It worked too well.
My chest aches as I think about her taillights disappearing in the night. How she left this small town and me behind. I rub my sternum as the phantom pain pulses above my heart.
I climb into my truck and close my eyes, thinking of that night. It still hurts.
“Lose my number, Rex Coleman. I don’t ever want to speak to you again.”
Those were the last words she spoke before she climbed into her car, leaving the dance as my enemy.
I ran to the cornfields, finding the first scarecrow that I could, and leapt toward it. My body merged with his, staring from his eyes at the lonely road out of town. My thoughts are still as fresh now as they were then.
There’s so fucking much I wish I could say.
The words hang unspoken in the air, heavy and dripping with regret. As the taillights of her car disappear, my fist rises to the scarecrow’s chest and hovers by the heart that doesn’t exist. The ache feels like a physical wound. Like a knife plunge that rips the organ apart, spraying lifeblood onto the ground.
I wish she’d turn around.
I wish she’d come back to me.
I hope to fuck she won’t because I have nothing to offer her.
And when she doesn’t. . . I know I’ve lost her forever.
My eyes open, and the ghostly ache recedes.
It still feels dark, cold, and wrong when I think of that separation. The feeling returned after her stalker took her in the corn maze. I haven’t told Cami how I’m connected to her on a level that doesn’t make sense, how my intuition surges when she’s in danger.
I don’t know how much Granny Jo has ever revealed to Cami about this town or the bloodlines that formed it. Since she came here at thirteen, she’s not grown up keeping the secrets from birth like many of us. She’s probably not aware that the founding families are spelled to the Salem witches that settled here after the trials.
I have no idea how she’ll react once she learns about it.
None of these matters as I put my truck in gear and drive out of the lot. My focus is better spent on protecting my family and the two women I adore.
I’m halfway there when an idea pops into my head. I make a few phone calls, starting with Alder. After I’ve invited each of them, I dial Cami.
“Hey, baby,” I greet her when she answers. “Would you like to have dinner with my brothers and me?”
“For business or pleasure?” She’s teasing me.
“How about both?” Since we need to talk about Coleman Lumber taking on the rebuild for Butter Bliss Bakery, we mightas well take care of business while I tell my brothers that I’m finally with Cami.
“Well, I’m hungry, so that’s an easy yes,” she laughs.
“I’ll be there soon.”
ALL OF MY BROTHERSare already inside the house by the time I arrive with Cami. I lead her up the steps of the back porch and find them seated around the table, waiting for us.
It’s a bit awkward as I guide Cami forward with my hand gently resting against her lower back. I’m not sure what they’ll say to her, but it’s a chance I have to take.
For one thing, Cami is important to me, and I want my brothers to see that I’m working things out with her. She’s a permanent part of my life. In truth, my forever. I need them to know that.
Second, I want to talk about Coleman Lumber helping with the Butter Bliss rebuild and helping Granny Jo with the expenses. I know they won’t refuse.
Alder is the only one standing. He’s leaning against one of the support beams, nursing a beer. “Hey, Camille.”
“Hi, Alder,” she greets him. “It’s been a long time.”
“Too long,” he doesn’t hesitate to add, his gaze cutting to me.
