Audrey consumed me. The way she gave her heart to me. Loved me. Supported me. She was the best thing to ever happen to me. There was nothing I wouldn’t do for her.
Which is why I had to break things off. She went off to Switzerland and I stayed in Denver. Some days I wonder if we really spent all that time together.
My heart gives another painful tug in my chest.
It’s the reminder that we really did. That we really loved each other.
And if I’m being honest? The way my heart is clattering around in my chest, that love might still be there.
Tension kicks up around us, a real live, beating thing. One wrong move and it could snap.
“What’s with the hair?”
Jesus, are you a fucking idiot?
I haven’t seen this woman in years and that’s one of the first things I ask her?
Instead of shiny blonde locks, her hair is dyed brown. So brown, it’s almost black. Her biceps flex as she crosses her arms, pinning me with a stare that should send me running.
Those eyes of hers are the same. Dark brown pools that are sending daggers in my direction.
Shit.
I need to backtrack, and fast.
“What are you doing here?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” There’s a bite to her tone. Her eyes trail down my body, taking me in.
I forgot what it was like to be under her intense stare. I don’t miss the way her gaze lands on my scar. Even after all the surgeries I went through, there’s still a gnarly line down my leg.
One that will never go away.
“I’m guessing it’s the same reason I’m here.”
My voice has her eyes snapping up to meet mine.
This time, she looks chagrined. It’s nothing I’m not used to. It’s why I wear shorts at the gym and nowhere else. Everyone here is used to it at this point.
But I still hate the looks it draws in town. I never wanted to be the center of attention.
I love playing football. The spotlight that comes with it I could do without. But ever since I got back into town and started rehabbing my leg, it’s been all anyone can talk about.
And I fucking hate it with every fiber of my being.
“Logan. Glad you finally decided to grace us with your presence.”
Scott interrupts, ignoring the charged air between us.
For a weekday afternoon, it’s busy. With the weather changing, more and more people are coming here instead of hiking in the mountains. We’re one good snowfall away from this place being packed every day.
“Nowhere else I’d rather be.”
Audrey snorts at my words.
Scott’s eyes ping-pong back and forth between the two of us.
“You two know each other, I take it?” Scott asks, curiosity getting the best of him.
