Chapter 9

CHAPTER NINE

Between tests, physical therapy, and rearranging the house for Dad’s discharge, the weeks drag on, blending into one another with no end in sight. I’ve made myself at home in Dad’s hospital room, and to my surprise—and my agent's delight—I’ve even managed to get some writing done.

The story I’ve been working on has taken an unexpected turn, and the male main character has surprisingly morphed into a certain stubborn, frustratingly sexy neighbor turned one—no, two—night stand. A man I’ve been trying to avoid, and luckily, he’s been doing one hell of a job giving me space.

I shake my head, trying to focus on the road instead of on Julian. It’s bad enough that he’s hijacked my writing; I don’t need to be obsessing over him in real life too.

My gaze drifts toward Dad, sitting quietly beside me in the passenger seat, staring out the window. The view of the mountains framing the horizon catches my eye for a moment, and I can’t help but smile at the sight before turning back to the road.

“You okay, Dad?” I ask, glancing over.

He turns to me, smiling. “I love... these mountains,” he says, his voice is strained, but it’s so much better than it was a few weeks ago.

I smile back at him, my heart lifting to see him out of that hospital room.

“Me too. I haven’t had a chance to cook or go grocery shopping yet. How about we stop for some dinner before heading home?” I ask, trying my best to sound as casual as possible while containing my excitement over the surprise party waiting for him at the diner.

“Sweet Haven?” he suggests, his eyes lighting up at the thought of his favorite little diner.

“Only if you promise to eat a salad on the side,” I can’t help teasing him.

He scrunches his nose in mock disgust. “Salad?”

“Yes, salad. Your tests showed high cholesterol, remember?”

He lets out a dramatic groan as I pull into the parking lot.

Sweet Haven is packed with cars, and I can’t believe all these people are here for my dad. Once I help him out of the car, I shoot a quick text to Eve, letting her know we’re walking in.

“Looks like the whole town is here tonight,” I say, unable to hide my grin.

“It sure does, doesn’t it?”

As soon as we swing the diner door open, a loud “Surprise!” fills the air, echoing off the walls and spilling out into the street behind us.

Dad instantly pulls me close, his grip strong despite the weeks of recovery. “What is this?” he murmurs, a touch of emotion breaking through his usual steady voice.

Before I can reply, he’s swept up by a swarm of townspeople—some I recognize, most I don’t. A hand lands gently on my shoulder, and I turn to find my mom standing beside me.

“Mom!” I cry out jumping into her arms.

“Mi amor,” she says, squeezing me tight. “I’ve missed you so much! It’s so weird being back here. And you have a whole wall!”

“I know,” I laugh, embarrassed.

We quickly catch up on her flight in this morning and things back home when she remembers Zorro in his cat carrier. She runs off to grab him from the front counter, where she left him waiting, when suddenly the air shifts around me, and I know without a doubt why. My heart pounds a little harder in my chest as I scan the room, and there he is—Julian—standing a few feet away, his laughter ringing out like a familiar melody. The sound alone making me weak.

As if he can hear my thoughts through the commotion between us, his eyes lock onto mine, and for a heartbeat, the world around us fades.

Heat creeps up my neck, and I quickly look away. It’s been far too long since the last time we spoke, and so much has changed. Like the fact that I’ve decided to stay in Haven and help Dad with his recovery. I can’t help but feel the weight of what that could mean for us. If it’s even what he wants.

“Long time no see,” Julian says, appearing beside me, his voice low and smooth, cutting through the chatter like a knife.

“And here I thought you’d forgotten all about me,” I blurt out, trying not to sound as desperate as I feel.

He raises an eyebrow, clearly taken aback. “I’m pretty certain forgetting you is impossible, Lina, especially after spending twelve years failing miserably at it.”

For a moment, it’s just the two of us in a bubble of tension, heat, and unspoken truths. I swallow hard, unsure of how to respond.

“And what if you didn’t have to try to forget me?”

He steps closer, the warmth radiating from him sending my heart into a wild spiral. “What do you mean?” he asks.

“I mean… you should ask me out.”

“I should?”

“Or not. I’m just saying I’ll be around.”

“For how long, Lina?” His gaze intensifies, making me so nervous I have to look away.

“I don’t know.” I stare down at the ground. “This place is growing on me. And you guys do have an Outback now, so…”

He reaches out, grasping my chin and tilting my face up to meet his eyes.

“You’re staying?”

“Yes,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.

He stares back at me, nodding as a slow smile spreads across his lips. I can’t help myself; I lean in, my eyes fluttering shut as his lips brush mine, and just when I think he’s going to kiss me, he shifts back.

“Hold that thought,” he says, suddenly breaking the spell I’d been caught under.

“What?” I ask, confused as he steps back.

“Just something I need to do real quick,” he replies, glancing over his shoulder. “Wait right here, okay?”

Before I can respond, he turns away, walking straight to my dad. My stomach squeezes into a tight knot as I watch the determination in Julian’s stride. He pulls my dad away from his group of friends. I can’t hear their conversation, but it’s obvious they’re talking about me, especially as they glance in my direction just as Mom pops up with Zorro in her arms.

“I see you’re making yourself right at home,” she says, a teasing smile on her face.

“No idea what you’re talking about,” I reply, taking Zorro from her and squeezing him to my chest.

“The guy you were practically falling over. He’s cute.”

“Shh,” I hiss, glancing back at Julian.

“What do you think, Zorro? Do you finally get a daddy?” Mom laughs, rubbing the spot under his chin.

Zorro replies with a loud meow, making me giggle just as Julian starts walking back toward us.

“You can go now, Mom,” I say under my breath, bumping her shoulder.

“Oh, I’m most definitely staying,” she insists.

“Mom—”

“Hi, you must be…” She immediately stretches her arm out for Julian to shake, fishing for any bit of information she can get from him.

“Julian,” he replies, extending his hand to shake hers.

“I’m Karolina’s mother. I’ve heard nothing about you, so please fill me in since my only daughter won’t.”

“Unfortunately, not a whole lot to share, but I’m hoping we can change that,” he says, smiling as his eyes lock on mine.

Mom smiles, pleased. “I hope so,” she says, winking at me.”

“Can you give us a minute, please, mother.”

“Julian, be good to her,”

“I think this town will be good for you,” she whispers in my ear as she kisses my cheek before walking away.

“Who’s this?” Julian asks, petting Zorro on the top of his head.

“Your newest neighbor, Zorro. Now, what were you talking to my dad about?”

“You.”

“Obviously,” I quip.

“I asked him for permission to date you.”

I can’t help the laugh that bursts out. “I’m sorry, what?”

“It’s important to me that he’s cool with this.”

“And if he would have said no?”

“No use in wasting time on what-ifs, Lina.” He leans down, pressing his forehead to mine. “He said yes, and you said you’re staying. That’s all that matters to me right now. We’ll figure the rest out but for now…” My lips buzz with the anticipation of feeling his lips on mine. “Welcome home, Lina.” He leans down, capturing my lips in a kiss that feels just like coming home.