FORD
There’s something about Arden that I can’t quite put my finger on it. The night has been awkward, but I wasn’t going to pass up a meal of Eliza’s cooking. She’s as good as Rosalie and I don’t turn down her food either. I might scrounge up something sweet later after I head home.
Arden.
She’s something. She’s pretty and wholesome in a way that has me looking twice, but there’s something more there too. Like those things are just part of the packaging and you have to unwrap it to find the woman underneath.
Okay, I’m looking more than twice.
When her eyes lock with mine, they remind me of endless starry skies out on my land. They’re a dark navy with specs thatmake me want to lean across the table to see if I can chart them like constellations.
It’s the wildest fucking feeling I’ve ever experienced.
And I’m not sure how I feel about it.
My chest aches for something I’ve been afraid to name and certainly haven’t voiced. Who would I talk to about this and the mysterious letters that show up randomly?
Kendrick and I have gotten closer, sure, but I’m not sure we’re there yet. He came at me with a lot of anger, and zero proof or true accusations, beyond needing to suspect someone of the sabotage he was going up against. On top of his dad’s heart attack. I understood his need to scramble for an answer when none was forthcoming.
It all ended up working out, even for the culprit as it turns out.
I steal another glance at Arden and my heart pumps harder. I’ve never had this kind of reaction to a woman.
The strange thing is that I never noticed her before, not really. Eliza talks to her like they grew up here, and we share a lot of the same stories of drama filled fairs and festivals and the gossip which has proven true over the years. I can’t shake the feeling of déjà vu.
Since I was a kid and didn’t pay much attention, I only vaguely remember a story about a mother and her little girl coming here after leaving an abusive situation. My gut churns thinking about it being her.
That she was the little girl.
It blew right over my head back then; she was younger than me, because surely I would have noticed a new kid at school. If she was in my class at least.
I don’t know her and it bothers me for some reason.
When she smiles softly at Eliza, something starts to shake loose in my chest. I don’t understand the sensation. How can I be so content watching all the emotions flit across her face?
Eliza claps her hands as I try to stop myself from leaning back and rubbing my satisfied belly. “I did make some dessert,” her voice is bright and I’m already looking forward to whatever she’s about to bring out. She looks at Kendrick and nods toward the kitchen as she stands, “Will you help me?”
“Of course,” he stands up quickly and is at her side and guiding her into the kitchen like she’s fragile.
Or maybe like he wants to take care of her.
Yeah, probably that.
The ache in my chest sharpens slightly and I focus on the woman sitting across from me to stop myself from rubbing it. She’s beautiful in a way that feels effortless, like it is just as simple as existing. Like breathing.
“You know,” I lower my voice, the words slipping out before I can think twice about it, “I’m not entirely sure there is any dessert. I’m thinking they just wanted to make out.”
I roll my eyes a little and nod toward the door. If she’s spent any time around the couple, she’s seen them together. They don’t care about being affectionate in front of people.
And why should they? It’s loving, and they keep it above board. For the most part.
Arden bites her lower lip, her eyes lighting up with amusement. Then her laughter breaks free, unable to be contained.
The sound washes over me, and it warms me from the inside out. The feeling in my chest grows stronger.
What is that?
“You’re probably right,” Arden agrees through her laughter. She looks toward the door and shakes her head. “I guess it’s one reason to stay in here.”
