Page 69 of Rival Hearts

“Poor Ginger.” He shook his head in mock horror. “Are you serious?”

“I work long hours at the pharmacy. I couldn’t handle a dog.” I shrugged. “I’d never get rid of Ginger, but I would love a dog.” I flopped back onto the pillow.

“How about two?”

“I don’t know how to answer that question.” I grinned. “Would I have to pick which of your beasts I like better?” Tapping my lips with my finger, I pretended to think.

“Let’s not get carried away.” His lips twitched. The amusement left his face, and he propped himself onto his elbow before leaning down to kiss me.

“One more,” I murmured against his lips. “And then I propose we race to a different kind of finish.”

He kissed me deeply, his hand running up my side, and I turned to face him, putting us chest to chest. When he drew back, he said, “Travel the world or live in Little Falls forever?”

I frowned and hesitated. “Is there a fence in this scenario? Kinda both?”

He traced my face with his finger. “You gotta choose.”

I searched for the right answer in his posture. The truth was neither, and it was both. “Travel the world. You?”

A hint of a smile touched his face. “I’d travel the world with you. Or I’d stay in Little Falls with you.”

With my index finger, I poked him in the ribs. “I had to choose. You have to choose.” I held my breath while he seemed to think, our gazes locked.

“I choose you. Wherever you are, that’s where I want to be.”

A fizzy sensation ran through my veins at the sincerity in his expression. My words, three of them, were stuck in the back ofmy throat. I shoved them deeper, trying to pretend they didn’t exist, afraid that they did. Saying anything close to what I thought I might feel was reckless. After how badly things ended last time, it was hard to fully trust him, trust us.

I wiped my negative thoughts from my head. I had lots of time later to stew about things I couldn’t predict or change. Grady Castillo was in my bed, and I didn’t want to waste a moment. Last time, I didn’t know it would be years and so many hurt feelings before I got this again.

I slid my hand into his hair and tugged him closer. “The next time you say that,” I whispered in his ear, “I want you inside me.”

He drew my leg over his and kissed my neck. “As far as requests go, that one might be my favorite.”

This time, we went slower, discovering each other all over again, in ways we hadn’t ever done before. Later, when I came apart in his arms, I was sure I’d never loved anyone more.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Grady

Ileft Maggie’s house when she headed to the pharmacy for the day. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been so at peace, so sure I was on the right path. As soon as I got home, I went straight to my keyboard. Creativity rushed out of me like a burst water main. By the time the clock struck noon, I’d written three songs, and I was loath to leave the house.

I was supposed to meet Kelvin for lunch in half an hour. Tearing myself from the songwriting process would take a monumental effort. Years had gone by without this blast of creative power, and I’d forgotten how addictive it was. When the words and melody flowed like this, a song wasn’t a puzzle or challenge to be solved; instead the rush was impossible to stop. I had to get the song out. Writing wasn’t a choice.

Kelvin texted me when I was fifteen minutes late. Probably a record in patience for him. Clearing the message from my screen, I opened the dental office door. The glaring whiteness made me pause for a moment to let my eyes adjust. Kelvin liked the simplicity and cleanliness of the all-white space. I found the shade boring and too cold.

On Thursdays, Kelvin ordered in lunch while we went over various town procedures and bylaws, so I didn’t look like a complete idiot in the election debates. Maggie hadn’t so much as hinted at a debate, but Kelvin was sure we’d have one.

After last night, I wasn’t sure I wanted to do any of this mayor malarkey. I wanted to sink into Maggie again and again and forget the rest of the world existed.

All the other employees were already gone for lunch. Kelvin ran a tight ship, and they were rarely behind schedule.

“You lock the front door?” He shuffled some papers behind his desk.

“You bet.” I sank into the chair opposite Kelvin. There was a sandwich on the glossy white surface, and I unwrapped it to take a large bite. I’d been so busy writing I’d forgotten to eat.

“Rumor has it Maggie Sullivan’s SUV was parked overnight at your house last week. I wasn’t going to say anything, but someone called me this morning to say they’d seen your truck parked at her place last night… and this morning.”

I stopped chewing and eyed Kelvin across the desk. “So?” The whole town could mind their own damn business. Any gossip about me, I could handle, but the idea of people talking about her raised my hackles. This was the part of small towns I hated. Everyone thought everyone’s business was their own.

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