Page 93 of Fresh Tracks
I want to make things right. I need to own who I am and Iknow just how to start. He’s right. I need to stop being an idiot and tell her everything, starting with how much I love her.
“I’m not asking you,” I say, standing up from the counter. “Put this on my tab. I need to go.”
I know what to do. I start to walk to the door when Kelsey walks in with a box of bagged espresso beans in hand.
I don’t stop on my way out, but point at him with my thumb over my shoulder. “Be nice to him. He was actually helpful today.”
CHAPTER 38
GRACE
FINCH
“I can’t believeyou’re already leaving tomorrow,” Lizzy pouts, flicking her trademark blonde ponytail over her shoulder. “It feels like you just got here.”
She brings her nitro cold brew to her lips, clasping it in both perfectly manicured hands. My eyes flick to her big diamond ring, and I still can’t believe she’s going to be my sister-in-law.
“You know she’s only four hours away. We can literally drive up any day. I’m pretty sure your dad won’t mind if we take the time off,” Clay says. “So we should absolutely go up.”
She bats her eyes at my brother. “If you drive the little sports car, then yes.”
“You know that stays under the tarp, in the garage, until winter’s over, brat.” He sighs. “I’ll drive, but we’re taking your Bronco.”
She taps her pink tipped fingers to her matching pink lips. “If we can listen to that new romance series I’ve been waiting for you to start with me, then?—”
“The werewolf vampire regency one?” Clay asks eagerly.
Lizzy nods, humming in agreement. “That’s the one.”
I look at Kayleigh and we both snort a laugh. Seeing thesetwo like this will never get old. Before I left for Jackson, brunch or coffee and pastries was our old routine, stopping into Finch, the coffee shop and book store in downtown Park City. Even on a crowded weekend like this around Presidents’ Day, I still love being here with them.
“Deal,” Clay says, taking a sip of his drink before turning his attention back to me. “You sure you can’t stay longer?”
“I wish I could, but I need to get back to Jackson tomorrow. Tommy and I leave for Lake Tahoe first thing Tuesday morning.”
“Interesting. You call him Tommy. Not TJ or Tommy Jacob.” Lizzy’s lips curl into a feline smile and she leans forward, propping herself up on her elbows. “So how’s that going?”
Clay checks his phone before reaching over to grab the empty plates in front of us. “Nope. Happy for the two of you, but I want no part of this conversation.”
Lizzy gives him a slap on the ass when he stands. “Go find us a new faerie smut book.” She makes a kissy-face at him before looking back at us.
I shake my head and laugh as he walks to the bussing station. He drops off the plates and goes to the rows of shelves in the back of the shop, browsing the romance section.
Turning back to the table, I find Kayleigh and Lizzy curiously eyeing me. “Right, so now’s when you two grill me about dating the rich, older man?”
“Basically.” Lizzy nods with a wide grin. She gestures with her palms up. “I saw him in Bend and that man’s aged well. Is he still a total bad boy or is he a secret softy? He seemed so chill when we were in Bend. Did you make a move on him or did he pursue you? Come on, spill the tea.”
I look down at my actual mug of tea, thinking about what to say. I knew they would ask and I want to tell them. It feels good to be able to express all the things I’ve had swirling in my head for weeks. The truth is though, I don’t know where tostart. Things have moved fast but they feel so natural and so right.
I’ve only been away from him for a couple days, but not having him close to me, having his eyes on me or his bergamot scent filling each of my breaths has left an ache in my chest that’s overwhelming. That ache, that desire and unquenched need to have him in my life is the manifested confirmation that I do love him.
My calm and steady. My man.
I look up from my mug to find Kayleigh and Lizzy smirking at each other. Kayleigh reaches across the table and grabs my wrist. “Have you told him?”
Her simple question and the soft, kind look in her eyes says everything. I shake my head, breathing in the steam from my Earl Grey tea, the scent reminding me of him. “No, not yet.”
Lizzy smirks, shaking her head. “Girl, don’t waste time. Just tell him. We know he loves you.”
