A quiet laugh falls from her lips, and I can feel the color start to return to my face. But then just as fast as she relaxes, her shoulders start to tense up, and her face drops into the same solemn expression I’ve been greeted with for the past hour or so. This must be her new default setting. Maybe it’s time for a reset.
She shakes her head and walks up to the next ratchet strap before following my directions. She works in silence, but I can tell by the way her forehead creases that there’s a lot going on in that pretty head of hers.
I remember how much fun I had getting her to open up when we were teenagers. I’ve always loved the art of finding out what makes someone tick, just like I love figuring out what makes a vehicle run. When we first met, Emery kept her thoughts locked up tight, but I slowly figured out the combination.
Once all the straps are removed and Emery unwraps the piece from the blanket protecting it, I don’t waste any timehopping up on the tailgate and helping her get it down from the truck.
The thing is heavier than it looks, so I take the lead on lowering it to the ground while she guides it from down below. I don’t make a comment when I see her eyes hover on my biceps bulging against the fabric of my T-shirt. I’ll let her have a small sliver of peace before I let go again.
“I think I have a dolly in my truck,” I say when we successfully get the armoire on the ground.
“No need,” she says, stopping me. “I have one in the shop. Your work here is done.”
My jaw tightens as I tip my head forward. “Right,” I say, pulling back my frustration. If I stay much longer, I’m sure I won’t be able to keep my big fat mouth shut. Ultimately, I will say something stupid, she’ll scowl, and then I’ll spend my ride home wishing I could take it back. Like the fact that I wish I could rewind to that summer and tell her how I really felt instead of letting her walk away.
“I’ll have Sal call you when your truck’s ready. I’ll try to have it done as soon as possible,” I say, lifting a hand to awkwardly scratch the back of my neck.
“Thank you,” Emery says with her eyes glued to the pavement. Her lips part once more, and I lean in, waiting for her to say something else, but then she quickly clamps them shut again before spinning on her heel.
“You’re welcome,” I respond, my shoulders sagging.
She disappears inside, leaving the door cracked. I debate hanging out until she reappears with the dolly just to make sure she doesn’t need any help, but then I decide against it. Even if I did wait out here, I know she’ll hide inside until I leave. She’s always been good at avoiding situations or people she doesn’t care to interact with. And unfortunately, I fall in that category now.
With another dramatic sigh, I head back to the tow truck and climb inside. Both of my hands grip the steering wheel,needing the tension to rub against the calluses on my hands. I find myself hesitating before turning the key and putting the truck in drive.
My eyes stay trained on the small storefront, wondering if she’ll chase me down to say something else. Hell, I’d take another insult thrown my way. Anything to relive the lackluster goodbye we just shared.
But she stays hidden, and I decide to leave her alone. Even if the mere thought of her being this close but so far away drives me to insanity.
CHAPTER 3
EMERY
EIGHT YEARS AGO…
“Have you told him yet?” Marie asks, handing me my second wine cooler of the night. I grab it from her hand and grip the cold bottle as I shake my head.
“He’s over there talking to Jack,” Marie says, pointing to the two men standing in front of the line of pick-up trucks. “You should just tell him now. Get it out of the way so you two can celebrate properly,” she says, wagging her brows. I roll my eyes and laugh, exhaling some of the nervous energy eating through my brain.
I take another swig of sweet liquid and push my body in his direction. I expect him to see me and turn around with open arms, but he and his friend duck behind the truck at the last second. I’m about to interrupt when I hear my name.
“How are things going with Emery? She’s pretty hot, dude. But I’m surprised you kept her around this long. I know you’re not letting some city chick tie you down.”
“I’m not.” Knox laughs, making my stomach sink. “It’s just a fling. She’s leaving at the end of the summer, but we’re having fun, so there’s no need to complicate things. I’ll let her down easy then.”
The word fling feels so convoluted in my mind that every time Irepeat it, my grip on the glass bottle gets tighter and tighter. Finally, I squeeze so hard that the bottle slips and the glass shatters on the ground around me.
Knox looks up and his eyes connect with mine. “Bambi?”
I panic and run straight into the field of cars with no destination in mind. All I want is for the pain to go away.
Before I can get too far, I crash into Knox. His hands find my face, begging me to look at him, and I almost fall for it before shoving him away.
“I can’t believe I was going to stay here for you!”
“What do you mean?” he asks, tension rippling across his brow.
“I was going to ask my parents if I could finish senior year in Honey Grove. My grandma already agreed.”
