Page 6 of Final Goodbye
I felt like an asshole for trying to turn on the charm with her when she was battling real life shit, but I was a natural flirt, so I hadn’t thought twice about it.
Suddenly changing my tone from flirty to serious, I added, “I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. I know you have probably been hearing that a lot since you’ve been home, but please let me know if there is anything my family or I can do to help.” She let out a laugh and my brows furrowed in confusion.?
Maybe a tear, a shrug, or a nod of the head… but a laugh? Her laugh wasn’t carefree or fun; it was sad, forced, and uncomfortable.
“Sorry… I don’t know what’s gotten into me. For a minute there, my mind was somewhere else entirely.” I couldn’t help but wonder where her mind had gone, if it wasn’t on the death of her father.
I suddenly wanted to know everything going on inside her head. There was some mystery behind her gorgeous green eyes, and I could tell she’d been through a lot in her life. More than anyone at her age should have gone through. Not just with everything going on currently, but there was a wall up. She was guarded. Don’t ask me how I knew all of that in one conversation with her, but somehow, I just knew. I had a talent for reading people, and Paige Wilson intrigued me.
She reached out and placed a hand on my arm. “I have some grocery shopping to do,” she pointed in the direction she was originally walking, “so I should get going. But it was really nice to see you again. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around.”?
Before I could respond, she had already turned around. Her dark brown locks were tied up in a messy bun on the top of her head, and her hips swayed in a pair of incredibly tight jeans. Distance grew between us as she headed down High Street. Before she could get too far, I hollered her way, “See you around, Paige!”?
I still had goosebumps from where she wrapped her fingers around my arm for the briefest moment, and it had me thinking I really did hope I’d see her around.
I was already headed toPeaks, but with my mind now preoccupied by a gorgeous brunette, that beer sounded ten times more necessary.
I was on a mission as I headed toward the end of the bar, where I spotted my favorite bartender, Sophie, working. She saw me right away and placed an ice-cold pint of Coors Light in front of me without even having to ask.
I hung out atPeaksquite frequently, as did everyone else in this town. I hated cooking, and it was a great place to wind down after work for a drink and some dinner.?
After taking a long pull of my beer, I couldn’t help but let out a big sigh.
“Long day at the office, Declan?” Sophie leaned against the bar, batting her eyelashes and twirling a strand of her short blonde hair, her cleavage pushed up just enough to get attention from every male in here. I was sure her appearance earned her a pretty penny at the end of each shift, but she wasn’t going to get that attention from me. Sophie was a gorgeous girl, but it was never like that between the two of us.
“Yeah, you could say that. I couldn’t be happier that the seasons are changing and I’m no longer sweating my ass off at work, but the early wake-up calls are brutal.” I didn’t feel the need to mention my run in with Paige outside had my head in a fog, so I played it off as another hard day at work.
“Well, what do ya say we cheer you up with another beer and some BBQ wings for dinner? I know they’re your favorite.”Sophie always had a flirty, upbeat tone to her voice. Living the life of a bartender trying to make one tip at a time would do that to you. She knew our relationship was just friendly, and I wasn’t attracted to her in that way. Sophie had always been a good friend, and that was helpful when it came to remembering what I liked to eat and drink at the bar.
Plus, she was twenty-two—a little young for my liking. I may only be twenty-five, but I felt a lot older most days, more mature for my age.
“Yeah, Soph, that would be great, and another beer when you get the chance, please.” I drank the first one much quicker than I anticipated.
I finished up my second beer and my dinner, threw some cash on the bar, and said my goodbyes before heading out to my truck. I had an early morning wake-up call for another day at work, so I headed down High Street toward my house on Cherry Creek. I’d never get tired of living in a more remote location compared to other homes around here in the Peaks. I guess there were perks to working in construction and having the ability to build your own house.
My brother and I grew up with toy hammers and screwdrivers. We were always destined to work in the construction industry. The goal was to take over the family business the day my dad retired. But for now, I’d just carry on managing the residential side of the business until I was told otherwise.
Just ahead was my ranch-style home, sitting on the creek. It was quiet enough to hear the water hitting the rocks and the insects chirping at night. I built my dream home only a couple of years ago. At the time, it was just a run-down barn, and now, it was a beautiful modern home by the water, like I’d always wanted. Four bedrooms, a wraparound deck I could watch the sunset on, and plenty of floor-to-ceiling windows that gave itthe most incredible view, no matter which direction you looked. It was one of those homes you’d see featured on some house flipping show with the before and after results.
I always anticipated staying here for a while. Possibly forever.
I had never really thought of leaving this small town. My family was here, I had a great job, and I loved the intimate feel of it all. Needless to say, I had plenty of space for more than just myself. I wasn’t sure I wanted kids just yet, but I knew I wanted a woman to help fill the silence. Maybe a few dogs. I just needed to find that someone to share it all with, but in a small town, dating was harder than you’d think.
Not knowing why, my mind wandered back to Paige and our run-in earlier. Maybe it was because I knew what was going on with her family, and it made me desperate to help.
Maybe I wanted to help pick up the pieces.
I’d always been that way—someone who wanted to fix people.?Help them. Comfort them.
It’s why my past relationships always failed. Eventually, I’d be walked all over because I spent so much time and energy pleasing the woman I was with that I’d forget about myself and my needs in the relationship. I wasn’t sure why I was that way, but then it clicked… I’ve always taken more after my mother in that helping people had become second nature to me. Mom was a people pleaser and a “yes girl”, always wanting to help and never denying anyone, even if it meant she was exhausted and overwhelmed with a to-do list the length of a CVS receipt.
Wanting my mind to be anywhere else, I shook all the thoughts of failed relationships and Paige Wilson out of my head. I looked down at the creek; it would soon freeze over when we got our first snow, which would be any day now.
Before I went inside, I decided to take a cold plunge down in the water with hopes to clear my head. Another perk of living inthe mountains without a neighbor in sight: I could skinny dip in the creek with no eyes on me.
I reached behind my head with one hand and grabbed the fabric of my shirt, stripping it off in one fell swoop. My shoes were kicked off one at a time before I unzipped my dirt-covered jeans from the day. I grabbed the waistband of my pants and boxer briefs and pulled down the rest of my clothing all at once. The air was already cool against my bare skin, but I knew the water would be even colder.?
I braced myself and took a deep breath, knowing how the water would feel the moment I touched it. Like hundreds of needles pricking at my skin.
