“Tick, tock. I don’t have all day.”
“Are you talking back to me right now, Halle?”
“Yes, Graham, that’s how conversations with me work. Now get to the point.”
Chuckling, he crosses his arms, which leaves me momentarily distracted as my eyes roam over him, taking in the way his muscles bulge when he flexes.
“Kinsley sent me here. Something about helping her roommate load up some things for her for Callum and Ellie’s wedding. Do you know anything about that?”
“Kinsley.” I pause, feeling the edge of irritation seep into my tone. “I’m sorry, you said Kinsley sent you over here?”
Of course, she did. If there’s anyone in my life who hoped Graham and I would end up together, it was Kinsley. In fact, she had our whole wedding planned out for us, knowing exactly every detail we’d want for our big day.
She really missed her calling as an event planner because I swear, the woman is as organized as she is frustrating right now.
“Yeah, I was down at the salon a little bit ago. She helped get me in for a haircut under short notice, so I was doing her this favor in return.”
I want to ask him what he’s even doing here. Why he’s in Arbor Creek when he made it clear when he left that he was never going to return, at least not this soon. As much as it’s killing me to ask, I leave it alone.
It’s a dead end road and, quite frankly, I don’t have it in me to care anymore.
“That’s funny, considering Kinsley helped me load everything up last night,” I deadpan, looking at Graham unamused.
“Is that right?” He laughs, just as my phone pings with a text message.
Turning on my heel, I continue down the hallway toward my bedroom to grab my phone.
* * *
Brea: I’m stuck in traffic on the highway. I’m sorry, I’ll have to meet you there.
* * *
Ugh! Locking my phone, I toss it absentmindedly somewhere on my bed. Opening my drawer to my dresser, I grab my black lace bra and matching panties. Dropping my towel, I make quick work of putting them on while sauntering across my room toward my closet to figure out what to wear.
Looking in the corner mirror, I see Graham eyeing me from where he still stands rooted in place in our entryway. There’s a fire in his gaze, one that’s been a long time since I’ve seen, but remember from all those years ago.
I let him drink me in standing before him, reminding him of everything he let go of when he chose to run away rather than face his problems head on.
It’s terrible of me to say, knowing the series of events which led him to leaving, but it doesn’t change the fact he hurt me when he did.
Seeing him look at me the same way he did all those years ago lights something within me that’s been burned out, withering away for a long time. I’ve tried to move on, used meaningless relationships with nameless guys as a way of burying my feelings for him.
Staring back at him, I wonder if he’s having the same thoughts I am, about how time and distance has changed things between us but the connection between us is still there.
I feel confident and sexy, watching the way his eyes eat up every inch of my body, down to my painted red toes back up over my chest and to my face.
“If that’s all, don’t let the door hit you on the way out, Graham. Travel safe when you head back to Chicago,” I say, opening the closet to search for something to wear.
Peeking my head out from behind the door, I spot Graham reaching down to adjust himself. Biting my lip, I clear my throat as his eyes dart over meeting mine.
“Oh, and do me a favor, will ya?” I smile, loving how wound up he looks, waiting for what I’m about to say.
My smile widens, knowing I have him right where I want him. “Lock the door for me when you go. I wouldn’t want anymore strangers showing up at my door and inviting themselves inside.”
Leaving him with a wink, I force myself to focus on what I’m doing. I’m glad he can’t see me now because my cover would be blown.
I’m so spaced out, thinking about the way he looked at me, that I can’t even think straight.
My ears perk, listening for any signs of him leaving. I hear him mutter something about me being a pain in his ass followed by shuffling feet before the door opens. The sounds from outside filter into the apartment and down the hall, then a moment later the door closes once again.
Stepping out from behind the closet door, I take a seat on the edge of the bed and fall back, looking up at the ceiling fan spinning around.
Graham is the only man who’s ever made my heart beat out of my chest.
What he’s doing back in Arbor Creek, I have no idea, but I’m glad to see him again.
2
Halle
* * *
Leaning over into the trunk of my car, I carefully stack the third box onto the pile before slowly lifting them into my hands. Feeling shaky, I pause and let out a slow breath. I probably should save myself the stress of carrying three boxes of breakables inside, but my momma didn’t raise no bitch. Why make two trips when I can get this done in one?
Slowly and carefully, I make my way toward the front of the Hopeful’s carrying the boxes of wine glasses and the vases that I ordered on Amazon. The clock is starting to wind down, we’re just a couple months away from when Callum and Ellie walk down the aisle.
Taking the step on the curb, I peer into the front of the boutique window and see my girlfriends huddled in a circle. My eyes widen, flashing them with a hard look that says, “one of you pay attention to me and help me open the damn door.” As if picking up on my laser focus, Kinsley turns and sees me. Her eyes widen, taking in the stack of boxes in my arms before rushing toward the door to help usher me in.
“What the heck are you doing? You could drop those! And what took you so long to get here?” she mutters, holding the door open for me.
“What are you talking about?” I ask, playing coy. I know she’s aware of the fact I’m late. Twenty minutes according to the clock in my car, but I’m playing it off like I’m early. I like to give her hell, it’s one of my favorite things to do. Considering she’s the reason why Graham showed up at my door this morning, I feel like she deserves it. I’m still not sure if I should be annoyed or mad at her for it yet.
It’s why she’s my soul mate. She helps balance me out, keep me in line. Most days I love her for it, but days like today when I’m stressed to the max and feeling the error of my ways, I don’t want to hear her obvious disapproval.
“We were supposed to be here at nine thirty. It’s nine fifty-two, Halle. What took you so long?”
Setting the boxes onto the small table, I turn and face Kinsley.
“What took me so long?” I reply sarcastically. “Well, let’s start with the visitor who showed up at my door the moment I was getting out of the shower. Let’s start there.”
Kinsley looks at me and there’s a small grin that stretches across her face.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I’m glad to see you got the wine glasses and vases here for Ellie to see.”
Looking over her shoulder, I see Ellie and Brea standing near a rack of dresses. Kinsley’s grandma, June, is sitting in a chair off to the side. She smiles as she watches Ellie hold out each dress she browses.