Two years ago,I’d left Keira behind of my own accord. Three weeks ago, I’d left her hospital room when she threw me out.
Today? Once again, she’d told me to go. But this time, I couldn’t.
I decided to stay.
It would give her the chance to yell at me some more, right? I had the feeling she needed an outlet for some pent-up feelings, and I was happy to bear the brunt. I owed Keira that much, and I was under no illusions about my failings.
I’d been wrong to cut off contact with her. I could see that now. I’d screwed things up every which way. And I’d told her I was sorry for that, but I had to show her I meant it.
My first thought was the chai Keira had always loved so much. I could make a pot of chai on the stove for her. But I’d probably just screw it up. Instead, I decided to help out by emptying the dishwasher, which had just finished its cycle.
That wasn’t prying too much into Keira’s privacy, right?
How much had changed about her in the last couple years? Of course I hadn’t expected her to stay the same. But at the same time, I had an image of her in my mind,something I’d been carrying around with me to every new job, every new place, and it was hard to think that wasn’t her anymore.
Could I get to know the woman she was now? Would she let me?
While I was pulling plates from the dishwasher rack and setting them on the counter, the front door opened, and Brynn walked in. We both stopped in surprise, staring at each other.
“Dean. You look better than when we saw you at the hospital. You looked like complete shit then.” Brynn carried a couple bags of groceries over and set them on the counter.
“Candid as always, Brynn. I missed that.”
“I’m just saying, there’s been an improvement. Keep doing what you’re doing. Whatever it is.”
I couldn’t help but smile.
“Whathaveyou been up to since you came back to Hart County?” Brynn asked. “If I seem nosy, that’s because I am.”
“I’ve been catching up on some training.”
She’d started unloading the groceries. “I’m intrigued.”
I didn’t elaborate. Instead, I pitched in to help put things away, grabbing a box of pasta from the counter. “How are you and Cole doing?”
“Cole’s as ornery as ever, and I love him for it.”
I opened a few cabinets, found a spot for the pasta, and slid it in. I used to know where everything went in Keira’s kitchen at her old house, back when we spent so much time together. This was different, unfamiliar, but I was a quick study.
Brynn handed me a can of soup, watching me with an assessing look. “I wasn’t all that surprised to see you back in town,” she said.
I glanced at her. “No?”
“Nope.” She pulled out a bag of coffee. “There’ssomething unresolved between you and Keira. I’m hoping this will be an opportunity for you both to sort that out.”
“I thought you’d be more protective and tell me not to hurt her.”
“Oh, don’t get me wrong. I’m extremely protective of my friends.” Brynn put a jar of pasta sauce on a shelf. “I couldn’t stand River the first time I met him because I knew he’d hurt my best friend Charlie in the past. Turned out I was completely wrong about him. He’s solid. Now, Charlie’s his wife and very happy.” She met my eyes. “And unlike River when I first met him, I actually think you’re a good guy already, Dean. I consider you a friend.”
Something loosened in my chest. “That means a lot.”
“You’re a fellow Marine too. That common ground counts for plenty.” She handed me another can, and I put it away with the others.
Brynn’s gaze drifted to the dining table, where I’d set the basket. “Did you bring that?”
“Yeah.”
“It’s massive.” She walked over and poked through it, letting out a low whistle. “Damn. You’re knee-deep in groveling mode, aren’t you?”
