She folds her arms.“And house hunting?”
I pause, biting the inside of my cheek.“Yeah.He’s been looking.”
“So he’s not leaving.”
The warmth that spreads through me is impossible to ignore.“No,” I admit, trying not to smile too much.“He’s not.”
Violet’s grin widens as she leans against the shelf, arms crossed.“Well, I’m glad he’s not going anywhere either.You deserve to be happy.”
“Thanks.”Heat creeps up my neck.“I really like him.”
She nods.“So do I.And I’m glad people are finally seeing the side of him outside of the New York hospital fiasco.Everyone sees what a good doctor he is, especially to our town.”
I smile, the words settling something deep inside me.
Violet’s eyes suddenly light up with mischief.“Hey, and maybe we should double date.”
I let out a short laugh.“I actually really like that idea.But, uh, we haven’t even been on a real date yet.Just us.”
“There’s plenty of time for that,” she assures me, waving a hand.Then, her smirk returns.“Unless, of course, you want to take him back to Pulse Point.”
I groan, my face burning from the memory of that disaster floods back.“Yeah, because that worked out so well last time.”
She snickers.“Chances of getting caught again are probably high.And, let’s be real, you could probably use a break from the headlines.”
“Yeah, you’re right.We don’t need another headline, but even if it happens, whatever.It’s a small town after all.What do I expect?”But the truth is, I don’t care anymore.Not like I used to.I’m done letting other people’s opinions dictate my life.
Violet watches me for a beat, then says, “Like the article you wrote about him.It was beautiful.”
Something tight and proud swells inside me.“He saved my mom’s life.He deserved to be recognized for the hero he is and not the messed-up version of him that I made people believe when he first arrived.”I shake my head.“He works harder than anyone I know.I wanted to make sure people saw that before I left.”
“Go out with a bang, huh?”
“Yeah.Literally.”
She winks, and I shake my head, but inside, my thoughts are spinning.It’s ridiculous how much I miss him already.We’ve barely had time together, but the distance feels too much.It’s not just the time apart; it’s the way he’s in my head constantly.How even something as simple as picking out snacks for game night has me thinking about him.The way I’m counting the hours until I see him again.
My family loves him.They’re excited he’s coming tonight.And, honestly?So am I.
Violet pushes off the shelf.“Alright, I’m out of here.See you Monday?”
I nod.“See you then.”
She gives me a quick wave before disappearing down the aisle.Once I grab the last few things I need, I head to the register.I’m still floating a little, caught somewhere between nerves and excitement, so when I notice Candyce watching me again, her smug expression in place, I just smile.A real, genuine, unbothered smile.Let her think whatever she wants.
By the time I get home, the scent of slow-roasted beef and caramelized onions hits me the second I step inside.It’s the kind of smell that belongs to old family recipes, ones I’ll never be able to recreate, no matter how hard I try.
Hazel has set the table, plates and silverware neatly arranged, a small vase of flowers in the center.
I narrow my eyes.“Mom, what else do you need help with?”
Before she can answer, the doorbell rings.
I freeze, heartbeat skipping, and when I turn to look at her, she’s already moving past me with a smile.
I swallow my nerves, opening the door.
Adrian stands there, looking effortlessly good despite the long shifts he’s been pulling.Dark gray top under a black worn leather jacket, blue jeans, hair slightly messy.His blue eyes land on mine, and that familiar heat sparks low in my stomach.
