Only Her Best Friend - Cami Checketts Page 0,19

you talk to hundreds of people every day.”

“Mostly superficial conversations,” she said. “None of them expect me to have something brilliant to say.”

“Well, I think you’re brilliant. Just look at all you’ve accomplished. Starting your own business, creating your recipes, and being successful without any help from anyone.”

“Thanks, I think.” She stood and took her near-empty plate to the sink.

Cruz stood as well and followed her. She set the plate down and turned to face him, pressing her back into the counter. “You think?” he asked.

Her eyes narrowed. “You think I should’ve left the valley, gone to law school, run some huge company, or been a politician. It seems in your mind I can’t be fulfilling my destiny by staying here and running my little shop.”

“I didn’t say that. You’re putting words in my mouth. I’m just saying what I imagined you’d do.” He was trying to say she could do anything and be anything. He wasn’t disappointed in what she’d chosen to do, and hadn’t he just complimented her on all she’d accomplished and how successful she was?

“Why wasn’t Mystical Lake ever enough for you?” She folded her arms across her chest and stared up at him, begging him to share with her.

Cruz stepped back, suddenly not ready to discuss. “I couldn’t build my name and my career here,” he said, hoping she wouldn’t probe deeper.

She nodded and said quietly, “Plus, there was nothing holding you here.”

His eyes widened as he wondered what she meant. Had she wanted to hold him here? If he’d had any clue she was interested, he would’ve stayed to see what could’ve happened between them. Yet, would he really? He probably would’ve begged her to come with him, or if that had failed, told her he’d be back for her. His dreams and hopes of success had driven him, but his mother had been his shove out of the valley. He’d felt bad deserting his dad to that nag, especially after Cat had gone to college, but he had to escape.

“I mean …” She glanced down and her long eyelashes feathered across the top of her cheek. “Once Hope left for college, there was nothing holding you here.”

“Hope?” Now he was completely confused. What did Hope have to do with this conversation?

“Yeah. Your girlfriend, Hope.” She gave him a look as if he were dense.

“Hope and I dated off and on, but it was never serious. At least not to me.”

“Hmm.” She brushed by him and picked up the serving containers.

Cruz followed to help her, frustrated and uncertain what to say. He’d thought they would flirt the night away, and by sunset, he’d have her firmly in his arms. Why didn’t Meredith react to him like any other woman would? Did he really have a chance with her, or was she every bit as smart as he’d always known she was? Did she know that Cruz Chadwick hadn’t been anything but a fraud in high school, and even with all his success and accomplishments now, he wasn’t anywhere near enough for her now?

He was frustrated and didn’t know what to do next. There was little time to convince her he was worth the risk. He needed to either brainstorm and fake it until he made it, or he needed to give up. In his heart, he felt like Meredith was the only option for him. How could he convince her of that?

Chapter Five

Meredith was so stirred up and frustrated by Cruz. By the time he finally went outside to set up his sleeping stuff, she had no idea what to think about him but knew the two of them had no chance. He hadn’t questioned her about what Josh had told her about him being a player like she thought he would, which made her think he must be one and couldn’t defend himself. In her mind, everything he said confirmed it. He gave Meredith empty compliments and looked at her as if she’d fling herself into his arms like every other woman did. Had he expected she’d invite him to stay the night in her bed? Probably. He was probably just as bad of a charming player as Josh had told her.

Cruz also claimed he and Hope weren’t serious in high school, at least not to him. Poor Hope. She probably loved Cruz as desperately as Meredith did, but neither of them stood a chance of securing his heart, not for the long haul. Oh, sure, he’d probably hug and kiss her and