Chapter 6

Igive him a nod, and he walks me to the front door of our place. His biceps nearly burst out of the sleeves of his dark brown polo, and I want to be wrapped in his strong arms, pressed against his body. It’s his closeness that I crave.

When I finally meet his eyes, the world closes in, or maybe it’s the walls I’ve built to hide us. Cash is my bad habit, and damn, I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to break it.

”Do you think this is a mistake?” I search his face, waiting for his expression to change.

It doesn’t.

He’s confident as a ghost of a smile touches his kissable lips.

”Fucking never,” he whispers. ”You”ve never been a mistake of mine and never will be.”

I lick my lips and glance away from him before I do something I shouldn’t.

”See you later,” he says, almost as if it physically hurts him to put space between us.

”Yeah.” I turn and unlock the door. I walk inside, and my heart threatens to flutter out of my chest. I stand on my tiptoes and look out the peephole, and he walks down the sidewalk toward the bookstore.

I look around the condo I”ve lived in alone for the past month. Before that, Grace was here, stress-cleaning with a toothbrush because she was too afraid to admit how she felt about Harrison.

Is that my problem, too?

Am I so blinded by this man, by my wants, that I can’t see reality?

I”ve witnessed love do that to people.

Has it finally gotten to me?

Shit.

* * *

After lunch,I needed a nap, but I did finish my laundry and clean up some. My phone dings, and I roll over to silence it. I was getting up.

Haley

I’m outside. Coming in.

I sendher a thumbs-up emoji and slide out of bed, heading toward the front door. I swing it open as Haley approaches. She's dressed in tight jeans, a yellow shirt that shows her midriff, and enough cleavage to make anyone curious. Her dark brown hair and tan skin make her look like a goddess.

”Ready?” she asks with a brow popped, wearing a judgy expression.

I glance down at what I have on. ”Didn’t they say outdoor, fire pit fun?”

”Yes, that was the dress code. But there's no way I’m showing up to one of your family events looking like a trash panda.”

I snicker. ”Or maybe it’s because you’ll know Emmett will be there.”

”For sure,” she says, flipping her hair over her shoulder. ”You’re dressed like you have no one to impress, and we both know that’s not true.”

Before I can protest, Haley walks past me, leading me to my room. She flicks on the light and enters my closet. Hangers scoot across the rod, and seconds later, she moves toward me. ”This is what you’re wearing tonight.”

My brows raise. ”Kinsley gave me that.”

It’s a white mini sundress that cuts low in the back. She hands me a pair of wedges.

”Too bad, I was about to say you”ve found your style. Put it on, then let’s go.”

I give her a look. ”You’re forcing me?”

”Yes,” she says, reaching forward and tugging my hair out of the ponytail holder. ”When you walk in and he looks at you like you’re the only woman who”s ever existed in his world, you can thank me.”

”Who?” I ask, playing dumb, knowing he already looks at me that way.

She lifts a brow. ”You don’t have to admit anything is happening between you and Cash because I can tell. I read way too many romance novels. There are signs.”

”Whatever,” I say, trying not to smile, but she catches me.

She reminds me of Kinsley, but Haley has always been like a sister. ”Now go change. Spray some perfume. Add some lipstick. You have two minutes; if we show up late, I’m telling Summer it’s your fault.”

”Fine,” I say.

”Not a minute longer,” she orders before leaving me to myself.

I shimmy out of my clothes and slide on the dress and wedges, and I stand in front of the full-length mirror. ”Damn, she was right.”

I put on my favorite mauve lipstick and some mascara. When Haley texts me it’s time to go, I grab my phone and meet her in the Bronco.

”That’s more like it,” she says, backing out of my driveway. We drive straight to the Horseshoe Creek Ranch.

”I’m nervous. Are you?” Haley turns the radio down.

”Not really,” I admit, knowing my night will be full of stolen glances and silent conversations, but that’s always the case when I’m in the same room as Cash.

Haley soars down the old country road, hugging the curves. I glance at the time, knowing we won’t be late.

”Did you find out if Emmett is seeing anyone?” she asks.

”He’s not. I asked him directly,” I say.

”Do you think my crush on your little brother is weird?”

“Not really.” Emmett is three years younger than us. ”He’s a heartbreaker, Hal.”

“I’m not searching for a husband.”

“Ahh.” I glance out the window. “Do you ever feel like real life is stranger than fiction?”

”No. The other day I read a detailed sex scene that included a gigantic demon dick with tentacles,” she explains. “Nothing in real life can beat it.”

”Text me the link to that book. That’s what good friends do.”

Haley snickers. ”I will because you have to experience it. And damn, was it an experience.”

Considering her family owns the only bookstore in town, she reads several books weekly, typically romances. I read a lot, too, and enjoy completing puzzles.

All I’m missing is a house full of cats and learning how to crochet, and I’ll officially be old. However, I”ve lived in my single-girl era for years, so I should be used to it by now.

She sighs. ”Emmett is so elusive. It’s almost like years have passed since I saw him last. Now he’s everywhere at once.”

”You never paid attention until now. He's always been around.”

I know that look.

”It’s like I woke up and finally saw him,” she says. ”He’s gorgeous even if he’s a thirst trap.”

”Do what makes you happy.”

”I will. I hope you do, too,” she says, glancing at me and flicking on her blinker. Haley slows and turns onto the newly-made second entrance to the private section of the Horseshoe Creek Ranch.

The gravel path leads to the two-story house with a wraparound porch that Summer and Beckett built. Construction started last year, and they moved in thirty days ago, but this is the first time friends and family have visited.

The driveway is full of vehicles, and I think we might be the final guests to arrive. Haley parks next to Cash”s truck, and I think about the discussion the two of us still need to have. Awkwardness lingered between us earlier, and I didn’t like it.

We”re both great at pretending the other doesn’t exist, but that’s not reality. When we’re in the same room, he’s the center of my attention, even from a distance.

She turns to me. ”Good luck tonight. You look hot.”

”You too,” I tell her.

We exit the vehicle, and country music echoes in the distance. Haley and I walk toward the backyard. Strings of patio lights hang above and illuminate the area. There's a food table, and people sit near the firepit in bright-colored Adirondack chairs. When I scan the space, my eyes land directly on Cash.

His brow perks up so slightly that I almost miss it. This dress was a good call.

Emmett rounds the corner wearing his cowboy hat with dirt on his jeans. He smiles at me, and his eyes slide to Haley.

”Hey, little brother,” I say, stopping him before he can escape.

”Hi,” he says. ”What’s been going on?”

”Working with Summer,” I tell him. ”And you?”

He shrugs. ”Same old shit, cattle wrangling. I”ve been practicing my saddle-making, though. Just wish I had more time for it.”

”And that’s why you should join the training facility,” Harrison says, butting into our conversation. “We’d have let you off early for a family event.”

”If you keep it up, I’m telling Dad,” I say because Emmett works on our parents” ranch.

Harrison has been trying to steal him for a year, but Emmett is loyal, for now, until Harrison and Beckett make him an offer he can’t refuse.

Harrison’s eyes narrow at me. ”If I were you, little Valentine, I wouldn’t mess with me.”

I burst into laughter. ”You realize that Grace and I have a girl code, right?”

”I don’t even know what that means.” He glances over his shoulder. ”Gracie!”

My brother waves her over, and when she's close, he places his arm over her, pulling her to him. It’s undeniable how adorable they are together, but they”ve always been like this.

”Remi mentioned a code or something,” he says. ”Is that true, and also, what the fuck does that mean?”

Grace chuckles. ”Oh, you told him?”

I tilt my head at Harrison. ”See.”

”You’re both messing with me.”

Emmett turns to Haley. ”Want to get a drink?”

”Sure,” she says, and they walk away. Their arms brush together.

I return my attention to Harrison. ”The girl code means if you do anything that destroys my life, Grace won’t make little Harri happy.”

His brows crease. ”What?”

Grace shrugs. ”Summer is on it, too. You and Beckett should choose your actions wisely.”

Harrison grabs her hand. It’s a threat, one she gives with a smile.

As I let them hash it out, I stroll over to my parents sitting by the fire. I lean over, hug my mom, and then my dad. ”Nice seeing y”all here. Do you know what this get-together is about?”

“No idea.” Mom glances at her phone. ”Summer said they’ll get started in about ten minutes. Would you get me something to drink?”

”Sure,” I say. ”What about you, Dad?”

”That”d be good,” he tells me with a smile.

I move to the snack table and reach for a cup, and someone stands close beside me.

It’s Cash.

I don’t have to confirm because his cologne gives him away. He doesn’t acknowledge me even though his presence sets my body on fire. It’s unbelievable how it still happens after all this time.

After I grab two cups of punch, I walk away with a galloping heart.

I turn to steal another peek and stumble forward, crashing directly into a human wall. The red liquid spills on the mint green shirt of a man of steel. He's covered.

”Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry,” I say, meeting his blue-green eyes and seeing the messy blond hair on his head. When he smiles, my mouth slightly parts.

”Hello, beautiful,” he says in a velvety British accent.

”Um. Hi. Please let me get you a napkin or something.” My cheeks heat with embarrassment.

”Did any spill on you?” he asks, creating space between us.

”No,” I whisper. ”A miracle, to be honest.”

He chuckles and removes the button-up shirt, revealing a white tee that hugs him tightly. I’m staring, and he catches me.

”It’s not an issue. But I think you might owe me,” he says, holding up the shirt that made his eyes pop.

”Are you openly flirting with me?” The breeze blows, and I inhale the hint of sandalwood on his skin.

”Maybe. I’m Archie. Are you always so blunt?”

”Yes,” I admit. ”How do you know Beckett and Summer?”

”Mrs. Carol is my grandmother, and she forced me to be here to make friends in town since I’m staying for the summer.” He points to where she's chatting with Beckett. She runs the romance book club with my mother and Mrs. Shaw.

”That explains it. I’m Remi.”

”Remi,” Mom says, pulling my attention away.

”Sorry,” I say. ”I better get some more punch.”

”Lead the way.” He nods and falls in line beside me, his shirt held loosely in his fist. ”Why are you here?”

”Beckett is my older brother,” I explain, grabbing two new cups.

”Ah, yes. Uncomfortably firm handshake,” Archie says with a chuckle as I return to the punch.

”Yeah, that’s him.” I notice the red liquid on his jeans. “I’m really sorry about that.”

He grabs a cookie. ”No worries.”

”Hope to see you around,” I say, walking away from him. When I turn my head, I catch sight of Cash, whose jaw is tightly locked. I move back to my parents and hand over the drinks. ”Apologies.”

Before I can escape, my mom gently grabs my hand and tugs me toward her. ”Were you introduced to Archie?”

”Introduced is pushing it, but we met,” I tell her.

”And?”

”Mom. Don’t play matchmaker,” I whisper. ”I’m seeing someone.”

”Who?” She's confused.

”Eric.”

My mom makes a face. Everyone knew how upset I was when Cash left, but they had no idea it was him I was so desperately missing.

My broken heart was in pieces for far too long. It was deeper than an internet crush, and I have an invisible scar to prove it. It was the first time I understood what it was like to be loved and be in love.

”Why are you entertaining Eric?” she asks.

”Because we had something special,” I tell her.

No one understands.

“Give Archie a chance. He's adorable and polite. He used to play professional rugby and retired earlier this month. I had tea with him yesterday,” she says. ”You two have a lot in common.”

Archie meets my eyes. He holds his glass up to me, a tiny toast, and smiles before speaking to his grandmother.

”Mmhmm,” my mom says. ”Sparks are flying.”

”Please stop,” I tell her, noticing the sun dipping close to the horizon. Soon, it will be a golden hour, my favorite time of day.

”It’s time to get started,” Summer says to Beckett, pulling him away.

”Okay, I have to do a quick head count. No one move,” Beckett yells as his eyes scan the backyard.

Summer grins with her hand on her hip as he continues counting us like cattle. He shoots her a wink.

After Beckett gives a thumbs up, she steps up to the microphone. ”Hi, y”all! So glad you could make it. We’re right on time.”

Beckett holds a basket full of stark white envelopes and hands them out.

”Don’t open it yet,” Summer instructs, looking around. ”Hold them up in the air when you’ve got one.”

They’re acting weird, but I lift my envelope above my head.

“Everyone has one?” Beckett asks.

The small crowd of friends and family nods.

“Great. On the count of three, I’d like to do this together. Okay? Not a second sooner,” she says. “One. Two.”

Beckett and Summer look at one another. My brother grabs her hand and they kiss.

“Three.”

The only thing that pulls me away from them is my mother screaming, followed by wails from Summer’s mom.

My brows furrow as I open my envelope and pull out an ultrasound photograph.

Get ready to meet Baby Valentine.

I gasp, my hand reaches for my heart. My mom and dad rush toward Summer and Beckett. Her parents do the same.

Happiness radiates through me when I realize I’ll be an aunt, and Beckett and Summer are having a baby. I hold the photo and am overcome with emotion. They found each other after all that time, and now they’re starting a family.

As our parents and grandparents surround them, I fall to the back of the crowd. Cash steps beside me.

“Did you know?” I ask. The two of them share everything, almost.

“I suspected,” he says. “But no, can’t believe they kept it a secret.”

“The Valentines are good at keeping secrets,” I say.

“Hmm.” He glances over at me. “Who were you speaking to?”

“It’s Mrs. Carol’s grandson, Archie. I just met him.”

He takes a sip of his drink. “You two hit it off.”

My mouth turns into a firm line. “Jealous?”

“Absofuckinglutely,” he hisses. “I didn’t like how he looked at you or how you?—”

Haley walks over and interrupts the conversation, which is probably for the best, considering that if he had continued, he might’ve regretted what he said.

“Did you know?” she asks, paying Cash no attention as he stands close like my bodyguard.

“No,” I say, shaking my head. “And I’ve seen Summer nearly every day for the past month because we’ve been alternating schedules while training the new hires.”

“Wow, she’s a vault,” Haley mutters.

“Apparently. It makes me wonder what trash she has on Kinsley.”

As my sister”s name leaves my mouth, Kinsley rushes to her best friend. She and Summer cry together.

“One day, that will be us,” Haley says.

“I don’t know if tears will come.”

She chuckles. “Same.”

Cash”s cell rings and he walks away to answer. The awkwardness between us cuts like a knife.

“Who was that guy you were talking to?”

“Archie. He’s Mrs. Carol’s grandson, the man they’ve decided to hook me up with.”

“Really? Well, maybe you could use this to your advantage.” Haley wears a devious smile.

“What do you mean?”

Sometimes Haley can be the literal devil.

“Nothing like a little friendly competition to get the testosterone pumping,” she says.

”You’re evil,” I tell her.

”And you’re single. Let them fight over you. Winner takes all.”

“I don’t want any drama.”

Moments later, Haley and I congratulate Summer and Beckett. A large crowd waits to chat with them, so we don’t take up much of their time, but I hug my brother, and squeeze him tight.

He finally has everything he ever wanted—the job of his dreams, the wife of his fantasies, and the baby he always wished for.

I hug Summer and give my congratulations. Beckett steps away and quickly returns. “Remi, I think you should go on a date with Archie.”

“I…uh.”

Eyes are on us. “You two have so much in common.“

Archie gives me his boyish grin. Glancing around, I notice how many are watching us.

“I’m seeing someone,” I say loud enough for the small crowd to hear.

“Eric doesn’t count,” Beckett says.

He turns to Cash, who”s standing off to his side. ”What about you? Don’t you think my Remi needs to take some risks in life?”

I meet Cash”s gaze, and he forces a smile but his eyes are cold. His hands are as tied as mine.

“I think she should do whatever she wants,” he says firmly, his jaw locked tight.

My mother and Archie's grandmother join in, and the next thing I know, a group of people peer pressure me into going out with this man.