Page 82 of Clumsy in Love

“Well, we’re pretty sure you’re in love with her, but I’m easing you into the idea.”

“Who’s we?”

“Mom, Dad, Steph…”

“Of course.” He rolled his eyes. “Look, I’m fine. Didn’t we come here to eat? Where’s the waitress?”

She ignored his questions. “Why don’t you go up there? See what happened? She seemed just as into you, and I think her feelings for you scared her, and that’s why she bailed. Or maybe she assumed you wouldn’t be into her. You’ll never know till you ask her.”

He sighed. He’d had the same thoughts too. But being left so abruptly stung, and he hadn’t gotten over it yet. Tracy must have read his mind.

“You gotta get over yourself, brother. Call her.”

“I have,” he huffed. “It goes straight to voicemail.”

“Hm. That’s rough, but there’s probably an explanation. If she were at work, up in the hills, would she have a signal?”

“Not always,” he conceded. “I guess that could be why.”

“Maybe she’s in trouble.”

“I wouldn’t put it past her. But she’s got a town full of people to help her.”

“Okay. Time for some tough love. Quit being a baby, and go find out what’s up.”

“Will it get you off my back?” Cole asked, and she nodded. “Fine.”

It wasn’t just to keep his sister from pestering him. The longer he went without hearing from Holly, the more anxious he became. He didn’t think Cruz’s gang would go after her. But what if she had an accident? And all those bears…

Tracy wouldn’t leave his side until he booked a flight. Last-minute airfare was a crapshoot. You either got a rock-bottom great deal or royally screwed. Cole lucked out and found a bargain. He ran home, packed a bag, and arrived at the airport two hours later.

At the rental car counter in Portsmouth, he started doubting this whole cockamamie plan. He was going to show up and what? Ask why she left without saying goodbye, and once she answered, turn around and go home? What if she wanted nothing to do with him?

On the drive to Green Valley Falls, he mulled over what he would say. He’d demand an explanation for why she ditched him. Okay, maybe demand was too strong a word. Ask nicely, that’s how he’d get his information. If her answer revealed even an inkling of warm feelings for him, he’d spill his guts. Take a leap. Put it all out there.

He’d tell her he enjoyed her company and that he missed her. That he respected and admired her. That she was funny and beautiful and brave. And that he wanted her in his life somehow.

Holy crap. Tracy was right. Hewasin love with Holly. That changed everything. Didn’t it? Suddenly, there was a lot more at stake to this visit.

He refused to entertain the idea that she didn’t feel the same. He didn’t have a PhD in women, but he knew when one liked him. And the way Holly kissed him? Unless she was a master ofdeception, she felt something all right. And Cole would bet good money there wasn’t a deceptive bone in her body. If she thought it, she said it. Perhapsthat’swhy she fled—she couldn’t say what she wanted to.

An hour and a half later, he pulled into Holly’s empty driveway. He knocked, then peeked in the window. No sign of disturbance. That was good. He called for Lady, but she wasn’t home either.

Next, he tried the park. She’d said Thursday and Friday were her days off this week, but maybe the New York trip had necessitated a schedule change. Dina wasn’t in the parking lot, and the guy at the front desk confirmed Holly was off.

The town was so small, it should have been easy to find someone. At least, theoretically. He made the loop around the plaza and up and down a few side streets but didn’t see her truck.

Thinking he must have missed her going home, he circled back to try her place again. He came in from the opposite direction, passing Farmer Jen’s. He spotted Holly’s pickup from the road, slammed on the brakes, and made a hard right to turn into Jen’s driveway.

Jen was pacing the porch. “Cole! I’m glad you’re here. Have you talked to Holly?”

The alarm in her voice immediately had Cole worried. “No, why?”

“She was supposed to be back by now,” Jen said. “It might be nothing, but I was just debating whether to call the ranger station.”

“Back from where?” Cole asked.

“She took Buttercup up the mountain two days ago and planned to stay for a night. She was due back early afternoon yesterday. I’m sure she’s fine, but I always worry.”

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