‘Okay, okay!’ I hold up my hands. ‘One step at a time, please. Let’s just start with figuring out how I’m gonna tell my girl I love her.’
32
Cherry
It’s not like Rory to be late, if anything she’s normally early, yet I’ve been here in Sitting Pretty for fifteen minutes now. I keep checking my phone, hoping a text will come through letting me know she’s just running late but she’s on her way. It was Rory who text me a couple of hours ago inviting me for a quick drink in town.
Despite trying my best not to let what happened with Duke get to me when I was at Sunset Ranch for one of my riding sessions with Fliss, I know her and Rory could tell something was up. It sucked not being able to spill everything to my girls, especially since Rory was the one who insinuated that Duke might have had feelings for me in the first place. I realise that revealing our relationship – or whatever the hell it is – that’s a decision for both of us to make together. Even if that means deciding to keep quiet and pretend nothing ever happened. Fuck, I really hope that’s not what he wants. How is it possible to be soannoyed at someone yet miss them so goddamn much at the same time?
Ugh, I really need this chat with Rory.
This time, when I lift my phone for what feels like the one-hundredth time, a message finally pops up from her.
Rory:Hey, girl! Sorry, I’m not gonna be able to make it anymore – got caught up with retreat stuff! But don’t worry, I’ve sent someone else to keep you company!! Don’t hate me x
Don’t hate her? Who could she have possibly sent—
The tinkling bell above the door of the café rings as a customer enters. My gaze momentarily flicks up to catch sight of him – black leather jacket shining under the lights, dark Wranglers hugging solid, corded thighs, and a motorcycle helmet snug in the crook of his arm. I fight the urge to let my eyes drift upwards, to catch those eyes that have the power to shatter my heart all over again. Because even just knowing he’s here has my heart pounding like racing hoofbeats.
Surely this is just a coincidence.
My thumbs thunder across my phone screen, violently tapping out my message back to Rory.
Cherry:Please tell me you didn’t send Duke?!
My table sits far at the back of the café, but I still sink down in my seat, hoping Duke won’t notice me. My hair falls across my face, and I try to peek around it to catch a glimpse of him. He’s joined the short queue at the counter,already in conversation with one of the baristas, smiling as if Friday night isn’t weighing down on him like it has been for me, aside from the brief reprieve while riding – my new therapy, it seems.
My phone pings again and I scramble to put it on silent. Though, I doubt he can hear amongst the buzzing chatter and steaming machines in the café.
Rory:Oops …
Oh, for fuck’s sake.She knows. But then that means … he must have spoken to her.
Cherry:OMG!! What did he tell you?
Rory:Everything, babe. Which means we’re technically even because you kept a secret and so did I, soooo please hear him out!! I want to go on double dates!
Cherry:I hate you
Rory:love you too xx
I can’t bring myself to look away from my phone, particularly as I can already sense someone moving closer to my table. It takes me a few deep breaths before I can muster up the courage to look up at him. When I do, our gazes catch and he halts a few inches from the table, two coffee cups in his hands, a bag hanging off his arm, and his helmet tucked under the other.
His eyes glisten under the twinkling café lights with somany unspoken words. With memories of how I told him I loved him yet spent the night alone. The first person I’ve ever loved, letting me walk away.
‘Hi,’ he says, holding up one of the cups to me.
Tightness already clogs my throat as memories of the other night slam into the forefront of my mind. I nudge the chair opposite me out from under the table with my foot, the legs scraping against the floor. Duke’s gaze struggles to leave me before he nods and takes a seat, placing his helmet on the table, and his bag on the floor.
‘Thanks,’ he rasps, before sliding the coffee cup along to me, ‘for letting me sit.’
His eyes flick between mine, searching. Evidence that my heart is still open for him? Evidence that I’ll be okay if his isn’t for me?
‘I know you’re probably – and rightfully – angry at me, but I was hoping you might …’ Duke pauses, blinking away once and taking a deep breath through his nose. ‘I hoped you might give me a chance to apologise. To make it up to you.’
I purse my lips, regarding him for a second – as if to pretend that my heart didn’t just do a little flip with relief that there’s still hope kindling between us. ‘Okay.’
Duke dips his head, a soft curve of his lips following.
