Something shifted within Drake, and he expelled a breath, taking a few steps back while raking his fingers through his hair. “It’s a good thing you’re doing.”
My throat grew thick. “Thanks. Maybe Dad… well, you know.”
He grabbed my hand, and the fierce protectiveness I always associated with Drake came rushing back. “I know. He’d be proud.”
I had made a terrible mistake leaving Drake Foster.
Chapter Two
Drake
I dragged a hand down my face as the door closed. Lex was back. And I still fucking loved her. Hell, I never stopped. When she came home to bury her father, I thought we were okay. I had been there for her in every way I could be. At least I thought I had. Replaying our time together, I still had no idea what I’d done wrong.
Then the morning she left, everything changed. She ended things between us. Something had happened, and she’d shut down… completely.
Hollis fucking Fritz.
The name itself made me see red. I hated the fucker, and I’d never met him. After Lex had left, I’d kept trying to reach out to her. She wouldn’t return my calls, emails, letters. Nothing. I’d hoped she would work through whatever was bothering her and then reach out. But that never happened. Finally, I went after her. She was mine. The problem was when I got there two months later, she was running into that bastard’s arms.
So, I left and buried myself in the Red Onion and the town. I joined the city council, started playing cards with my buddies every other week, got nominated for an Alaskan business board, and helped my dad build furniture on the side. Anything to keep my mind off what had happened. And I thought it had worked. I thought I’d managed to pick up the pieces and move on… until today.
I felt sick to my stomach as I opened the fridge and cracked a beer. For a mere moment with her in my arms, I’d forgotten she had a boyfriend. So, I would keep my distance from now on. Cheating wasn’t something I condoned. Never had. Never would.
In the two years she’d been gone, she’d only gotten more beautiful. Her blonde hair was a little longer, but other than that, nothing else had changed. Lex’s petite body fit perfectly in my arms. With that thought came the realization that trying to forget Lex was a waste of energy. There was no forgetting her.
I am so screwed.
That night I was going to Moochie’s house to play cards with some of the guys. We’d all been friends since school and got together when we could. They were all married with kids—or kids on the way. I’d be bringing an extra case of beer for sure. The distraction would definitely help.
Lex being back was going to fuck with my head, especially since her boyfriend was coming back with her.
But if she needed something, I would be there for her. I’d made a promise to her father that I had to keep. It was what he whispered to me as he was dying.
Take care of my Alexa. She’s going to need you.
Besides losing Lex, the day Lloyd passed away was the worst day of my life.
From the time we started dating, when Lex was in high school, I knew she wanted to be a nurse. I’d supported her going away to pursue those dreams. I thought our love would last. All that shit they say about distance making the heart grow fonder was utter bullshit. If that was the case, we’d still be together.
There was a soft knock on the door. Damn it. I needed to be alone and gather my thoughts and control before I went back to the bar. Snapping at customers wasn’t good for business. Lex being back in town and bringing that jackass city boy changed everything.
How do I not punch the fucker?
I opened the door, and Lex stood there, still beautiful as ever. She twirled a piece of her blonde hair where it spilled over her shoulder, and she chewed on her lip.
Is she as messed up as I am about this situation?
“Sorry, I forgot my phone.”
Remain calm. Neutral. Unaffected.
“Come on in. Want a beer?” I opened the door wider to let her in.
Her sweet smile nearly did me in. “No, thanks. Maybe another time. I got the keys from Teagan. Finally. And I need to go check out Doogle’s place. I’m hoping to open the clinic within a week. I know it needs some TLC, but with a little elbow grease, it should be fine. At least that’s what Nancy said.”
Without a team of people, ther
e was no way she’d make that date. Nancy drove me fucking nuts, too. She would say anything to make a sale. But she was the only realtor in Skagway. And she only did it part time. She also helped coordinate tours for tourists during the season.