Page 103 of Home Town Knight

“My point is, I’m sick of you moping around like a kid who lost his puppy. The woman is on her way to Colorado. Aren’t you going to do something about that?”

“Riv, she didn’t even tell me she was coming. What does that say?”

“That she’s probably trying to move on, same as you. But neither one of you can. It’s annoying. Aiden and Trace have mentioned it too. It’s not just me.”

“So sorry my problems are an inconvenience to you. You think I didn’t want to ask Gen to stay in Hartley? I did. But it wouldn’t have been right.”

When River had told me about the potential job offer at that going-away party, my first reaction had been selfish. I’d wanted Genevieve to turn it down. And it had almost seemed like she was asking me to do that. To give her the reason she needed to stay.

But she deserved the world. All the accolades and recognition. I would’ve hated myself for taking that away from her.

Hartley was too small a town for Genevieve’s dreams. It gutted me to admit that, but it was true.

“I know what you’re feeling,” River said. “Believe it or not. I loved someone once too.”

I didn’t even try to deny the L word he’d just used. “You?”

“I was too scared, or maybe just too stupid, to tell her.”

“Then maybe it wasn’t meant to be. For either of us.”

But he shook his head. “My life was on a certain trajectory, and I thought she didn’t fit. I could’ve found a way. Then it was too late, and I still regret it.”

“What happened to her?”

“She fell in love with my younger brother instead.”

I winced. “Ouch.”

“No kidding. She’s not with him anymore either, and it’s all ancient history now. She’s moved on to bigger and better things. Genevieve will do the same. But Owen, it’s not too late for you yet. You’ve still got a chance.”

I was choked up. Like my whole body had come to a standstill in the face of what River had said.

I could’ve found a way.

“I have responsibilities here.”

“So what? If your heart is leading you somewhere different, don’t let anything keep you from it. And if you’re worried about the Protectors, none of us will blame you. We all understand.”

The door opened, and Aiden and Trace strolled into the room. “Sorry we’re late. We were?—”

I jumped up from my seat. “I need to go.”

“Is there an emergency?” Trace asked.

“Yeah. I need to get to Denver.”

I was sweating when I reached the hotel room I was looking for. I’d worn my favorite jeans, a nice button-down, and my Ariat. I hitched my bag onto my shoulder, knocked. Waited.

Footsteps.

The door flew open, and Genevieve stood there barefoot in leggings and a tank top. Hair in a messy braid. “Owen?”

Wow. She looked gorgeous. “Hey.”

“Oh my gosh. You look good.”

I laughed. “I was just thinking the same about you.”

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