“She’ll like whatever you get her.”
His brows lifted. “How will it ever compete with your gift?”
“You’ll be fine. She really likes you. It’s not going to matter.”
Max stepped closer; his expression serious. “Do you have feelings for her?” His eyes never wavered from mine. There was no anger or jealousy in them, just concern.
I had no reason to lie; it would all come out eventually.
“I do,” I admitted wholeheartedly.
Max nodded. “Thought so. I could see it in your eyes the first day I met you.”
“Lydia and I are friends, Max. She doesn’t see me in that way. I can tell she likes you, though.” I blew out a sigh. “Also, I’m moving out today. She’s had to put up with me enough this week.”
Max’s gaze narrowed. “Are you moving out because of your feelings for her?”
“Yes. And also, because I don’t want to come between you two. It’s not fair. She doesn’t deserve me trying to interfere.”
He shook his head and smiled. “Let me guess . . . the day in the towel? That wasn’t by accident, was it?”
“No,” I confessed. “And neither was my car not starting. I’m sorry for being an ass. From now on, I’ll stay out of the way.”
Max held out his hand again. “No problem, buddy. We all do crazy things for the people we care about.”
“Isn’t that the truth,” I claimed, shaking his hand again.
He slapped me on the shoulder. “Take care, Jake. I’m sure I’ll see you around again.”
Unfortunately, I’d have to see him with Lydia. It was something I’d have to get used to.
Max started to walk off, but I stopped him. “If you speak to Lydia in the next couple of hours, please don’t tell her I’m leaving. I want to tell her myself.”
“I won’t say anything,” he promised.
Once he was gone, I took one last look around downtown Boone and got in my car. Before I could back out of my parking spot, my phone beeped with a text from Janet.
Janet: Got everything fast-tracked. The papers are ready to be signed. Stop by at your convenience.
The timing was perfect.
Me: On my way.
19
LYDIA
My heart raced so insanely fast that I thought I’d pass out. Jake and Hailey didn’t know I was by the window listening to them the entire time. Shock couldn’t begin to describe the way I felt. They’d kept a gazillion secrets from me. Secrets that undoubtedly would change everything going forward. What was I supposed to do now? Hearing everything Jake said conflicted my heart even more.
When Hailey hopped in Oliver’s truck, I rushed back to my bedroom and shut the door quietly. About an hour later, I could hear Jake walking through the house and held my breath, wondering if he would check on me. A few minutes later, Jake’s car rumbled to life, and I heard him drive away.
I reached for my phone, but I couldn’t call Hailey. Not yet, at least. She was definitely going to get an earful when I did. However, what she’d done to conspire with Jake didn’t surprise me.
Quietly, I tiptoed out of my bedroom and peeked around the corner to see out the front windows. I had to make sure Jake’s car had gone. I noticed a piece of paper on the kitchen counter, so I went over and grabbed it.
Lydia,
I’m going out for a while, but I’ll be back soon. Call me if you need anything.
