Page 23 of Harvest Season in Kentbury
“Come on, Meadow, you know you miss the relationship and what we had together,” he croons softly.
“Nope.You broke my trust and you tried to break me.”She shakes her head.“You didn’t succeed and I won’t give you a second chance just so you can do your worst.”
Bryce narrows his eyes, his jaw clenched.“Nobody will love you the way I did,” he hisses, his words cutting through the air like a final desperate jab.
I want to step in, to tell him that the way he “loved” her wasn’t love at all.It was manipulation, control, and emotional abuse.But I hold back, watching as Meadow stands her ground.This is her moment, and she’s more than capable of handling it.She doesn’t need me to save her—she’s saving herself.
“I hope to God no one ever loves me the way you did,” she says, her voice steady, strong.“Because I deserve better than that.Better than you.”
Bryce’s face twists in anger, but there’s nothing left for him to say.He’s been defeated, and he knows it.He glances around the bakery one last time, his eyes burning with frustration, before turning on his heel and storming out the door.
The door slams shut behind him, and the tension in the room finally starts to ease.Meadow stands there, taking a deep breath as if she’s just shed the last bit of weight that Bryce had held over her.
I don’t say anything at first.I just watch her, admiring her.She handled it.She stood up for herself.And as much as I wanted to step in, I’m glad I didn’t.This was her moment to reclaim her strength, and she did it with more grace and power than I could’ve imagined.
“You okay?”I finally ask, my voice quiet, but she nods, giving me a small, relieved smile.
“I am now,” she says, and there’s something in her eyes that tells me she’s truly free of him for the first time.
ChapterSeventeen
Raffa
The days pass without incident.Once Meadow confronted her ex, he left town and hasn’t been heard from since.She hasn’t wanted to talk about it, and I haven’t pushed.We’ve fallen back into our routine, preparing for the festival.The longer I’m here, the more it feels like I’m becoming part of this sleepy little town.
I’ve settled into a rhythm, and surprisingly, I’m enjoying it.The thought of returning to Boston doesn’t sit right with me.It’s probably the combination of having my siblings close—Sinclair swings by almost every weekend with Lavender—and then there’s Meadow.
I want to know her better, more than I already do.I’ve scratched the surface, but there’s so much more.Lately, she’s been consumed with the gallery, and we only see each other during festival prep.I know she’s excited about the business opening, but I miss her.It’s strange to admit, but I do.Part of me wonders if she’s been avoiding me since everything went down with her ex.
I used to be the one who avoided things too—not an abusive asshole like Bryce, but a selfish prick who didn’t care about anyone but himself.Honestly, I hope I’ve changed.Maybe I’m fooling myself, though.Who knows?
Before heading to the festival grounds, I stop by my grandmother’s bakery.Seeing her always brightens my day, but it’s thoughts of Meadow that have me waking up earlier than usual.She’s become the highlight, the reason I actually look forward to each day.Even when I’m in a bad mood, one look at her smile and everything feels a little better.
When I walk into the bakery, the familiar smell of fresh cookies hits me instantly.Grandma’s behind the counter, loading up a tray of her famous chocolate chip cookies—my new addiction since I got here.
“Hey, Grandma,” I say, stepping behind the counter to give her a hug.She beams and pulls a warm cookie from the tray, handing it to me on a napkin.
“I’m doing just fine, sweetheart.Where are you off to this morning?”she asks, sliding me another cookie like she’s reading my mind.
“I’m meeting Meadow at the festival grounds.She’s been swamped with the gallery opening, so we haven’t had much time to meet up.But I’m happy for her,” I say, taking a bite.It’s perfect, as always.
Grandma gives me one of her looks, a knowing one, like she’s figured something out that I haven’t.“What’s that look for?”I ask, raising an eyebrow.
“I’ve noticed you’ve been a little grumpy lately.Since Meadow’s been busier.Something going on between you two?”she asks with a teasing grin.
I just smile, choosing not to answer.Instead, I kiss her cheek and head for the door.The bell jingles as I step outside, shaking my head.Grandma’s always meddling, but this time, she’s not wrong.
When I get to the orchard grounds, I spot Meadow immediately, and damn if my heart doesn’t skip a beat.What the hell is happening to me?I’ve been in a few serious relationships, and none of my exes ever made me feel anything like this.It’s both pathetic and terrifying.
My thoughts drift back to the other day, when I kissed her.I want to kiss her again.Hell, I want to kiss her more, touch her more.I stop myself from going down that road, but lately, I’ve been thinking about all the things I want to do to her with my mouth, my hands, my cock ...I’ve had to jerk off in the shower more times than I can count just to keep myself from losing it.
“Hey, how are you doing today?”she asks as I walk over and start helping her with the decorations.
“I’m good.Always good on the days I get to see you,” I confess, maybe a bit too boldly, but what do I have to lose at this point?
She smiles back, but doesn’t say anything.A faint blush rises to her cheeks, and I feel a little thrill at that.
“So, I was thinking, maybe we could hang out more when you’re not busy with the gallery?”I suggest, trying to keep it casual.“If you need help with anything, I can come by and lend a hand.”
