I walk Eliza to her dark-green front door. She’s looking at her hands and I wait patiently until she finds the words, even though my instinct is to hold her and tell her she’s allowed to miss me too.
“We can’t just pick up where we left off,” she says abruptly. “I know it wasn’t part of the neighbors-with-benefits deal, but it became more for me. I can’t pretend you didn’t hurt me.” Her jaw is set, and a determined frown creases her forehead. “The no-strings-attached hookups are off the table,” she says, her tone unwavering.
“Good,” I tell her.
“What?” Eliza’s taken aback.
“Why do you think I came back? What do you think I left New York for? A hookup?”
I take her hands in mine. “I was drowning in denial before I came here. You showed me I wasn’t living. You, Eliza, are pure light warming every corner of my heart. I’d be the luckiest man in the world to be allowed in your orbit.”
Tear-filled eyes search me, looking for any sign of deception. She’s still hesitant and it kills me when she nods and wordlessly walks inside, leaving me a mess on her doorstep.
Chapter Forty-Three
ELIZA
Six months ago, I would have never imagined I could take on this challenge. The budget opened the door to a world of luxury, but I still sprinkled in some pieces I found at the antiques fair. They gave the place a distinct personality.
Even with the nerves and excitement, this morning’s note circles my mind on the last walk-through of the finished lake house.
You taught me the true meaning of being strong.
The things he said on my doorstep cracked my heart open. All the feelings furiously bursting its banks, too strong for words, too consuming to trust my judgment in that moment. I left him looking crestfallen, his pain haunting me.
“You did an amazing job, Eliza,” Valerie says as I take another picture for my portfolio.
“I hope they love living here.” The light pouring in through the large windows makes the rooms warm and homely.
To be honest, it’d be my dream home if I had the money for such a large piece of real estate. I could see myselfbaking in the large kitchen, sketching in the hidden corner around the living room, or cuddling on the fluffy couch, reading while the kids run around the backyard that slopes into the lake.
Kids, a family. A want etched so deep in my soul, a never-healed wound that will keep bleeding until I meet the man I can see myself spending my life with. Or until I trust Carter when he says he wants to be that person for me.
“They adore it.” She beams, looking around.
“How do you know?”
“I sent them some videos,” Valerie says sheepishly. “Sorry I didn’t tell you, I didn’t want to add to the pressure.”
The large ball of stress weighing on my shoulders lightens and I sit a little bit straighter.
“No problem. I’m a little relieved actually. I wish I could meet them in person and thank them for the opportunity.”
“You’ll have your chance.” She pirouettes around the dining room, swiping invisible dust off the windowsill. “There will be a housewarming party next week and they insisted you join them.”
When Valerie mentioned they’d invited some townsfolk, I expected it to be neighbors and close friends, but the deck and backyard are bustling with quite a crowd. On my way to find the hosts I spot Quinn hugging Mike and giving him an innocent peck. Although the sheriff is glaring at them from the opposite side of the garden, like they’re having sex in the middle of the party.
Martha and Sam are near the dock, gesturing to the house and nodding.
“Happy to see familiar faces.” I laugh, feeling relieved.
“We were surprised Valerie reached out,” Sam says. He’s wearing his best sweater and shirt, glancing around, as confused as I am.
“I guess the owners want to make nice with everybody in Silver Lake Falls.” I can’t wait to meet them. Even if they’ve already seen the place in videos there’s still the nagging doubt. It would make a world of difference if they loved it and recommended me to other people. “Did you take a look inside?”
“We just got here. Want to show us around?” Martha nods toward the house.
From the corner of my eye, a flash of perfectly coiffed blonde hair grabs my attention. “You go ahead, I’ll be right with you,” I say, managing to plaster on a smile. My heart is picking up speed, but I don’t know why.
