. . .
Rosalind
I wishI were with Jace instead of in the bookstore’s backroom folding flyers for the lending program, my mind circling the clock until I can be. But Evelyn needed these, and as always, I was the one who spotted the typo. A tiny error, but it keeps me here.
Evelyn comes in. “You’re making progress. By the way, I called Theo. There are still no rooms available at the lodge.”
I hadn’t even thought to call. “Thanks for checking.”
“Least I could do,” she says. “Sheriff Granger told me the pass will open in two days.”
“That’s….” My voice hitches. “Wonderful news.”
“Is it?”
I don’t answer.
She touches my shoulder. “I’m sure you’ll have lots of stories to share about staying at the cabin, but you’ll be home soon. And when you return to Hollow Peak, the lodge will have a room for you.”
The bell jingles. Evelyn goes out to greet whoever is here.
I continue folding on autopilot. My lungs protest with each inhale.
The pass opens, and my excuse for staying in Jace’s cabin disappears. I’ve ignored that. The same way I’ve ignored how he hasn’t wanted to have sex again, telling myself he’s being protective. That it’s a him issue, not because of me. And now…
Staying at the lodge had always been the plan before a rockslide and a lumberjack shattered everything. But I want to be with Jace and Spool, even if the lodge makes the most sense. It’s closer to the bookstore.
Margaret would pick the lodge. My sister wouldn’t understand why I’m hesitating.
But I am. I pick up another flyer.
The rockslide gave me an excuse that didn’t require me to sayI want to stay in your cabin because you make coffee before dawn, carve bookmarks, and see all of me.
Staying at the cabin requires asking. I don’t do that. Instead, I offer acts of service, such as remembering birthdays and showing up early to help set up. I never have to find out that I’m not wanted.
The flyer crinkles in my grip. Now I’ll need to do the one thing I have spent my life avoiding. To sayI want this. Please.To the man who took my virginity and carved me a bookmark. Who could say no?
Do I dare?
If I don’t, I’ll only be left with memories, and that’ll never be enough.
I leave the bookshop with flyers tucked into my binder and know exactly what I need—cinnamon rolls. That sweet, gooey goodness will help control my uneasy thoughts or ignore them for a while. Plus, Jace might enjoy them as much as I will.
I step through Switchback’s door. Mae sets down her coffee pot. “Get over here now.”
As I head toward her, Mae studies my face. “Lord. Mr. Side-Eye finally did something right.”
My face burns. “Mae?—”
“Don’t you Mae me.” She plates a cinnamon roll. “I’ve been waiting four years for that man to start living again. Sit.”
I do, even though I planned to get an order to go.
She places a cinnamon roll in front of me with a cup of coffee and stands with her arms folded, looking at me like a miracle just walked in. “So…”
“It’s not… We’re just?—”
“Sweetheart.” Her gaze softens. “I sent you up that logging road because I’ve known Jace Redmond since he was a boy. He neededsomethingto pull him out of himself. And I had a feeling it just might be you.”
