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“Rachel…” Her name on my tongue is like a soothing balm.
“Don’t argue.” She moves her hand to my wrist then higher, lightly touching the edge of the tattoo peeking from beneath my shirtsleeve. “It’s okay to stop fighting for a little while.”
Her touch feels so good, and it’s late. It would be so easy to give in to her. Instead, I leave her room before I forget I’m not going to kiss her again.
12
Rachel
“Ican’t drive Logan’s Rover!” I’m standing in the kitchen cringing at the fob while Dylan hands me a travel mug of coffee and opens an overhead cabinet.
“I’d loan you my bike, but it’s kind of a haul up to Miss Gina’s, and the road’s so narrow. It’s not safe.”
Chewing my lip, I study the silver mug. “But if something happens, I’m in a better position to fix a bike than a Range Rover.”
“Nothing’s going to happen.” She snorts a laugh, pulling down the box of pop-tarts and shaking it. “We’re almost out of these, and I know Eddie loves them. Want to walk with me to the restaurant and see what’s cooking?”
“Yes!” I do a little hop, and I rush over to grab my bag and yoga mat.
Dylan is in her cutoffs and Cooters & Shooters shirt, but I’m ready for work in my light green scrubs. She slips her bare feet into a pair of flip-flops, and we take off down the hill.
It’s a short walk, and she chats about wedding flowers andthe latest batch of bridal bouquets Clint sent for her to approve, but my mind keeps slipping back to Zane Bradford standing in my bedroom last night in all his tortured glory.
I was furious with him, even after he apologized. His apology actually made me madder, because hecanbe kind. I’ve seen it. Yet there he stood, broad shoulders rising with his breath, that sexy muscle tensing his jaw.
His eyes moved all over my face like he was memorizing everything, letting me say my piece. His gorgeous blue eyes were so tired, and he actually did seem sorry. But why won’t he let me help him?
He keeps me at arm’s distance, yet he keeps coming back. The intensity in his eyes could burn me to pieces, but he holds the reins so tightly.
He tries to stay aloof and detached, but he’s lost so much. I know it has to affect him, but it’s almost like he wants to feel the pain for some messed up reason. As nervous as I am about driving Logan’s Rover, I need to get to Miss Gina’s before he does. Before he has the chance to change his mind.
“What do you think?” Dylan turns her phone to show me a gorgeous bunch of long-stemmed, pure-white lilies tied with a simple, white bow.
“They’re breathtaking!” I put my hand on my chest.
“That’s what I said last night, and he sent me three more bouquet options this morning! What am I going to do, Rachel?” She wails, resting her head on my shoulder.
“Could it be because of Craig?” Her head pops up, and I explain. “He knows how important you are to each other. He’s probably scared he’s going to let you down somehow and Craig will be mad.”
“Hmm…” She chews her lip, holding the screen door for me to enter the kitchen. “I didn’t think about that. But what can I do? I’ve already told Craig he’s driving me crazy.”
“I think you just have to put up with it til June.”
“No!” she cries, placing both hands on her face. “I can’t take any more flower texts!”
“Hey, girls!” Allie skips past. “What are y’all talking about? Yoga? When are we doing it again?”
“Aren’t you supposed to be at school?” Dylan straightens. “What are you doing here?”
“I had to take this guy to the doctor, so we’re checking in late.” Allie slides her phone into the pocket of her khaki pants. “I stopped by for some coffee and one of Thomas’s beignets. Oh no!”
She dusts powdered sugar off her beige wrap-sweater. Her dark hair is tied back in a ponytail and little pieces escape around her cheeks. Austin stands beside her looking tired.
“Are you sick, babe?” Dylan reaches up on tiptoes to feel his forehead. “I swear you’ve grown another foot since school started.”
“I’m fine,” he grumbles like a typical sixteen-year-old boy. “I couldn’t sleep last night.”
“I’ve never heard of a teenage boy not sleeping.” Allie crosses her arms, looking up at him worried.
