Page 25 of Harvest Season in Kentbury
I sigh, finally giving in to their relentless stares.“Okay, fine.I might like him.A little.Maybe.”
Grandma claps her hands, delighted.“Oh, I knew it.She’s in love.Genie is going to be so happy.We always knew you two would be a perfect match.”
“What?”I screech, I can’t even correct her that I admitted to like him, not being in love.What is wrong with her and her friends?“You set us up?”
“Of course, sweetie,” Grandma says, entirely too satisfied with herself.“After Bryce the Ass, I wasn’t going to let you wallow in self-pity forever.And Raffa—well, that man needs a good woman, and that woman is you.”
I shake my head in disbelief, my thoughts running wild.Meddling grandmas ...I should’ve known.But deep down, I can’t help the flutter of happiness.If someone had to meddle, at least it’s Raffa they picked.
“So, what’s the plan?”Jane asks, smirking.“Are you going to tell him how you feel, or just keep playing coy until someone else swoops in?”
I roll my eyes.“There’s no plan.I’m not rushing into anything.Not after last time.”
Grandma’s tone softens, her eyes gentle.“Honey, we’re not telling you to rush.We just want you to be happy.And from what I’ve seen, that man puts a smile on your face like no one else has in a long time.”
I smile, feeling a little lighter.“Thanks, Grandma.I appreciate it.But I’ll figure it out in my own time.”
Jane sighs dramatically.“Fine, fine.We’ll leave you be for now.But just know, if Raffa decides to stay in Kentbury, the whole town’s going to be on your case until you two are together.Married.”
“Yeah, well, we’ll see what happens,” I say, trying to keep my voice casual.But deep down, I know they’re right.There’s something between Raffa and me, something that feels ...real.And if he stays, Kentbury won’t stop meddling.That’s just the nature of this town.
Maybe ...just maybe, I’m ready to let myself fall again.And this time, it feels like I might be falling into something real.
ChapterNineteen
Meadow
I can’t believethe gallery opening is this weekend.I’m rushing around, trying to get all the last-minute details in place, feeling like a chicken with its head cut off.The exhaustion seeps into my bones.Between prepping for the opening and helping with the festival, I’m spread so thin I feel like I could snap in two.
At least working on the festival has given me time with Raffa.We’ve managed to steal moments here and there, and every stolen kiss leaves me wanting more.The truth is, I’m falling for him—hard.And it terrifies me.Where do I stand?I have no idea, maybe nowhere and this is just for fun.
Grandma insists he feels something for me, it’s in his eyes.His eyes are always brooding and his jaw clenching ninety percent of the time, but she’s wise and shit so I want to believe her.
Though, deep down I know his stay in Kentbury isn’t much longer.Rumors are swirling that he’s opening a law firm next door to the gallery.I haven’t had the courage to ask him, though.I’m scared he’ll say it’s just that—a rumor.I’m scared he’ll leave.Not just for me, but for his health too.
I’m setting myself up for heartbreak, and I know it.But there’s something about Raffa I can’t resist.It’s not just the physical attraction—although those stolen kisses aren’t enough anymore.It’s everything about him.He listens.He cares.And the more I’m around him, the more I want him.
But what happens when he leaves?What happens when he goes back to Boston, back to the life that nearly killed him?I don’t know if I can handle my heart being broken again, especially not after Bryce, and yet, here I am, letting myself fall anyway.
As I place a potted plant in the perfect spot, the bell over the door jingles, pulling me from my thoughts.I turn, and there he is.Raffa.His hands are full—coffee in one, a bag from his grandmother’s bakery in the other.
“Well, this is a surprise,” I say, my heart doing its usual flip-flop whenever he’s around.“To what do I owe the pleasure?”
I take the coffee and the bag, my eyes lingering on him.He looks ...off.His eyes are dull, the light usually there seems snuffed out, and the dark circles under them make my stomach twist in concern.
The usual easy charm he carries is nowhere to be seen.Something’s wrong.My gut tells me it’s more than just a bad day.I place the coffee and the muffin on the counter, suddenly not hungry.I step closer, reaching out to touch his arm in a gesture of comfort, but he pulls away, stepping back.
“Raffa, what’s wrong?”My voice is soft, but the worry bleeds through.“Are you okay?Is there anything I can do?”
He clenches his jaw, his eyes avoiding mine.Whatever it is, it’s big.I can see it in the way his whole body seems to be holding back, like he’s ready to explode but doesn’t want to hurt me in the process.
“Please,” I say, stepping closer, trying again.“Just tell me what’s going on.You’re scaring me.”
He takes a breath, then finally speaks, his voice low and strained.“I might have to go back to Boston sooner than I thought.I don’t think I’ll be here for your opening night.”
His words hit me like a punch to the gut.My chest tightens, and I feel a rush of disappointment, quickly followed by anger.After everything, after watching him struggle with his health, he’s going back to what nearly killed him?
“After all the time you’ve spent here, resting and healing, you’re just going to jump right back into the same thing that almost—” I stop, my voice catching.I don’t want to say it, but we both know what I mean.
