me back. It’d be holding us both back, because we’d be amazing together.”
She’s telling the truth. I see it in her eyes and… “I want to kiss the shit out of you right now.”
She laughs softly. “As much as I’d love that, I’m not done yet.”
“What do you mean?”
“I have more in me. To convince you that I’m exactly where I want to be.”
“Babe, I get it and I’m sorry I doubted you.”
She swallows and folds her hands together over her knees. “You weren’t wrong. I was afraid to screw up and I held back because it was safe. But the second I realized you’d felt something too, no matter that it was four years earlier, security didn’t matter anymore. I knew I had to come here and see if we still had a chance.”
“We do. And if you want this job, it’s yours. We can cancel the other interviews.”
“There are no other interviews.” She smiles, dark eyes dancing back and forth between mine. “Your mom called the others and told them the job was filled by some nice girl from down south.”
“Of course, she did.” I chuckle. It’s almost like she knew.
“I accept the job, but I’m not done proving myself to you.”
“Babe, I don’t need any more food.”
She laughs and it’s the sweetest, sexiest sound I’ve ever heard. Too bad Ma and Amelia are waiting out front or I’d suggest we kiss and make up, right here and now.
“I need a little more time,” she says, pulling in a deep breath. “I want to get this right.”
And as much as I want to put this behind us, I promised I’d give her time and that’s what I’ll do.
“Do what you’ve gotta do, babe. I’m all yours. Whenever you’re ready.”
HAYDEN
Everyone set for Saturday? I text Hannah later Tuesday night.
Yep, she replies. Paul even canceled his golf trip so he could come along.
Oh, good. Jesse will love that.
Does he know you moved out of the house yet?
No, I wanted to surprise him. I even parked the trailer in the neighbor’s driveway to throw him off if he comes by.
Clever! How did Lane take everything?
Ugh. It’s too much to text, so I hit the call button instead.
“That bad, huh?” Hannah asks by way of greeting.
“He didn’t trust me to be there by myself, which is funny, considering I’m still paying half the bills. Anyway, he took off of work and basically sat in the living room and watched me and Jinx pack and move.”
“Oh, my God, you didn’t tell me Jinx helped!”
“I knew better than to think Lane would do any heavy lifting and I didn’t like the idea of being alone with him.”
“What did Lane say when he saw him?”
“He asked if I was fucking him, too.”
“He did not!” Hannah howls through the phone. “God, he’s an ass. I’m not sure I’ll be able to supervise visits with him and Jett and be able to keep my mouth shut.”
“Jett hasn’t asked about him for a few days, so I’m not worried about it. Besides, Jesse may have something different to say about them visiting since Lane came to Cole Creek to start crap. We’ll talk about it after the festival.”
“Dad is super pumped to come up, but Mom’s already annoyed, knowing how sloshed he’s going to get.”
I laugh. “Uh huh. I remember how fond Dad is of Polish vodka.”
“Anyway, it should be a good time. Will Aiden be there?”
“Hannah Lee, you’re married.”
“Married, but not dead.”
I snort. “I’m not sure if he’ll make an appearance. He’s a bit elusive. I’ve only seen him once since I’ve been here.”
She sighs. “That’s a shame.”
“Oh, my God, I’m hanging up.”
“Fine. I have to finish making my list of stuff to pack anyway.”
“And you’ll be able to keep Jett here Saturday night?”
“Don’t worry, sister—I’ll take care of the kiddo, so you can reclaim your man.”
I fall back on the bed and grin. “Thank you, Han. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
Chapter 33
HAYDEN
“Honey, it’s going to be eighty-five degrees today. Why in heaven’s name are you wearing long sleeves?”
I slip an earring in as Mom leans into the door of the master bath, dressed in a coral tank top and a pair of brightly colored, flamingo patterned shorts. Dad’s outfit for the day is an equally loud Hawaiian printed button-down and khaki shorts. Over Crocs with socks. They couldn’t possibly stand out more as “cabin people” if they tried.
“You don’t like this?” I ask, glancing down at my flowing peasant top and denim capris. Honestly, it’s nothing special,