“Opening yourself up to finding someone doesn’t mean that’s where you’ll end up.”
“But there’s always a chance. So, I’m not going there.”
The flash of fire in Calder’s gaze told me that this wasn’t a conversation worth pursuing right now. I held up both hands in surrender. “It’s your life. But Everly isn’t you. She wants a connection, a person to be with. She’s just scared of what that means she could potentially lose.”
“She’s smart to realize that now. But I don’t want you getting caught in the crossfire if she bolts.”
“Everly will always be worth that risk for me.”
Calder set down his mug with a thud. “I hope that’s the right play.”
It had nothing to do with right or wrong anymore. It was the only play. Because I’d given myself over to Everly without even realizing it. And I wouldn’t change a damn thing.
40
Everly
Tim pulled me into a hard hug. “I’m so glad you’re okay. I mean, you are okay, right? They said you were, but you never know. I can’t believe that happened at your house.”
I patted his back and then stepped out of his hold. “I’m fine. Really. Hayes has a few stitches, but other than that, we made it out relatively unscathed.”
Tim scowled at Hayes’ name. “You’d think they would’ve had this figured out by now. You should really think about staying with me for a while. It would be safer in town.”
Kelly made a tsking sound as she came out of the office area. “Please, she’s locked up with Mr. Tall, Dark, and Sexy. I wouldn’t be giving that up for anyone. Wouldn’t matter how many bullets were flying.” She gave me a quick hug. “Real glad you’re okay, though.”
I couldn’t hold in my laugh. “Not even for bullets, huh?”
“Girl, that man is fine. And the way he looks at you?” She started fanning herself. “Break me off a piece of that.”
Tim made a gagging sound and headed for his reception station.
“I think we might’ve been a little too much for poor Tim.”
She waved me off. “He’s just bummed because he has himself a little crush on you, and now you’re taken.”
“No, he doesn’t—” I stopped mid-sentence, thinking back on all of our interactions so far and realizing that maybe Tim did have a small crush on me.
Kelly arched a brow. “See?”
“He’ll get over it. I’m just fresh meat.”
“True enough. Everybody always has to check out the new girl.”
Miles bustled in through the back. “Morning. I brought donuts.”
Kelly perked up. “I always said you were the best boss I ever had.”
He smiled at all of us. “Sugar is always a good bribe in my book.”
I took a strawberry donut and almost moaned when I took a bite. “This is amazing. Thank you.”
“No one does it better than the bakery. And, good news, your paint mare and the mini-donkey will be ready to go home on Friday.”
The bite of donut suddenly felt like a lead weight in my stomach. It was officially happening. The start of my sanctuary. There was no going back. This step almost felt as scary as those three little words I couldn’t seem to utter to Hayes. But at the same time, they both felt right.
I glanced out the window and to the street. I could see where I’d had the run-in with my brother, where I’d been attacked. I could picture the hardware store just blocks away where my uncle had almost hit me. None of that was enough to scare me away. If I wanted the big, full life of my dreams, I would have to step into the unknown.
“I can’t wait to get them there. Gabe and Shiloh are going to help me check everything over this afternoon. And the barn should be done in a couple of weeks.”