I don’t want to fight with her today, so I take a deep breath before I continue. “I appreciate your concern, I really do. But I need to give this a try. If it doesn’t work, I’ll consider coming home.”
I had no intention of ever going home again, but I can’t say that to her. This phone call would never end if I did.
“Fine, dear. We’ll give you a little more time. But your father and I expect you home before the holidays.”
“We’ll see.” I shake my head. “Listen, I really do need to go. I’ll talk to you soon.”
I quickly end the call and head out to my car.
Home for the holidays. That’s a joke.
Holidays with my family are more of an obligation than a time to celebrate with the ones you love. There’s no way I can endure another holiday at my parents’ house without Mark. He made dealing with them so much easier. He was with me because he loved me, not because I shared the same genes. He made life with my parents easier. Without him, they’re unbearable.
I know my parents love me in their own way, but it's not a wayI needto be loved. And it’s definitely not a way that will help me move past this loss and find a new place in this world.
So, thanks, but no thanks, Mother. I will not be coming home.
My jaw dropsat the sight of Adam’s office. I’m not sure what I expected—or if I even had any expectations to begin with—but it certainly isn’t this modern, sleek building that looks like something Frank Lloyd Wright might have designed. The clean lines and sharp edges are striking, but it’s the way the edgesblend into the mountainside that’s most remarkable. It just fits. That’s the best way to describe it.
I thought it odd when my GPS had me turn in the opposite direction of Watercress Falls when I left the chalet. Instead of heading toward the closest cluster of businesses in a forty-mile radius, I headed into the mountainous terrain behind my home. It’s only a ten-minute drive, but unexpected nonetheless.
Now I understand. Nothing this beautiful can be achieved on Main Street. It’s a perfect showcase of Adam’s architectural skills.
I put my car in park and grab my bag. For the first time since moving to this small country town, I feel dressed for the occasion. My clothes are fancier than this town is used to, and I get more than my fair share of stares when I visit Sweet Cakes. I don’t own a single pair of jeans or anything flannel. Not that there’s anything wrong with jeans and flannels, it just isn’t how I was raised. It feels good to find a place I’m comfortable in the clothes I love.
One day, I’ll have to give in and buy a pair of jeans and cowboy boots. I’m not sure about the flannel, but there are probably other shirts I’ll love that are more fitting for this environment. I chose to move to this world, and as such, I’ll have to make an effort to fit in.
I step inside the door and gasp. The inside is more beautiful than the outside. The first thing I see is a solid rock wall with a trickle of water running over its surface. The way the building is built against the mountain, leaving the natural rock exposed, is gorgeous. The rest of the room consists of light walls and darkly stained, rough plank wood floors. It’s the perfect complement to the natural rock wall. It’s awe-inspiring and if an ounce of this look and feeling makes it into my house, I’ll be ecstatic.
I spin on my heels to take in the rest of the room, but my eyes lock on Adam, and everything else fades into the background.He’s leaning against a hallway entrance with a faint grin on his face. His casual lean projects confidence with a slight touch of arrogance. I pinch my lips and swallow the whimper that threatens to escape. I’ve gotten used to seeing him in a nice button-down shirt and jeans, but today he’s wearing a perfectly tailored charcoal gray suit with a pale green dress shirt and dark green tie that brings out the green in his eyes. His gaze challenges me with a dare to comment on his current ensemble, but I’m speechless. He’s hot.
We stare at each other for what feels like an eternity. The silence drags out and borders on uncomfortable. If he didn’t know the effect he had on me before, he certainly knows now. So much for maintaining a calm, neutral demeanor around him.
He pushes off of the wall and saunters toward me, his gaze raking down my body. He stops just a few feet away and smiles. In a low, gravelly voice that makes my knees wobble, he says, “What do you think?”
“Um … you … you look … nice,” I mutter.
“Thanks.” He laughs. I squeeze my eyes closed.Shit, he meant the building.
When I open my eyes, he’s still smiling. The intensity in his gaze lets loose a swarm of butterflies in my belly. I shouldn’t be getting butterflies, should I? It feels like a betrayal to Mark, but then again, he wouldn’t want me to give up on life because he’s gone. We talked about this years ago and agreed that if one of us passes too soon, the other is free to live a happy life. No lifelong mourning allowed. Yet, I’m still not ready to let him go.
I don’t know how to feel about this attraction to Adam. My mind says it’s wrong, but my body isn’t listening. I can’t decide if I like this feeling or not … but I think I do.
He runs his fingers through his hair and strolls around the room. My eyes track him like a predator studies its prey. He makes a full loop before he turns his heated gaze on me.
My face warms and must be turning fifty shades of red, but I hold my eyes on his, mesmerized by his appearance. My eyes sweep down his form, and I immediately regret it. I’m not prepared to process how his appearance makes me feel. This is all too new, too raw. I clear my throat and force myself to meet his stare. I started down this path, I might as well own it. So, I say, “Well, you do look good. This look suits you.”
“Just good?” His teasing smile grows.
I laugh. “You’re always dressed so casually. I wasn’t expecting to see you in a suit. Plus, I haven’t seen a man in a suit in, well … It’s been a couple years.”
“I don’t wear one often. I had another client meeting scheduled after yours, and let's just say his expectations are high.”
“Had?” I give him a quizzical look.
He shakes his head with disappointment. “The bastard canceled. Got me all dressed up for nothing.”
“And here I thought you got all dressed up for me.” I cross my arms over my chest and fake a frown.
