by my teeth and fingernails—basically clawing my way to graduation day.

Finishing off my coffee, I go for my second cup and take it back to the bedroom with me while I dress. I’m also not one of those girls who feel the need to dress up often. I mean, when I go out, I make an effort, but that’s a completely different wardrobe than work attire. Luckily for me, I get to wear jeans and tank tops or t-shirts.

I slide into a pair of form-fitting jeans that hug my every curve, then tug on my “Rescue All Animals” t-shirt. I pull on a pair of boots and look myself over in the mirror. My long, dark hair is straight and hangs down to my mid-back. My green eyes are lined darkly, and my cheekbones are perfectly contoured. Finishing off my coffee, I grab my purse, heading for the kitchen.

I drop everything onto the kitchen table and wash my coffee cup, knowing it will drive me crazy if I know it’s sitting dirty in the sink all day. Taking my favorite thermos from the cabinet, I fill it with the rest of the pot, topping it off with probably a pound of sugar and a whole cup of creamer. Grabbing my jacket, keys, and purse, I head out for the day, locking the door behind me.

I’m the first one to the clinic, as usual, so I unlock the door and turn off the alarm. I walk through, turning on lights and starting up computers. Just as I’m switching off the answering service, Vesper walks in, her strawberry blonde hair blowing behind her.

“Good morning,” I greet her.

“Hey, sorry I’m late. I got caught up with Dillon, the new vet at the ranch.” She walks behind the counter and reaches for my thermos.

I look at the clock on the wall. “You’re not late. Right on time. And give me that.” I reach out and take my coffee. “That’s mine. Your pot is already brewing right over there.” I point at the corner that holds the free coffee for everyone to enjoy.

She rolls her eyes. “You’re so weird about your coffee.” She lets out a loud sigh and moves to pour herself a cup.

“How’s the new vet doing, by the way?” I ask, just to be nosy.

She shrugs. “Good, I guess. He just needs time to be broken in. It’s all still new, you know?”

I nod once. “I’m sure he’ll get there. Just give it some time.” I place my elbows against the counter, leaning down. “And the new clinic? How’s it coming along?”

She takes a sip of her coffee as her eyes grow wide with excitement. “Really great! Ahead of schedule, to my surprise.”

“I’m kind of sad you won’t be here every day. Dr. McStuffy isn’t any fun.” I roll my eyes, referring to the new vet she hired to cover her place here while she goes back and forth with the new clinic being built.

Her brows draw together. “Give him a shot. He’s not that bad.”

“Not that bad? He has the driest sense of humor I’ve ever seen. I mean, I talk to the guy and I need a drink of water.”

She laughs. “I’m sorry, Amy. I can’t do everything myself. I mean, it’s like I’m working at three different places with this office the new clinic, and everything going on at the ranch. Once everything is up and running over there, I’ll transfer him and be right back here bugging you every day.” She offers up a wide smile as she passes me to head to her office.

The day is long and slow, but finally, five o’clock rolls around and I’m able to clock out and leave. I climb behind the wheel of my truck, turning over the engine. Instead of heading home, I go by my mom’s place a few towns over. Pulling into the drive, I roll my eyes at the overgrown yard and the trash cans that are overfilled with glass vodka bottles.

With a deep breath, I climb out and walk to the front door. The second the door opens, Benny, the cat, darts out.

“Mom?” I yell, walking into the messy kitchen and dropping my purse onto the table. I look at the mess around me. The sink is filled with dishes, and I automatically walk over to fill it with hot, soapy water to soak. The table is covered in mail, old newspapers, and magazines.

“Mom!” I yell again, walking down the hallway and into the living room to find bottles all over the table and floor, but the room is empty. I walk further into the house, peeking into the bathroom and then into the bedroom, where I find her sprawled out on the bed. I walk closer, inspecting her to make sure she’s breathing. Her chest rises and falls slowly. I roll my eyes and head back to the kitchen to start cleaning.

Two hours later, the dishes are washed, every surface is wiped down, the floors are swept, and the trash is picked up and taken out. I go back into her room, leaving a bottle of water and some painkillers on the bedside table, then a small trash can beside the bed.

I hate seeing her this way. Her dark hair is starting to gray at the roots and her face, once beautiful and smooth, is now covered in deep wrinkles. She has dark circles under her eyes and her body looks thin and frail. Years of heavy drinking are weighing on her.

I close my eyes and take a deep breath, pushing away the urge to cry. I know it won’t do any good. I’ve cried, begged, pleaded, and threatened her to get her to go to rehab. But nothing ever does any good. However, I haven’t been able to uphold my threats either. I said I would stop coming by and taking care of her, and yet, here I am. I can’t give up on her. She raised me. She did the best she could for me. It’s only fair that I do the same, right?

Shaking my head, I stand and make my way out of the house. Climbing behind the wheel, I shift into drive and head back to town, intending to go home. But when I look up and pull myself from my thoughts, I find myself in front of the local bar.

I bite my lip as I think it over. After seeing my mom, this is a place I really should avoid. But I’m not a raging alcoholic; I’m just a normal drinker. I drink to have fun or when I’ve had a shitty day. I’ve for sure had a shitty day and could use some fun.

That’s the only thought that runs through my head. I grab my purse out of the passenger seat and walk inside the nearly dead bar.

“Hey, Sarah,” I say, taking my seat on the barstool as she pours drinks behind the bar.

“How’s it going today, hon?” she asks, quickly looking up at me before fixing her eyes back on the drink she’s pouring.

“Long day. Can I get a drink?” I reach into my purse, pulling out a crisp twenty and placing it on the bar. By the time I leave, that twenty will be gone.

“Sure, one sec,” she responds, handing the drink over to a man sitting a couple barstools away from me.

I’m lost in my own thoughts when she sets the vodka tonic down in front of me. I grab it quickly and drink nearly half of it before pulling the glass from my lips. She stands back, watching me with wide eyes.

“Whoa. You must’ve had a bad day. What’s going on?” She places her forearms against the bar, leaning in toward me.

I wave my hand through the air. “Oh, you know. Work sucked. Vesper hired this new vet to fill in her position while the new clinic is going up, and he’s a total douche. Then I had to go by my mom’s house and clean up after her week-long bender.” I roll my eyes. “I just wish I could catch a break, you know? I want to take a vacation and find some drop-dead sexy guy, and just spend an entire weekend shacked up with him in some sleazy motel room.” I laugh. Big dreams.

She smiles wide. “That doesn’t sound too bad. When you go, let me know and I’ll ride along with you.” She stands, grabbing a towel and wiping down the bar top.

“I just want to forget all my problems for a little while. Forget that my mom relies on me for everything. And work, that used to be my escape. I love helping animals and spending all day with my best friend. But now that she’s gone and I’m forced to put up with Dr. McAsshole, it’s just another shitty part of my day.”

“Why don’t you find a new job?” she asks.

I pick up my glass and take another drink. “I can’t. Vesper needs me. If I quit, that’ll just leave her shorthanded.”

She narrows her blue eyes on me. “Take it from me, if you don’t find something to make you happy, you’ll always feel this way.”

“What way?” I nearly whisper.

“Empty.” Without another word, she turns and walks back down the length of the bar to wait on more customers.

Chapter Two

The hours pass, and my money has long been spent. The bar picks up and a crowd gathers: lining the bar, filling the tables, and swaying on the dance floor. The quiet bar is transformed to the town’s only hotspot.

I’ve done nothing but sit at the bar, drinking glass after glass, and thinking about what Sarah said. Do I feel empty? I mean, what is my purpose in life? I don’t have a life-long career—not unless you count being a receptionist a dream job, and I don’t. But could I leave Vesper? And if I did, what would I do? This town doesn’t really hold many options. Would I have to move? Moving to California and becoming a professional beach bum sounds pretty good right now. And I want to do it while I’m still young and can rock a bikini. With that thought, a laugh slips past my lips.

“What’s so funny?” a man asks as he takes the barstool next to mine.

I turn to find myself face to face with Tyler, the ranch hand that Vesper went out with once. This is the first time I’ve seen him in a while. I completely forgot how sexy he is. He has an intimidating physique—thick, broad shoulders and large developed biceps. His shirt struggles to contain his broad chest, the sleeves straining at his biceps. His thick dark hair highlights his sparkling eyes and his matching facial hair frames his plump lips perfectly. I can’t help but get caught off guard by his tongue darting out and wetting those delicious lips.

I wave my hand through the air, dismissing the thought. “Trust me, you don’t want to know.”

“If it’s as funny as you think it is, I do want to know.” He shoots me a sexy grin.

I roll my eyes. “I was just thinking about moving to California to become a professional beach bum.”

He laughs. “Yeah? I hear the pay’s great.”

“Right. Maybe not in money but in experience,” I joke.

He bumps my shoulder with his. “What’s going on, Amy? You thinking about running away or finding a new job?”

I shrug. “I just don’t feel very fulfilled. I think I need to make some changes to my life. Find what makes me happy.” I look over to see him bring a beer bottle to his lips. “How’d you do it? How’d you know you wanted to become a rancher?”

He presses his lips together tightly, thinking it over. “Well, it was just something that I enjoyed. I’ve always loved animals and working with them. Being a ranch hand isn’t exactly my dream job. Owning my own ranch is. But you gotta start somewhere. You know?”

I nod once. “At least one of us has it all figured out,” I mumble.

“You look like you could use some fun.” He stands, holding out his hand.

I look from him, to his hand, and back. “What?”

“Dance with me,” he demands.

Dancing is the last thing I feel like doing, but I can’t deny him. His dark eyes lock on mine, burning with passion and desire.

“What?” I ask, feeling the heat rise up my cheeks.

“Come on. What are you scared of?”

I push my dark hair behind my ear. “I’m not scared.” I stand, giving him a smile and slipping my hand into his.

He pulls me behind him, across the hardwood floor, until we’re standing in the center of the dance floor where he spins around and pulls me against his firm body. When my chest presses against his, the force knocks the air from my lungs and our eyes lock. My lips part with my heavy breathing. I knew he had an effect on my body, but I didn’t expect this burning tingle to take over from such a simple touch.

The corners of his lips turn up just a bit, like he knows he’s getting to me. As I force my body to sway to the slow music, I can’t keep my eyes off his plump lips. When his tongue glides across his bottom lip, wetting it, something inside of me takes over and I lean in, pressing my needy mouth against his.

His hands that were grasping my hips move upward, fingers tangling into my hair as he deepens the kiss. I can taste the beer on his breath and it mixes with his strong, sweet scent, causing my head to feel like it’s floating away from my body. I wrap my hands around his neck while our bodies continue to move to the beat of the music. With every brush of his tongue, with every nip his teeth deliver to my bottom lip, my head gets further and further away. I’m not thinking about anything other than taking him back to my place for the night where I can forget all my troubles and get wrapped up in only him.

I pull away and our eyes lock, both of our chests heaving from the kiss. “You want to get out of here?”

He offers up a cocky grin. “Where we going?”

I play coy by pulling my eyes away and shrugging. “My place…that is, if you want to.” I bite my bottom lip, waiting for his answer.

His callused hand lands softly on my jaw, tilting my head back until my eyes meet his. “Are you sure?”

I can’t keep my smile from forming when I look into his dark eyes that have a fire burning behind them. “Absolutely.”

The whole ride home, my stomach is in knots and my heart is pounding. I don’t know if I’m nervous or excited. This isn’t the first time I’ve brought a guy home after drinking, but this is the first time I’ve brought this guy home. A guy who had a thing for my best friend. Quickly, I wonder if Vesper would mind, but then I think of how happy she is with Liam and dismiss the thought completely.

I park my truck and climb out just as Tyler pulls up behind me. He shuts off the lights and climbs out, slowly closing the distance between us. He grabs me by the hips, pulling me against his body as he presses my back against the bed of my truck, his lips finding mine. His tongue slides into my mouth and I thrust my fingers into his thick, dark hair, pulling him closer.

His right hand slides down my hip, holding firm at my thigh as he picks it up and pulls it over his hip, where I feel his hardness press against my core. A soft moan escapes my lips, causing him to break the kiss.

“Are we going to take this inside or am I going to have to fuck you in a parking lot against the side of your truck?” His dark eyes seem to gleam in the darkness, and his cocky grin is back in place.

“I’ll take it any way I can get it,” I joke.

He lets out a soft laugh and rolls his eyes. “Show me your apartment, Amy,” he demands in a hushed whisper.

I push him away by placing both of my palms on his chest, then turn and walk toward the building with him closely following along behind me. Peeking over my shoulder, I see the darkness of his eyes growing more intense as he slides his hands into the pockets of his jeans, like he doesn’t trust himself to keep his hands to himself.

I quickly let him into the building, then lead him into the elevator. When he’s standing inside, I reach out and press the button for my floor. I lean against the wall, secretly checking him out. My eyes start on his boot-covered feet, then move up his tight Wranglers and gold belt buckle to his red flannel shirt. The sleeves are rolled up to his elbows, showing off his tan, muscular forearms.

“Keep looking at me that way and I’m not sure we’ll make it to your apartment,” he drawls in his deep Southern tone.

I bite my bottom lip to keep from smiling. “I won’t mind, but my neighbors may not be too happy if they try to get on the elevator,” I tease.

The elevator dings and the doors open before he can reply.

I step out and walk down the hallway to my apartment. Taking my keys from my purse, I unlock the door and step inside the kitchen. I drop my purse on the table and when I turn around, Tyler is already directly in front of me. He pulls me against his chest in the blink of an eye, his lips finding mine as he picks me up by my ass and places me on the table. My legs automatically wrap around his hips, pulling him closer.

His lips move quickly with my own as his hands massage my thighs and hips, then work their way higher to my waist, pushing my shirt out of his way. His hands aren’t the only ones that are greedy. I’m desperately needing to run my fingers over his abs. I want to feel each defined muscle as it hardens with my touch. My hands pull his shirt loose as they make their way up over his belt. I gasp when I finally find his warm, soft skin under his shirt.

He breaks the kiss, his dark eyes meeting mine as he pulls my shirt over my head and tosses it to the floor. He licks his lips as his eyes take me in. I take a deep breath that makes my chest rise and my breasts press together. Almost like he can’t stand looking at me without touching me, he leans in and presses his lips to the swell of my breast while his hands get to work on unclasping my black lace bra. He kisses and licks and gently sucks his way down to my exposed nipple, causing a loud gasp to escape from my lips.

My fingers thread into his hair, pulling, but also keeping him right where he is. I need his touch. I need him, so I can forget the awful way I was feeling earlier. I need him, so I can forget everything except for the way he causes my body to buzz, the way he makes my legs shake with need, and the way he leaves goosebumps prickling my skin after he’s run his hand across it.

He removes his mouth from my chest and sweeps me up off the table in one swift motion. “Where’s your bedroom?” he asks as he carries me through the living room with determination painting his expression.

“Through there,” I nod my head toward my door in the hallway we’re now walking through.

He pushes through the door and softly drops me onto the bed. As I scoot my way up the mattress, he stands there, watching me as he slowly unbuttons his shirt.

I lift my hips to push my jeans down my legs, but he shakes his head. “That’s for me to do. I want to unwrap you like you’re the toy I’ve been begging for, and it’s Christmas morning.” He tears his shirt from his chest, exposing his massive tan chest and climbs his way up my body, pressing his growing erection against my thigh as his lips find mine once again.

My eyes flutter closed as he kisses me deeply and passionately, his hands pushing my jeans away from my body. I can’t do anything but lie back and enjoy the pleasure he’s bringing to my body as he kisses his way down my neck, chest, stomach, and finally to the junction between my legs.

His hands massage my ass and hips as his mouth works me over. I feel like I’m on a rollercoaster and the only thing I have to hold on to is the sheet beneath me. He pushes me to the edge before pulling away and leaving me begging for more.

“Tyler, please,” I beg, fisting the sheet with both hands.

“Are you begging already, Amy?” He sounds amused. “I’m nowhere near done with you, baby.” He runs his tongue between my folds once again, causing me to jerk with the sensation. “There’s nothing that’s going to pull me away from you until you can’t move another fucking muscle.” When the last word leaves his lips, his mouth is back on me, tongue flicking against my hard nub as he slides his fingers deep inside my core.

I wake in the morning with a big smile on my face just from remembering last night. I force my eyes to open, straining against the sun shining brightly through my window, watching as the dust dances around like glitter in the early morning light. I pull the sheet tighter around my body and roll over. My heart stops when I find the empty spot next to me. He must have left after I had fallen asleep. I feel a heavy sigh leave my lips as disappointment washes over me. But why? I’ve never been the clingy type. In fact, I usually prefer when a guy leaves without me having to ask. The awkward walk of shame has always been my least favorite part of a hookup. At least this way, I don’t have to worry about asking him to leave.

I pull the sheet up over my head and sigh, wishing I was happy about this, and completely confused as to why I’m not. Am I wanting something more with Tyler? I mean, I hardly know the guy. Not to mention, he had a thing for my best friend at one point in time.

I groan when the alarm clock goes off at my side, meaning it’s time to stop thinking about Tyler and the things we did, and get up and go to work. I toss the sheet from my naked body as I roll back to my side to turn off the annoying beeping that’s coming from the clock.

Chapter Three

I pull up to the clinic an hour later. I’m surprised to see that Vesper is already here. I climb out of my truck and walk inside, the bell above the door ringing as I enter.

“Good morning,” Vesper says from behind the counter. “I’ve already turned on all the computers and shut off the answering service for the day.” She smiles, proud of her achievements. “But the coffee I saved for you, because you make the best!” She points toward the corner that holds the coffee pot for anyone who wants it.

I laugh and shake my head, dropping my stuff next to the counter and making my way across the room to start up the coffee. “So, what did you do last night?”

“Nothing much. Liam and I had a quiet dinner at home, then snuggled on the couch and watched a movie. I ended up passing out and he carried me to bed. I think I’m really overdoing it lately with all these jobs I’ve managed to pick up.”

“Sounds like you need a vacation,” I say, as the door opens. I turn around to find Liam walking in.

“Who needs a vacation?” he asks, making his way to Vesper behind the counter. He quickly presses his lips against hers before turning to face me.

“Vesper. She’s basically working three jobs. You should do something romantic and sweep her off her feet on some luxury vacation.” I wink at him as I pass him by, taking my place beside her.

Vesper laughs shyly. “Are you kidding me? I don’t have time for a vacation. I have a clinic opening, I have work here, and I’m still training the new vet at the ranch. No way can I afford to take off right now.”

I bump my shoulder against hers. “That’s exactly why you need a vacation. Go away and take some time for yourself. I mean, have you two even started planning your wedding yet?” I look back and forth at the both of them with wide eyes.

“Not yet…you know, things have just been crazy busy lately.”

Liam places his forearms on the counter and leans in. “I think Amy has a point, Vesper. Let’s take some time off. You need some rest and relaxation, and we can start planning our wedding, because you know how impatient I am. I want to call you my wife as soon as possible.” He gives her a flirty smile, his blue eyes shining with love for her.

For only a second, a ping of jealously washes over me. I wish I had that in my life—someone who looks at me and radiates love, rather than someone who’s just interested in a random hookup.

I take a deep breath and push it all away. I shouldn’t be jealous. This is my best friend. I should be happy that she’s found her other half.

Vesper leans into Liam, and I get the feeling she wants to talk privately, so I slip through the swinging door, into the back. I flip on the light and lean my back against the wall, needing to give myself a mental pep talk.

My stomach hurts from the acid bubbling inside. Jealously is an ugly thing. But what am I supposed to do? Vesper has the perfect life. She has a career she loves, she’s about to marry a rich, good-looking man who loves her, and she has friends and family who would do anything for her.

I, on the other hand, am completely alone other than having Vesper. My mom is drunk every day and would probably starve to death if I didn’t feed her. I can’t find anyone to love, settling for one-night stands instead. And I’ve only recently realized that it’s not my job I love—I’ve just loved spending my days hanging out with my best friend who’s not always going to be able to be here.

I really need to find what makes me happy in life. I need to grab the bull by the horns and find myself. Maybe if I find my rightful place in life, the whole love and relationship thing will fall into place. Or at least, maybe I wouldn’t be so worried about it.

When I hear the bell above the door ring again, I walk out to find Vesper alone, going through the appointment book.

“Where’d Liam go?” I ask, stepping up to her side.

“He had to get back to the ranch. Something about an important video chat meeting.” She rolls her eyes, dismissing his absence.

I pull up my stool and take a seat, my mind immediately going back to how I can make my life better. What kind of career should I try to start? Obviously, something I can afford. I don’t have a lot of time between working here and taking care of my mom, so going back to school isn’t an option.

“Hey, what’s going on? You seem sad,” Vesper says, drawing my attention back to the here and now.

I shrug. “I’m…” My sentence drops off.

“What?”

I look up into wide eyes that hold nothing but worry.

“It’s nothing,” I mumble, not wanting to tell her I’m unhappy here.

“Amy, I know something is wrong. We’ve been best friends forever. I can read that expression like a book. Now, tell me what’s going on.” She pulls up another stool and takes a seat, waiting for me to open up.

I take a deep breath. “Okay, but before I do, I need you to know that none of this has anything to do with you. In fact, I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”

She nods once with her brows pulled together in confusion. “Okay.”

“I just…I’m not happy, Vesper. I’m so jealous of you and I hate myself for it, but I don’t know how to change what I feel. I mean, you have everything. You have your dream career, family, you’re about to get married. And I have…nothing. My mom’s, well, you know. And this…” I look around the clinic and sigh. “Being a receptionist isn’t my dream job.”

“I thought you were happy here?” She’s not offended, just concerned.

I shrug one shoulder. “I am. I mean, I was. But it turns out, I enjoyed this job because I loved getting to hang out with my best friend. But now you’re gone a lot with the new clinic opening, and I find myself dreading coming to work. I hate having to sit here while Dr. McStuffy talks down to me. I want a dream job of my own, you know?”

She nods. “I completely understand, Amy.” She looks a little sad, but then a wide smile spreads across her face. “So, what’s your dream job? What do you want to do?”

I roll my eyes. “It’s not that easy, Vesper.”

“Why isn’t it? You’ve got a degree in business. You can basically open any business you want. What’s your dream?”

I laugh and think it over, opting to play along. “I want to open my own coffee shop and bookstore. How fun would that be? I mean, we don’t have either in town. We have restaurants for coffee, and the nearest bookstore is the big chain store that’s a forty-five-minute drive from here.”

“That’s a great idea, Amy. Why don’t you do that?” Excitement leaks from her every word and she’s nearly bouncing in her seat.

“How am I supposed to do that? I mean, I don’t even have the credit needed for a business loan.”

Her smile grows. “I bet I know a rich guy who would give you the money in a second. You wouldn’t even need a loan.”

I stand, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. “No. No way.” I straighten my shirt and jeans, needing something to distract me. I move around behind the counter, straightening things where I can.

“What? Why?”

“You’re never supposed to borrow money from friends, Vesper. No way could I take your money. I mean, what if something comes up and I’m not able to pay you back?”

“It’s not my money, Amy. It’s Liam’s, and he has plenty to spare. We can do this the right way. We’ll even set up a specific payment amount and a due date if you want.”

I shake my head. “I don’t know, Vesper. I mean, that’s a lot to ask. Not to mention, I don’t even have a location.”

She bounces up to me, placing her hands on my shoulders and narrowing her eyes on mine. “Just think about it, Amy. Please? You’re my best friend, and I want you to be happy. This,” she motions around the room, “is my dream, not yours. Let us help you.”

“I’ll think about it,” I say, pulling her in for a hug.

Spending the day working with Vesper is fun—just like it used to be. It makes me sad thinking that tomorrow she’ll be back at the other clinic and I’ll be stuck with the new vet. When the day’s over, we both head out at the same time. I stand by the door while she arms the alarm and locks the door.

“Please promise me that you’ll think about it, Amy.”

I laugh. “I said I would. But if I do decide to take you up on this offer, please let me talk to Liam about it. I want to do this right. I want to find a location and have a whole presentation. I don’t just want to walk up to him with my hand out. Okay?”

“Whatever you want.” She smiles and gives me a quick hug. “Also, I know you loathe talking about this, but I emailed you a list of free or low-cost rehabs for your mom. I hate to say this, but she’s dragging you down, Amy. If you can’t get her to get help, you may need to cut ties with her for your own sanity.”

I nod. “I know.” I press my lips together and swallow down all the negative feelings bubbling up my throat.

“I love you. I just want you to be as happy as I am.” She rubs my shoulder before stepping around me, heading for the new SUV Liam bought her.

I watch her drive off before I move to get in my truck. I turn over the engine and drive through town. I already know the perfect location of my future coffee shop if I choose to take Vesper up on her offer. I drive down Main Street and park the truck on the side of the road, directly in front of the empty building.

I look out the window at the brick building, gazing into the dusty windows. A surge of excitement washes over me and I can’t refrain from allowing myself to dream about it. I climb out of the truck and walk up to the window. Cupping my hands around my eyes, I lean in to look inside the building. It’s dark, but I can make out a faint outline of a counter in the back. Already, I can picture the front of the store packed full of tables. I can see the way I’d design it, putting the bookstore area in the back by the counter.

The old hardwood floors are dirty and dinged up, but they give the place character. I pull back and walk up to the door, finding a sign taped to the front with a phone number. I take my phone from my pocket and take a picture of it, wanting to see how much it’s going for before I let myself get too worked up.

Climbing back behind the wheel, I drive across town and grab two roast beef dinners from our local diner, then head to the neighboring town to visit my mom. Pulling into her drive, I notice that the house is dark. I shut off the truck and grab the bags with a deep breath leaving my lips. I’m mumbling to myself as I make my way to the door.

She’s probably already drunk and passed out. Maybe Vesper is right. I need to figure out how to get her into rehab or give up on her completely. I can’t keep doing this to myself.

I pull open the screen door and walk inside, finding her on the couch, burning candles lining the shelves and table in front of her. “What’s going on?” I ask, setting the bags of food down on the table.

“The damn electric company shut off the power again.” She leans forward, grabbing a cigarette and lighting it.

“Again? Mom, you can’t keep doing this. You know, every time they turn it back on, they charge a reconnect fee. It would cost way less if you just paid your bill on time.” I shake my head as I dig her food out of the bag and hand it over.

“I can’t pay it if I don’t have the money, Amy. You know that.”

“What did you spend your money on, huh?”

“I don’t have to explain anything to you.” She opens the plastic container, picking at her dinner.

“Mom, I…” I sit on the couch at her side and hold my head in my hands. “I can’t keep doing this with you. You must get help. I mean, you’re drinking more than half your income. You don’t have any food in the fridge. You don’t have any power, and I’m sure the water will be next. Are you even paying rent?” I sit back and look at her.

She acts like I have no right saying any of this. Her nose is wrinkled with disgust and her eyes are squinting at me. “Amy, you need to mind your own business. I’m a grown woman. I can take care of myself.”

“Really?” I ask, almost amused. “What would you eat if I didn’t bring you food? What would you wear if I didn’t wash your clothes? This place would be a rats’ nest if I didn’t come and clean it.”

“Well, if I’m such a pain in your ass, then stop coming over here and sticking your nose in my business. Leave!” She stands and gestures toward the door, nearly falling over from her quick movement. “I don’t ever want to see your face again.” Her nostrils are flaring, and her red, bloodshot eyes are narrowed on me.

I grab my bag of food and stand. “Fine. Call me when you’ve come to your senses.” I storm out the door without a look back.

Chapter Four

It’s finally Friday, and I haven’t been to my mom’s since. The weight of this knowledge is heavy. Who knows if she’s even still alive. She could have drunk herself to death, and nobody would even know. Behind my eyes, visions of walking into her house and finding her lifeless body haunt me. I can see her lying in a pool of her own vomit, reaching for the bottle. It causes my stomach to hurt and my eyes to blur with tears, but I refuse to go over there again. Maybe when she sees how far away she’s gotten, she’ll come around. I pray that she does.

I walk into the clinic to find Vesper already behind the counter. “Good morning,” I mumble as I walk back and set my things down.

“How’s your week been?” she asks, looking me up and down. Apparently, my appearance is showing everything I’m trying to hide.

“Horrible. I had it out with my mom the other day after we talked. I haven’t been over there since, and I’m worried about her. And I hate that I’m worried.” I plop myself down on the stool behind the counter. “God, what’s wrong with me? She obviously doesn’t care. Why do I?” I rest my head against the desk.

“I’m sorry, Amy. It’s always hard to watch someone you love go through something like this.” She steps up to my side and gently rubs my back. “You know what you need?”

“What?” I tilt my head to the side so I can see her from over my shoulder.

“You need a night out. Have some fun. Maybe even find a sexy guy to take home.” She smiles and wags her eyebrows at me.

I laugh, but then suddenly remember my night with Tyler. I was so upset that he left without a goodbye, but this past week, I’ve been so occupied with my mom and trying not to worry about her, that I completely forgot about him.

“Nah, I think I’m good on the one-night stands for a while.”

Vesper pulls a stool up to my side and sits down, wrapping her arm around my shoulders. “You are upset if you’re rejecting a night out and a booty call.” She laughs.

“You make it sound like I have more hookups than relationships.”

Her brows furrow. “Don’t you?”

I let out a deep breath. “Yes, but I don’t want to. Not anymore, anyway.” I sit up and stomp my foot. “My life sucks!”

She laughs. “No, it doesn’t. You just need to find your happy place and I’m going to help you.” She smiles wide, tossing her strawberry blonde hair over her shoulder. “In fact, I took the liberty of setting up a dinner for you, me, and Liam tonight.”

I open my mouth to argue, but she holds up her hand, stopping me. “You don’t have to talk about your business venture, but if you want to, it will be the perfect opportunity.”

“What time?” I ask in a monotone voice, not at all happy that she’s trying to push me into this.

“Seven o’clock on the dot.” She stands and walks away.

“I’ll bring the wine!” I shout back at her. God knows I’ll need it, because if I know Vesper, she’s already talked to Liam and made him agree to act like it’s the first time he’s hearing the news.

It’s nearing seven when I pull into the drive at the ranch. The sun is just starting to slip beyond the horizon, and it makes me thankful for the longer days and warmer weather.

I grab the bottle of wine from the passenger seat and head for the door.

Vesper steps outside before I’ve even made my way up the front steps. She’s wearing a wide smile as she opens her arms, pulling me in for a hug. “I’m so happy you made it.”

I roll my eyes before pulling away. “You’ve already talked to him, haven’t you?”

“Of course not. I said I wouldn’t, and I haven’t. Come on. Let’s drink some wine.” She takes me by the wrist and pulls me through the open door.

“How are you, Amy?” Liam asks, stepping up to Vesper and wrapping his arm around her waist.

“Great. How are you doing?”

He shrugs and glances down at Vesper. “A lot better if I could talk my fiancée here into taking a vacation with me.”

I laugh. “Still fighting it, huh?” I tease her.

“I said I’d think about it.” She gives him a sidelong look. “Let’s get that wine.” She takes my hand and leads me into the living room where I hand her the bottle of wine I brought.

“I’ll let this breathe for dinner. I found this amazing bottle that I’m dying for you to try.” She takes the bottle and disappears into the other room just as Liam is sitting down in the lounge chair across from me.

“So, Vesper tells me you’re thinking about leaving the clinic.”

Here we go. I nod. “I’m thinking about it. Nothing is set in stone yet.”

He seems intrigued, placing his elbows on his knees and leaning in. “What is it you’re thinking about doing?”

I want to roll my eyes but refrain. I’m sure she’s already told him all about it, but I explain anyway. “I’m just…I’m looking for my happy place, and being a receptionist isn’t what I want to spend my life doing. I’d really like to open a coffee shop in town. Well, coffee shop/bookstore. We don’t have either in town, and I think it’d be a nice alternative for the non-drinkers since all we have in town is a bar and a few restaurants.”

He nods as he leans back. “That does sound like an excellent idea. Do you have a location in mind?”

Vesper comes back in and hands us both a glass of wine. I take my glass and have a small sip. “I have my eye on a place, but I have no idea what shape the building is in or what they’re asking. I need to do some digging.”

“Have you considered a silent partner?”

Automatically, I glance from Liam to Vesper.

Her eyes grow wide as she holds up her hands, showing me her palms. “I swear, I didn’t say anything other than you may be leaving.”

I force a smile and turn back to face him. “I really haven’t thought much about anything yet. I wanted to have a whole presentation before going to the bank for a loan.”

Liam waves his hand through the air. “You don’t want to go to the bank. They’ll give you a high interest rate with your credit score. Let me join you. I love having my hands in a little of everything, plus I have an excellent track record with running a business.”

“How do you know what my credit score is?” I feel my brows pull together.

He clears his throat and readjusts his sweater. “I…uh…it’s nothing personal. I just, I like to know who I’m dealing with. You don’t have bad credit—you just don’t have much of anything on your report other than your truck, and that was nearly seven years ago.”

I laugh and shake my head, hoping to clear it of the confusion I’m now feeling. “I don’t know what to say, Liam.”

“Say yes!” His eyes are wide and he’s wearing a big smile. “We can go over the details later.”

“I can’t just take that much money from you. I mean, starting up a business like this is expensive. There’s the price of the building, and who knows what repairs it will need, plus the startup costs. I just…I can’t. It’s too much.”

“I’ll make you a deal.” He leans forward and locks his eyes on mine. “I’ll be a silent partner. I’ll give you all the money you need. We’ll set up a payment plan that starts five years after your opening date.” He glances from me to Vesper and back. “It’s common knowledge that a business doesn’t make its money back for the first couple years,” he explains. “But in exchange, I want you to pop in and out of here over the next week—help Tyler with the animals, help the vet if needed. Feed the cat and water the plants, that kind of thing.”

My face wrinkles in confusion. “You want me to house-sit?”

“Exactly. We’re…” He looks quickly at Vesper. “We’re taking that vacation.”

“You are?” I ask Vesper.

She nods once. “I guess we are.” She smiles. “But only if you take this deal.”

I lift my glass and take a long drink, thinking it over. “Okay. Deal.” I stand and hold out my hand. Liam stands and slides his into mine, and we shake on it.

With that out of the way, dinner goes smoothly—nothing but a couple of friends laughing and talking.

“So, when are you leaving for your vacation?” I ask, taking a bite of the perfectly grilled steak Liam brought in.

“Sunday evening,” he replies.

“And where are you going?”

He grins. “That’s a surprise.” He darts a glance at Vesper, who looks a little uncomfortable. Knowing her, she probably is. Vesper isn’t the surprise type. She’s a bit of a control freak and likes to know everything. This surprise vacation is probably stressing her out.

“How romantic,” I coo in her direction, rubbing it in because only I know how much this is driving her crazy.

“It will be nice to get away. You think you can manage at the clinic?” she asks, setting her fork down and picking up her wine.

I wave my hand through the air. “No worries. I may smack Dr. McAsshole around a little if you don’t mind.”

She laughs. “Don’t run him off and please remember to call him Judah, I don’t want you slipping up with that nickname.” She points her finger at me. “Seriously, it took me forever to find him.”

I roll my eyes and sit back. “Next time, try to find someone with a personality,” I joke…kind of.

The rest of the dinner goes smoothly, and I promise to stop by Sunday afternoon to send them off.

It’s going on nine o’clock by the time I’m driving home, and it quickly passes through my mind that I should stop at the bar and chill out a little before heading home since it’s still so early. But then I think of my mom, and the urge to want to kick back with a cold one passes. Looking back on our lives, it’d be way too easy to get lost down the same rabbit hole she’s in.

I drive straight home, take a long hot shower, then cuddle up in bed with a good book and a cup of hot tea. The comfy bed, my warm, fuzzy pajamas, and my tea relax me to the point I find myself drifting off with the book still in my hands. Finally, after fighting off sleep for an hour, I place the book on the nightstand, pull the blankets up to my chin, and drift off into a deep, dreamless sleep.

It’s going on eleven when I wake up Saturday morning, and I have to rush to get to the animal shelter on time. Vesper is already in the back, looking over today’s lineup.

“What do we have on the schedule for today?” I ask, dropping my bags onto a nearby table.

She spins around, panic painting her features. “I’m freaking out here, Amy!”

“What? Why?”

“This vacation! I couldn’t even sleep last night.”

I wave her off. “Don’t be silly. What could happen other than you not getting to plan out every minute of every day?”

She rolls her eyes. “He’s doing this on purpose.”

I laugh and playfully smack her arm. “Listen, he sees how much you do. I mean, you have enough jobs to employ the town! He wants you to relax. Why’s that so hard for you?”

She lets out a deep breath.

“Nothing is going to go wrong. I promise. The clinic will run fine; it has this far. And you’ve already approved all the plans for the new building. What’s the big deal?”

“What if Judah gets sick and can’t come in? I won’t be here to pick up his position at the clinic.”

“Then we’ll do what we did before you hired him and you got sick. I’ll call all the patients and reschedule.” I place my hands on her biceps and narrow my eyes on her. “Take a deep breath and enjoy your time off. Before you know it, you’ll be planning a wedding and going crazy with that. Not to mention, I’m sure some baby Liams will be popping out in the next few years.” I laugh.

Her eyes grow wide. “Oh my God! I didn’t even think of that. How am I going to handle having kids with all this work?”

My laughter picks up and nearly has me doubling over. “Stop overthinking everything and just chill. Enjoy this day. Today is the only thing you need to think about. Let life happen, Vesper. You can’t control everything.”

Chapter Five

Sunday rolls around and I make the drive out to the ranch. Liam is carrying their bags out to the car as I’m pulling up. I wave him a quick hello, grab my bags, and head into the house where I find Vesper running around like a chicken with her head cut off.

“What’s up?” I ask, dropping my things onto the kitchen table.”

“I’m just going through my checklist.” She looks at the coffee pot, then stares up at the ceiling, counting things off on her fingers.

“Did you pack enough clothes?”

She nods. “I packed a little of everything since I have no idea where we’re going.”

“What about your makeup, hair products, shoes?”

“Check, check, and check.”

“Birth control?”

Her eyes grow wide and her mouth drops open. “Oh my God. How could I have forgotten that?” She quickly runs upstairs, leaving me laughing.

I turn and open the fridge, grabbing a bottle of water.

Liam walks in. “Where’d she go now?”

I quickly swallow the water in my mouth. “Upstairs. She forgot something.”

He laughs and shakes his head. “I guess an impromptu vacation is more stress than she has already.”

I lean against the island. “Yep, Vesper is more of a planner. I mean, she needs several months’ notice. Just a little information for next time.”

He nods and leans against the fridge. “Next time, it will be our honeymoon. She’s already started looking up suggestions online. Hopefully, I’ll get her to set a date this week.”

I laugh. “Knowing Vesper, the date she’ll set will be two years away.”

“Stop talking about me and my organizational skills.” She walks back into the room, shooting daggers at both of us.

Liam and I both laugh.

“We’re just amazed at how well you manage everything you do, honey.” Liam holds out his hand and she walks to his side, taking it in hers.

“Yeah, yeah.” She rolls her eyes playfully.

Liam raises his hand, glancing at the time on his watch. “We should probably get going. Are you ready?” He looks down at her.

“I don’t know. I think so. Amy?”

I nod with a smile in place. “Get out of here.” I shoo them toward the door. “Have fun and don’t worry. I’ve got everything covered!” I yell from the open door as they make their way down the steps and to the car.

“Thank you, Amy,” Vesper says before sliding into her seat.

“You’re welcome!” I shout.

Liam closes her door, then walks around the car to take his place behind the wheel. “Thank you, Amy.”

I smile and wave, leaning against the doorframe as I watch them disappear down the driveway.

When they’re no longer in view, I turn to head back inside, but get a flash of something out of the corner of my eye. Tyler.

Again, the night we spent together had been lost in everything else going on. It’s only now that I see him that the emotions I was feeling that night come rushing back.

I step out, closing the door behind me, and walk over to the barn where I find him baling hay.

“Long time no see,” I say, leaning against a horse stall.

“Hi, Amy. How ya been?” he asks from over his shoulder.

I shrug and press my lips together. “Not too bad, I guess.”

He stops his work, placing his hands on his hips as he looks me up and down. “I see you haven’t run off to become a professional beach bum yet.”

A puff of air leaves my lips as a silent laugh. “Nah, not only does the pay suck, but the health insurance is nonexistent.”

He lets out a short laugh. “So, you’re house-sitting for the week?”

I nod. “Yep. I’m going to be stuck way out here in the middle of nowhere. Boredom City,” I joke.

He begins stalking closer, eyes trained on mine. “I don’t know. I’m sure we can find something to do out here.”

With his every step, my heart beats faster. “Oh yeah?” I stand up straight. “You got plans for dinner?”

He offers up a cocky grin as he comes to a stop in front of me, sliding his hands into his jean pockets. “I just happen to have two steaks marinating right now. I was worried I’d have to eat them both myself, but if you’d like to take one off my hands, that’d be great.” He offers up a sexy grin.

I smile up at him. “Are you inviting me over for dinner?”

“What do you say?”

I think it over, unable to say no. I nod. “Sure.”

His grin turns into a full-blown smile. “Good. Just let me finish up here and I’ll come in and get you.”

“Sounds good. I’ll go clean up.” I walk past him, feeling his eyes on my back the whole way.

When I walk into the house, I rush to the kitchen, grabbing my bags and taking them up to the guest room. Tossing them onto the bed, I dig through my belongings until I find a short jean skirt and a low-cut top. Taking both items to the bathroom, I jump into the shower to freshen up and shave.

About an hour later, I’m walking down the stairs just as he knocks on the door. “Come in!” I call out, pausing in the corner to pull on my jacket.

He steps inside, looking absolutely delicious. His tight Wranglers fit him to perfection. His white t-shirt is wet with sweat, and it clings to his every muscle. Just looking at him causes me to freeze and my heart to beat harder.

He gives me a sexy smile. “You ready?”

I nod, realizing that I probably look like a crazy person who’s frozen in place just staring at him. “Uh, yeah.” I nod. “Yes, I’m ready.”

He holds the door open for me and I step out.

Once we’re in his truck, I notice that he doesn’t leave the driveway. Instead, he follows the dirt road around the house and into a field.

“You live out here?” I point toward the line of trees that surround the big empty field.

“Yeah, I live on the property. I stay in the hunting cabin that’s just through these trees.”

“Wow, that’s interesting. Liam must be very generous.”

“I’m the ranch hand. If the cows get out in the middle of the night, I need to be close by to wrangle them up. I can’t do that if I live in town. So Liam offered me this place for free. I thought it’d be a great way to save up some money to hopefully buy my own ranch one of these days.”

He drives through the opening in the trees and comes to a stop about a mile into the woods. There’s a small cabin—not tiny, but not huge—in front of us. There’s no grass since the massive trees block the sun from reaching the ground, and despite the lack of vegetation, it feels homey. The wood siding is a rich chocolate color, and there’s a covered porch out front. Based on the smoke coming from the chimney, there’s a fire burning inside, meaning the place will be warm and cozy.

“This is it,” Tyler says, hopping out. He walks around the truck and comes to a stop at my door, opening it and holding out his hand to help me down. I place my hand in his, and he leads me to the front door.

Stepping inside, the warmth of the fire hits me, and I feel instantly relaxed.

“Sorry about the smoke smell. This place is old and the only way to heat it is with the wood-burning stove and fireplace. Since it’s never seen a bit of sun, it stays cool up into the summer months.”

I shrug off my jacket and drape it over the back of the old brown leather couch. “I like it. It gives this place a warm, comforting feeling.” I glance around the room, taking in the stone fireplace, the leather couch and matching chair, the small TV in the corner, and the bearskin rug on the ground.

“How long have you lived here?”

“A couple years,” he answers. “Why?”

I walk up to the fireplace and view the pictures on the mantle. “It’s just that all the pictures in this cabin are of Liam and—I’m guessing—his family. There’s nothing of yours? Nothing to make it homier for you?”

He shakes his head. “I don’t need things to feel at home. There’s nothing left for me there. You want a drink?” he asks, walking into the kitchen.

I want to ask him what he means by that, and what made him leave home in the first place, but I feel like it’s none of my business and that maybe he will open up to me when he gets to know me better. “Sure,” I answer his question.

He comes back a few seconds later, taking a sip of his beer and handing me one of my own. I look at the bottle, at him, and back. “Actually, do you have anything else? I don’t really feel like drinking.”

“Oh, yeah. Just a sec.” He disappears and returns, handing me a water bottle. “Make yourself comfortable while I throw these steaks on the grill.”

I sit on the couch, watching the fire and occasionally glancing around the room. When he comes back in, he heads straight for the kitchen and I get up and follow him.

“Is there anything I can do? I feel weird sitting alone while you do everything.”

“Uh,” he glances around the room like he’s trying to find me a job, “you can make a salad if you’d like.”

I force a smile onto my face and crack my knuckles. “My specialty is coffee, but I’ll give it a shot.” I laugh.

He smiles and finds me a wooden bowl, a cutting board, and a knife. “Everything you’ll need is in the fridge. I’ll be back in a second. I’m going to toss on the steaks.”

When he walks out, I go to the fridge to pull out the lettuce and the rest of the vegetables. My stomach is in knots and I don’t even know if I’ll be able to eat. Things in the barn felt easy, but now it feels strained. Why did he invite me over? Was it so I wouldn’t be alone? Did he really want to enjoy my company, or did he just want to try to get lucky again? Today is the first time we’ve seen each other since he snuck out of my bed, and I want to ask him why. It’s nearly burning my tongue to hold in my questions.

Between grilling the steaks, Tyler bakes some rolls and potatoes. I keep to myself and absentmindedly chop the vegetables for the salad. When everything is done, we set the table and sit down. It then hits me that I haven’t even looked at him the whole time we’ve been preparing dinner.

“Is everything okay, Amy? You seem quiet.”

I jerk my head up. “What? Oh, yeah. I’m fine. Why do you ask?”

He pulls his eyes from mine, looking at the food on his plate as he moves it around. “It’s just that you haven’t said much since I picked you up. Did I do something?”

I take a deep breath. “I’m just confused is all.”

“About?” he urges.

“Well…I guess I’m just trying to figure out what this is. I mean, I haven’t seen you or heard from you since that night. And earlier in the barn, things seemed easy between us. But since you brought me here, things feel forced. Did you really want to have dinner with me, or did you just feel obligated because I was alone? And if you really wanted to have dinner, was it for my company or was it for another hookup?” I’m nearly breathless from that long drawn-out speech.

He lets out a laugh over the speed of everything that just escaped my mouth. He nods. “I see.” He pauses, thinking it over. “I didn’t feel obligated to invite you, Amy. I really did want to spend the evening with you. As far as the hookup, I wasn’t planning anything. I figured we’d just see where we ended up.”

I take another deep breath and release it, hoping to force myself to calm down. “I’m sorry. I’m just confused. I thought we had a really great night together. I didn’t expect you to sneak out of my apartment.”

I watch as his jaw flexes. He picks up his beer and takes a drink. “Amy,” he breathes out, “I had a great time with you that night. It’s just that staying over, it isn’t something I do. Relationships aren’t something I do. Now, if you just want to have fun, I’m your guy, but—” He shakes his head. “If you’re looking for something serious, I’m afraid you’re looking in the wrong place.”

I swallow down the sadness that’s bubbling up my throat and push back my chair, standing up and walking to the fridge to grab a beer. I pop the top and take a long drink, feeling his eyes on me. I lean against the counter, looking at my feet and thinking everything over.

I like Tyler, and I definitely could’ve seen myself moving forward with him. But now that’s out of the question. Do I still want to see him if I know it can never be anything?

He stands and walks directly in front of me, his chest nearly touching mine. “Look at me, Amy,” he demands.

Chapter Six

When he speaks in that deep tone of his, I have no choice but to look at him.

He gently cups my cheek and wets his lips, leaving me speechless. “I like you, Amy. You’re fun to be around, you’re sexy as fuck, and I hope I’m not going out on a limb here, but the sex, it’s amazing. I’d love to keep doing this thing with you, but only if you understand that I’ll never be able to give you more.”

His eyes are intently locked on mine, and the hand that’s tenderly cupping my cheek is causing my flesh to break out in goosebumps. How can such a simple touch cause my body to react this way? He’s touching me innocently, but the only thing I can think of is climbing up his body and never letting go. I want to feel his weight pressing against me. I want to feel his hot breath blowing against my skin. I want to be lost in his scent, in his taste.

“I…” My sentence breaks off as I get lost in his eyes.

Before I can force myself to say what I’m thinking, he leans in, pressing his mouth against mine. His tongue snakes into my mouth, gliding with my own and causing my brain to fill with fog.

I know I want a meaningful relationship, but I also want him. He’s the only person who’s ever left a lasting effect on me. Every other guy I’ve hooked up with was gone from my mind the second we parted ways. But Tyler…there’s something about him that I can’t deny. Something inside of me that longs for him.

The hand that was cupping my cheek moves around to cradle my head, the other landing on my hip, pulling me closer to him until my chest is flush against his. My hands immediately wrap around his neck, wanting to keep him against me forever.

He slowly breaks the kiss, trailing his lips across my jaw and down my neck, peppering my skin with hot kisses.

“I won’t lie to you, Amy. I want you. I want you like I’ve never wanted anyone.” He gently bites my earlobe. “When I walked in and saw you in this skirt, I wanted to bend you over right then.” His hand releases my hip and fists the waistband of my skirt, pulling my hips against his, where I find him straining against his jeans. “You have no idea what you do to me.” He pulls back, looking into my eyes. They are dark and hooded with passion and lust. “If you don’t tell me to stop right now, I’m going to carry you to my bed and spend the rest of the night fucking you senseless.”

My lungs freeze with his words, no longer pumping oxygen through my body, and my head starts to swim. I know what I want. I want him. I want to feel him inside me again. I want to spend the rest of the night being reminded of why I can’t deny him.

“Take me to your bed, Tyler,” I whisper.

When the words leave my lips, he smashes his mouth against mine and picks me up against him in one swift motion. My legs automatically wrap around his hips, and he carries me to his room, hands firmly planted on my ass.

He doesn’t break our kiss the whole way. He doesn’t stop with his journey until we’re in his room, and he’s pressing my back against the bedroom door. He sets to work pulling off his shirt, all the while, my hands tour his body. With his shirt on the floor, I can finally run my fingers over his hard abs, and they’re just as magnificent as I remember. They’re hard and defined, my fingers sweeping over each and every one in a tantalizingly slow motion.

He’s keeping my body pinned against the door. His hands latch onto my wrist, and he pins my arms above my head. Holding them both with one hand, his other hand is free to tease me. And he does. He firmly grabs my breast, kneading and massaging while his tongue twists with mine, causing me to release a soft moan into his mouth.

He gently but firmly nips my bottom lip. “You have no idea what that sound does to me, do you?” He locks his intense gaze on mine.

I open my mouth, not even sure of what I’m going to say, but before I can say anything, he’s moving us both across the room and we’re falling onto the bed softly with him cradling me in his strong arms.

I love the way he takes charge and dominates me. I love the way I feel so small and cherished in his strong hands—like he’d never let any harm come to me. And I love the way he causes my body, heart, and soul to come alive with something as simple as a look.

He sits back on his knees and keeps his eyes locked on mine in the darkness as his nimble fingers unbutton and unzip my skirt. His Adam’s apple bobs in his throat and his jaw twitches as his eyes follow the piece of material as he pushes it down my legs.

When the skirt is tossed onto the floor, his hand gently lands on my ankle, fingers sweeping up my leg in a teasing way. The soft touch brings on more goosebumps, and it causes me to shiver with need. Once he reaches my knee, his hand hooks around my leg, and he pulls it upward, pressing hot kisses to my inner thigh, slowly working his way up.

I know that Tyler says he’s unavailable, but this doesn’t feel like a hookup. Hookups are fast and rushed. It’s a race to the finish line. This feels different. He’s touching and teasing. He’s taking his time with me. He’s giving much more than he’s taking. This feels intimate. It’s even different from the last time we were together. Last time, he gave as much as he took, but it wasn’t slow. It’s was fast, raw, and completely unemotional. I wonder if the emotion is only on my end though, or if maybe he’s feeling more than he’s letting on.

His fingers gently pull my panties down my legs, and that snaps me back to the present. He begins lowering himself, but I don’t want his mouth there. I want it on mine. I want him to feel how much I’m giving. I want him to realize that this—we—could become so much more.

I reach for him, cupping each side of his jaw as I direct his lips back to mine. I kiss him slowly and deeply, and it only seems to amp up the emotion and need between the both of us. With our lips welded together, he begins shoving his boxers down his hips. His massive erection springs free, pressing against my needy core.

His callused hands massage my hips, pulling me closer, but also pushing me away. It’s like he wants me with everything inside of him, but his mind is in a battle: to let himself take me, or to push me away for his own safety.

I won’t give him a choice.

I lift my hips, causing his length to slide between my folds. The sensation causes him to let out a deep, breathy moan against my lips, and his hands squeeze me tighter. His hips start grinding against mine, sliding himself back and forth across my wet center. His silky, soft skin causes my body to erupt in flames, burning from the inside out from the need that’s pumping through me.

“Tyler!” I cry out, my voice sounding pained as I nip his bottom lip.

He pulls back to study my face, slowly continuing to slide against my sex. “Are you going to beg, Amy?” His eyes are darkened with desire and his plump lips are parted with his heavy breathing.

I want to. I would beg if needed. But right now, I want him to want me as much as I want him. I push against his chest until he pulls away enough for me to roll us over. Taking my place on top of him, I lower myself down onto his hard cock as slowly as I can.

His hands land firmly on my hips as he watches me with dark eyes, lips parted and chest heaving. I raise myself up and let myself back down in a tantalizingly slow rhythm, loving that each stroke causes him to let out a low groan. I raise my arms, pulling my hair away from my face and holding it up off my neck while I continue with my movements, and his hands on my hips start to shake. He’s doing everything he can to hold himself back, to give me the power that I took when I pushed him off of me and climbed on top.

“Are you going to beg, Tyler?” I whisper, never stopping as I tease him as slowly as possible.

“I don’t beg, Amy,” he says between clenched teeth, hands squeezing harder—so hard that there are naked bits of flesh bubbling up between each of his fingers.

I let out a short laugh. “It seems to me you’re doing everything but begging. Just give it up and admit that you want me more than you’re letting on.” I slide back down his length and roll my hips forward, causing him to press against a different spot.

His mouth drops open and his eyes roll back. “Oh, there’s no doubt that I want you, Amy.” He lifts his hips, thrusting upward from beneath me. “But this,” he motions between the two of us with his hooded eyes, “is all it’ll ever be.”

Without another word, he flips us over and starts pounding into me with so much force, I’m sliding up the bed. He’s no longer able to hold himself back. He let me take what I wanted from him, and now he’s taking what he wants from me. But it seems to me that he’s not taking for himself. He’s taking just to show me how much I like it. He’s trying to prove his point—to make me accept the fact that everything between us is up to him.

And for now, I’ll accept that. But it’s my goal to make him see that he wants more from me, from us. I know the difference between a hookup and the beginning of something. And this is one epic beginning, even if he doesn’t see it.

Tyler and I take turns trying to make each another beg all night long. Neither of us falls asleep until the early morning. When I wake, the sun is low in the sky and shining through the blue curtains covering his bedroom window. Glancing at the clock on the nightstand, I find that it’s nearing five a.m.

I expect to roll over and find him gone—like last time—but when I roll to my left side, he’s lying there, eyes focused on the ceiling above us. He turns his head, eyes locking on mine, and pulls me to his side, his hot, needy mouth finding mine.

I kiss him back, wanting and needing to feel the tingle of his touch. In the blink of an eye, he’s rolling on top of me, and my arms lace around his neck, pulling him closer.

No words are exchanged between us. We don’t need any. We’ve known one another a while, but we don’t know everything. And we don’t need to. Already, I can tell that he’s hiding a piece of himself away from me. I know that he’s been hurt in the past and he’s now trying to keep me at arm’s length, no matter how much he wants me. The way he touches me, kisses me, and moves inside me forcefully but gently, I know how much he needs me. Even if he’s not ready to admit it to me or to himself.

I promise myself that I won’t push him—that I’ll let this go on between us, giving him what he will accept until the time comes when he realizes it for himself. I don’t know how I know, but I know he’s it for me, and I for him.

It feels like a warm ray of sunshine is now lighting up my soul, like I finally have a glimpse of happiness—a promise of the future I’ve been longing for.

Yep, Tyler is the man I’ll marry one of these days, and I can’t wait for him to realize it too.

It’s going on seven a.m. when we finally manage to pull away from one another. We dress, and he takes me back to the main house. When he puts the truck in park, he looks over at me and I see the nervousness written on his face.

“You…umm…want to get together later, after I finish work for the day?”

A smile automatically stretches across my face. “I’d like that.” I nod. “I close up the clinic around five.”

He shoots me a breathtaking smile. “I’ll see you tonight, Amy.”

“I can’t wait.” I open the door and climb out, refusing to look behind me as he parks the truck next to the barn and climbs out to get to work.

I let myself into the house and rush up the stairs to get ready for the day.

Chapter Seven

I make it to the clinic at nine a.m. on the dot. I quickly rush inside, disarming the alarm and starting up everything. As I’m working my magic with the coffee pot, my cell phone rings from my back pocket. I quickly pull it out and examine the screen. It’s Vesper.

Nervousness washes over me. I still haven’t told her about my first random hookup with Tyler, and now I’m staying at his place and making love to him all night long. I know she’s with Liam, and happy and about to get married, but I still feel like I’m betraying her in some way. She did go on a date with Tyler once. I wonder if she’ll mind, even though, deep down, I know she shouldn’t.

I swipe the screen and put the phone to my ear. “Hello?”

“Hey, Amy. What’s up? How was your first night at the house?”

“Oh, uhh…” I push my hair behind my ear, needing to keep my mind off my nerves. “It was great. How was yours? Where’d you end up?”

She giggles. “We’re in Paris! Can you believe it?” Excitement and happiness lace her words.

“That’s amazing. I remember that summer when you did nothing but plan out the places you’d visit in Paris if you ever got lucky enough to go.”

“And we’re going to do it all.”

I walk back behind the desk and take my seat. “How are the wedding plans coming along?”

I practically hear her roll her eyes. “We’ve been too busy with traveling and getting settled to really discuss anything. But I wanted to call and check up on you. See how your night was. See if you did anything fun.”

“I…umm…well…”

“Just spit it out, Amy.”

“I didn’t actually stay there,” I admit.

“Oh, where’d you stay?”

“The hunting cabin.” I wait for her to laugh or start yelling.

“Oh my God. Are you serious?” She sounds surprised, but not excited or mad.

“So, I may have forgotten to tell you about when Tyler and I ran into one another at the bar here in town. I brought him home and we had an amazing time.”

I hear the click of a door shutting. “Amy, how could you have forgotten to tell me that?” she whispers.

“Well, when I woke up the next morning, he was gone, so I wasn’t all that excited about it. I hadn’t seen him since. But last night, I ran into him at the ranch and he invited me over for dinner, and I ended up staying the night.”

“This is amazing, Amy. I’m so happy for you!” she practically cheers.

“Really? You’re not mad or upset?”

“No! Why would I be?”

I start pacing while twisting the ends of my hair around my fingers. “You had that one date with him, and I know he sort of had a thing for you.”

“That wasn’t a date. It was just two people going out to become better friends. Seriously, Amy, this is great news. I’m so happy for you. Is it serious?” she asks.

I shrug like she can see me. “I don’t know.” I shake my head to clear it of the thoughts that are speeding through my mind. “I don’t know what this is. He told me that he isn’t a relationship type of guy, but I feel like he’s holding himself back, like maybe he’s been hurt in the past and he’s trying to keep from getting hurt again or something. Right now, we’re just having fun.”

“Well, for his sake, I hope he comes around and sees how special you are. You deserve to be happy.”

“Thank you, Vesper.” I feel my shoulders and back start to relax.

“I love you, Amy.”

“Love you too. Call me and check in every so often so I know you’re safe.”

“I will. Bye.”

I pull the phone away from my ear and sit back down, the nervousness fading away as excitement slips in.

It’s going on six by the time I pull back up to the ranch. I park my truck and step out, finding Tyler off in the field with the horses. I lean against my truck, crossing my arms over my chest as I gaze in his direction, left completely breathless by the way he moves while he plays with the horses. With the setting sun casting an orange glow, he runs around the field, tossing toys that the horses chase or catch. He comes to a stop at the fence, chest heaving as he bends down and picks up an apple to feed to the horse. He rubs her nose and pats her neck with a big smile on his face. It leaves my heart pounding in my chest while my lungs scream for me to breathe.

My feet start moving before I can even think about what I’m doing. Just as I’m stepping up to the fence, he turns to face me, offering a wide smile that causes his eyes to light up.

“Hey.”

“Hi.” I smile back as I step up onto the bottom rung of the fence and reach out to pet the horse. “Who’s this?”

Tyler pulls her closer and pets down her neck. “This is Coco. She’s my girl, aren’t ya?” he asks her.

My mouth drops open. “I thought I was your girl!”

He laughs as he steps closer to me on the other side of the fence. “You are—you’re my no-strings-attached, sexy-as-hell girl.” He presses his lips to mine, and I’m completely lost…even if his comment left a bit of a sting. I don’t want to dwell on it at the moment, so I lose myself in his touch instead.

A light drizzle forces us to pull away, both of us looking up at the sky.

“I have to get her into the barn before it starts pouring. Can you grab this bucket?” He kicks the bucket on the ground holding apples, carrots, and a couple toys.

“Sure.” I bend down and climb through the fence.

Tyler holds on to Coco and starts leading her toward the barn while I grab the bucket and follow along behind them.

By the time we make it across the field, heavy clouds roll in and burst open, pouring sheets of rain down over our heads. We both run toward the barn, Tyler stopping to open the door while I rush inside with Coco at my side. When he steps in, he puts her back in her stall and turns to me. His navy-blue t-shirt is wet and sticking to every hard muscle adorning his chest and stomach.

Just the sight of him in front of me has my mouth dry. His dark eyes seem to be deepening their shade and I try to hold back the need coursing through me.

I let out a nervous laugh and look down to find my white shirt clinging to my body. I pinch the fabric between my thumb and index finger, pulling it away. But it snaps right back. I look up at Tyler, and his eyes are glued to my chest. His jaw ticks and I can see him swallow as he walks closer, eyes locked on mine.

“Amy, I…” he breathes out.

Before he can say anything else, I wrap my arms around his neck and jump into his arms, pressing my lips against his. He catches me, holding me close against him as he walks us across the barn. I don’t even know where he’s going until I feel my back press against the wall. With my legs wrapped around his hips, he breaks the kiss long enough to pull his wet shirt from his body and I do the same. Our naked chests press together, warming me.

Due to the cool rain mixed with the chill of the spring weather, I’d been on the verge of shivering. But now with his skin against mine, my heart pounding with excitement, I feel like I could combust at any second.

His hands move to unbutton my jeans and mine do the same. This isn’t slow and controlled. This is fast and full of excitement and desire—both of us amped up on the high the other creates.

As the rain pounds against the tin roof of the barn with the sounds of thunder as it rolls over the top of us, he pushes into me, claiming me, owning me, controlling my heart and mind with only his body.

My wet hair clings to the both of us and our heavy breathing fills the barn. But I can’t hear anything other than my heart pounding in my ears…and him. Each gasp, whisper, and moan that escapes his lips pushes me further over the edge.

Even though neither of us seems to be in control of our bodies, this time it feels different. It’s fast, but it’s also gentle. It’s hard, but it’s also passionate. He’s not taking. He’s giving. He’s claiming. He’s loving.

His callused hands massage my hips, working their way higher up to my breasts. His mouth consumes mine, his tongue twisting with my own. I can taste rain and sweat on his skin. When he pulls his mouth away from mine and litters my neck with kisses and soft nibbles, I shatter around him, and my sounds of pleasure only make him thrust into me with more force than before. He grinds his hips against me, rubbing that perfect softness inside of me, and I can’t do anything but cling to him for dear life.

It feels like I’m on a merry-go-round. But instead of me being the one spinning, I’m completely still while the earth spins out of control around me. My ears ring, my lungs burn for oxygen, and my heart pounds crazily. When he jerks his hips against me one last time and lets out a deep moan, I’m finally allowed to breathe. I suck in a big breath as the barn around me stops spinning. He holds me close, resting his head in the crook of my neck while he regains his composure.

When he pulls back, he lets out a soft laugh and shakes his head. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to attack you.” He can’t hold back his boyish grin. His thick, dark hair is soaked with rain, and it hangs in his dark eyes. Seeing him this way, unable to control himself around me, being carefree, makes my heart race even harder.

I smile as I look at him through hooded eyes, unsure of what to say. “What do you say we go get cleaned up and find some dinner, huh?” I want to ask why this time felt different, but I don’t. I want to know if it felt different for him too, but I don’t want to push him. I’ll gladly take whatever he’s willing to give, and hope that I don’t end up hurt when things are over.

Tyler is it for me, and I know how stupid that sounds. Even though I know it, I still don’t quite believe it. I’ve never been the I’m going to marry this man type of girl. I was always the cool party girl who didn’t get attached. But there’s something addictive about Tyler, something that won’t let me just have a good time and walk away. But if he’s as closed off as he warned me he is, I don’t see how it could work out. I know I can’t change him or force him to be the one I need.

As I pull my wet clothes back on, a sadness settles over me from realizing this. I want to be happy and not fight my love for him, but I should listen to his warning…for my own good. I don’t want to be the girl who was warned and didn’t listen—the one who ends up with her heart broken in the end. When things end, I just want to be happy they happened to begin with.

“Hey, you okay?” Tyler asks as he picks up his wet t-shirt and wrings it out.

I force a smile. “Of course.” I fasten my jeans. “Come on. I’m pretty sure Vesper left out some ribs we can throw on the grill.”

Tyler follows me into the house, and as soon as we walk in the back door that leads into the kitchen, the cat jumps up onto the counter, meowing.

“Hey, buddy. Are you hungry?” I rub his head.

“I’ll feed him. You can go ahead and get some dry clothes on before you catch a cold.”

I look at him from over my shoulder and offer up a smile. “Thanks. I’ll be right back down in a sec.” I leave the kitchen and head upstairs to the guest room. As I towel off and dig around for some dry clothes, I grab my phone and call Vesper.

“Amy? What’s up?” She sounds groggy and it’s only then I remember the time difference.

“Tyler and I just had sex in the barn,” I admit.

She laughs. “Hey, Liam?”

“Yeah?” I hear him say from somewhere in the background.

“When we get back, make you sure delete the video of the barn without watching it. Okay?”

He lets out a deep belly laugh. “Consider it done. I have a feeling there’s something I don’t want to see on that tape.”

“Okay, sorry, Amy. I’m not sure what to say. Is this a good thing or a bad thing?”

“Ugh, I don’t know, Vesper! That’s what I’m saying. I mean, I like Tyler. I mean, I really, really like Tyler, but I should listen to his warning, right?”

She waits, thinking it over. “I think you should forget everything and just have fun. See where things end up.”

“But what if he doesn’t change his mind and I end up with a broken heart?”

“Love doesn’t come easy, Amy. It’s a chance. Sometimes things work, and sometimes they don’t. But I do know that you won’t get anything you want by playing it safe.”

“So you’re saying I should ignore his warning?”

She lets out a soft laugh. “I’m saying just be yourself. He’ll never be able to turn you away if he’s allowed to fall in love with my best friend.”

A smile takes over. “Thanks, Vesper.”

“Love you. Now go have fun. But not in my bed!” she adds on.

I laugh. “Gross!” I pull the phone away from my ear and hang up. Tossing it down onto the bed, I head back downstairs to find Tyler moving about the kitchen.

“You cooking for me again?” I ask, leaning against the island in the center of the floor.

He shrugs as he pulls out the rack of ribs and places them on a cookie sheet. “I figured I’d man the grill and you could handle the inside stuff.” He pulls out a bunch of seasonings to prepare the ribs.

“Sounds good to me. How about some wine?” I take down two glasses and reach under the island for the wine fridge.

“Sure. I’m going to go out and start the grill. I think I’ll head home and change into some dry clothes while it’s heating up. I’ll see you in twenty?”

I nod with a weak smile, trying to keep myself closed off so I don’t get hurt, but also excited that I get to spend another evening with him.

He moves toward the door but stops briefly to press a soft kiss to my lips. His thumb lands on my chin with the rest of his hand underneath to direct my lips to his. This kiss is soft and slow and feels like unspoken promises—promises that could hurt me in the end.

He pulls away and quickly rushes out the door without a look back. I find myself dizzy, my head spinning, causing me to lean against the counter. A deep sigh leaves my lips. I hope Vesper is right.

I pull myself from my thoughts and set to work on finding things to add to our dinner. I wrap a couple potatoes in some aluminum foil to throw on the grill, and I grab everything I’ll need to make a salad.

While my hands are busy with chopping, my mind drifts off to everything going on in my life right now. That’s when I realize that I still haven’t spoken with my mom. With another deep sigh, I grab the home phone and dial her number. The phone rings once before being cut off by an error message.

I hang up. “That’s weird. Maybe I dialed the wrong number.” I try again, but I get the same message. Then it hits me: the phone is probably shut off since I’m not the one making sure everything is getting paid. I roll my eyes and shake my head as I place the phone in the stand and go back to my salad.

Chapter Eight

Tyler returns just as I’m placing the salad in the fridge to stay cool. I turn around when I hear the door open, and the sight of him stops me dead in my tracks. I fully take him in: backward baseball cap covering his rich chocolate brown hair, dark eyes shining with happiness, his tight black t-shirt that clings to his biceps, and a snug pair of faded jeans that can’t help but direct my attention right to his groin.

He laughs as he slowly stalks up to me. “What’s the matter, Amy? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” He stops directly in front of me, his chest nearly touching mine as he lifts his hand and tucks a stray hair behind my ear. His strong scent washes over me. It’s clear that he showered, because he no longer smells like sunshine and wet earth. Now he smells of rich cologne and a deep woodsy scent that’s all his own.

“I…” I swallow down my passion. “You just scared me, is all. I wasn’t expecting you to be standing there when I turned around.”

He lets out a silent laugh as his lips get closer and closer to mine. “Is that all? I thought maybe you were ready for round two.” He stops moving toward me when his lips are only a millimeter away from mine.

I wet my lips, waiting for the kiss that doesn’t come.

His thumb lands on my bottom lip, gently sweeping across it. “Don’t get all quiet on me now,” he jokes.

I roll my eyes and decide not to hold myself back. I leap into his arms and the minute I do, his lips are on mine. He presses my back against the fridge as his hands massage my thighs, which are already wrapped around his hips. His lips are soft yet firm and only allow me to take what he’s willing to give. He won’t let me deepen the kiss and his hands don’t tour my body like before. Now they’re locked on my ass, holding me to him.

He breaks the kiss. “That’s more like it.” He presses a kiss to my neck, right beneath my ear. “I’ve got to get this food on the grill or we’ll never eat.” He places me on my feet. “But don’t forget where we left off.”

I’m breathless, but I want to tease him as much as he’s teasing me. “You mean don’t forget that I was about to fall to my knees and suck your cock until you begged me to stop?”

He pauses by the door, jaw flexing and eyes becoming darker than I’ve ever seen them. “Careful what you wish for, baby. I’m not the kind of guy who loses at a game of chicken.” Without another word, he walks out, closing the door behind him.

I grab my glass of wine and finish it off before pouring another. With a grin, I start planning how I can win this game we’re playing.

I’m just finishing setting the table as Tyler walks in with the tray of food. We both make our plates of ribs, baked potatoes, salad, and rolls, and sit down at the kitchen table. I lower the lights, pour us both a big glass of wine, and even figure out how to get the house’s music system to work, so there’s soft music playing in every room. The game is coming together nicely.

“So, Tyler,” I say, moving my food around my plate.

He looks up at me. “Amy?”

“It’s just occurred to me that I don’t really know much about you. Where are you from originally?” Maybe if I can get him to open up about his past, I’ll learn why he’s so closed off when it comes to relationships.

He nods his head like he already knows where this is going. “Oklahoma. I was born and raised there.”

“Siblings?” I question.

He nods as he takes a bite of his dinner roll. “I have three brothers.”

“Wow! What are their names?”

“My oldest brother’s name is James. He was named after my dad. Then there’s Ryan and Mark, then me. I’m the baby.” He laughs.

“I have an older brother. His name is Ethan, but he isn’t around much. Because of our home life—growing up with an alcoholic mother and no father around—he enlisted in the army the moment he turned eighteen. He doesn’t come home very often.”

“I get it. I’m the youngest, but I’m the only one who moved away from home. James, he took after my dad. He stayed home and is running the cattle ranch there. He’s putting in his time so he can inherit it all when my parents pass. My other two brothers, they’re twins, and they don’t do anything but fuck up. They went to college after my dad practically had to buy their way in, but they flunked out. Now they just work the ranch and live with mommy and daddy. They drink their nights away at a local bar and bring home whatever girls they can find.”

“Sounds like you’re the only one who broke free in search of his own life.”

“Yeah, but it took a little push. I only left after I found my fiancée cheating on me with my best friend.”

Now it all makes sense. “I’m sorry. That had to be tough.”

“What made it worse was he skipped out of my bachelor party early to go hook up with her. I found them right in the middle of the new house I’d just bought for her.”

I think my eyes double in size. “Damn.”

“It’s whatever. I mean, at the time it sucked, but it gave me the push I needed.” He shrugs. “I’ve found better things.” He smiles and winks at me. “So, what’s your story?”

I press my lips together. “I guess I don’t really have a story.”

He cocks his head to the side and gives me a sidelong look. “Everyone has a story, Amy.”

I shake my head. “Not me. I mean, my life hasn’t really started yet. I went to college, came home, and started working for Vesper. I’ve never had a serious relationship.”

“I find that hard to believe. I mean, look at you.” He waves his hand toward me.

I giggle at the compliment. “I’m serious. I was more of a party girl. I went out and had fun, had random hookups. I never was the relationship type.” I don’t tell him that part of my life is now over.

“Well, it looks like we’re the perfect pair then.”

I smile, but that statement brings out a bout of sadness. I want a relationship…with him. Yet he thinks we’re the perfect pair because he refuses to be hurt again, and I’ve never been in a relationship. He’s going to be completely blindsided when the truth comes out. He thinks he’s found the perfect person to be alone with.

Our conversation drifts off as we eat, and I find myself drinking more than eating, trying to bring my spirits back up since it’s once again been confirmed that what I want, I’ll never get.

After we clean up the kitchen, we both take our wine into the living room to sit by the fire. The soft music is still playing, and the crackling of the fire is soothing. The wine already has me relaxed, and I nearly jump when Tyler breaks the silence.

“Tell me what’s wrong, Amy.”

My head jerks in his direction. “What? Nothing’s wrong.”

He gives me a look that clearly says he’s not buying it. “Before dinner, you were practically ready to rip my clothes off. Now, since we’ve talked about our pasts, you seem sad and distant. Did I upset you somehow?”

“No.” I force a smile and wave my hand through the air, dismissing the thought. “It’s nothing.”

He places his wine glass on the table between us, sits up, and turns his body to face me. He reaches over, taking my hand in his as his eyes narrow on mine. “I don’t understand what’s going on. Just tell me. Please,” he nearly begs.

I let out a deep breath and place my glass next to his before standing and pacing back and forth in front of him. “It’s just that, everything I said about me was true. I was a party girl. I had more random hookups than anyone I know. I’ve never been a relationship type of girl…”

“But?”

“But that’s not me anymore.” I stop and turn to look directly at him. “I want my life to start, Tyler. I want to be happy. I want love. I want a relationship. I want what Vesper and Liam have. I want to know that there’s someone out there who loves me and would do anything to keep me and protect me. There’s not one person in my life who would do that. And before you say anything,” I hold up my hand to stop him when his mouth opens, “I know what you said. You’re not looking for a relationship. And I’m not trying to force you into one, but I’m just so confused.” I take a deep breath and run my hand through my hair, away from my face. “I mean, we’re great together. And while we don’t know each another enough yet, I would, at least, like to know that there’s a possibility for us.”

He leans back in his seat, gazing at the fire instead of at me as he thinks over my words. “I don’t know what to say, Amy. I thought we were just having fun?”

“I know.” I nod. “And the first time, we were. But then when I woke and found you gone, it kind of put things into perspective. I’m tired of the hooking-up thing. I want to be normal. I don’t want to spend my life working as a receptionist. I don’t want to look at my future and see nothing but taking care of my alcoholic mother, barstools, and booty calls.” I fall to my knees before him, looking into his eyes and taking his callused hand in mine. “I want a life. A happy life. I want love. I want a career. I want a family.”

“Are you saying that if I can’t give you what you want, then this is over between us?” His face contorts in confusion, anger, and maybe even a little bit of pain.

I bite down on my bottom lip. “I want to know if this is all we’ll ever be, or if there is a possibility there could be more.”

He shakes his head. “I can’t give you that, Amy.” He pulls his hand away and leans back in his seat. “I don’t know what will happen with us.”

“I’m not asking you for the future, Tyler. I’m asking if, one of these days, there’s a possibility that you’ll finally let your guard down and let me in.”

“Amy, I…”

I nod my head and press my lips together. “I guess that’s my answer.” I stand and grab my glass of wine. “I’ll see you later, Tyler. Please lock up when you leave.” Without another word, I head for the stairs, alone.

When I get up to the guest room, I head straight for the bathroom. Placing my wine glass down on the edge of the tub, I begin filling it with hot water. When the temperature is right, I turn and dig through the drawers for some candles. Scattering them around the darkened room, I strip off and slide deeply into the tub. The music is still playing, and the warm water and scented candles help me to relax. I take a sip of my wine and think about what just happened.

What did happen? Did I fuck up everything between us? Will I never get the life I want? Should I just settle for what he’s willing to give me? I mean, it’s not like I’m asking him to marry me right now. I just wanted to know if there was even the slightest possibility that things could progress between us.

I wonder if he feels as shitty as I do right now.

“Ugh,” I groan, placing my glass down and sliding underneath the water completely. The hot water covers my face and head. My lungs begin burning for oxygen, but it’s a pain I need.

They say pain is the way you know you’re alive, and right now, I’m not so sure. Why is it that everyone else in the world knows where their life is going? They go to college, knowing what they want to become. They graduate and get the job they’ve worked hard for. They find love, get married, and have a family. Everyone knows but me. I’m lost and have no idea where my life is heading.

When I can no longer hold my breath, I push myself back up in time to hear my phone ringing. I quickly grab a towel and wipe the bubbles and water from my face and hands before reaching for the phone in my jeans pocket.

“Hello?” I answer, still trying to wipe the water from my eyes.

“Hey, Amy. I can’t sleep—my schedule is still off with the time zone difference. I wanted to hear how your night is going.”

I sit back in the tub. “Not good, Vesper. I think I totally fucked things up with Tyler.”

“What? How?”

I let out a whimper, not crying but whining. “We talked about our past and he mentioned that we must be the perfect pair because he refuses to be in a relationship and I’ve never been the relationship type of girl.”

“Ouch.”

“Yeaahhh. So then, of course, I was hurt and flat-out asked him if there was a possibility for us in the future. To which he could not answer.”

“I’m sorry, Amy. I really wanted things to work out for you.”

I wave my hand through the air as I reach for my glass of wine. “It’s…whatever. What’s up with you? We’ve talked more on the phone since you’ve been gone than we did in person while you were still here,” I joke, wanting to lighten the mood.

She laughs. “Well, I was hoping to catch you at a better time, but Liam and I, we’ve been discussing the wedding, and I was hoping that…you’d be my maid of honor?” Her voice gets high-pitched and squeaky when she finally spits out the sentence.

I smile wide, uncontrollably happy that my best friend is in love and getting married. “What? Of course I will!” I sit upright in the tub, causing the bubbly water to splash over the edge.

“What about your sister, though? Won’t she be upset?”

Vesper laughs. “Have you met my sister?” She’s joking. She knows I know her very well since we were basically raised together. “She’ll be a bridesmaid, of course, but not the maid of honor. That job is reserved for my best friend.”

A smile tugs at the corners of my mouth. “I love you, Vesper. I seriously don’t know what I would’ve done without you in my life.”

“Aww, I love you too, Amy. And remember, I’ll support whatever you choose to do, as long as it makes you happy.”

“Thanks. Good night.” I hang up the phone and toss it onto the pile of dirty clothes near the tub. Picking up my glass of wine and leaning back in the tub, I have a sense of happiness, despite the mess with Tyler.

I may not know where my life is going, but I’m still lucky. I have a best friend who loves me like a sister, and I know she’d do anything for me. This whole time, I’ve been slightly jealous of Vesper’s life. She has a career she loves, a man who loves her, and she’s about to start her own family. But now I see that I shouldn’t be jealous because, really, it’s something to look forward to—something to inspire me to work hard and keep trying.

I may not have Tyler by my side, but I know now that that’s okay. I will open my store and make my life as happy as I can. I WILL find someone who loves me—someone I can love back—and I’ll get my happy ending. I’m determined.

Chapter Nine

When I wake in the morning, I’ve completely forgotten about Tyler and last night. Today, I’m focusing on me and what makes me happy. And the first step is to investigate the location I’ve found for my store.

I head downstairs and pour myself a cup of coffee and feed the cat. Then I head back upstairs and work on getting ready for the day. I want to look good—I want to look like a professional, not someone who just walked in off the street having no knowledge about real estate or how to run a business.

I curl my dark hair and leave it hanging down my back in loose ringlets. Then I fix my makeup, lining my eyes lightly and using just enough shimmery eyeshadow to make them pop. I put on a light pink lipstick and head to Vesper’s closet to find something to wear since I only thought to bring jeans and t-shirts.

Of course, Vesper is a professional at being a professional, so she has plenty of skirts and dress shirts to choose from. I pull on a black pencil skirt that hugs my curves and ends just below my knee. I also find a crisp white dress shirt that I tuck into the skirt. Sliding my feet into a pair of heels, I stand back and look myself over in the full-length mirror. I’m only slightly surprised at how well I pull off this look. Maybe I can do this after all.

Grabbing my jacket, purse, and coffee mug, I head back downstairs. I quickly wash the cup and turn off the coffee pot, then walk out the front door, locking it behind me. I notice movement off in the distance and I pray that Tyler doesn’t see me. I’m not in the mood to talk to him right now. I’m feeling good about making these improvements to my life, and I know discussing last night will only bring me down.

To my surprise, it isn’t Tyler. A man I don’t know comes walking up to me with a big cheerful smile.

I open my car door and toss my things inside, then move to greet him. With his cowboy hat and Wranglers, he looks like he belongs here, but I should probably make sure since I am responsible for the property until Vesper and Liam return.

“Howdy, ma’am. I’m Dillon, the new vet.” He holds out his hand.

I smile. “It’s nice to finally meet you. I’m Amy. I’m looking after the place while Vesper and Liam are gone.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Amy.” He smiles, and the sun hits his blue eyes, making them shine.

It’s easy to see how handsome Dillon is, but he’s nothing compared to Tyler. “I really hope you have everything you need, because I have no idea how to help you if you don’t.”

He lets out a deep chuckle. “No, I’m good. I just wanted to introduce myself.” He grins. “Especially to someone as beautiful as you.”

A smile spreads across my face as heat creeps up my cheeks. “Thank you, Dillon. That’s very kind of you to say.”

“Forgive me for being so forward here, but would you like to have dinner with me sometime?”

Movement draws my eyes away from the sexy man in front of me, landing on Tyler standing at the edge of the barn. His dark eyes are trained on me and Dillon, and his jaw is flexing. Is he jealous?

“Thank you for the offer, Dillon, but I’m not really seeing anyone right now.”

He nods his head, dipping his hat slightly. “If you change your mind, you know where to find me.”

I offer up a small smile. “Thank you. Have a good day, and if you need anything, don’t ask me,” I joke. “I have no idea what’s going on around here.”

He laughs as he starts backing away.

I climb into the truck and turn over the motor. As I’m shifting into drive, I see Tyler give me one last look before following after Dillon. A part of me is happy that he may be a little jealous, but another part of me is afraid that I will cause trouble between them, which would mean trouble for Vesper and Liam. That, I am not okay with.

A little while later, I’m pulling into town, driving straight to the location. The space is part of a group of businesses, and I happen to know that the owner of this space is the older gentleman who runs the office supply store right next door. I hadn’t realized Mr. Lally owned this space until I called the number on the “for sale” sign earlier.

I climb out of the truck and walk inside. I’ve always loved these older buildings. They have so much charm and character. The floor is done in a black-and-white checkered pattern, and the ceiling is copper tiled. Everything in the building is original—from the old glass windows to the antique register sitting on the glass countertop.

“Good morning, young lady,” Mr. Lally says from his stool behind the counter.

“Good morning, Mr. Lally. How’s Mrs. Lally doing today?” I step up to the counter with a smile.

“She’s very well, thanks for asking. Now, what can I do for you?” He offers up a grin of perfectly white false teeth.

“I happened to notice the ‘for sale’ sign on the window of the space next door, and I was hoping I could get you to show me around.”

“You’re interested in the space next door?” He runs his hand over his bald head. His blue-gray eyes, which are surrounded by deep wrinkles, really light up.

“I am. I mean, if the price is right.”

He holds up his finger as he turns and opens the door behind him. He reaches into the dark room and grabs a set of keys. “Right this way.” He directs me to the door.

I step out and watch as he flips the “open” sign to the “be back in fifteen minutes” sign, something I think only our town has, then locks up the shop behind him.

“So, what kind of business are you wanting to add to our little town?” he asks, shuffling down the sidewalk to the empty space next door.

“I’m wanting to open my own coffee shop and bookstore.” I smile proudly.

“Ah, what a lovely idea. These kids nowadays, they need books. Too many of them do nothing but play on them little computers.” He inserts the key into the old-style handle. “Not to mention, I’d love to have fresh coffee whenever I need it.”

“Tell you what, if I get this store, I’ll bring you a fresh coffee every morning.”

He laughs. “You got a deal.”

The door creaks as he pushes it inward, and the smell of stale air and dust fills my nose, making me sneeze.

He lets out a short laugh. “Yeah, it’s been sealed up for a while.” He steps inside, causing the dust on the floor to stir around. “But I think you’ll find it has everything you’ll need. There’s a kitchen in the back in case you’d like to have baked goods with your coffee. The office area is up the stairs in the back, and there are fully-functioning restrooms that were remodeled recently.” He walks to the center of the dirty, dinged-up hardwood floor. “I don’t know if you remember, but I used to rent this out to Mrs. Shepard. She had a bakery here for years.”

I smile at the fond memory. Ethan and I used to come here every Sunday and get fresh-baked blueberry muffins. “I remember very well.”

I step past him and walk up behind the counter; looking at the space from this point of view gets me excited. I can already envision how I’d set up the tables, where the bookcases would go, and how I could paint and decorate.

“Follow me and I’ll show you the rest of the place.” He waves me on.

Mr. Lally shows me the kitchen, the public restrooms, and the upstairs office area. With each room, my excitement goes up. I’m unbelievably happy that I may actually have a shot at my dream, at my promise of a happy life.

Once we’re back outside and he’s locking the door behind us, I ask the dreaded question. “So, how much?”

He slides his hands into his pockets and looks at me with shining eyes. “I’ll tell you what,” he pauses, rubbing his jaw, “I’m getting too old to keep up with all the upkeep it takes. I’ll sell it to you for fifty thousand. That’s twenty-five percent off what I was asking when I listed it a year ago.”

“Let me talk with my investor and I’ll get back to you,” I say with a smile.

He tips his head in my direction and offers up his hand to shake.

Since I find myself in town, I run by my apartment just to check in and make sure things are in order. I also decide that I will do some research, so I can have a presentation prepared for when Liam gets home. I’d like to show him how much a commercial building in the area goes for versus how much this particular one will be.

After hours of sitting at my desk, staring at the computer screen, I lock up and head back to the ranch. As I drive through town, my mind wanders back to Tyler, and a sigh escapes. I just wish he could understand where I’m coming from. We could be great together if he’d just let go of his past.

I have no idea what I’m doing, until I look up and find myself at the local watering hole. With a deep breath, I climb out of the truck and walk inside. Sitting at the bar, I order my normal drink and opt to remain quiet while thinking things over. A part of me wants to continue this thing I’ve been doing with Tyler. But the other part says the way I’m handling it is right—that I shouldn’t just give Tyler what he’ll take. I should demand he give a little in return.

Before I know it, thanks to a few drinks, my vision is blurring and I’m smiling despite the pain in my chest. My lips are numb, and my skin is hot. A man with dark hair sits down next to me, and I throw him a flirty smile while twirling my hair.

“I’m Jacob.” He holds out his hand.

“I’m Amy.” I place mine inside and we shake.

“What’s a pretty thing like you doing sitting here all alone?”

I press my lips together and shrug. “I just broke off my most recent fling,” I admit for reasons I don’t understand.

His brows skyrocket. “Is that so?”

“Mm-hmm,” I agree with a nod as I pick up my drink and take another swig.

“Why’d you break it off?” he asks.

“It doesn’t matter.” I wave my hand through the air.

“Well, if you’re alone, I guess nobody would get mad if I asked you to dance?”

I smile, thinking it over. “I guess not.” I put my drink down and stand, taking the hand he’s offering me. He tugs me out onto the dance floor and pulls me close to his chest. Something inside me says this is wrong—that these aren’t the arms I want to be in. But I refuse to give in. Tyler doesn’t want me, which means I have the right to do whatever I want with whomever I want. I push all these thoughts away and force a smile onto my face, determined to have fun.

As we’re dancing along with the music, I do feel a little better. The worry and stress of the day falls off, making me feel lighter and carefree. I forget about my troubles with Tyler, and just enjoy the moment.

We’ve already danced through three songs when I notice Tyler walk in. My heart leaps to my throat, and my body freezes, but the man I’m dancing with hasn’t noticed. He tugs me flush against his chest, continuing to move his hips against mine.

I see the angry scowl on Tyler’s face, and I wonder if he’s jealous. But then I push the thoughts away, because he’s already said he doesn’t want me. If he doesn’t want me, then he’s just going to have to be okay with seeing me with other men.

I tear my eyes away from his and give all my attention to the man who’s holding me in his arms.

Jacob turns us, so my back is facing Tyler, and it feels like it’s on fire. I can feel his stare—his anger and jealously. It brings a smile to my face, but it also causes guilt to wash over me. I can only hope that he knows I’d rather be here with him.

When the song ends, Jacob takes my hand and leads me back to the bar where we finish our drinks and order another. Tyler is sitting at a small table in the corner—not talking with anyone, just watching.

Jacob and I sit and talk about our lives and we finish off another beer. When I turn and look toward the table Tyler has been sitting at, I’m surprised to find him gone—nothing but an empty beer bottle left behind.

I grab my purse off the hook of the bar and stand. “I’m sorry, but I have to get going.” Without waiting for a response, I turn and rush from the bar, stopping on the front sidewalk and looking both directions for Tyler, but he’s already gone.

When I pull up at the ranch a little while later, Tyler steps out of the barn, watching as I pull the truck up to the house and climb out. I grab my purse, intending on walking right past him, but when I turn around, he’s standing directly in front of me.

“Can we talk?” His hands are in his pockets and his eyes are filled with fear.

“About what? I thought we got everything figured out last night.” I shut the truck door and step around him, but he follows me to the door.

“Amy, please. Just…hear me out. Please?” He lifts his brows with the question, giving me his sad puppy-dog eyes.

“All right. Come on.” I motion inside the house as I unlock the door and let us both in. I lead him to the kitchen where I drop my purse down on the island and pull out two wine glasses. He sits at the table, looking nervous, tapping his foot on the floor.

I take both glasses to the table. Passing him one, I sit across from him and take a sip. “What’s this about, Tyler?”

He picks up his wine glass and tips it back, drinking every last drop. “I want to explain why I am the way I am.”

I want to roll my eyes but refrain. “I know. Your fiancée cheated on you the night before your wedding. I get it, Tyler. But that’s not an excuse.” I stand, preparing to walk away, but he catches my hand in his, spinning me around and right into his arms.

His dark eyes lock on mine, and I can see heat and a burning desire blazing behind them. “I want you, Amy. Despite everything that’s happened to me. Despite how much I might fuck all this up and end up with my heart broken. There’s something about you that I can’t forget or walk away from. I can’t promise you the future you’re envisioning, but I can promise to try and give you everything I can.” His mouth presses against mine, and his tongue slides into my mouth.

My eyes close and a deep sigh leaves me, but I quickly snap out of it, pushing him away. “Tyler, this isn’t a joke. I don’t just want you to tell me what you think I want to hear. The only reason you’re even saying any of this right now is because you didn’t like seeing me with another man, isn’t it?”

“I meant every word of it, Amy.” His hands come up to cup my cheeks as he presses his lips against mine once again. He’s slowly walking me backward until my back presses against the fridge. When I’m out of steps, his hands leave my face and lock on to my hips, lifting me up against him.

“I won’t lie…” He grits his teeth, causing his angular jaw to flex. “Walking into that bar and finding you in the arms of another man, it pissed me off. It took every ounce of strength I had to keep from walking over there and laying him out. I want you, Amy. You’re mine, and if I ever see another man touch you again, I promise, I won’t be able to hold back.” He presses his mouth against mine, and my eyes flutter closed. He kisses me passionately and with so much force, my teeth nip his lip.

I pull away. “But what about not being able to move forward—be in a relationship? You just said you weren’t looking for that.”

He shakes his head as his heavy breathing blows across my lips. “Fuck what I said. If I know one thing and one thing only, it’s that I want you. There’s something different about you. I mean, fuck, I can’t even control myself when I’m with you.” He takes my hand and places it against his growing erection. Just my hand touching him over his jeans makes his jaw tense and causes his Adam’s apple to bob. His eyes squeeze shut, and he leans his forehead against mine. “I need you, Amy. Please, just take me back and I promise I’ll do anything I need to prove to you that I’m serious.”

Something about the way he’s pleading with me makes denying him impossible. My arms snake around his neck, pulling him closer, and I’m kissing him as hard as I can. He responds immediately, deepening the kiss. A part of me is happy because, for the second time today, it’s a promise of the happy future I’ve been dreaming of. But it also means I now have something to lose.

However, every thought slips away when he unfastens my skirt and pushes it down my legs. In the same instant, I find myself in his arms with my legs wrapped around his waist as he carries me through the house.

When I open my eyes, I find that he’s walking us through the room I’ve been staying in and into the connected bathroom. He kicks the door closed behind us, then spins me around to press my back against it to hold me in place while he works at removing his shirt.

My hands rush to my top, unbuttoning it as fast as possible and throwing it down on the floor. His mouth never leaves mine as we remove the rest of our clothes. Pulling my naked chest against his, we step into the shower where we connect as one.

Chapter Ten

The rest of the week flies by since every free minute is spent with Tyler. If he’s not working and I’m not working, we’re together: eating dinner, playing with the horses, or wrapped around one another.

Vesper and Liam make it home and I find myself a little sad since Tyler won’t be as close since I have to go back home to my apartment. But there is one good thing: I can finally show Liam my proposal.

Tyler and I take them both out to dinner, where I hand Liam my findings.

“You know you don’t have to do this, right?” He looks at me with a lifted brow. “I mean, I agreed to be a silent partner. Whatever you need, it’s yours.”

“I know, but I want to do this right. And I want your honest opinion. I think it’s a good deal. I’ve known the man who owns it forever, and I think he’s looking forward to coffee being delivered to him every morning,” I joke.

“I’m so excited for you, Amy,” Vesper says with a wide smile as she leans closer to Liam to peek at the paper.

“You’ve really done your homework here.” He looks at me from over the top of the folder. “Our next step is to get some estimates from some construction companies.”

I nod once. “Already done. This past week, I’ve had three construction companies come in and give me estimates. The one Vesper hired to build the new clinic is by far the cheapest. You’ll find his estimate on page six.”

He looks impressed when he flips a few more pages and finds the estimate. “What about startup costs? The coffee machines, a register, all the inventory?”

“Turn the page,” I tell him, lifting my wine glass and taking a sip.

“Did the construction company say how long it would take them?” Vesper asks.

“Three months from the day they start,” I answer.

“This is amazing, Amy. What do you think of your girl now, Tyler?” She flashes him a smile and a wink.

He laughs, reaching over to place his hand on my thigh from under the table. “I think she’s amazing. I couldn’t be prouder.”

I look over at him and notice the way his jaw is twitching, and his eyes are darkening. I have to squeeze my thighs together to hold off the flood of wanting that his look brings on.

Liam closes the folder and sets it down. “Amy, it looks like you have everything under control. In fact, tomorrow I’ll go to the bank and open a shared business account. That way, when you need to pay for something, you won’t have to come to me with another presentation.” He laughs.

A feeling of overwhelming happiness and gratitude fills me. “Thank you, Liam,” I breathe out, relief washing over me.

The rest of dinner is free of business talk. Instead, we talk about Vesper and Liam’s vacation, and how Tyler and I have become more than friends. Tyler and Liam seem to have a natural friendship. They talk about the ranch, memories from working together, the horses, and what their dreams are for the ranch.

While the guys talk, Vesper and I sit back and have our own conversation.

“Hey, how’s your brother?” Vesper asks with a light smack to the knee.

I roll my eyes. “Who knows? I haven’t talked to him in months.”

She’s wearing a big smile and her eyes are shining.

“What? Why’s that funny?”

“How ya doin’, little sister?” someone says from behind me.

I quickly turn my upper body around to see my brother coming to a stop behind me, dressed in his military fatigues.

I squeal and jump up so fast my chair nearly falls backward. But I don’t care. That doesn’t stop me from jumping into his arms.

“What are you doing here?” I ask as I squeeze him tighter.

“I’m done. I’m home for good,” he says with a smile as he places me on my feet.

He’s really grown since the last time I saw him. His hair is dark and cut short. His green eyes that match mine hold so much happiness they sparkle. His defined jaw is smooth, and every muscle is bulging.

“Sit and have dinner with us. I’ll introduce you to everyone.” I take my seat, scooting it toward Tyler so he can sit between Vesper and me.

“You know Vesper, and this is her fiancé, Liam.” I point to him and they both shake hands. “And this is Tyler, my…boyfriend.” I realize that this is the first time I’m actually referring to Tyler as my boyfriend and it feels awkward, especially around my older brother, who’s beaten up all of my boyfriends in the past. After being raised the way we were, he’s extremely protective of me.

Ethan leans over and shakes Tyler’s hand, but he doesn’t seem overly friendly. He keeps his jaw cocked and brows furrowed together like he’s angry, or maybe just studying him, looking for something he can pick apart later when we’re alone.

Ethan takes his seat, and the moment he pulls his gaze away from Tyler, his facial features smooth over and his smile goes back in place. He pats my hand and asks, “What’s been going on, little sister?”

“I’m opening my own coffee shop here in town. Can you believe it? I’m going to own my own business!” I gush.

He wraps his arm around my shoulders and pulls me to his side for a hug. “That’s amazing! I always knew you would.”

When he releases me, I pick up my wine glass and take a sip. “Have you heard from Mom?” I ask, loud enough for him to hear me, but quiet enough that nobody else does.

He presses his lips together and looks down at his lap. “I tried calling. I guess her phone is shut off.”

I look around the table to find Vesper and Liam in their own conversation. Tyler is looking around the restaurant, trying to pretend he’s not listening, but I know he is.

“I gave up on her completely, Ethan. I can’t do it anymore. Her phone’s shut off because I’m not over there every day picking up after her and making sure she eats and pays her bills.”

He nods slowly. “I’m surprised you lasted as long as you did, Amy.”

I look up at him from beneath my lashes. “Will you go over there and make sure she’s okay? I haven’t talked to her in over a week. She could be dead for all I know.”

He lets out a deep sigh but agrees. “And I hope it’s okay that I’m staying with you until I can find a place.”

I smile and hug him. “Of course it’s okay!”

When dinner ends, Vesper and Liam leave to go back to the ranch. Ethan gives me a hug, but then leaves on his own to go check on our mom. Tyler and I head back to my apartment. The second we walk in the door, I grab us both a beer and we sit on the couch.

“So, that’s your brother, huh?”

I laugh and nod. “That’s my brother.”

“I don’t think he likes me.” He lifts the bottle to his lips and takes a swig.

I place my hand on his angular jaw and turn his head until his dark eyes are locked on mine. “It’s not you. He’s just worried about me, is all. He’s afraid I’ll end up like our mom: all alone with a couple of kids and doing nothing but drinking myself to death. After our dad left, Ethan was the one who took care of me. He was just a child and he was raising a baby. He’s always been protective of me. Trust me, it’ll be easier to confront him and get everything out in the open now. The longer you put it off, the angrier he’ll get. I can’t tell you how many of my boyfriends he beat up.”

“I thought you said you’ve never had a boyfriend.”

I hold my finger up. “No, I said I’ve never been the relationship type. I’ve had many boyfriends, just none who were serious.” I shrug one shoulder. “And to be honest, I haven’t had a boyfriend since high school.”

His arm wraps around my shoulders and he pulls me to his side. “So you think that if I just talk with your brother, everything will be fine?”

I nod. “Absolutely. He doesn’t have a problem with you. He just wants to make sure you’re not going to turn out like our dad did.”

He leans forward, placing his beer bottle on the coffee table before taking mine and doing the same. “I’d never be able to do that to you, Amy,” he says as he closes the distance between us, pressing his lips to mine as he lays me back.

He kisses me softly and teasingly with his hands cupping my face. He slowly breaks the kiss and looks into my eyes. “I know you think that I’m just some playboy who will probably fuck everything up, but I swear to you, when I give my word about something, I stick to it. You mean something to me, Amy. And that’s a first for me in a long time.”

My heart swells. This Tyler is so different from the Tyler I started messing around with. That Tyler was fun to be around, but he was closed off and always keeping everyone at arm’s length. This Tyler is opening himself up to me in ways I didn’t think possible. He’s showing me a side of himself that nobody else knows about. He’s sweet, and soft, and kind. But he’s also passionate and dominating.

I’ve always been a very strong, independent woman. I never wanted to feel dominated by a man. But with Tyler, I love the ways he controls my body, and I love the way my body craves his touch.

“I don’t think you’re a playboy, Tyler. I think you’ve been hurt and are trying to do anything you can to stop that from happening again. But my word also means something. And I promise I will never hurt you.” I lift my head and press my mouth against his this time, wanting him to feel my honesty—needing him to feel every emotion he brings up inside of me.

My arms hold him close, never wanting this kiss to end. My legs automatically wrap around his hips, wanting to feel him against me, wanting to feel his weight pressing down on me. I love the feeling of him holding me to this earth. It’s like without him, I’d float away. I had nothing before, and now, I have everything.

His left hand lands on my right thigh, switching from a soft caress to a firm squeeze. His right hand is tangled in my hair, and his mouth is quickly moving against mine as our breathing picks up and fills the room around us.

“You don’t even know how sexy you are, do you?” he whispers against my lips as his hips grind into mine. He presses another kiss to my lips. “You’re beautiful, kind, sexy, and smart.” His mouth returns to mine as his hands travel my body, softly massaging my breasts, stomach, and hips. “There’s something about you, Amy, that I can’t resist.” His lips leave a hot trail from my mouth to my ear, and then down my neck.

I let out a soft moan. The way he’s touching me causes every muscle to harden with anticipation.

The door slams loudly and Tyler jerks away from me. We both freeze when Ethan walks into the room, back straight and head held high as his angry gaze looks down on us.

“Hey,” I breathe out, scooting myself back up into a sitting position. “I thought you were going to check on Mom.”

He nods as he walks back into the kitchen. I hear the fridge open and the sound of a popping top. He saunters back into the living room, leaning against the wall and sipping a beer. “I did.”

“And?” My heart is still pounding, and my breathing hasn’t yet calmed down.

“We’ll talk about that later. Right now, I’d like to have a talk with Tyler if you don’t mind.”

I look from Ethan to Tyler.

Tyler presses his lips together but gives a short nod.

“Okay. But be nice,” I warn, pointing my finger in Ethan’s direction as I stand and walk down the hallway. If he really thinks they’re going to get complete privacy, he’s fucking crazy, because I plan on standing in this hallway and listening to every word.

Chapter Eleven

I walk down the hallway and open and close my door, so it sounds like I entered my room, but then I walk back up the hallway, staying in the shadows so they won’t see me.

“Look, man,” Ethan says, “I don’t know how long you’ve been foolin’ around with my sister, but I’m back in town now. And I’m staying.”

“Before you say anything else, I want you to know that I’m not foolin’ around with anyone. Amy and I, we’re together. I’m not going anywhere. This isn’t a game to me. She knows the kind of person I was before, and if you talk to her, she knows the changes I’ve made for her. She knows I wouldn’t do that if I wasn’t serious.” Tyler’s voice is hard and strong, a tone I haven’t heard come from him. He’s not being callous about the subject. He’s not teasing, or just telling my brother what he wants to hear. He’s serious, and it causes a smile to spread across my face.

“If you know my sister at all, then you know the shit she’s been through. We don’t have family. We’re all each other has, and I’m extremely protective of her. You hurt her, and you’ll be dealing with me.”

“If I hurt her, I’ll come directly to you, so you can kick my ass. It isn’t my intention to hurt her or use her. Amy…she’s different. I don’t know how or why, but she owns me. Just don’t tell her that.” He laughs.

Ethan joins in on their light laughter, and I use the opportunity to quickly open my door and step out of the shadows. “I heard laughing. Does that mean we’re all cool now?”

Tyler turns around to face me and he’s wearing a wide smile. He holds out his arm and I step up to his side, looking at Ethan.

Ethan smiles. “We’re good. But I seriously need to talk to you about Mom.”

“On that note,” Tyler says, pulling away. “I’ll give you two some privacy to discuss things and catch up. I’ll see you tomorrow?” He turns to look at me directly.

“Absolutely.” I lean in and give him a quicker kiss than I’d like, but with my brother watching, it’s all I feel comfortable with.

“Later, man,” he tells Ethan with a quick handshake before leaving us alone.

“So, will the beer I have work for this conversation, or do I need something stronger?” I ask, flopping back down on the couch.

Ethan takes a deep breath, then runs his hand over his dark hair that’s shaved so short, it springs back into place. He takes the spot next to me and takes a drink, shaking his head. “We have to do something.”

“What do you mean? I’ve been begging her for years to go to rehab. You can’t make her go.”

“No, we have to make her go, Amy. Her phone is shut off, she doesn’t have any power, and based on the trash piling up on the curb, I’m going to guess she hasn’t paid sanitization. Which we both know is billed with water, meaning, she probably doesn’t have water either. When I got out of the car at her place, I could smell the rotten trash on the curb, and there were, like, four eviction notices on the door.”

I shrug, finishing off my drink. “What can we do? Wait until she’s kicked out?”

“Maybe we can have her sent to the hospital for an evaluation. That would at least get her sober.”

I laugh. “They can only hold her—what—twenty-four to forty-eight hours? She’ll get out as soon as the withdrawals kick in, Ethan.”

“An intervention?” he asks with a raise of his brow.

“She doesn’t have anyone left in her life but you and me. Let’s just wait until she’s hit rock bottom. We’ll bring her back here and make sure there’s nothing in this house to drink. I mean, we’ll have to throw out rubbing alcohol, cough syrup, cooking wine, everything!”

He lets out a deep breath and rubs his temples. “I never thought it’d come to this.”

I roll my eyes. “I prayed that it wouldn’t, but deep down, I’ve always known she would drink herself to death.”

There’s a long silence as we both think about our future with our alcoholic mother.

“So, tell me about this boyfriend.”

I laugh and throw my head back dramatically.

“Oh, come on. You knew this was coming.”

“Fine. I met him several months ago when Vesper took the vet job at the ranch.”

“He owns a ranch?”

“No, he’s the ranch hand. But one day, he wants his own.” I smile. “I know he can do it, too. He’s come a long way from the closed-off guy I met. You’d be proud of him.” I nudge his arm.

“As long as he’s a decent guy and treats you well, I’m okay.”

I stand and grab us another beer from the fridge. He looks at it with confusion when I hand it over. I shrug. “We gotta dry this place up,” I joke. “So, what’s your plan? You’re done with the military for good?”

“Yep. I think twenty years is enough, don’t you? Can you handle having me around constantly?”

“You mean, like, in the same town but having your own place, right?” I joke.

He reaches over and ruffles my hair. “Always such a brat. Yes, I will get my own place. I’ll only be here a couple of weeks, tops!”

I laugh and smack him away. “You can stay as long as you need. You know that.”

“Question is, who gets Mom?” he asks, suddenly serious.

I hold my hands up, palms facing him. “I have enough going on right now. I’m trying to start my own business. Plus, I’ve taken care of her for ten years now. It’s your turn for a little while.”

He laughs. “Guess I better call the building manager and tell him I’ll need a two-bedroom.”

“This building?” I point toward the floor.

“Yep. We’ll be neighbors, little sis. What do you think of that?”

I groan and throw myself back.

Two days later, my cell phone rings as I’m handing over the check to the construction company to start work on the coffee shop.

“Excuse me,” I tell, Bill, the owner.

I pull my phone from my pocket and walk out the door. “Hello?”

“Is this Amy Brighton?”

“Yes. Who is this?”

“This is Officer Wilburn. I’m here with your mother. She’s been evicted and refuses to leave the premises.”

“I’ll be right there.” I hang up the phone and call Ethan.

“Hey, what’s up?”

“We have to go get Mom. She’s been evicted and is refusing to leave. I just got a call from a police officer.”

“Fuck,” he breathes out.

“I’ll pick you up in five.” Without another word, I hang up the phone and head back inside the building.

“I’m sorry, Bill, but I have to go.” I slip my phone into my pocket as I close the distance between us.

“That’s fine. I’ll lock up here when we’re done. We’ve just got a few more measurements to take so we can get the ball rolling.”

I hold out my hand and he reciprocates with a handshake. “Please call if you have any questions.”

“Will do.” He salutes as he turns toward his men, who are moving about the space.

I rush out to the truck and climb behind the wheel.

It takes us twenty minutes to drive to the neighboring town, to our mom’s place. There are two police cars with their lights flashing out front, along with the landlord. I park across the street and we both rush over.

“I’m sorry,” the landlord starts. “I gave her plenty of chances.” He genuinely looks sorry. Small wrinkles are forming around his dark brown eyes, and he rubs his hand through his fuzzy gray hair.

“I know you did, Mr. Tucker. I’m sorry it’s come to this. I’ve tried for months to get her help.”

Ethan places his hand on my shoulder. “I’ll go in and see what I can do.”

I nod him on, watching as he walks across the yard and into the house.

“I really wish there was another way, but she hasn’t paid rent in months,” Mr. Tucker says, bouncing from foot to foot with nerves.

“Months?” I ask surprised.

He presses his lips together and nods.

“Will we be able to get her belongings?” I ask the policeman.

“The judge has granted Mr. Tucker the right to go through the belongings and sell what he can to make up for lost rent.”

I look over at the landlord. “Would it be okay if I took the other things? Her clothes, our family photographs? I promise, I’ll leave anything of value.”

He nods while looking at his feet. “Well, I guess that’d be okay.” He offers up a quick nod while crossing his arms over his chest.

“Thank you,” I say softly, as I push myself forward.

Stepping into the house, the smell of stale air, trash, and alcohol takes over my senses. I have to force myself to stifle a gag. Off in the distance, I can hear Ethan softly talking to our mom. He’s trying to talk her into leaving her home and coming back to mine. I leave them alone, and instead grab a couple of bags out of the front closet to start packing up a few things.

It takes Ethan a good half-hour before they come walking down the hall together.

“I’m going to go ahead and take her back to your place. Once she’s settled, I’ll come back and pick you up, along with everything you’ve packed.”

I nod once and toss him the keys, purposely keeping my eyes away from my mother. I know her haggard appearance will only anger me.

Once Ethan and my mom leave, the landlord comes inside to check out the damage on his property. He walks in, back straight and jaw cocked. He places his hands on his hips and stops in the center of the floor, looking around the room and letting out a long breath.

“I’m really sorry for how this played out, Mr. Tucker. I just—I couldn’t keep putting myself through this every day. I hold a trash bag at the end of the coffee table and swipe all the empty bottles into it.

“This is just part of it, Amy. I really appreciate your help with the mess. Most people wouldn’t do that.” He grabs a trash bag of his own.

It’s going on midnight before Ethan walks back into the house. Everything I’ve packed up to take is piled up by the front door. All the furniture is staying to be sold, and all the trash has been packed out to the curb.

“I can’t believe things got this bad,” Ethan says, walking through the living room, looking at the bare walls and stained carpet.

I nod, feeling tears begin to leak from my eyes. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have just abandoned her like that. I should have been here every day making sure things were taken care of.” I fall onto the couch, holding my head in my hands.

Ethan takes the seat next to me, putting his arm around my shoulders and pulling me to his side. “This isn’t your fault, Amy. I mean, if we want to start playing the blame game, I think I’d win. I’m the one who up and left you alone to deal with her. I thought running away would solve the problem, but all it did was make everything fall on you.”

“How was she? When you dropped her off, I mean? You were gone a while.”

He lets out a deep breath and shakes his head. “I stayed there until she passed out. I didn’t want her to trash your place looking for booze. We’ll sit her down and talk with her tomorrow when she has a clear head.” He gently rubs my arm up and down. “Let’s get home and get some sleep. I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be a doozy.”

Chapter Twelve

I have no idea what time it is, but I wake to my phone ringing. After all the stress of last night, and then having to stay up late packing, I’m nowhere near ready to wake up. But I roll to my side and grab my phone off the nightstand.

“Hello?” I ask, without opening my eyes to see who’s calling.

“Good morning, beautiful,” Tyler coos.

I smile, unable to hold it back. “Good morning.”

“Do you have plans for today? I was hoping to get you alone. Maybe have a picnic, enjoy the sunset…” He lets his sentence drop off, letting my mind wander.

“Mmm, that sounds amazing. But I’m not sure. My mom was finally forced out last night and Ethan brought her back here. We need to have an intervention.” I sit straight up in bed. “Crap. What time is it?” I whip my head around to check the time.

“It’s going on nine. Why?”

“I have to call Vesper. I was up so late night packing up my mom’s stuff that I completely forgot to call into work. I’ll call you back.” Without another word, I hang up and quickly dial Vesper.

“Amy, what’s up? You’re late.”

“I know.” I wipe at my eyes. “I’m sorry. Listen, I can’t come in today.”

“Are you okay? Are you sick?”

“No, nothing like that.” I take a deep breath and explain everything—from my mom finally getting kicked out, to having to pack up her belongings all night, to the talk we have to have with her today.

“Amy, I’m so sorry. Of course you can take the day off. Take the week off if you need it to get things squared away.”

I snort. “No way can I afford that. Today will be enough. Thank you for understanding.”

“Anything you need, I’m just a call away.”

I’m about to thank her again and say goodbye when a loud crashing sound fills my ears. My eyes pop up to the door, and in a split second, I hang up the phone and run from the room, finding Ethan and my mom in the kitchen having a heated discussion.

“What the hell is going on?” I ask, rushing to Ethan’s side.

“I’m hopeful with time things will start coming back to her. She didn’t remember getting kicked out of her house last night. And…she’s angry she can’t find the vodka.” He says this like it’s just an ordinary sentence.

I want to laugh, but the seriousness of it all dampens my amusement. “Mom, we need to talk.”

“I’m not going. You…you don’t understand.” Her dark hair is a mess all around her, and she has dark circles under her bloodshot eyes.

“How about I make us all some coffee, and we can sit around the table and talk?” I hold out my hand.

Her wild eyes go from my hand, to Ethan, to me, and back to my hand before she finally takes a deep breath and reaches for it. Slowly and cautiously, I guide her to the table and sit her down before turning around to brew the coffee.

It only takes a minute before the coffee is ready, and I pour us all a cup before taking my place beside my brother and mother.

“Mom, what do you remember about last night?” I ask before taking a sip, eyes glancing between her and my brother.

She thinks over the question for a minute. “I don’t remember anything.” She shakes her head.

I bite the inside of my cheek. How in the world can this life be okay for anyone? How can you live day by day, not remembering anything that happened the day before? Why would you want to?

“Mom, you haven’t paid rent in months. You’ve already had your power, water, and phone turned off. Now you’ve lost the house. You have to see that this isn’t okay.”

“I don’t need those things,” she retorts.

My eyes feel like they stretch wide with her response. “Then what do you need?”

“I need you to leave me alone,” she mumbles like a child who’s being punished.

“So you can do what? Where would you go? Where would you live? Under a bridge? You want that life?”

“You two don’t understand. I can’t just stop drinking. I’ve tried so many times. I get sick. It’s the worst pain I’ve ever experienced. I need to drink. I have to drink.”

I shake my head. “No, you don’t. What you need is help. Let us help you,” I plead.

She takes a drink of her coffee and wrinkles her nose—probably because it’s not Irish. “And how can you two help me? Stick me in some facility and let me become someone else’s problem?”

“Mom, those facilities would be like a fucking vacation! They’ll keep you from experiencing the withdrawals as badly. There is medicine to wean you off. They know what they’re doing. They won’t just lock you in a room and let you wither away.”

“Mom, I know this is how you’ve lived your life for the last twenty years, but you have to see it isn’t working anymore,” Ethan adds on. “You’ve lost everything you had to lose.”

I don’t say anything. I just sit, waiting—praying—that she will finally accept that this is the end.

“Can we at least take you to a few of the places and let you look around? You can see it with your own eyes,” Ethan begs.

“And then what? When I get released? Where will I go?”

“By then, I’ll have my own place and you can come stay with me. I’ll help you get back on your feet. I’ve left this hanging over Amy for so long that it’s her turn to go out in the world and find her place.” He reaches over and takes my hand that’s resting on the table.

I offer him a small smile as a thank you.

“Okay. I will go look at these places. But I’m not promising anything,” she finally agrees.

Ethan and I both nod as we push away from the table. “Let’s get dressed and we’ll go right now.” I leave them alone in the kitchen while I go to dress, afraid that if we both leave her alone, she’ll sneak out and run off.

When I dress and walk back into the kitchen, Ethan leaves to get ready.

“What was he talking about with you finding your place in the world?” Mom asks. “Are you planning something? Are you leaving?” This is the first time I’ve heard her speak clearly in years. Usually, she wakes up still drunk from the night before and reaches for the bottle, never sobering up. But last night, her drinking was cut short, and there’s nothing here for her to start back up with. I know we have to get her into rehab soon before the withdrawals start.

“I’ve recently bought a building in town. I’m opening my own coffee shop,” I answer, turning to grab my purse and keys.

When I face her, I see her nod once before finishing off her coffee. It feels like she wants to say something, but she doesn’t. Instead, she sits quietly waiting until Ethan is back.

“Ready?” he asks.

“I’ll drive,” I volunteer, pulling out the email I’d printed out that Vesper gave me weeks ago with the list of facilities.

It’s going on five o’clock when I’m pulling up to the ranch. I climb out of the truck and walk toward the barn, finding Tyler putting away a horse.

He turns when he senses my presence. “Hey, you never called me back. I didn’t know if I’d see you today or not.”

I walk straight up to him and wrap my arms around his middle, resting my head against his heart.

“Rough day?” he asks, wrapping his arms around me and holding me close.

“You have no idea,” I mumble, refusing to let go.

“I’m done here for today. Let’s go back to my place and you can tell me all about it.” He releases me only to place his finger under my chin, directing my eyes to his as he bends down and presses his lips against mine.

This kiss causes everything else to fall away. I forget about last night. This morning. My mom. All of it gone and replaced by him and the way he makes me feel.

It only takes us minutes to drive down the old dirt road to his cabin. When he pulls the truck to a stop, he rushes around to my side and catches the door as I’m opening it. Before I can step out, he’s holding me in his strong arms, carrying me into the house and setting me down on the brown leather couch.

“You want a glass of wine?” he asks, tossing his baseball cap onto the chair, followed quickly by his tight t-shirt.

“Please.” I reach down and remove my boots, kicking my feet up on the couch.

Moments later, he’s back with two glasses of wine. He lifts my feet and sits down, then places my legs over his lap.

“Tell me about your day,” he requests. His hand lands on my knee, gently rubbing up and down my legs.

I take a sip, then a deep breath, and dive into my day, hoping that talking about it will help the tension leave my body. “Ethan and I talked Mom into checking out some rehab facilities today. To my surprise, it wasn’t as hard as I thought it’d be, but I guess talking to her sober is easier than talking to her drunk.”

“Well, that’s a step in the right direction, isn’t it?”

I nod. “It is. I’m just worried that she’ll leave as soon as things get hard, you know? She’s not ordered to be there, so she can leave at any time.” I take another sip, then put the glass on the table and I slide down, lying on my back. “We ended up visiting four different facilities today before we finally talked her into staying at one. I’m beat.”

Tyler finishes off his glass and sets it on the table. He picks up my foot and starts massaging it. “I’m sure it’s been hard on you, but just think about how everything will be easier from here on out. I mean, your mom is being taken care of. You no longer have to worry about finding her dead, or wonder if she’s taking care of herself. Plus, I’m sure having Ethan home is a big help.”

“He is a big help. He’s even volunteered to keep her with him once she gets out, just to give me a bit of a break. I think he’s blaming himself. I mean, he’s been gone all these years, so he’s been able to pretend this situation didn’t exist. But coming home to it all, and seeing firsthand how bad things have gotten…”

He releases my foot. “Things are getting better, Amy. Just trust.” He climbs up my body, resting his hips between my legs as his hand cradles my face and his lips move against mine.

“You’re so beautiful,” he says against my lips, “and so giving and caring.” He deepens the kiss. “I don’t deserve you, Amy.”

I break away, looking into his dark eyes. “Why would you say that?”

He tears his eyes from mine. “You’re just…so selfless. I mean, you’ve spent nearly your entire life taking care of your mother and you’ve never asked for anything in return. And I ran away from home the minute life got hard for me.”

I push him back as I sit up. “You did what was best for you, Tyler. You needed distance and space to heal. What your fiancée did to you would be painful and damaging for anyone.”

He shakes his head. “No, I didn’t mean that.” He sits up completely, grabbing his glass of wine only to realize it’s empty. “I guess I haven’t been completely honest with you, Amy.”

My mouth opens, but no words come out.

“That wasn’t the only reason I left home.” He takes a deep breath and places the glass back on the table. “When I found out that my older brother was getting the ranch, I was pissed. I had been the only one to ever show any interest in it. James was only there because he was required to be. He would’ve rather run off and found his life someplace else. The twins couldn’t find a ranch from a hole in the ground. But my dad, he was dead set on his eldest child taking over. He forced James to stay and claim his rightful place, even though he knew I wanted that life. So when I didn’t get what I wanted, I had a fit and ran off. That’s when I came here. If my dad didn’t want me on his ranch, then I’d run a different one.” He lets out a deep laugh, but it sounds menacing. “That’s who I really am, Amy. I’m not a guy who deserves you. I’m nothing more than a child having a temper tantrum.”

I lift myself to my knees, placing my hand on his jaw and forcing him to look at me. “That’s not true, Tyler. What could you have done? Stayed, knowing that you’d never get the life you wanted? Watched as your dad gave everything you ever wanted to your brother who didn’t give a shit about it? I think,” I say as I climb into his lap, “you did the right thing. You left. You came here, and you grew as a person. You saw that you didn’t need their handouts. You were determined to get what you wanted in life, even if that meant leaving everything you knew behind. And,” I quickly press a kiss to his lips, “you got me. Now we can work for everything we want together.”

He lets out a soft chuckle. “You think so? You don’t think I’m just a baby who ran away from his problems because he didn’t get what he wanted?”

“No way.” I shake my head. “You’ll get everything you ever wanted, Tyler. You just have to trust.”

His lips turn up into a small smile as he closes the distance between our mouths. In one swift motion, he stands, cradling me against his chest as he walks us into the bedroom, never breaking the kiss.

He gently lays me down on the bed and covers my body with his. His hardness presses against my core, making me yearn for him. My stomach tightens and my whole body tingles with anticipation. My legs wrap around his hips, wanting, needing him closer. It’s only been a few days since Tyler and I have been together in this way, but now that I’m finally able to feel his touch, it feels like years.

My arms snake around his neck, pulling his mouth closer as my tongue tangles with his—tasting, needing, consuming. His hands tug my hips toward his, pulling the junction between my legs against his growing erection. He grinds his hips into me, causing a gasp to slip past my lips.

“I don’t know what it is about you, Amy, but I need you.” He begins moving downward, pressing kisses to my jaw and neck. “I need you like I’ve never needed anything or anyone before. I crave your touch. I yearn to taste you and to feel your skin against mine.” He pulls away enough that he can look down on me as he begins to unfasten my jeans. “I can’t get you off my mind, Amy. When I’m alone, I can hear the way you cry out for me—those soft moans and gasps that leave your beautiful lips when I slide deep inside you.” He tugs my jeans down my legs, then uses his thumb to press against my aching nub. “You consume me, Amy.” His fingers slide between my folds, making my back arch as a whimper escapes my lips. “You own my mind,” he breathes out, sliding his fingers inside.

His voice is deep and hushed, almost sounding pained. It’s a tone I’ve never heard him use. It’s like he needs me, like I really do own him and he’s powerless to break free. It makes my heart pound in my chest and my lungs stop breathing. Seeing him this way, completely bare for me—physically and emotionally raw—amplifies the emotion between us. I can feel every word he says. I can taste it like a charge in the air. I’ve finally worked my way beneath all his layers the way he’s done with mine.

He loves me, even though he’s still too afraid to say the words or to even admit it. But I don’t need those words. I just need this. He doesn’t have to tell me he loves me for me to feel it. He shows me he loves me by the way he touches me, the way his body aches to touch mine, and the way he looks into my eyes and bares himself to me. He can’t say the words, but I can feel their meaning.

When he lowers his mouth to my slit, my eyes roll back and close, reeling in this feeling. His hand never leaves me, and his mouth only adds to the pleasure he’s already making me feel. I fist the sheets, holding myself down, because I know I’d be floating away right now. Everything inside me is filled with so much love for this man—this broken man who’s slowly finding all his pieces once again.

“Tyler!” I call out his name, but he doesn’t stop. He only works harder, forcing me to feel the way he feels: loved, happy, and overwhelmed with everything changing between us. But those things don’t scare me. They make me feel alive—like I’m finally getting everything I’ve ever dreamed of.

When I shatter, he withdraws himself. Pulling away, his hooded eyes lock on mine as he gets himself to his knees and works his jeans down his hips. I quickly sit up and remove my shirt and bra, wanting to be completely bare for him, needing to feel his skin against mine. The second I drop my bra to the floor, his hand lands on my cheek, long fingers wrapping around my neck, as he pulls me back in for a kiss. I can taste my arousal on his tongue, and it only turns me on more. The way my body reacts to him is all its own. I don’t have to think about the way I feel about him because it’s right there, demanding to be noticed.

Somehow, he manages to break the kiss and flip me over in the blink of an eye. I don’t know what’s going on until I’m up on my knees and he’s sliding into me, filling me with every long, hard inch. My back arches as he pushes on the back of my neck until my cheek is resting against the pillow.

He grabs the end of my ponytail and twists it up around his fist, pulling my hair until my head is off the bed with my chest pressed against the mattress. “You like that, Amy?” he asks, hushed and out of breath as he continues to move inside me.

I can’t talk. My brain can’t process words. My only reply is a loud moan that makes him rock against me, brushing the perfect spot inside of me that has me seeing spots. I call out his name loudly as I shatter around him.

Chapter Thirteen

I wish I knew how to explain how I feel about Tyler. I wish I knew how he over-flooded my senses, how he can take over my body with one touch, and how he makes me forget all my problems the minute he slides into me. I’m coming to realize that there is no way to explain how I feel. There are no words. It’s just something deep inside of me that knows that I belong with him, and that he belongs to me. I couldn’t break this off now even if I wanted to. But I don’t want to. The way he looks at me, touches me, talks to me, and claims me, it’s everything I ever wanted. There’s something that connects us on a deeper level, and even though I’m just now realizing this, I think it’s been with me all along—from that very first introduction. I ignored it then because I thought he was interested in Vesper, but now I know what drew me to him that night. It was the other half of my heart and soul I’d been living without.

When he flips me over and positions himself at my opening, his dark eyes lock on mine, and it feels like something’s being exchanged. He pauses, changing gears from hard and fast to soft and slow. He pushes forward, sliding into me as he lowers himself against me.

“I love you, Amy,” he whispers against my lips, rocking his hips forward just enough to make me feel his love.

“I love you too, Tyler.” I grasp a handful of his hair, tugging it as I jerk his lips to mine. I love it when he takes his time with me, but right now, I don’t want slow. I want passion fueled by desire. I want pain—pain to remind me that this is real.

Pain is the only thing in my life that has kept me grounded. I’ve had dreams of living the life I wanted. I’ve felt happy and loved and excited, but the pain was always numbed, only leaving the positive feelings. And that’s how I always knew I was dreaming. And now, the pain I’ve always felt is gone.

Now I’m craving that pain to make me believe that this isn’t a dream—that this is really happening, that this is the life I’ve always dreamed of.

His hands hold firm at my hips, pulling me into his thrusts. It’s like he understands what I need without having to be told. The pain in my hips from his hold, the pain that’s cutting through me with each of his thrusts, I find the beauty in it. This is real.

It doesn’t take long before we’re both falling apart together. When he rests at my side, he pulls me against him. The room is filled with our loud, erratic breathing. My heart is pounding away in my chest, and when I place my palm on his, it’s beating right along with mine, hard and fast, fueled by our love.

“You know I meant every word I said, right? It wasn’t just something that slipped out in the throes of passion,” he chuckles.

“I know,” I whisper, curling into his side even more, resting my thigh over his hip. “You don’t have to say those words. I can feel it every time you look at me and touch me.”

He presses a kiss to my forehead. “I don’t know how you did this to me, but I’ll never be the same.”

“Neither will I,” I admit.

He places his finger beneath my chin, directing my eyes to his. “I know I put on a show to make people think I don’t care, but that’s just to keep myself from getting my heart ripped out again. I haven’t said those words to anyone in such a long time, I didn’t think I could form the words anymore.” He takes a deep breath. “I guess what I’m trying to say here is…please don’t hurt me, Amy. I don’t think I’d ever be able to recover from losing you.”

I roll on top of him, placing my hands on his chest to support my weight. “I know I’d never recover from losing you, Tyler. I love you, and I promise, I’ll never hurt you.” With one rock of my hips, he’s sliding back inside me, and he lets out a low growl at the overwhelming sensation—a sound that makes every muscle in my body tighten.

The sun is just starting to come up as we’re pulling away from one another. He walks me to the door, but neither of us wants to part. He’s wearing just a pair of loose jeans. He’s still shirtless and barefoot, but that doesn’t stop him from chasing me out the door. He catches my hand in his and pulls me back against him. Pressing my back to his truck, his lips find mine and his tongue slides into my mouth. We’re both laughing through the kiss, but neither of us wants to stop. Last night was different from every other night we’ve spent together. Last night, he finally let me in, completely in. He admitted things he never would have before, and it only made me fall that much more in love with him.

I place my hands against his chest, pushing him away. “I have to go. I have work.”

He nods, but his lips land right back on mine.

I giggle. “I’m serious. I have to go.”

He dips his head low, resting his forehead against mine while his hands land on my ass, pulling me against him. “Come on. Just call in sick.”

More giggles and laughs as I swat him away. “I can’t. I missed yesterday. Seriously, I have to go.” I press one more quick kiss to his lips, and dash away.

Finally, he lets me go.

When I look back over my shoulder, he’s still standing in place, watching me walk down the dirt road, back to my truck. His dark eyes are bloodshot from lack of sleep, but they’re still hooded and filled with desire. His sexy lips are turned up into a teasing smile, and his abs and chest are hard, calling me back to him.

I force myself to turn and watch where I’m going. I know if I keep looking at him, he will eventually win out and I’ll go running back—back to a place where I feel warm, safe, and loved. Back to his arms.

A sigh leaves my lips when I think about how much control he has over me, how much love and passion he causes me to feel. I know I’ll be thinking about last night all day. The daydreams of what we did won’t stop until I’m right back in his bed with him moving on top of me, claiming me, loving me, pushing me to feel the explosive love between us.

Walking into my apartment, I find Ethan already up and moving around the kitchen. He gives me a grin when I walk in. “Late night?”

I playfully smack his arm. “Shut up. It’s bad enough I’m doing the walk of shame.”

He hands me a cup of coffee. “I’m just teasing you.”

I take a sip. “What are you doing up so early?”

He leans against the counter, bringing his cup to his lips, and gently blowing across the top to cool it off. “I’m going to take a test.”

“A test?” My brows furrow together in confusion. “For what?”

He smiles. “I don’t know if you know this, little sister, but I’ve served years in the military. That kind of background is exactly what local law enforcement needs.”

My mouth drops open. “You’re going to be a cop?”

He nods, smile still in place. “If I pass the test…and you know I will.”

“That’s great! Where will you be working? Here?”

He scoffs. “In this town where nothing ever happens? No, I’ll be in the city.”

“Ethan,” I groan, “you’re going to make me worry about you every day, aren’t you? And here I was thinking you were finally safe.”

He lets out a deep laugh. “You know me. I’m not happy until I’m looking danger in the eye,” he jokes.

I shake my head and turn to leave the kitchen. “I swear, if you die, I’ll kill you.” I begin making my way into the living room to get cleaned up for work.

“What kind of sense does that make?” he shouts at me.

“I’ll bring you back to life, then kill you. Better?”

“You need to work on your threats, Amy.”

I look over my shoulder just in time to see him step into my view. I hold up my middle finger and keep walking.

I make it to the clinic with ten minutes to spare. Automatically, I get to work by starting up the computers, turning on the lights, and fixing coffee. Vesper walks in and doesn’t say a word. She just heads back to her office.

I know Vesper, and she’s always chipper in the morning. It makes me wonder if something is going on. So I head back to her office. I lean against the open door and watch as she walks around like a zombie, taking off her jacket and pulling on her white coat. She places her purse behind her desk then takes a seat. Finally, her eyes meet mine and she jumps.

“You scared the shit out of me. How long have you been standing there?”

I laugh as I move deeper into the office and sit in the chair across from her. “Just a few minutes. What’s going on with you today? You walk in and don’t say a word, then you basically sleepwalk, not noticing anything. You didn’t even try to steal my coffee.”

She shakes her head and takes a deep breath as she leans forward, resting her elbows on the desk in front of her. “I didn’t get any sleep last night. Liam and I were up fighting most of the night.”

“Fighting? Over what?”

“He left for California today.”

“Okay…”

“He wanted me to go with him.”

“Why didn’t you?” I cross my legs and wait to find out what’s really going on.

“Because my life is here. I have two clinics to run. I can’t just go jet-setting around the world on a whim. We’re just so different, you know?”

“Vesper, what’s really going on?”

She runs her hands through her strawberry blonde hair. “I don’t know if this can work between us, Amy. I mean, he lives in California. He’s only been staying here for me. And my whole life is here. I can’t move to California.” Her eyes are wide with fear and panic.

“He asked you to move to California?”

“Yes! Well, not full time. Live there with him part time and live here part time. But I can’t do that. What would I do in California? The only reason I was even able to take a vacation was because I had him there with me, distracting me. But if I move to California, he’ll be working, and I’ll be…what? Going crazy wondering what’s going on here.” She tears her eyes from mine and hangs her head, massaging her temples.

“Do you love Liam?”

“You know I do. I’m just worried that this can’t work, you know? How can it? He’s gone so much. And he just gets a wild hair and decides to fly halfway across the world. I can’t do that.”

“Why can’t you?”

She gives me a sidelong look.

I lean forward. “Vesper, all I’m saying is that you love Liam, and Liam loves you. You’re about to get married. And yes, I know you want to work and provide for yourself, but Liam has enough money that you’ll never have to worry or stress about money again. He’ll be a great husband and father one day. I just…I don’t see how you can let that slip between your fingers.” Without another word, I stand and leave the office, hopefully giving her something to think about.

Several hours later, Vesper comes up front and sits down beside me. “You’re right, Amy. I’m just panicking.”

I place my hand on her knee and rub it up and down for some comfort. “I know you are. And you have every reason to be. Your life is about to be changed forever. But change isn’t something to fear. It’s something to embrace. I know you had your life all planned out, but this life will be even better. You’ll have someone to share it with. You’ll have someone who will do anything for you. You’ll have something that some people only dream about.”

She smiles and pulls me in for a hug. “Thank you.”

“Anytime.”

She pulls away. “Want to order in some lunch?”

“Duh!” I reply, grabbing the phone to order from our favorite pizza place.

“How’s your mom?” Vesper asks when I place the order and hang up.

I shrug. “I don’t know. She isn’t allowed to have any contact with anyone for the first thirty days. But I haven’t gotten a call yet that says she’s escaped. So that’s something, I guess.” I laugh.

Vesper places her hand on my shoulder. “If you need anything, please ask. I know how hard this must be on you.”

“Thanks, but I’m okay actually. I mean, it’s a lot easier than wondering if she’s drunk herself to death yet. Plus, having Ethan home is great—someone to cheer me up, and someone to take half the hits she throws.”

When our food comes, things drift into easier conversation. We talk about the new clinic and my coffee shop that is now under construction, and I tell her about Ethan taking his test. She mentions that her sister will be coming home soon, and she wants to try to set them up, but I dismiss the thought completely. Aria is a wild child. Ethan is strait-laced. I couldn’t think of two other people who are so completely different.

Chapter 14

Three Months Later…

“Can you believe how hot it is out there?” Vesper asks, fanning herself with her hand as she steps into the nearly-done coffee shop.

I turn around laughing. “No, this heat is crazy. I mean, look at me.” I motion toward myself: cut-off jean shorts, flip-flops, tank top, and dark hair piled high on my head with loose strands clinging to my sweaty neck.

Liam walks in, causing the bell above the door to ring. “This place looks great.” He wraps his arm around Vesper’s shoulders while looking over everything.

“Who wants an iced coffee?” I ask, moving behind the counter.

“Me, please!” Vesper bounces up to the other side, ready and willing for any way to cool down.

“I’m glad we got everything up and running before we take off.” He looks quickly at Vesper. “I’m sorry we’re going to have to miss the grand opening though,” he says, looking back at me as I hand them both iced coffees.

I wave my hand through the air. “No worries. I’m just so happy that it’s nearly done. All that’s left is to add the finishing touches.” I gaze around the room, nearly drooling over the expensive coffee machines, rows and rows of books, and the beauty the construction company managed to restore to this antique building.

The door opens and Tyler walks in. “Hey, did someone forget to invite me to the party?” he asks, walking up behind the counter and pulling me against him, landing a soft, quick kiss on my lips.

“We just stopped by to check the place out,” Liam says, turning once again to look around.

“It looks great, right?” Tyler pulls away, doing the same as Liam.

“It does. And I’m sure it’s going to make a killing. Driving forty-five minutes to the city every time I want a gourmet coffee is a little ridiculous."

Vesper laughs and shakes her head. “He’s a bit spoiled by city life, if you can’t tell,” she teases.

I shrug. “Hey, there’s nothing wrong with a man who likes a good cup of coffee.”

“Thank you, Amy,” Liam says with a nod, holding his head high like he’s glad someone finally agrees with his views.

“Hey, Sis.” Ethan walks in, wearing his brand-new black police uniform.

“Ow ow!” Vesper catcalls, causing Liam to shoot her a dirty look and nudge her with his elbow.

“I’m just teasing him. Aren’t I, Ethan?” She looks over at him as he comes to a stop at her side.

Ethan’s face is now red, and he can’t contain his grin. “Are you ready to go get Mom?”

“She comes home today?” Vesper asks.

I take a deep breath. “She does. Fingers crossed that she can stick to her sobriety.” I grab my purse from beneath the counter and place it on my shoulder while turning to face Tyler.

“Good luck,” he says, pulling me against his chest.

“Thank you. I have a feeling we’ll need it.” I squeeze him as close as I can get him, needing to feel his comfort.

Tyler and I have only gotten in deeper in our relationship. If I’m not staying with him, he’s staying with me. He’s been my shoulder to lean on, and cry on, every day since Ethan and I took our mom to rehab. He’s listened to me worry about her, complain about this or that not working out with the coffee shop, and even given me advice. He’s always there keeping my spirits high, letting me know that I can trust him and that he’ll always be there for me.

“Call me if you need anything, okay?” he says, pulling away but keeping me at arm’s length.

I take a deep breath and nod. “Okay. I can do this.”

He offers up his boyish grin. “I love you.” He places his hand on my chin and directs my lips to his.

“I love you too,” I breathe out.

When I pull away, I turn to face everyone. “Okay, time to get out. I have to lock up.”

They all start heading in the direction of the door while chatting among themselves.

“Oh, Vesper, what time are you leaving tomorrow?”

She rolls her eyes. “Six a.m.”

“And you’re going to be gone a whole month?” I ask, pulling out the keys to lock up behind us.

“Yep, that’s the plan. Unless you need me back sooner. I’ll completely understand if you don’t want to stay at the ranch all that time.”

I laugh and playfully smack her arm, not at all surprised she’s trying to get out of this. “Not at all. My mom will stay in my apartment and I’ll stay at your place.”

Her eyes stretch wide with alarm. “Is it a good idea to leave her unattended as soon as she gets released?”

“Ethan will pop in and out throughout the evenings, and I’ll be in and out during the day. We can’t babysit her every second of every day. Let’s just hope she’s serious and wants to stay sober.”

Vesper pulls me in for a hug. “I’ll see you in a month. I can’t believe I’m moving to California.”

I smile, happy that she decided to stick it out with Liam instead of running away. “The next time I see you, I probably won’t recognize you with your beach tan.”

She rolls her eyes. “Me, relaxing on the beach all day? I’d go insane.” She forces a smile onto her face. “But let’s not talk about it. I’m going into this with an open mind.”

“Good for you.” I hug her one last time, and wave as she and Liam walk down the road to his fancy sports car.

“I’m serious, call me if you need anything at all,” Tyler says, pulling me against his chest.

“I know, and I will. I promise.” I press my mouth to his.

“Enough, you two. Get a room,” Ethan says, climbing behind the wheel of his new black Ford pickup truck.

Tyler doesn’t pull away though—he keeps kissing me while holding up his middle finger in Ethan’s direction. Over the last few months, Tyler and Ethan have grown close. The three of us have poker night at Ethan’s new apartment every Friday night, and Tyler even helped us get him moved. Everything seems to be heading in the right direction, but only time will tell when it comes to Mom.

“Call me when you get home. I’d love to finally meet your mom,” Tyler says, backing away.

I smile. “I will.” I stand back and watch him jog across the street and into his waiting truck.

I climb into the passenger seat and pull the seatbelt around me. “Well, how do you think this is going to go?” I ask.

Ethan shrugs as he pulls out onto the road. “I’m hoping everything goes well. I mean, I’d love to see Mom looking like her old self. I’d love for her to come home and start picking up the pieces of her life, working toward something, and staying sober. But I guess we won’t know until we know.”

I press my lips together and nod, opting to brace myself for the worst while hoping for the best.

Ethan and I walk into the rehab facility a little while later, and I feel like I’m waiting on pins and needles. In the three months she’s been here, I haven’t seen or talked to her once. Ethan made all the medical decisions that needed to be made, and he came to visit her and talked to her on the phone.

I, however, was afraid to. Everything in my life finally felt like it was going right. And in the past, she was always the one who took that away from me. When I graduated high school and was preparing to leave for college, she informed me that I didn’t have any college money because she drank it all away, leaving me with mountains of debt from student loans. When I graduated college, she showed up drunk and fell down the ten steps to the auditorium. When I managed to find a job and my own place to live, she made it so I had to come take care of her every day.

Not having her in my life has resulted in the best months I can remember. I’ve actually gotten to live for me, and do what I wanted to do. I feel selfish for thinking this way, but there’s no way to change it. Our relationship has been strained for so long that I don’t know how to fix it, or if I even want to. So while she’s been in rehab, I’ve been keeping my distance and thinking about what kind of future we can have. I still haven’t made up my mind.

I’m staring at my feet when Ethan nudges me with his elbow. I look up at him, and he nods ahead. I look up and see a woman walking down the hallway with a nurse at her side. They’re chatting away, and for a brief second, I think, “That can’t be my mom.” But as she draws closer, I can see a resemblance. Her dark hair isn’t a crazy mess of tangles—it’s smoothed out and wavy as it frames her face. Her dark eyes are no longer bloodshot, and she wears a smile that I haven’t seen in years. Her dark hair is still graying, and the wrinkles are still around her eyes, but her cheeks no longer look hollow. They’re now plump and pink. She doesn’t look fragile or frail anymore. She’s gained some weight, making her look much healthier and stronger.

“Ethan,” she says, pulling him in for a hug. When she pulls away, she looks at me. “Amy,” she breathes out, looking as if she may cry.

“Mom?” I ask, a little breathless at the emotion pouring out of her with only my name.

Her dark eyes tear up as a sad smile appears. “I…I have so much to say to you, to ask forgiveness for.” She doesn’t hug me, because I think she feels the strain on our relationship as well, but she does hold out her hand.

I look from her hand, to her face, and back. Then I decide to take the olive branch. I hold her hand firmly in mine. “You look good, Mom. Really good.”

She wipes a tear that escaped her eye and rolled down her cheek. “So do you, Amy. You’re so beautiful. So grown up.” She releases my hand and brushes my hair away from my face. “Let’s get going, huh? I have things I’d like to say to both of you.”

She quickly says her goodbyes to the friends she’s made, and we three leave the building together.

Ethan drives us back, and the moment we walk into my apartment, I get to work on brewing some coffee. To keep myself busy, I throw a couple of pastries into the toaster oven to warm up. Mom and Ethan are both sitting at the kitchen table, waiting on me to stop fiddling around, but my nerves are through the roof. I’m so anxious about what she’s going to say. Is she going to say she’s sorry? And if she does, can I forgive her?

I pour three cups of coffee and take them to the table. Going back for the pastries, I put them all on a plate and set them in the center of the table for anyone to nibble on. Standing at the table, I look around for anything I could have forgotten.

“Oh, stop your worrying and sit down, Amy,” Mom says. “You’ve always been such a worrywart.”

With a deep sigh leaving my lips, I take the place between my mom and brother.

Mom takes a sip of her coffee, then sets it down gently. “I have apologies to make, but before I do, I’d like to try and explain myself.”

Ethan opens his mouth, but she holds up her finger, silencing him.

“I know explaining myself will not make up for any of the things I’ve done, but I’d like for you to at least know what I was going through when I made the horrible decisions I did. It wasn’t until therapy that I discovered them for myself.”

Ethan and I look at one another before he finally nods her on.

“Alcoholism has always run in my family. My father was a drunk. He would drink anything he could get his hands on. It cost him his job many times. And grandma, she was what we call a social drinker. However, I’m not sure if you can really call it that because she was always socializing. Growing up, we didn’t have much money, and drinking was a way of forgetting that we didn’t have much. It was fun, and at times, it seemed like it was the only fun that was had. I grew up watching my parents drink for several reasons. And I guess a part of me just always thought it was okay to reach for a drink when I’d had a hard day.”

God knows I’ve done that, but the rest of what my mom is describing feels so different from my own experience. Sure, I’ve had a drink to forget. I’ve had a drink to have fun. I’ve had a drink for no reason at all. But I’m not an alcoholic. I can turn it away if I want, and I in no way need to drink every day. How can two people be so similar and yet so different at the same time?

“I met your father at the bar here in town. We were both out with our friends, having fun. That night, I went home with him and little did I know then, but I got pregnant with Ethan. My whole pregnancy, I was so upset because while I had to change my lifestyle, he didn’t. I was left home alone while he went out drinking and partying at all hours of the night. So, once Ethan was finally born, I was able to be by his side again. I’m not saying your father was a bad man then. I loved him. He was a hard worker and provided everything his family needed. I won’t lie though, I didn’t want to be a mother. I wanted to be the twenty-two-year-old woman I was. I wanted to spend time with the man I loved, and I wanted to drink and have fun.”

She takes a deep breath. “For the first couple years of Ethan’s life, he was raised by my mother or babysitters so that I could go out and have a good time with your father. But then, all that drinking and partying led me to becoming pregnant with Amy. Again, I resented being pregnant. My life had to change again, but his didn’t. I thought everything would be okay, that it would be like it was the first time. But this time, it was different. He was going out and getting drunk without me. He was finding women who didn’t care that he was leaving his pregnant wife and son at home. Things between us went from bad to worse. I found out that he’d cheated on me, and I confronted him. I guess maybe I shouldn’t have done that, because that fight led to him smacking me and causing me to fall over. That fall sent me into early labor. He stormed out of the house, and that was the last time I saw him. I thought he’d find out I was in labor and come to the hospital, but he didn’t. Then I thought he’d sober up and come home when he’d cooled off, but as you know, he didn’t.

From then on, it was just too easy to drown out my problems with alcohol. I was a single woman with a little boy and a newborn baby, and I suddenly had to figure out how to provide. I don’t know if you remember or not, Ethan, but I took whatever job I could get. I waited tables, I cleaned houses, and I even landed a secretary job there for a little while. But when I came home, I was mom. I was so tired and so stressed that one drink led to two, and two to four, and four to an entire bottle. The longer I drank, the more I needed to drink. And before I knew it, you kids were grown and out of the house. I was all alone, and the depression, anger, and sadness were just too much.”

She looks at Ethan. “If it weren’t for you, Amy wouldn’t be here right now. I’m certain she would’ve been taken away at some point. You were the one who raised her until she could take care of herself. I stole your childhood, and for that I’ll forever be sorry. I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me. Even though I was the adult, you were the one taking care of everything. I don’t know how to repay you for that.” Tears are now streaming down her face.

Ethan reaches over and takes her hand in his, pressing a kiss to the top. “I don’t need an apology, Mom. And you don’t need to thank me. I’m just glad we’re finally getting you back.”

She turns and looks at me, and my blood runs cold.

Chapter 15

“Amy, I’ve never been a mother to you. You’ve taken care of me more than I’ve ever taken care of you.” She sniffles and wipes away more tears.

“Mom, this isn’t…”

“No, please. Let me get this out.” She takes a ragged breath. “Once Ethan left, if it hadn’t been for you, I’d be dead right now. I don’t know how many times you cared for me after I drank too much. I’ll never be able to give you your childhood back, and I know there will be this spot in me that’s always going to be broken, but I’d really like to fix us. I want to be your mother. And I know it will take a lot of work on both our parts to repair what I broke, but I want to do that work, Amy. I want you to be my daughter again. I know I haven’t said this in a very long time, but…I love you.” She looks at me and then at Ethan. “I love both of you.” She reaches for both of our hands.

“Is there any way you two will accept me back into your lives after all I’ve done?”

“Of course, Mom,” Ethan says, pulling his hand away and standing to give her a hug.

She releases my hand to hug him closer. I sit back in my seat, watching them and wondering how he can be so quick to just forgive twenty years’ worth of bullshit.

I cross my arms over my chest, watching them.

They pull away and she looks at me. “What do you say, Amy? Can our relationship be repaired?”

I look from my mom and then to Ethan. I’m frozen. I don’t know what to say or what to do. Yes, I’d love for us to repair what’s been broken. But can I? Can I put everything behind us and start over? Can I forget every horrible thing she’s put me through? Missing all my school plays, not being able to ever have a sleepover like all my friends, never getting a memorable birthday or Christmas. Can I forget all of that?

“Amy,” Ethan says, motioning toward Mom, urging me to accept her apology.

I shake my head as my eyes fill with tears. “I’m sorry. I can’t do this right now.” Without another word, I push away from the table, grab my purse and keys, and leave the apartment as quickly as I can.

I climb behind the wheel of my truck with tears streaming down my face. My vision is blurry, but I start the truck anyway. Wiping my eyes, I shift into drive and kick up rocks from leaving so fast. I don’t pay any attention to where I’m going, and I don’t think about it until I find myself pulling up at the ranch.

Tyler doesn’t step out of the barn like normal, so I keep heading down the old dirt road that leads to his cabin at the back of the property. The second the truck is shut off and I’m swinging the door closed behind me, he opens the screen door. He reads the pain on my face and rushes over.

“Amy, what’s wrong?” He pulls me against his chest.

I can’t form words right now. All I can do is shake my head and let the tears fall.

He picks me up against him and carries me into the cabin. Moving through the living room, he carries me to the bedroom where he softly places me on the bed.

He doesn’t try to remove any clothing; he just climbs in behind me and pulls me to his chest, blanketing me with his heat, love, and understanding. I know if anyone understands, it’s Tyler. He doesn’t have the best relationship with his parents either.

After several long minutes, once I’ve gotten my tears and breathing under control, I finally break the silence. “Tyler, can I ask you something?”

“Anything,” he whispers, his breath causing my hair to tickle my cheek.

“If your parents called right now and said that they were sorry for everything, could you forgive them? If they said that they were finally giving you everything you’ve ever wanted, could you leave the past in the past?”

He takes a deep breath. “I’m guess your mom has asked for your forgiveness, and you’re not sure if you can grant her that?”

I nod, more tears slipping out.

He waits a while longer like he’s thinking over my question. Finally, he answers.

“I’d like to think I could forgive them—that I’d be able to leave everything in the past and move forward, and get our relationship back to the way it was, maybe even better.”

“I don’t know if I can forgive my mom,” I state flatly.

He squeezes me tighter. “Amy, what you decide about your mom is up to you, and I’ll support anything you choose, but why wouldn’t you try? I mean, saying you’ll try doesn’t guarantee that it’ll happen. All it means is that you want a relationship with your mom—that you want it enough that you’re willing to leave the past in the past and focus on the future the two of you can have together. And if things don’t work out, then at least you’ll be able to say that you tried.”

My heart is still pounding away with nervousness and anger. I feel like I have a right to feel the way I do, but I also feel guilty. Here she is, after all these years of drinking, sober and begging for my forgiveness, and I can’t even put everything behind us and start over? I know that if even the slightest thing goes wrong, it could set her off again and make her slip. And I’m running away and refusing to give her the only thing she’s asked for? God, what’s wrong with me? Why can’t I be like Ethan and just say, “I love you, Mom, and I forgive you”? Am I really that bad of a person? By not forgiving her, does that make me any better than she was when she was drinking herself to death?

I take a deep breath and slowly let the air escape my lungs. “You’re right. I should’ve told her that I was proud of her and that I would work on our relationship instead of running away like a spoiled child.”

Tyler lets out a loud laugh. “We really were made for each other.”

A smile cracks from hearing his words, and I roll over in his arms, so I can gaze upon his gorgeous face. I place my hand on his jaw and look into his dark eyes. “I don’t know what I’d do without you, Tyler.” Slowly, I lean in, pressing my mouth to his.

He kisses me gently and slowly, never taking—only giving. He pulls away and presses his lips to my forehead while his hands tangle in my hair, pulling my head against his chest. “I love you, Amy. You don’t even know what you mean to me,” he whispers into my hair.

His body heat, his words, and his strong arms making me feel safe…it’s all so relaxing. I can’t help but close my eyes and revel in this moment. As my body warms, my heart and breathing slow, melting with the relaxation that’s taking over my body. Before I know it, I’m fast asleep.

“Amy,” Tyler coos softly in my ear.

“Hmm?” I mumble, still sleep-dazed as I roll over to find him sitting on the edge of the bed, looking down at me with a smile.

“I have a surprise for you. Come on, get up!” He stands and pulls the blanket down my body.

I sit up and he takes my hand, pulling me to my feet and out of the room. The sun is going down now, painting the sky with pinks and purples.

“Where are we going?” I ask when he directs me out the screen door and over to his truck.

He opens the passenger side door with a grin. “It’s a surprise.”

I climb up and take my seat, watching as he closes my door and jogs around the front of the truck to his place beside me. With a twist of the key, the motor turns over and he shifts into drive.

Instead of heading back toward the front of the property, he drives in deeper, down a trail with massive green trees on each side. The further into the forest we get, the darker it becomes, until I see a big clearing up ahead. It’s like the trees open as he pulls the truck to a stop.

“We’re here,” he says, turning off the truck and swinging open his door.

“Here where?” I ask, hesitantly opening my door.

He meets me at the front of the truck and takes my hand, pulling me through the clearing.

“Close your eyes,” he whispers, stepping up behind me and covering my eyes.

I place my hands on his wrists, needing him for balance as I walk across the uneven earth.

He walks me a few steps forward before he whispers in my ear. “Open your eyes.” He removes his hands.

When I open my eyes, I find that we’re on an embankment. The sun is shining down between the trees, making the stream before me shine like a million diamonds. I turn to look at him, and that’s when I see the red-and-white checkered blanket on the ground, held down by a wicker basket.

“I knew how stressed and upset you were. And I thought that getting away from people and surrounding myself with nature always seems to clear my head.” He smiles and shrugs. “I hope you weren’t expecting something better.” He pulls his eyes from mine while rubbing the back of his neck.

I throw myself into his arms. “I love it! This is perfect.” I press my lips against his. “Thank you,” I whisper against them.

“You’re welcome,” he says, pulling away as he places me on my feet.

He takes my hand and pulls me over to the blanket where we both have a seat. Tyler opens the basket and begins pulling things out. First, a bottle of wine, which he opens then pours us both a glass. Without waiting, I take a big gulp, knowing I won’t be able to enjoy a glass of wine while taking a bubble bath now that my mom is home.

Next, he pulls out a platter filled with fruit, veggies, and cheese.

He laughs and shrugs. “Sorry I didn’t have time to prepare a whole meal. You were only asleep for an hour.”

“It’s perfect, Tyler.” I reach over and snag a grape, popping it into my mouth. “Thank you.”

He leans over and gives me a soft kiss.

He places the tray between us and we both lie back on our sides, facing one another.

“I know this is kind of cheesy, but this is my favorite spot. I love coming here just to listen to the water rippling, the trees blowing in the wind, and the animals scurrying nearby. It relaxes me—recharges me when I feel like life is moving too fast.” He looks over at me. “This is where I was when I decided that I did want to take this step forward with you, and I couldn’t be happier that I did. I was hoping that it would aid in your decision about your mom.”

I take a sip of wine, then a deep breath. I listen to the water as it flows down the creek. I listen to the tree limbs blowing in the breeze, and I listen to my heart. This whole time, my heart has been telling me to move forward and repair this relationship. It’s my brain that’s been the problem.

“I think I know what I’m going to do.”

He looks over at me, dark eyes shining with the setting sun. “What?”

“I’m going to work on fixing things between us.” I shrug. “Like you said, if it doesn’t work out, then it won’t be from lack of trying.”

He smiles wide—a breathtaking smile that completely takes over his face and makes his eyes nearly glow—and he leans forward, capturing my mouth with his. This kiss is deep and slow, and it touches every nerve ending in my body. It speaks volumes.

I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him closer. He breaks the kiss and pushes the tray of food between us to the side, taking my wine glass and setting it on the grass with his. Then he rolls on top of me, maneuvering between my parted knees as his lips find mine once again.

I can feel him growing hard and pressing right where I need him to. I let out a whimper against his lips, and when I do, his hand squeezes my hip, pulling me closer. I reach for the hem of his shirt, and he allows me to pull it from his body.

“Will anyone be able to see us here?” I whisper, afraid that Dillon or even Liam may stumble upon us.

He shakes his head quickly as he lowers his chest back to mine. “Nobody comes out here.” As soon as the last word leaves his lips, his mouth conquers mine once again.

Before I know it, both of us are completely naked, lying on a blanket in the middle of the woods. The sky around us begins to darken, and the crickets start to chirp.

His teeth scrape my neck as he slides deep inside me, making me call out. His hands massage my breasts then move down to my hips, where he holds firmly, pulling me into his movements. He rocks his hips against mine, teasing that little spot inside of me that makes me see stars. But he won’t push me over the edge. Every time I get close, he pulls back, changing his movements.

“Tyler, please,” I beg softly, needing my release.

“Please what, Amy?” he says between his clenched teeth.

“I need to come.” My thighs squeeze his hips, trying to force him to give me what I need.

He lets out a chuckle. “If you want something from me, Amy, you’re going to have to take it.”

My eyes pop open and lock on his, taking his words as a challenge. I push against his chest, forcing him to roll over. Once his back is flat on the ground, I climb up his body, taking my place on top of him, lowering myself over his long, hard cock.

The second I slide down his length, he lets out a loud moan that nearly pushes me over the edge just from hearing it. It doesn’t take long with me on top until we’re both panting and moaning and shattering together.

Chapter 16

It’s going on nine p.m. when we pull back up at the cabin. I lean over and press a kiss to his lips. “I really should get going so I can have that talk with my mom.”

He takes my hand and presses a kiss to the top. “What do you say we all go out for breakfast in the morning? I’d really like to meet her.”

I smile. “I’d love that, but how about you just come to my place and I’ll cook? Seems more intimate.”

“I love that idea, too,” he says with a smile.

“I’ll see you in the morning then?”

“Absolutely.”

I climb out of the passenger side and he gets out, following me to my truck. I climb behind the wheel and he steps up to the open door, pulling me in for one last kiss.

“I love you, Amy,” he whispers against my lips.

“I love you too, Tyler,” I say before going back in for a little more.

When he pulls away, he shuts the door and takes a few steps back.

I start the truck and begin backing up, but when my lights illuminate his face, I can see the big smile he’s still wearing. It makes me smile myself. It’s unbelievable how much I’ve fallen for him these last few months. I knew when we were just hooking up that I could love him, and I wanted to love him. But I had no idea it’d be like this—feeling this weakening in the knees, being left breathless, and experiencing the tightening in my stomach every single time he touches me. It’s all so unbelievable.

When I pull back up to my apartment, the happiness I was feeling begins to wear off, and nervousness slips in. What if I walk in there only to find my reaction had caused her to start drinking again?

No, Ethan would never let that happen. But I guess she has every right to be mad at me after the way I acted. A little piece of me decides that if she can’t forgive me for my actions earlier, then I shouldn’t forgive her for the last twenty-something years. But then I push all that negative thinking away and focus on repairing the relationship with my mom.

I’m standing outside my door when I take a deep breath and push myself forward. She and Ethan are still sitting around the table, but there aren’t serious faces, tears, or a liquor bottle anywhere. Instead, the table in front of them is covered in old photo albums that I took from Mom’s place when she was evicted.

A smile covers my face even though I don’t want it to.

“Come over here, Amy. Look at this,” Mom says, waving me over.

I step inside and close the door behind me before stepping up behind her to see the picture she’s looking at. It’s an old picture of me. I was a baby and was taking a bubble bath. Based on my overly happy, excited expression, it must have been my first, and I loved it.

I laugh so hard I snort. “Look how wide my eyes are!” I laugh out.

“You think that’s bad?” He flips a few pages back and shows me a picture of me with a chocolate ice cream cone. The ice cream is smeared all over my face, hands, belly, and legs. I was so occupied by the ice cream that I wasn't even looking at the camera.

We all three laugh.

“It seems like a lifetime ago,” Mom says, flipping to the next page.

I take a seat with them at the kitchen table and look over the pictures as she flips pages. My eyes go from the album, to Ethan, and then to Mom, watching their expressions change with every page flip. Ethan smiles as he remembers things from the pictures, but Mom’s eyes begin tearing up.

“What’s wrong, Mom?” I ask, placing my hand on her shoulder.

She tears her eyes away from the pages and wipes the tears now streaming down her face. She shakes her head and clears her throat, as her voice grows thick with emotion. “I just missed so much.”

“What are you talking about? You’re in all these pictures,” I point out.

“These, yes. But the rest of your lives, nothing. There’s not even a picture of you in middle school, Amy.” She pushes away from the table, starting to pace. “I can’t believe I screwed everything up this badly. I can’t believe how selfish I’ve been. I robbed you both of childhoods. That’s something you only get once, and I took it.” Tears flow hot and heavy down her flushed cheeks.

I look at Ethan and he looks at me. I’m not sure what to do. I know I need to do something—pull her away from the slippery edge she’s standing on—because one little slip can cause her to fall over and back into a bottle. But on the other hand, I can’t exactly say that’s it’s okay either. She did steal our childhoods.

I stand and walk up to her, pulling her in for a hug. “Mom, I don’t know how to do this. I don’t want you to feel bad about the past. There’s nothing we can do to change it now. We can only work together to make a better future.”

She pulls back enough to study my face. “You mean, you forgive me?”

I take a deep breath. “I’m trying. Is that good enough for now?”

She offers a weak smile. “It’s a start.” She pulls me back against her one last time.

“See how well this is going, Mom?” Ethan says, walking up to us. “All you have to do is talk to us, and we’ll work it out. We have to. We’re all each other has.” He hugs us both in one big group hug.

I smile and nod. “That’s right, Mom. If you ever feel the tug of your past again, please come to us; don’t slide back down to where you were. We love you in spite of your mistakes.”

She cries and nods her head. “My therapist warned me about this—that I’d finally feel all the pain I’d been causing all these years. I’m prepared for it. Don’t worry, I’m not reaching for the bottle. I promise you both: that woman you’ve been taking care of all these years is gone.” She smiles proudly. “It’s just me now. I hope that’s okay?”

“It absolutely is,” Ethan says.

A little while later, Ethan grabs his coat to head down to his apartment. “Mom, do you want to stay here or come back to my place?”

She darts glances at both of us. “It’s up to you two. I don’t want to be a burden.”

“Tyler is going to come over in the morning, so we can all have breakfast together. He’s really looking forward to meeting you, Mom.”

She smiles. “That’s wonderful. Why haven’t I heard anything about him? Have you two been together long?”

I nod. “A few months, actually.” I stand and place my coffee cup in the sink. “But tomorrow evening, I’ll be heading over to the ranch to house-sit for the next month. So you’ll have this place all to yourself. I thought it might help you feel like you’ve gotten a little bit of your independence back.”

“Amy, when does your coffee shop open?” Mom asks.

I smile wide, nearly bouncing with excitement. “This Saturday! I’m so excited and nervous, I can’t even sleep.”

“I’m so proud of you.”

“We both are,” Ethan speaks up.

“Oh…Mom!” I shout after her as she heads toward the living room.

She turns around.

“I was thinking that if you wanted to, I could hire you part time at the coffee shop. It’d give you a little money, but it would also give you time to go to your AA meetings. What do you think?”

A wide smile stretches across her face. It lights up her green eyes and makes her skin glow. “That would be amazing, Amy. Thank you so much.” She rushes across the room, pulling me against her.

I wake early in the morning and set to work on preparing breakfast. Two pots of coffee, a pound of bacon, and an entire box of pancake mix later, everything is done. I use the few minutes I have left to throw on some clothes and get presentable.

Just as I’m walking back into the kitchen, Ethan walks in.

“Smells amazing, Sis.” He makes his way toward one of the pots of freshly brewed coffee. “Where’s Mom?”

“Still in bed, I think. I’ll go wake her.” I place the bowl of scrambled eggs onto the table and head down the hallway.

I tap softly on the door then open it to find her moving about the room. “Good morning. Breakfast smells amazing.” She kisses my cheek and steps past me.

I feel relief wash over me. I don’t know why, but I had a sickening feeling that I would open this door and find her passed out next to a vodka bottle. I guess this is the feeling I will have any time I open a door—always worrying about her relapsing.

I follow her down the hallway, through the living room, and back into the kitchen. When we walk in, Tyler is leaning against the counter next to Ethan. They’re both talking and laughing while sipping a cup of coffee.

I smile and walk up to him, giving him a quick kiss. “Good morning.”

“Good morning, beautiful,” he whispers against my lips.

I turn to face my mom. “Mom, this is Tyler.” I look up at him. “Tyler, this is my mom, Cheryl.”

Mom smiles and holds out her hand while stepping closer. “It’s nice to meet you, Tyler.”

He nods with his smile in place. “You too, ma’am. I’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time.”

Mom nudges me with her elbow. “What a gentleman,” she whispers with her cheeks turning red. “And he’s not bad to look at either,” she adds on.

We all bust out laughing.

“Come on. Let’s eat before everything gets cold.”

We all take our seats. While everyone starts filling their plates with food, I can’t help but look around me and see how lucky I am. My mom is sober and doing well, my brother is home and has an amazing job as a police officer, and Tyler loves me and makes me happier than I ever thought I could be.

My life has changed so much in a few short months. I never thought I’d have this, but I’m so glad everything is finally starting to work itself out. And I owe it all to Tyler. He did this. He made me realize my self-worth. He loved me and showed me that relationships—whether it’s family, friends, or romantic—are worth the fight.

Chapter 17

“Are you sure we can’t sneak into your bedroom?” Tyler asks as he has me pushed against the wall in the hallway outside my apartment.

I laugh. “No. I’m going to go in there and pack, then I’ll be at the ranch this afternoon. Whatever that dirty mind of yours is cooking up can wait until then, okay?”

He rolls his eyes and sighs. “I guess, but you should know, I’m going to spend the rest of the day making you scream my name,” he whispers into my ear.

“Deal.” I press a long kiss to his lips, then push him away. “I’ll see you in a bit.”

“You better,” he says, turning for the elevator.

I make my way back inside and start cleaning up after breakfast while my mom and Ethan sit in the living room, watching TV and drinking coffee.

It suddenly occurs to me where my coffee addiction comes from when I notice they’ve brewed another pot. I laugh and shake my head as I go about loading the dishwasher and starting it.

“Is there anything you guys need before I head over to the ranch?” I ask, stepping into the living room.

“No, I think I’m fine, Amy,” Mom says, turning away from the TV to face me.

“Come by the shop on Saturday, Mom, and we can start the paperwork for your employment.”

“I can’t wait. It’s been a long time since I’ve lived a normal life.” She smiles sweetly.

“Ethan, can I talk to you a minute?” I ask, moving down the hallway and into my room, where he joins me a few seconds later.

“What’s up?”

“Are you sure you’re going to be able to keep an eye on Mom with her being here alone?”

He nods as he slides his hands into his pockets. “Yeah, not a problem. I’ll check on her every morning before work. You’ll have to take the day shift though. I don’t plan on doing much of anything in the evenings, so I’ll probably have dinner with her every night.”

I take a deep breath. “Okay, this should work out, right?”

“Fingers crossed.” His eyes grow in size as he steps out of the room, leaving me alone.

It’s going on four p.m. when I finally make it over to the ranch. I take all my things inside, then head out to the barn to let Tyler know I’ve arrived. The sun is high in the sky, not a cloud in sight. A slight breeze blows my dark hair around me, giving me a little relief from the heat of the day.

“Tyler?” I yell, walking into the barn.

Dillon pops his head up from a horse stall. “He’s not here.”

“Oh.” I pause, not bothering to walk in any deeper. “Do you know where he went? He knew I was coming.”

He shakes his head. “Not sure. He wasn’t particularly chatty when I ran into him. Sorry I can’t help.”

I wave. “Thanks anyway.” I head back outside and climb behind the wheel of my truck to drive further onto the property to go to his cabin.

When I pull up front, his truck is gone. “Weird. Maybe he ran some errands or something,” I tell myself, making a big U-turn to go back to the house.

I fling myself down on the couch and call his cell phone, but he doesn’t answer. It goes straight to voicemail. With a loud sigh, I call Vesper.

“Hey, Amy. What’s up?” she answers.

“Not much. I just got to the ranch. How’s the traveling?”

I hear her let out a loud breath. “Rough. Our flight was delayed. We’re just hanging out at the airport.”

I laugh. “I’m surprised Mr. Big Shot doesn’t have his own private plane,” I joke.

“God, don’t even say that. That’s all he’s talked about since we’ve been here. I’m sorry we can’t make the grand opening. I wish I could be there.”

I wave my hand through the air. “Don’t worry about it. Seriously, you’ve done enough.”

“I know, but you were there for me when I opened the clinic. I wanted to return the favor.” She sounds guilty.

“Vesper, it’s okay. I promise. I have so much stuff going on that I probably won’t notice your absence. I mean, I just offered my mom a job.”

“You did?”

“Yep.” My fingers start twisting together out of nervousness.

“Do you think that’ll work?”

I shrug. “I hope so. I mean, I’m thinking that it will help more than hurt. It will keep her busy. Idle hands and all.” I roll my eyes. “Plus, it’s just part time, so she’ll still have time to make all her AA meetings.”

“I really hope it all works out. You deserve a break. You’ve worked so hard to get your life on track these last few months.”

I smile, feeling a little proud of myself.

“Oh, I forgot to tell you, Amy. Next month when I get back, I have an appointment in the city to have your dress for the wedding fitted.”

“Okay. I should probably start working on Tyler to go get fitted for his tux. I mean, it’s less than a year away and it will take three months just to talk him into wearing one,” I joke.

“Ah, we’ll have Liam make him. He will be the best man and all.”

I hear something come over the loudspeaker.

“Amy, I’ve got to go. Finally time for us to board. Call me later?”

“Okay. Safe travels.” I hang up the phone and go for a glass of wine.

I don’t know where Tyler is, but I decide to plan on spending the evening alone. I fix a salad and grill some chicken to put on top and pour a second glass of wine. I sit alone in the kitchen while eating and listening to the music I put on the house’s stereo system. As I’m washing the few dishes I used, the back door opens and Tyler walks in.

“Hey, I’ve been looking for you. Where have you been?”

He moves toward the fridge and grabs a beer. Popping the top, he leans against the island and takes a drink while pointing toward the back of the property. “By the creek. I just needed a quiet minute alone.”

Something seems off about him. His eyes are squinting and they’re surrounded by small wrinkles, and his jaw is flexed like he’s angry about something. His back is straight, and every muscle is hard like he’s preparing for a fight.

“Is everything okay?” I ask, moving closer. I wrap my arms around his neck and his hand lands softly on my hip.

He nods. “Yeah. I’m sorry I missed dinner.”

I shake my head, still worried that he’s not telling me something. “Are you sure?”

He doesn’t confirm or deny—just closes the small space between us and kisses me slowly and strongly.

I close my eyes and squeeze him closer, deepening the kiss, wanting to show him that I’m here for him and that he can tell me anything. He reaches behind him, placing his beer on the island, before picking me up against him. My legs automatically wrap around his waist, and he carries me through the house and into the bedroom, the whole time keeping his lips moving with mine.

He moves slowly and cautiously as he places me on the bed and crawls up my body. When he pulls away, getting himself on his knees between my parted legs, our eyes lock and something is exchanged. I can feel something, but I can’t put my finger on it. He seems sad, nervous, and afraid. I worry my lip, trying to figure out what’s going on.

His eyes watch as his hands unbutton my shorts. He pulls them off slowly and tantalizingly. He picks up my ankle and slowly kisses his way up my leg. When he gets to the junction between my legs, he picks up the other and repeats the process. Emotion grows thick in my throat, and I want to cry. Yet I don’t know why. This feels different. We’ve fucked hard and fast, and we’ve made love slowly and softly, but this…this is different.

All thoughts cease when his mouth finally lands on my clit, sucking and flicking his tongue against me. His hands hold me firmly by my hips, pushing and pulling me in a back-and-forth motion while his tongue laps me.

He’s taking his time, wanting me to feel every motion, wanting to burn every action into my memory. When my release washes over me, my hands clench into fists, grabbing the bedsheets to hold myself in place. I feel like I’m spinning out of control. I cry out his name just as my release ends, sending tingles throughout my body.

When he pulls away, he wipes my arousal from his lips and continues to kiss his way up my body, pushing and pulling clothes away from the both of us. His teeth gently nip the swell of my breast, and he cups them both in his hands, peppering them with hot kisses. His tongue swirls around my hard nipple before sucking it into his mouth. A whimper leaves my lips at the sensation. With our position, I can feel his hard length pressing against my slick folds, but he won’t thrust into me. It’s like he wants this moment to last forever. The longer he takes to claim me, the longer it will last, maybe even trapping us in this moment forever.

“Tyler,” I whisper, nearly moan.

“What is it, baby?” he asks, kissing up my neck and finally lowering his chest to mine, where I can finally feel all his weight pressing down on me—something I crave.

A tear leaks out of my eye. “This…it’s different. I can feel it.” I take a shuttering breath. “I’m scared.”

He shakes his head, kissing across my jaw. “I love you, Amy. I love you so fucking much,” he whispers just as his lips meet mine and he allows himself to slide inside me.

The moment we connect, everything changes. He’s tender, but he’s rough, thrusting so hard it moves me up the bed. My nails dig into his back, and he lets out a deep growl.

“You’ll always be mine, Amy.” He rocks his hips against me while his hands tour my body. “Always.”

My thighs clamp around his hips as he thrusts into me, slowly but deeply, pushing me to the limits of pain—a beautiful, heart-wrenching pain. His hand travels up my side, tangling into my hair and pulling my head sideways so his mouth can claim mine once again.

“I love you, Amy,” he says with another hard thrust.

“I love you,” I moan out as the waves start crashing down on my body.

Every muscle in his body hardens, and I feel his cock twitch inside of me. A warm liquid spills out, filling me and making me feel whole.

I feel like we’ve exchanged something between us. Not just love, but ownership and love. I’m his completely. The only question is: is he mine?

Yesterday, there was no doubt he was. But now something is different, and I feel like I’m left waiting for the other shoe to drop.

When he pulls out of me, he rolls to my side and pulls me against his chest, tangling his hand in my hair while his lips press kisses to my forehead. He breathes me in deeply, like he’s trying to burn everything about me into his memory: my smell, my taste, my heat.

“Tyler.” I place my hand under his chin and direct his eyes to mine. “Please, tell me what’s going on,” I whisper, filled with fear.

His hand lands softly on my cheek, the pad of his thumb gently sweeping back and forth. “I love you, Amy. That’s all you need to know.” His mouth moves to mine once again, and while I want to give him all of myself with this kiss, I can’t. I’m filled with fear and nervousness, and a pain radiating from somewhere deep inside.

He kisses me passionately and deeply. But this time, he’s not wanting to remember me. He’s wanting to make sure I remember him. Before I know it, he’s rolling me over and slamming into me again and again, making me call out in passion and in pain.

He doesn’t leave me until the sun is coming up and I can no longer hold my eyes open. My body is spent, physically and emotionally. I feel drained, completely used up.

Just as I’m drifting off to sleep, I feel him press his lips to my head. “I love you, Amy. Always remember.”

Chapter 18

My eyes open and land on the clock that says 12:09 p.m. I groan and stretch, feeling sore and tired. I feel blissfully peaceful…until I remember last night. A sense of dread settles over me as I roll over to face him. Instead of finding him watching me or happily awake, I find a piece of paper instead.

Amy

I’m sorry I have to do this in a letter, but I’m too big of a coward to tell you to your face. I can’t stand to see the pain reflecting in your beautiful green eyes. Before I tell you the meaning of this, I want you to know without a shadow of a doubt that everything I’ve said is one hundred percent true. I love you. I love you like I’ve never loved anyone—even the person who turned me into the man you met, the broken man you repaired.

You’re so much fun to be around. You’re beautiful and kind, and you have so much passion. You love wholeheartedly, and you forgive without any fear. Which is why I’m hoping you can forgive me for what I’m about to say.

You’re such an inspiration to me, Amy. The way you handled everything with your mom was beautiful and loving—so you. It’s important to be able to love in life, but it’s also important to be able to forgive and move on. I haven’t been doing that. I’ve been holding a grudge, and that really eats away at your soul.

So, when my father called me yesterday and asked me to come home and take my rightful place at the ranch, I had a lot to think about. I wanted to go on living the way I had been—with you by my side. But then I thought about that talk we had the day your mom came home. I told you that if my parents were to call and want to make up for everything, I’d like to be able to forgive them. I thought about the way you handled things with your mom, and I want to be like you, live the way you do: so full of love, understanding, and forgiveness.

I never wanted to live without you, Amy. But I have to right the mess I’ve made in life. I have to go home and be with my family. My brother finally broke free of the ranch he never wanted, and my family needs me. If I don’t go, they could lose the ranch, and you know I can’t turn my back on that. It’s the only thing I ever wanted…until I fell in love with you, that is.

I never wanted to hurt you, and I hope that one day you’ll be able to forgive me. I hope I don’t leave you as broken as I was when you found me. I hope that all your dreams come true, and that you’ll be able to move on with the person you’re meant to be with— a person who is right for you in every way I’m not. Please remember, I love you, Amy, and I’m sorry for everything.

Love,

Tyler

Tears escape from my eyes and my breathing stops until my lungs tingle and burn for oxygen. Tyler’s gone. He left. And he couldn’t even tell me goodbye to my face. I feel my heart crack and weep for him. I feel my soul melt away, leaving nothing but a puddle of tears.

A sob breaks free and I crumple the letter to my chest as I curl in a ball and sob, crying out his name over and over, begging God for this to be a sick joke. How could he do this to me—after everything we’ve been through, after everything I’ve been through?

The deep, dark part of me that I always hide away smiles and says, you deserve this. You weren’t good enough for him.

But over the last few months, I’ve learned to block her out completely. It was always the same voice that told me that I made my mother the drunk she was, that I’d never get my happy ending, and that I didn’t deserve to find love.

Being with Tyler blocked that voice inside of me. I thought she had disappeared completely…until now. She’s back and he’s gone.

I cry until my head hurts. I shake with sobs until every muscle is sore and weak. I hate myself until my body finally gives up and shuts down, pulling me into a deep sleep.

I wake when my phone rings, causing the ringing in my head to get louder.

“Hello?” I answer the phone, unable to open my eyes.

“Amy?” Vesper asks.

With her voice, the tears start flooding from my eyes again, even though my head is begging them not to. I can’t take the pain in my head. I can’t take the pain in my heart.

“He’s gone, Vesper. He left,” I cry.

“I know,” she whispers. “He called Liam to let him know he’d need to find a new ranch hand. We’re heading back now so he can be replaced.”

I can’t do anything but cry.

“I’m so sorry, Amy. Just hang on. I’ll be there as soon as I can.” I hear her sniffle on the other side of the line like she’s crying right along with me.

I nod my head, even though she can’t see me, and hang up the phone. Rolling over, I cry myself to sleep.

I wake when I hear the door creak open. I look over my shoulder just in time to see Vesper climb up on the bed with me. She wraps her arm around my stomach and pulls me against her. I reach down and place my hand in hers, squeezing gently—but I’m so weak that it’s all the strength I’ve got.

“I’m sorry, Amy,” she whispers. “I wish I could take away this pain for you.”

I sniffle. “It’s okay.” It’s not, but I don’t know what else to say.

“I think only time will heal. You just need to stay focused on other things: your mom’s recovery, and the opening of the coffee shop.”

I nod, but none of that feels important anymore. The pain I feel is the only thing I can focus on.

“What do you say we get up and have some dinner. Maybe some wine?”

“I don’t have the energy to move.”

“You have to eat, Amy.” She pulls away and stands. “Now get up, take a long, hot shower, and come downstairs. I’m feeding you whether you like it or not.” Without another word, she turns and leaves me alone—a feeling I should probably get used to.

With a deep breath, I force myself to stand—feeling a little dizzy—and walk to the connected bathroom. I turn the shower on as hot as it will go and step beneath the scorching flow of water. The steam fills the room as I lay my head against the tile, remembering last night: the way he touched me so tenderly, the gasps and moans that escaped his lips, and his words right as I was drifting off to sleep, always remember.

More tears fill my eyes and fall over the brims, even though I didn’t know I could possibly cry any more. I feel tired, mentally and physically. I have no energy to shower, let alone go downstairs and hold a conversation. Not only that, but I really don’t want to see Vesper and Liam together and happy. Even though I’m happy for her, it will only remind me of Tyler—not that I can stop thinking about him anyway.

When the water begins to run cold, I turn it off and step out, wrapping a big fluffy towel around my quivering body. I wipe the steam away from the mirror and look myself over. My eyes are red and bloodshot with dark circles beneath them. My face seems hollow and lacking any color. My eyes are puffy and swollen. When I look at my lips, I get a quick flash of the way he kissed me last night. They tingle with the memory that causes my fingertips to trace them, wanting to hold on to the memory forever.

When another sob leaves my lips, I turn away, unable to look at the broken woman staring back at me in the mirror. Walking into the bedroom, I slip into a pair of baggy sweatpants and a sweatshirt. Then I pull my wet hair up into a messy bun. Sliding my feet into a pair of flip-flops, I leave the room and go to find Vesper.

She’s moving about the kitchen, cooking. Already, two glasses of wine sit on the table. I take a seat and lift one to my lips, drinking it faster than necessary, but it’s the one thing that will bring me relief—make me forget. Suddenly, I understand how my mom could’ve wasted so many years of her life.

“It won’t replace him, Amy,” Vesper says, watching me from across the kitchen.

I nod. “I know. But it will kill the pain and bring me a little relief for the night.” I stand and grab the bottle of wine, pouring another full glass. The whole time, Vesper gives me a disapproving look.

A long breath leaves me. “Can you please just be my best friend right now? Don’t judge me and look at me like I used to look at my mother. Just…” A tear slides out. “Just have fun and get wasted with me.”

Her eyes hold sadness, but she forces a smile and nods, moving in for a hug. “I’m sorry, Amy. Of course I can do that.” She pulls away. “Let’s eat some dinner, then I’ll get Liam to drop us off at the bar for a little while. How does that sound?”

For the first time all day, a smile appears on my face. “Thank you.”

We quickly have a quiet dinner, just the two of us. Then I leave the kitchen to make myself look a little more presentable. In my room, I sit down at the vanity in the corner, and apply all my usual makeup and straighten my hair. I pull out a pair of tight jean shorts and slide into them. Looking at myself in the mirror, they highlight all of my best features: my long legs, curvy hips, and plump ass. I pull off my sweatshirt and replace it with a white tank top that makes my tan appear darker. Turning away from the mirror with approval, I go to put on my shoes and realize all I have are my beat-up house flip-flops and a pair of brown cowboy boots. I slide on the boots with a shrug.

When I get downstairs, Vesper and Liam are waiting by the door.

“Dammmn, Amy,” Vesper catcalls.

“You’re going to get yourself in trouble looking like that, Amy,” Liam tells me.

I let out a laugh, already feeling a bit of a buzz from the wine I drank with dinner. “That’s exactly what I’m looking for tonight, Liam,” I say, walking past him and out the door.

Liam drops us off at the bar, promising to stay close so he can pick us up when needed. I head straight to the bar to find Sarah behind it.

“Hey, girl! I haven’t seen you in a while. What’s been up?”

I place a hundred on the bar. “Bad breakup. I need shots.”

She nods once, then turns for the bottle.

Vesper and I sit at the bar, drinking shot after shot and chasing it with our beer. In thirty minutes, I feel alive and free. The weight of the day has fallen off and I can breathe for the first time. My lungs thank me. All day, it felt like I was only taking in enough oxygen to keep going—like it wasn’t reaching the bottom of my lungs. Now they feel fully inflated, taking away the pain in my chest.

“You know, I don’t know why I settled down in the first place,” I slur, grabbing ahold of Vesper’s arm and dragging her to the dance floor.

I lift my arms above my head and spin around to the beat of the music.

“Amy, I’m glad you’re finally having some fun, but don’t you think it’s time to go?”

I frown. “No way. I finally feel alive!” I grab ahold of her hand and force her to dance with me. At first, she’s stiff and not moving to the beat very much. But after several minutes, she loosens up and begins having fun.

Before I know it, I find myself slipping into my old ways—smiling, laughing, and checking out the guys.

“You know, maybe I need a rebound guy.”

Vesper stops dancing and tugs me back to our barstools. “Amy, this isn’t just a random hookup you’re trying to get over. You and Tyler were in a relationship, and nothing will make that pain go away but time. Don’t go digging your hole any deeper. Forcing this will only end up hurting you. You have to heal.”

Just the mention of Tyler’s name causes that pain in my chest to make itself known. But I refuse to feel it. I lift my beer bottle and finish it off.

A man leans against the bar at my side. “I saw you dancing out there. You’re gorgeous, did you know that?”

I smile. “What’s your name?”

He dips his head forward as a greeting. “I’m Mason.”

“I’m Amy. Would you like to dance?”

He runs his hand through his dark hair and smiles. “I’d love to.” He holds out his hand, and I place mine inside.

“Amy!” Vesper calls out after me, but I don’t turn around. I want to be free of the pain, even if only for a little while. I want to throw caution to the wind. I want to be free and happy. Why is that so bad? It’s not like I’m going home with the guy.

Mason spins me around on the dance floor, pulling me against his chest. Our eyes lock and he smiles as we begin moving to the beat of the music. His strong arms hold me closely, and it feels wrong. Not bad, just wrong. His scent, his eyes, his smell, it’s all wrong.

I shake my head free of the bad thoughts sneaking their way in and force a smile as I spin in his arms. His chest presses against my back, and his hands lock on my hips as he grinds against me. My heart begs to me stop, but my brain says to keep going. I don’t want him, but I want to get over Tyler—I want to be rid of the pain he’s caused.

Chapter 19

Even though I know I don’t want this man, something won’t let me walk away. It’s like my subconscious won’t be happy until I’m completely broken. When he spins me back around and presses his lips against mine, that very thing happens.

His tongue spreads my lips and slips into my mouth. He tastes of whiskey and cigarettes—completely wrong. His strong arms no longer feel good—now they feel like a prison that’s entrapping me. The air in my lungs is sucked out, and my head begins to swim. My stomach churns and my eyes burn with tears.

I push him away, and he looks at me with surprise and confusion.

“I’m sorry. I can’t,” I say as tears pour out at an alarming rate as I run from the dance floor and out the door.

When I make it to the curb, I bend over and empty my stomach. Vesper comes running out, gently pulling my hair away from my face. I hear her talking to someone, but don’t realize who it is or what she’s saying until Liam pulls up a few minutes later.

“What happened? Is she okay?” Liam asks, rushing from the car to my side.

“She’ll be okay,” Vesper answers, helping me into the car.

I collapse into the back seat and close my eyes.

After what must be half the drive to the ranch, I hear Liam quietly ask, “What happened?”

“She had too much to drink. I’m worried about her though. She was determined to be the old Amy, the one who went out, got drunk, and went home with a random person. And she even found someone to dance with. But then he kissed her, and she froze. It was like she was able to forget everything until that kiss. Then everything caught up with her. She’s really hurt, Liam. I don’t know how to help her.”

“Fucking Tyler,” Liam cusses.

After that, I block out everything else that’s said, and I picture last night…with Tyler.

I wake in the morning with a pounding headache, unsure of how I got to bed. My stomach is churning, and I don’t want to do anything but sleep off this hangover, but I know I need some water and maybe some crackers to ease the ache in my belly.

I sit up slowly, so I don’t make myself sick, and head for the kitchen. I zombie-walk down the stairs and into the dining room that leads to the kitchen. When I hear Ethan’s voice, I freeze.

“What the fuck? I warned him that if he hurt her, I would kick his ass,” Ethan says, acid and anger lacing his words.

“I don’t think he did this to hurt her, Ethan. But regardless, I’m worried about her. She’s not taking the news well.”

“I guess all we can do is be there for her. Give her a few days to cry it out, and she’ll recover. I know my sister. She’s strong. She’s handled more than most people her age.”

I take a deep breath and walk into the room, everyone’s eyes on me. “I’m fine. Y’all can stop worrying.” I step between them to grab a bottle of water from the fridge.

When I turn around, they’re still staring.

I take a drink, recap the bottle, and set it on the island. “Look, I just needed a day to fall apart. I did, and now I’m moving on. I swear. Stop worrying.” I look each of them in the eye, one by one.

“Are you sure, Amy?” Vesper asks, placing her hand on my bicep.

I groan. “Yes. God, I’m not a baby everyone needs to protect. It’s a breakup, and people have them every day. I will survive.” I pick up my water and head back to my room, opting to skip the crackers.

I lie in bed and stare at the wall across from me, knowing that I have to get a grip. I have too much going on in my life to lie down and die. I have a business opening, and it needs my full attention. I don’t have time to waste my life pining for a guy who never really loved me.

A part of me knows that isn’t true. But another part of me wonders how he could love me and leave me like this. Didn’t I mean anything to him? Couldn’t we have worked this out somehow—maybe agreed to be in a long-distance relationship? He could have come here every few weeks, and I could’ve gone there, met his family. If the long-distance thing worked out, somewhere down the road, we could have talked about me moving out there. I would’ve done that for him.

Then I think about the new business I’m opening. Would I be able to give that up for him? And if I did, how would I ever pay back Liam?

I guess all this thinking is a waste of time, anyway. He didn’t give me the option. He just left me as broken as he was when I found him.

I guess at some point, I fall asleep, because Vesper coming into the room stirs me awake.

“Hey,” I mumble, sitting up in bed.

“How you are feeling, honey?” she asks sweetly, sitting down beside me.

I shrug. “Okay, I guess. I’m coming around.”

She nods. “That’s good.”

“Yeah, I mean, it still hurts, but I guess I’m coming to terms with it, you know? There’s nothing I can do but accept it.” I let out a deep breath. “And I need to focus on the shop. It opens the day after tomorrow.”

“I know!” she shrieks. “And we’ll be here for it since Liam still hasn’t found a ranch hand replacement.”

I reach for her hand and take it in mine. “Thank you, Vesper. Thank you for being here for me and allowing me to make my mistakes while having my back. Who knows how last night would’ve gone if you hadn’t been there?”

She leans in, pulling me in for a hug. “I love you, Amy.”

“I love you too, Vesper.”

I end up going back home Thursday night and spending all day Friday making sure everything is up and running for the grand opening. When I wake on Saturday morning, I’m wired and don’t even need coffee.

I get to the shop an hour early and get all the machines turned on. Lindsey and Brittany, the two girls I’ve hired, come in and take their positions.

“Are we ready to open?” Brittany asks, pulling her black cap on.

I take a deep breath and glance around the place. With a nod, I say, “Let’s do it!”

She unlocks the door and flips the sign.

I almost expect it to be like a cartoon, where the sign gets flipped and a horde of people rush in, smashing everyone and everything in their way, but that doesn’t happen.

Instead, I pour the first cup of coffee and take it next door to Mr. Lally. I walk into his store and find him behind the counter.

He looks up and smiles wide. “I was wondering if I’d see you today.”

I hand over his cup of coffee. “I thought I’d bring you the very first cup.”

He pulls out his wallet and I hold up my hand. “On the house.”

He shakes his head and slips a dollar in my hand. “I want the honor of knowing my dollar is the one hanging on your wall for the next twenty years.”

I smile. “Thank you.”

I chat with Mr. Lally a while longer, then head next door. When I walk in, Vesper, Liam, Ethan, and my mom are all sitting around a table with a coffee in their hands. When they look up and find me, they all cheer, quickly surrounding me and giving me hug after hug.

“I was your first customer,” Vesper beams.

I pull the dollar from my pocket. “Nope, Mr. Lally bought the first cup.” I hand the dollar over to Brittany for her to put in the frame.

“Come over here and have a seat,” Liam says. “You’ve worked hard on this place. It’s time you enjoy it.”

Lindsey pours a cup of coffee and brings it over to me. I pull out a chair and sit down at the biggest table in the shop with my family and friends.

Despite how happy and proud of myself I am, it feels like something’s missing. And I know it’s Tyler. He should be here celebrating with me. As everyone chats back and forth, I think about all the times I talked about this day with Tyler—how I explained how everything would look. His absence speaks volumes. I’ve only been without him for a couple days, but I know I’ll feel it for a lifetime.

Loving someone as much as I loved Tyler…those feelings don’t just go away. Not only do I have to get used to having all this time again, but I have to get used to this feeling of always being alone. When we were together, even when I was alone, I didn’t feel alone. Now, loneliness is all I feel.

I take a deep breath and take a sip of my coffee. When I look up, everyone’s eyes are on me. “What?”

Liam puts his arm around my shoulders and gives me a little shake. “It’ll take some time, Amy, but I promise, it won’t always be like this.”

I nod. “I know. Who knows, maybe one of these days I’ll be sitting right here when Mr. Right walks in?”

“That’s the spirit!” He releases me and turns to Vesper.

“So, are you two ready for this wedding?” my mom asks.

“Three months and counting!” Vesper nearly cheers.

I’m so proud of her. Just a few months ago, she didn’t seem very happy, but now, she and Liam are as close as they can be. I think they’ve both learned that to be in a happy relationship, they both had to give a little—make sacrifices. I would’ve done that with Tyler, given the chance.

I shake my head to clear these thoughts, praying that it won’t always be like this—that I won’t miss him at every important moment I have in my life.

Liam lifts his coffee cup into the air. “To Amy and all her dedication and hard work!”

“Here, here,” everyone says, holding up their cups.

Three Months Later…

“Are you sure you have everything you need?” I ask Brittany as I’m gathering my things to leave for the day. “I won’t be able to come back. I’m the maid of honor. I’m very important in this wedding,” I joke.

“It’s fine. We’ve got it covered. Get out of here and have some fun.” She waves me off.

I smile and rush toward the door to get ready.

The wedding is being held on the ranch: the ceremony outside, and the reception in the barn they’ve been transforming for months.

When I pull up at the ranch, the place is already covered in people already setting up for the wedding. I grab my bag from the passenger seat and rush into the house and up the stairs to find Vesper pacing the floor in her wedding dress.

I drop my bag on the bed and place my hands on her shoulders, looking in her eyes. “You love Liam. Just calm down and remember all the reasons why you’re doing this.”

She nods and lets out a deep breath. “You’re right. I can do this,” she tells herself more than me.

I offer up a reassuring smile. “It’s your day. Yours and Liam’s, so don’t let anyone or anything else matter, okay?”

She nods, seeming to calm just a little. Suddenly, she looks me up and down with wide eyes. “What are you doing? Why aren’t you dressed? The wedding starts in twenty minutes!”

I laugh. “I just have to put my dress on and I’m ready to go. I did my hair and makeup at the coffee shop. Chill.” I grab the bag containing my dress from the wardrobe, and head into the bathroom.

I slip on the light pink dress and my brown cowgirl boots and look myself over. The dress is form-fitting on the bodice. There’s light beadwork that makes the top shine when the light hits it, and the bottom is loose and flowing, ending just beneath my knee. My dark hair flows down around me in loose curls, and my makeup is light, but done to perfection. I step out and Vesper inspects me.

“You look so beautiful!” she gushes, pulling me in for a hug.

“Are you kidding me? You’re the beautiful one here.”

She blushes as she turns away and grabs our bouquets. “Are you ready for this?” she asks, handing over my flowers.

“I’m ready. Are you ready?”

She smiles and nods. “I think I am.”

I walk past her and open the door. “Let’s do it then!”

As we’re walking down the steps, Aria, Vesper’s sister, runs in the door. “God, I thought I was late!”

Vesper laughs and pulls her in for a hug. “Glad you could make it on time, little sister.”

Dillon walks up to my side—he replaced Tyler in the wedding. “Are you ready?” He offers his arm.

I nod and force a smile, trying not to think of whose arm I should be on. “Yep.” I slip my arm through his.

Aria meets up with Ethan, and they start walking outside, toward the aisle.

As Dillon leads me down the aisle, I can’t help but to think of Tyler. I should be with him.

These last few months, I’ve worked hard on moving forward without Tyler in my life. I’ve surrounded myself with friends and family and dedicated all my time to my growing business that’s doing extremely well. My mom started working for me as planned, and even though she’s still living with Ethan, she’ll be moving into her own apartment soon—in our building, so she’ll always have one of us when she feels the call of the past.

I’ve even started dating here and there, refusing to turn back into the old me that only cared about hookups. Now, I’m focused on finding Mr. Right, and I don’t plan on settling until I know it’s one hundred percent right. However, living up to Tyler’s memory isn’t an easy task.

Watching as Liam and Vesper say their vows, I vow to myself that that will be me one day. I’ll have all of this: my perfect match, the dream wedding, a happy ending. And if I don’t, it won’t be from lack of trying. That little voice in my head still tries to pipe in and tell me otherwise, but I refuse to listen to her anymore. The future is wide open, and I plan on taking every opportunity I can to get to where I want to be—where I deserve to be.

After the ceremony, everyone moves into the barn. Liam and Vesper make the rounds to greet their guests, and I sit down with a glass of champagne, watching as everyone moves back and forth on the dance floor.

I’m happy for Vesper, but I’m also a little sad for myself. I wish Tyler could be here to share this with me.

Almost as if God heard my wish, movement catches my eye and draws it toward the darkened corner. Slowly, Tyler comes into view, wearing a black tux.

My heart skips a beat and my breathing stops.

I watch as he slowly closes the distance between us.

“May I have a seat?” he asks, snapping me out of my daze.

I shrug. “It’s a free country.” I pick up my flute and finish it off.

“Amy, I—”

“Don’t, Tyler.” I point my finger, silencing him. “I don’t know what you’re doing here. If you came here for Liam, he’s over there.” I point toward them, talking with their family. “But if you’re here for me, don’t waste your breath.” I stand and push my way through the crowd, heading outside for some fresh air and grabbing a bottle of wine on the way.

Once outside, I look behind me to find that he isn’t following me. I can finally breathe easy. I can’t leave my best friend’s wedding, but I can’t go back in there knowing Tyler is here. So instead, I take a walk. I follow the old dirt road I’d driven down so many times before, until I get to the cabin that’s no longer being used. I don’t even look at it. Instead, I keep following the trail, through the forest, until I get to the opening.

I bring the bottle to my lips and take a long swig. The fruity-bitter mixture overwhelms my senses and dulls the pain in my chest just a bit. I know I was wishing for him to be here, but this isn’t exactly what I wanted. I want things to be like they used to be. I wish Tyler never would’ve left. I wish he’d been here with me these last few months. I wish he would’ve come to this wedding with me and walked me down the aisle. I didn’t want this awkward meeting that’s making me leave my best friend’s wedding.

I sit on a fallen tree and gaze out over the creek that’s slowly trickling downstream. Other than the sound of the water, it’s deathly silent. Not a creature moves. It’s so quiet, I can hear my own heartbeat and the air escaping my mouth with each breath. I lean my head back and look at the dark sky and the million little white stars. It’s a cloudless night, and the air is hot and sticky around me. The moisture in the air clings to my exposed flesh like a second skin, making me feel hot and amped up, unsure of how this night will end.

The sound of a twig breaking behind me causes me to whip my head around in time to see Tyler stepping through the opening. The air in my lungs leaves in a rush, and my shoulders visibly fall. I turn my head back to the creek and take another drink, wanting to prepare myself for whatever this is.

“I’d ask you if I could sit, but I’m afraid of the answer,” he jokes, sitting beside me.

“What are you doing here, Tyler?” I ask, not removing my eyes from the flow of water.

“I have a lot of explaining to do.” His voice is deep, and he sounds unsure and nervous.

“Just…save your breath.” I stand and spin around to face him. “I don’t need to hear it.” I shake my head. “When you left, I was devastated. I cried for days. I just about gave poor Vesper a heart attack!” I lift my hand and motion toward the party. “But you know what? I got over it. I forced myself to get out of bed, and I went and opened my coffee shop, on my own. I didn’t need you then, Tyler, and I don’t need you now.” I begin to walk away, but he stands and tugs me back by my wrist.

My heels on the uneven ground cause me to lose my balance—well, that or the wine—and I stumble into his arms, his chest pressing against mine. Our eyes lock in the darkness, and suddenly, I’m breathless. Why is my body responding to his touch this way? It’s completely betraying me. I want to hate him and hate his touch for hurting me as badly as he did. Why did my heart skip a beat the second his hand touched me? Why won’t my lungs work when I look into his eyes? Why is my stomach tightening in knots right now?

“Please,” he whispers, breath blowing across my dry lips, “just hear me out, Amy.”

With his words, the world begins moving again and I’m allowed to take a breath. I pull away. “If I listen to what you have to say, then you’ll let me walk away?”

He nods. “If you still want to.”

I laugh. “Oh, I’m sure I’ll want to. I don’t know what you could possibly say to change the way I feel about you now.” I walk around him, back to the log, and have a seat while taking another long drink.

Tyler takes his place next to me and lets out a long breath. “My father called me after breakfast the morning I was at your place. He told me that James was going through something and that he was leaving. He told me he was sorry for the way everything went down in the past, and that he’s always known that I was the son who should have been given the ranch. He knew James had no interest in it, but it was stuck in his head that it should go to the oldest son. He asked me to come home to take over the ranch. He said he’d sign it over to me as soon as I got home.”

He looks at me and takes my hand in his. I don’t bother pulling it away. Right now, I just want to enjoy the feeling of the tingles coursing through my body when he touches me. It’s been so long since I felt them. Even if things are over between us, I still want to feel the reaction he causes in me.

“That day, I had some thinking to do. I thought about blowing him off—letting the ranch get taken away, letting him learn his lesson. But then I thought of you, and of all the work you were putting in with your mom.” He shakes his head and lets out a deep breath. “I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t let the ranch I grew up on and loved get sold off to the bank. I made the decision to go home and take over ownership, even if that meant you’d hate me for the rest of your life.”

I jerk my hand away, taking another drink. “Why tell me this? I think you explained it all pretty well in the letter you left.” I stand and scoff. “A letter! You couldn’t even tell me goodbye! Did I really mean that little to you?”

“No!” He stands, closing the distance between us, but not touching me. “I couldn’t tell you goodbye. Don’t you understand? I knew that if I waited for you to wake up, I’d change my mind. I wouldn’t have been able to say those words to you. I loved you, Amy. I still do. And I hate myself for hurting you. I can’t even look at myself in the mirror without feeling the self-loathing that settles over me.”

“Why are you back now then? You got away, Tyler. Why come back?”

“I was home for nearly two months when James came back. He sat my father and me down and apologized for everything. He said that all these years, he’s resented our dad because he felt like he was held back and didn’t get to see the world—didn’t get to find himself. But the two months he was gone, he was searching for his place in life. It took leaving before he realized that he was right where he was meant to be all along. He wanted the ranch back.”

“So what happened?” I ask for reasons I don’t understand.

“I was pissed. I told them what I gave up coming home. I told my dad that he couldn’t give it back, that he’d already signed everything over to me, and I stormed out. James caught up with me and we had a long chat. We made a deal.”

“What deal?”

“He knew I wanted the ranch, but he could tell that I wanted you more. Even though I was home and had everything I thought I wanted, I was still unhappy. So he took out a loan, and bought me out of my half of the ranch.”

“What does that even mean, and why does it have anything to do with me?” I shake my head to clear it of the wine fog I’m now in.

“It means the ranch is no longer mine. I packed and moved back here over a month ago.”

My face wrinkles. “A month ago?” My voice rises on its own. “A fucking month? And you’re just now letting me know this?” I turn to leave but he jumps in my way. His eyes are wide with fear and panic.

“I knew you had to hate me after everything, and I knew that if I just walked into your coffee shop, you’d probably have me thrown out. I wanted to wait until I had things set up—until I had something that could show you how much you’ve inspired me.”

A snort escapes. “Tyler…” I pinch the bridge of my nose and close my eyes.

“I took that money and came back here where I bought a ranch of my own—a ranch I want to share with you, Amy. I love you, and I want to show you that I’m not going anywhere ever again. The ranch is in rough shape, but I had enough money to get the loan, and enough money left over that I can get everything started up.”

“That’s great, Tyler. I’m happy for you,” I whisper as I step past him, heading for the trail.

“There’s a house on the property,” he blurts out, sounding scared and nervous. “It’s a cabin with a fireplace in the living room. There’s a kitchen big enough to cater any family holiday, and there are three bedrooms upstairs—one for us, and two more for our future family.”

I freeze with his words, and he rushes up to me.

“I want you, Amy. I want you and me together every day for the rest of our lives.” He pulls me against his chest, causing my body to feel like it’s been set on fire. “When I looked at that house, do you know what I saw?”

I can barely move, but he sees my head shake.

“I saw you in that kitchen, preparing our son’s first birthday cake. I saw the two of us sitting in front of that fireplace, holding on to one another like the world would end if we let go. And I saw two little kids running up and down the hallway—one little boy who had your eyes, and a little girl with your attitude.” He laughs. “That’s what I want, Amy. I don’t want my family’s ranch. I want you.” Without another word, he closes the distance between us, pressing his lips against mine.

I freeze, not knowing what I want. More than anything, I want Tyler, but can I trust him? Could I survive losing him again in the future? This last time nearly broke me.

He knows I’m not opening up to him, and he moves his hands to tangle in my hair, pulling me closer. His tongue intertwines with mine, and in this kiss, I can feel him pleading for me to forgive him. He’s begging me to forget the past and pick up where we left off. And he’s telling me how much he loves me while searching for the love I hold for him.

And even though I know all of this, I’m still not sure I can let him back in.

When he realizes that I’m not the girl who can be swept off her feet by a romantic kiss in the dark forest, he pulls away, hurt evident on his face.

“I’m so sorry, Amy,” he whispers. “Please forgive me.”

I shake my head. “I don’t know if I can, Tyler.”

He seems to crumble right in front of me, falling to his knees as he looks up at me.

“I love you, Tyler. I do. I can’t deny that. But you hurt me. You hurt me more than I’ve ever been hurt before. And I’m just starting to heal. I don’t know if I can put myself on the line again like that.”

He takes my hand, squeezing it tightly. “I know, and I’ll forever be sorry. I’ll completely understand if you can’t forgive me. I mean, I was broken when you found me. I was an asshole who did nothing but take advantage of you. And you pushed me to be the man I am today. If it hadn’t been for you, I’d still be that pathetic man I was a year ago. You gave me everything, and I did nothing but hurt you.” He takes a deep breath, bowing his head forward. “If you don’t want me, I’ll let you go—I’ll never bother you again.”

He looks up at me with a challenging gleam in his eyes. “But I want you to tell me that you don’t love me.” He stands, looking me directly in the eyes. “Tell me you don’t feel the way your skin tingles when I touch it. Tell me your stomach doesn’t tighten with the sight of me. Tell me your heart doesn’t quicken when we kiss.”

He wets his lips. “If you can tell me all of that, I’ll leave you alone, Amy.”

I bite my bottom lip, thinking it over. My eyes fall to the ground between us. He places his finger under my chin and tips my head back. “I love you, Amy. And I’ll spend the rest of my fucking life trying to prove it to you.” He leans in, pressing his lips against mine once again, and this time, I can’t hold back. Even though my brain is telling me to run, my heart is keeping me locked in place.

Tyler hurt me worse than I’ve ever been hurt, but he also made me feel the happiest I’ve ever been. I guess that’s what love is. It’s loving wholeheartedly. It’s taking the chance that the person you’re giving yourself to could hurt you—and it’s the way my heart quickens, my stomach tightens, and my heart skips a beat. Even though it will take some work to get back to where we were, I want that work. Nothing in life is worth having if it’s just given to you. You have to work to appreciate it.

And I know nothing is worth as much to me as Tyler and the way he can make me feel.

The second my mind is made up, he tightens his hold on me and kisses me deeper. I can feel this kiss, his love, deep in my soul. My arms wrap around his neck, pulling him closer, and his hands latch around my hips, lifting me up against him. The next thing I know, my back is pressed against a tree while his hands tour my body.

“Tyler, we should slow down,” I pant against his lips.

“I’ll stop if you really want me to, Amy,” he whispers against the skin of my neck as he peppers it with hot kisses. “But I’ve thought about this moment since I left you.” He presses his growing erection against my core, causing me to let out a soft moan. “And I think you have too.” His hand moves up my thigh, under my dress, and brushes against my center. When my nails dig into his shoulders, his fingers slip beneath the material and push into me.

I take a loud breath at the sensation, relief finally flooding over me. Just knowing he’s right where he should be makes me want to release my orgasm. I can’t stop him. He’s right. I’ve thought about this moment repeatedly, and there’s no way I can stop now that it’s here.

My hands push his jacket over his shoulders and he pulls away enough to shrug it off. Our hands are in a race to strip each another of our clothes. And the moment we’re both completely bare, he slams into me, claiming my body, heart, and soul once again.

As he moves in and out of me, I think about how our lives are going to play out. He’s finally got a ranch of his own, and I can’t wait to move into the house he’s picked for us. I can’t wait until the day we finally get married and have children. It seems like everything is falling back into place. I’m finally getting my happily ever after.

Epilogue

“Are you sure this is the last of it?” Tyler asks, picking up a box and moving toward the door.

“Yeah, that’s everything,” I answer, turning to look at my now-empty apartment.

Just as I turn to walk out the door, I bump into my mom.

“Hey, are you ready to move into your new apartment?” I ask, pulling her in for a hug.

“You have no idea.” She smiles wide. “I love your brother, but I’m ready for my own place again.” She walks into the living room and takes a deep breath as she spins around. “The furniture truck should be here soon.” She walks closer. “I’m so thankful for everything you’ve done for me, Amy: getting me the help I need, forgiving me for everything, giving me a job, and now, letting me take over your apartment…”

I smile and pull her back in. “You’re welcome. I’m just happy to have my mom back.”

She presses a kiss to my forehead but pulls away when someone knocks on the door. We both turn to see someone from the furniture company walking in with a clipboard and a form she needs to sign for her new furniture.

“I’d better go. I don’t think Tyler can wait another minute to get me into our new house.” I laugh.

Mom holds out her hand. “Okay, sweetie. Don’t keep that man waiting any longer.”

As soon as I walk outside and climb into the passenger side of the truck, Tyler picks up my hand and presses a kiss to the top. “Are you ready to start our future?”

I can’t hold back the smile that takes over. “More than ready. I’ve waited for this day for as long as I can remember.” I lean over the center console and he presses his mouth to mine.

Twenty minutes later, we’re driving up the long gravel driveway. We both jump out when he shuts down the truck, but before I can make it to the front of the truck, he rushes around and picks me up, cradling me to his chest.

“What are you doing?”

“Carrying you over the threshold,” he replies with a grin playing on his lips.

I roll my eyes. “I’ve already been inside, Tyler.”

“I know, but today, this isn’t just my house. It’s our house.” He walks into the living room, and instead of putting me down, he carries me to the bedroom, softly dropping me on the bed.

I let out a small squeal and laugh as I look at the smile forming on his face as he starts pulling off his shirt, revealing his rock-hard abs.

My hands fly to my top to pull it away, but he crawls on top of me and tugs my hands away. “Oh, no.” He shakes his head. “This is my present to unwrap.” He grins and begins pulling away my clothes while his hands explore my body and his mouth delivers sweet kisses to every inch of skin he exposes.

“I love you, Amy,” he whispers against my skin.

“I love you too, Tyler,” I call out, just as his mouth finds the junction between my legs.

Tyler and I have been through a lot. We’ve both been hurt and put back together. But when we’re together, we don’t feel like we’ve been glued back together. We make each other feel as if the other had never been broken at all. I hate to think about those three months we were apart, but I know we’re going to more than make up for it. Maybe that little bit of heartache is what it took to get our happy ending. And as badly as that hurt, I’d do it over and over again if it meant that this is what we’d end up with. Few people find someone who can make their heart beat faster, their lungs freeze, and their skin burn like it’s on fire, but Tyler and I did, and there’s no way we’re ever letting go again.

WANT TO READ MORE FROM ALEXIS WINTER?

Just Friends: Mountain Ridge Book 1

Business & Pleasure: Castille Hotel Series Book 1

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Baby Mistake: Castille Hotel Series Book 2-Feb 21st

Baby Shock: Mountain Ridge Book 3-March 21st

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Just Friends

Mountain Ridge Series

No feelings. No expectations. No Forever.

No matter how loud he makes me scream…

The last thing I need is a mysterious, tempting billionaire showing up to offer me a vet job at his ranch after I’ve worked my a$$ off to establish my own practice.

Then again, a chance to stare at his tan, rock hard body every day…No!

I can’t give up my vet practice for a sexy Adonis with a HUGE bank account.

Besides, I know how these situations turn out.

About the time I develop feelings…I meet his girlfriend.

I’ve been warned about his playboy ways, but I can’t seem to stop myself from fantasizing, from falling.

I know he wants more…he wants all of me.

But what if I can’t give myself to him?

Or worse…what if the chance to tell him how I feel is taken away from me?

Chapter 1

“Ves, your next patient is here to see you.” Amy, my assistant, calls out to me from behind the counter in the waiting room.

I quickly push my papers back into a neat stack and stand away from my desk, pulling my white coat on as I exit my office.

As I walk out into the waiting room, I find Mrs. Stevens standing behind the counter, holding a little gray kitten to her chest.

“Who do we have here?” I ask, closing the distance between us and gently rubbing the kitten on its head.

Mrs. Stevens offers a wide smile that makes her blue eyes shine. “This is Lola. I found her in a box, on the side of the road. Can you believe someone would dump such an adorable kitten?”

Hearing the news causes a bout of pain to surge through my chest. I don’t understand how people can be so cruel and heartless. “Well, it looks like she’s found a good home now. Haven’t you?” I pet the kitten and she lets out a soft meow.

“Let’s go back to exam room one, and I’ll give her a once over before we start up her first round of vaccines.”

I lead Mrs. Stevens and Lola back to the exam room and pull on my gloves. “How’s Mr. Stevens doing? I’m sure he’s just as much in love with this new kitten as you are.” I feel my lips turn up into a smile. Mr. and Mrs. Stevens are one of my favorite couples in town. They take in all the stray animals in need without question. I can only hope to find a man that loves animals as much as the Stevens do. Already I dream about spending my future working in farmlands that is overrunning with animals.

“He’s doing very well,” she says as I begin to examine the kitten. “He’s looking forward to this one getting a clean bill of health, so he can introduce her to the rest of the family.”

“Well, she looks pretty healthy to me. I think she’ll just need some de-worming and some vaccines, and she’ll be good to go home and meet them all.” I pick the kitten up and hold it softly against my chest. “What do you think of that, Lola?” I ask, looking down at her.

She replies by settling into my hand, purring loudly as her green eyes close to enjoy all the attention she’s getting today.

I gently hand her back to Mrs. Stevens. “Let me go get everything I need, and I’ll be right back.” I pull off my gloves and leave the room to get the vaccines from the cooler in the back.

Amy sticks her head through the swinging door as I’m preparing everything for Lola. “Hey, Ves, I just got a call about a horse at The O’Connor Ranch. Would you be able to drive up there and check her out?”

I look at my watch before turning back to my work. “I can head that way as soon as I’m done with Lola. Do you have directions?” I look at her from over my shoulder.

“I’ll have everything you need by the time you’re done.” She spins around, long, dark curls fanning out behind her.

I make my way back into the exam room with the tray of needed supplies. “Okay, Lola. Are you ready?” I ask as I pull on a fresh set of gloves.

Mrs. Stevens places her back on the table, and I pick up the syringe of de-worming. “How about we do the easy part first?” I place the end of the syringe against the kitten’s mouth and gently push down on the plunger, allowing her to taste the meat flavored medication. With one lick, Lola falls in love, leaving no trouble at all to get her to finish the rest of the dose.

“Good girl.” I coo, gently petting her head. “Was that good stuff?”

The kitten meows, wanting more.

“Okay, Lola, I’m going to give you the vaccine now. Hold still and it will be very quick.” I pick up the syringe and uncap it. Pinching the fluff of her neck, I insert the needle and push down on the plunger, injecting the vaccine. Lola meows loudly, but by the time she begins to lose her patience, I’m already done and releasing her to run back to Mrs. Stevens.

“All done.” I say as Mrs. Stevens picks Lola up against her chest.

“Thank you, Vesper. You’re the best vet in town.” She smiles wide before looking back down at the little kitten in her hands.

I laugh. “I’m the only vet in town.” I pull off my gloves, then reach out to pet Lola. “Hopefully, by the next time you see me, you’ll have forgotten all about that little poke.”

Mrs. Stevens starts making her way out of the exam room and into the waiting room. I join her at the counter. “Amy, Lola will need a six-month check-up.”

“Okay, would you like to go ahead and make that now, Mrs. Stevens?”

“Absolutely. We have to make sure we keep this little one healthy, don’t we?” she asks the kitten in her hands.

“It was good seeing you again, Mrs. Stevens. Tell Mr. Stevens I said hello.” I make my way behind the counter, heading for my office.

“I sure will, honey. And you tell your daddy that I’m making some of that pineapple upside-down cake he loves so much.”

I laugh. “You know if I do, he’ll be beating down your door for a slice.” I use my back to push open the swinging door that leads to the back of the building.

“That’s quite alright. We have enough to go around, don’t we, Lola.”

I smile at the love she has for her new kitten. “Have a good day!” I say as I slip past the door to gather my things.

I remove my white coat and hang it behind my office door as I make my way to the desk to shut down the computer and get my things. It’s already going on five, and The O’Connor Ranch is at least thirty minutes out of town. Luckily, it’s mid-spring, and daylight lasts a bit longer.

I climb behind the wheel of my SUV and place my purse and medical bag in the passenger side seat as I program the address into my GPS. Immediately, I roll down all my windows, letting the warm Colorado air blow through the vehicle.

I turn the radio up loudly as I drive through my small town—a town I’ve lived in my entire life, but also a town I love and never want to leave. I can’t help but notice the way it’s coming to life with the season. The trees have bright green leaves and the grass is lush and starting to grow thick. Our little main street has potted plants lining the business fronts; helping to bring beauty and charm to the town.

As I drive past County Line Road, I catch a glimpse of my reflection in the rearview mirror. My strawberry blonde hair, blowing all around me from the air coming through the windows, and my green eyes are shining bright with the setting sun shining against them. I pull out my sunglasses and put them into place. Stopping at a stop sign, I pull the ponytail holder off my wrist with my teeth and tie my hair up into a messy bun. Looking both ways at the crossroad, I hit the gas and the car leaps forward, carrying me off to my destination.

Chapter 2

The sun is starting to set, causing the sky to look like a swirl of water colors—oranges, pinks, and purples. The mountain ranges up ahead are beautiful with the setting sun glistening off its peaks. The air is thick and warm and is consumed by the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the wet earth from the spring shower we had earlier today.

Some people might get bored staring at nothing but land and sky, but there is a beauty in it that I find comforting. I could never be bored of looking at this view. There are a couple of foxes running wild through the field to my left, and I can’t help but watch them. My eyes quickly bounce from the road, to the animals, and back. I’m so lost in watching them play and run that I almost drive right by the ranch.

“You’ve arrived at your destination,” the GPS tells me.

As I hit the brakes and slow down the car, the entrance of the property appears to my right side. There is nothing but big, fenced-in fields. Off in the distance, through the trees, I get a glimpse of a red barn. It takes another half a mile of driving, but finally, I find the entrance and turn right, into the gravel.

I make my way up the long drive that has thick trees on either side. Finally, the narrow road opens up and the red barn comes into view. Further back on the property is the house that has been completely re-done in cedar siding with navy blue shutters and metal roof. It’s big for an old farm house out in these parts and looks to have a porch that wraps the entirety of the bottom level. There are a couple of old, wooden rocking chairs lining the front porch, and multicolored flowers that are growing up the antique wagon wheels and shepherds’ hooks.

I put the car in park and shut off the engine. Grabbing my medical bag, I step out, looking around the property.

“You must be Vesper Lawrence, the vet I’ve heard so much about.”

I tear my eyes away from the immaculate property with well-manicured fields, wild flowers, and massive threes, and spin around to find a man in a cowboy hat walking toward me, holding out his hand to shake.

“Yes, I’m Vesper. And you are?” I step forward, placing my hand in his.

He removes his hat and bows his head. His short, dirty-blond hair a mess from being kept under a hat all day. “I’m Tyler Stern. I’m the ranch hand around here.” He offers a sweet smile, revealing his perfect teeth. His dark eyes seem to linger as he drinks me in. “I’m glad you could make it on such short notice.”

I wave my hand through the air as my face heats up from his stare, dismissing the thought. “It wasn’t a problem.” I return his smile and bite my lower lip, hoping my embarrassment isn’t staining my cheeks. His white t-shirt is clinging to his bulging biceps as he places his hat back on his head and crosses his arms.

“So…” I pull my eyes away from him and readjust the bag on my shoulder. “You have a sick horse?” I place my hand above my eyes, shielding them from the setting sun.

“No, she’s not sick.” He turns around and motions with his hand for me to follow him into the barn. “I think she may be pregnant.”

“Oh. When was she bred?” I ask, following him into the barn.

He leads me to the horse stall before he turns around to face me. “She wasn’t exactly bred. One of our stallions made its way into her pasture. We don’t usually breed until summer.” He places his elbow on the top of the gate, leaning against it in a cocky sort of way.

“And why do you believe she’s in foal? Did you catch them in the act?” I giggle at my silly joke.

He smiles at my words but doesn’t laugh. “Not exactly. I did have to catch him and take him back to his own pasture though. And Lucy here usually has her estrous cycle every three weeks like clockwork.”

“How long has it been since you caught the stallion?”

“Just over three weeks.” He nods once and presses his lips tightly together.

I nod and turn around to place my bag on a nearby stool. Opening it up, I pull out my arm length gloves. “I’ll check her over, really quick.” I point at the horse and pull on my glove.

“Right.” He suddenly realizes what I have to do. “I’ll just be waiting outside.” He bows his head and makes a break for the door.

After checking over the horse, I take off my glove and thoroughly wash my hands and arms in the industrial sink at the corner. I grab my bag and pull it up over my shoulder, then push open the barn door and step out. Tyler is there waiting patiently, sitting on an old wooden bench beside the barn.

“Well?” he asks anxiously, standing and staggering from one foot to the other.

I nod. “She’s pregnant.”

“Shit!” he breathes out, grabbing his hat off his head and kicking at the rocks. “Boss man isn’t going to be happy about this. We breed in the summer so that we don’t have to worry about winter births.” He runs his hand through his dirty-blond hair, causing it to stand up even worse.

“I completely understand. A winter birth can be hard on a new foal. But it looks like you have a pretty nice set up here.” I look over my shoulder at the big, red barn. “You should have plenty of room to keep them indoors and warm.”

He smiles, causing his dark eyes to light up. “You don’t happen to have a due date, do you?”

I let out a soft chuckle. “Since you breed horses, I’m sure you know a mare’s average gestation period is eleven months. If she was impregnated three weeks ago, I’d say around the first or second week of next March.”

He nods and takes a deep breath as he leans against the side of the barn. “I don’t usually breed the horses. I just take care of them and the land.” He places his hat back on his head and flexes his jaw with worry. “We’re currently between vets at the moment. Would it be possible for you to come and check on her until we get someone new? We’re more than willing to pay you for your time, traveling expenses, and after hour visits, of course.”

I quickly think it over. I could never turn down an animal in need, and good healthcare early on in the pregnancy is vital for a healthy foal. “I can fill in when needed until you find someone to hire full time.”

He gives me a wide smile, causing his dark eyes to light up and grow wide. “Thank you, Ms. Lawrence.” He holds out his hand to shake.

“Please, just call me Vesper…or Ves for short.” I place my hand in his.

“Will do, Ves.”

I look up at him and see his cute grin starts to form, as he slowly licks his lips. I feel my face flush from the way he’s looking at me, but I’m not the type to fall for the cute boy-next-door type.

I clear my throat and point toward my car from over my shoulder. “I should get going. It’s going to get dark soon.”

“Oh, right.” He holds up his finger, telling me to wait a moment. He rushes into the barn, leaving me standing on the gravel alone. Within seconds, he’s back and holding out a piece of paper. “Here’s a check for your time. I really appreciate your help.”

I take the check and tuck it into my back pocket without looking at it. “No worries.” I turn to leave but suddenly stop and spin around to face him. “I’ll be back in a few days. I’d like to run some tests just to make sure her diet is balanced, make sure she’s getting all the vitamins and minerals she needs for a healthy pregnancy.”

He crosses his arms over his chest again, his biceps bulging so much I think they may rip his shirt. “Thank you, Ves. I’ll see you in a couple days.” He shoots me a wink, and it only makes my face flush.

I smile shyly and climb behind the wheel.

The whole drive home, all I think about is Tyler. The way his eyes seemed to darken when they landed on me. His sweet smile. Those massive biceps. But I push it all away from my mind. I’m not looking for a relationship right now. All I need to focus on, is getting my new animal hospital off the ground. We only opened a few months ago, and there is still a lot to do. I’d like to bring in more veterinarians, more techs, and clients. Maybe even expand to different areas of the state. But right now, it’s just me, my assistant, and my one, lonely animal hospital. Big dreams for a small-town girl. But I won’t let anything get in my way. I want to make a name for myself. I want to help as many animals as I can.

As I’m pulling back into town, I glance down at the time glowing on the dash—7:05. I’m late for dinner with my family, but I assume they are used to me working overtime by now. Within minutes, I’m pulling into the drive of the white, two-story house I grew up in. The windows are brightly lit up from the inside, giving the house a warm feeling, and the porch light is on, waiting to welcome me. There is always a season themed wreath hanging on the front door. This time, it’s covered in artificial flowers and butterflies.

I shut off the car and grab my purse before running into the house.

“Mom, Dad, guess what?” I shout as I rush into the kitchen, to find them taking dinner to the dining room.

Both of them turn in my direction. “What?” Mom asks, nervousness showing on her rounded face, causing the wrinkles around her emerald-green eyes to deepen.

“I just accepted a fill-in position at The O’Connor Ranch.” I shout, excitedly. “That’s the biggest ranch in the state. Can you imagine the clientele I’ll get if they put in a good word for me? Ranchers across the state could know my name.” I can’t hold back my enthusiasm now that I’m with my family, who’s always encouraged me to chase my dreams.

“That’s wonderful, Ves,” Dad says, placing the bowl of mashed potatoes on the island and closing the distance between us, pulling me against him for a hug. Dad is a big man, at least 6’5 and two-hundred pounds. He nearly squeezes the air from my lungs, but it feels good. I know how proud he is of me.

“That is good news, Vesper,” Mom agrees, her green eyes that resemble mine, sparkle as her lips turn up into a proud smile.

Dad pulls away, but keeps me at arms-length, leveling his brown eyes on me. “Are you sure you’re going to have the time that this new job requires, given the hours you’re already putting in at the new clinic?”

I shrug one shoulder as I pick up the bowl he set down. “It’s only one horse, and I’ll make the drive after hours. In fact-” I pull out the check and unfold it with my fingers, looking down to see many more zeros that I anticipated. My brows pull together as I study the number, confused.

“What is it?” Dad steps closer and looks at the check in my hands. “Whoa! They paid you in advance?”

My shoulders fall in relief. That must be it. This check isn’t for this one visit. It’s for monitoring the entire pregnancy of the horse.

“I guess so. I thought it was for one visit, but no way could they pay this much for a one-time thing.”

Mom leans over to view the number. “Oh my! That’s more than what our first house costs!” She looks at Dad with her wide eyes.

A giggle escapes my lips as I slip the check back into my pocket. Now that I know how much it’s made out for, it feels as if it’s burning a hole in my pocket. People get murdered for less than this, and I’m carrying it around in my back pocket like a five-dollar bill.

I try to push the thought away from my mind as we sit around the table eating the delicious dinner of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, and fresh steamed vegetables.

“How’s Aria?” I ask my mom. “I haven’t talked to her in a while. She never calls me back.”

She rolls her eyes. “You know your sister. Always too busy with work, school, parties and boys.”

I nod, not really wanting to bring up the conversations because I see how annoyed Daddy gets when we talk about it. Aria is the wild child, very free willed and strong spirited. She makes the most out of life and doesn’t care if that interferes with her school work or grades. Dad throws a fit because he feels like his money is paying for her to party instead of getting a degree. I understand both sides of it. She wants to live. There’s more to life than school and grades, as she says.

“Oh, Dad,” I mumble through a mouth full of potatoes, wanting to change the conversation. “I saw Mrs. Stevens today. She said she was making her famous pineapple upside-down cake.”

His eyes lift from his plate of food and lock on mine. “Did she happen to say when?”

A loud laugh escapes my lips. “Why don’t you just have Mama make you one?” I motion toward her with my thumb.

She wipes the corners of her mouth with her napkin. “Nobody’s pineapple upside-down cake is as good as Mrs. Stevens,” she mocks. “According to your father anyway.” She takes a sip of her sweet tea, ice chips clinking off the glass. “I should just thank my lucky stars that he married me before he found out about her cakes. Otherwise,” she looks directly at me. “You may never have been born,” she jokes.

Chapter 3

I stay so busy at the clinic, that my days pass quicker than I thought possible. Before I know it, it’s time to head out to The O’Connor Ranch to check on Lucy. Before leaving work, I grab a little cooler, a syringe, and vials to collect some of Lucy’s blood to test.

Through the drive, I listen to music and enjoy the scenery, never tiring of the beautiful landscapes or the wildlife. When I pull into the drive, Tyler is standing out in front of the barn, brushing a beautiful white horse with gray spots. I exit the car, tossing my bags over my shoulder as I make my way over to him.

“Who’s this beauty?” I ask, reaching out and petting its nose.

“This,” He smiles, “Is Tessa. This will be her first-year of breeding, but I know she’ll make some beautiful babies.”

I smile as I gaze up at the magnificent horse. “I’m sure she will,” I nearly blurt it out, dropping my hand back to my side. “I’m going to go do the blood draw on Lucy, if that’s okay.” I point over my shoulder.

“Sure. I just brushed her out and put her back in her stall.”

Before I turn away, I notice the way his dark eyes narrow on mine and the way his jaw flexes.

“You don’t have time for men in your life, Ves,” I whisper to myself.

I fill the vials with Lucy’s blood and put them into the cooler. As I make my way out of the stall, closing the door behind me, I run into Tyler’s hard chest, nearly falling backward.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going,” I mumble in my daze.

It’s only now that I realize his hands are holding me by the hips, helping to support me. He seems to notice too because he looks at them before letting them fall back to his sides. “I’m sorry, I was just coming to check and see how things are going. Was she behaving herself in there?” His face is slightly flushed.

I tear my eyes away from him, looking at Lucy. “She was perfect. She’s a very sweet horse.”

He nods as he runs his hand over the scruff of his jaw. “Good.” It feels like he’s searching for something to say. Is he embarrassed about balancing me? Either way, I don’t want to stick around and make the situation even more awkward.

“I need to get going. This blood won’t keep for too long.” I quickly step around him.

“Ves?” he calls after me.

“Yeah?” I spin around to face him.

He pulls out a piece of paper from his shirt pocket and hands it out between two fingers. “For today’s work.”

I take the check and open it to see the same number as before. My mouth drops open. “I… I thought the last check you gave me was an advance.” I hold the checkup higher. “I don’t charge this much.”

He raises his hands, palms facing me. “The owner can afford it. And this is the going rate that he pays to all the vets that treat his animals. You’re not special. I mean, you’re not getting special treatment or anything,” he corrects.

I shake my head, letting the hand that’s holding the check fall to my side. “I don’t feel right taking it. When will your boss be getting in? I’d like to talk to him.”

He shrugs as he spins around and walks out the back-barn door with me following after him. “He’s not in town much. To be honest, I don’t know why he keeps this place.” He grabs a saddle off a stack of hay bales and walks it back into the barn.

“Well, does he swing by once a month or something? I can wait. I still haven’t cashed the last check you gave me.” I don’t follow him—it feels like he’s running from the conversation. I just raise my voice so he’s sure to hear me.

He turns to face me now. “Look, Ves. This is what he pays. I’m only giving you want he wants me to give you.” He finally walks back over. “It’s not a problem. It’s not up for negotiation. This is what the job pays. You’re worth it. Trust me.” He narrows his dark eyes on me.

I shrug my shoulders as my determination caves. “I don’t like it,” I claim, shaking my head.

“I’m sorry, Ves. Maybe…” He looks up, like he’s looking to the sky for answers. “Maybe you can donate it. Or start some kind of scholarship for students who want to become veterinarians like you.” He motions toward me with his hand.

My lips turn up with his words. “That’s actually a really good idea.”

He offers a wide smile and his eyes light up. “So, you’ll stay. You won’t quit?”

I turn away with a grin on my face. “I never said I was going to quit.” I look over my shoulder at him. “I’ll see you soon, Tyler.”

All I can hear is the crunch of the gravel beneath my feet, but I swear I hear him say, “I hope so.”

Want to find out how the story ends? You can HERE!