I snap my head up. “What? Go to Montana? That doesn’t solve the issue, though, Jade. I—I don’t know how to make it work.”
“Do you want the job in Chicago?” She asks.
“Yes, but I want to be here and with Blake. I did consider…Well, I asked them for a few days to think things over—and what if I counteroffer? What if I tell them if they let me work remotely here in Colorado, it will save them the relocation money and I can fly back to Chicago once a quarter?” I jump off my stool at my brilliant idea.
“It can’t hurt, babe. I say go for it,” she replies, raising her beer.
I pack throw my bag in my car and turn around to give my mom a hug. “Am I making a huge mistake?”
“You know that boy loves you. I’ve never seen a man get so worked up over a woman. You have to follow your heart, sweetie. You don’t want a life of regrets.” She returns my embrace before turning around and heading for the porch. “Call me when you get there, Pearl. I love you.” She stands on the porch and waves me off as I head off toward Montana.
Before I left, I reached out to Blake’s mom to get the info on where he was living in Bozeman. Adele was more than happy to give me the address where Blake is staying. She told me she’d keep it quiet and was beyond giddy that I finally admitted I was in love with him. She pulled me into a hug and cried for a solid three minutes.
It’s not a quick trip. Eleven long hours of me doubting myself, my feelings, and this entire situation. He could very well turn me away. I was a complete miserable asshole to him. I lied to his face about my feelings and let him believe I was in love with his brother. My stomach starts to turn as I realize more and more how horrible me behavior has been.
Since I left Colorado early and drove as fast as I could with barely any stops, it’s nearing eight thirty by the time I arrive in Bozeman. I feel like my stomach is doing backflips as I pull into the local hotel where Blake is staying. I touch up my makeup, put on a fresh spray of deodorant, and slick on my lip gloss. “Here goes nothing,” I say as I make my way toward the hotel lobby.
I have no idea if he’ll even be here. Oh God, what if he has another woman with him? My body flushes a little at the thought of a repeat of the Tracey situation. I make my way to the elevator and press the floor his room is on. I look at the numbers as I walk down the hall, stopping when I find his door. I take in a shaky breath and raise my hand to knock when the door swings open.
Blake blinks rapidly. He looks as if he’s trying to understand if I’m really standing in front of him. I’m frozen. I don’t know what to say. The shock in his face melts when I start to cry uncontrollably. Without a word, he pulls me into the room and into a hug.
“Why are you being nice to me?” I say, muffled against his chest. So much for the makeup I touched up, which I’m sure is smeared all over my face and his shirt now. Neither of say anything for another moment before I slowly pull away.
“I love you,” I say. His eyes never leave mine, but he doesn’t say anything. “I’m sorry. I can’t express how sorry I am. I was so cruel to you, and you didn’t deserve it at all. I was cold and mean and someone I don’t want to be.” He opens his mouth, but I hold up my hand, “Just let me get this all out, please.
“I am not in love with Trevor, at all. I am sorry I wasn’t honest with you or myself about my feelings for you. I was scared. I am scared—terrified, really. I thought running away would make me forget about it, but it made it worse. These last two weeks have been hell, Blake. All I wanted to do was come home to you every night and—and you weren’t there.” I can’t hold back the tears any longer. I hiccup as the sobs take over. “You have every right to hate me.”
He pulls me into another hug. “Oh, Pearl, I don’t hate you. We both really messed this up.” I can feel his throaty chuckle in his chest. I’ve missed his smell, fresh and woodsy. His hair is still lightly wet from a shower, I’m guessing. He puts two fingers under my chin and lifts my face so that I’m looking at him. Without a word, he leans in and presses his lips to mine softly. I try to deepen the kiss, but he steps back.
“Pearl, we need to talk first.” My stomach drops a little. “I am beyond excited to see you and I’m not angry with you. I was an asshole. I love you, Pearl. I love you more than I thought was possible, but I don’t want you waiting around Grand Lake for me, alone.”
“I have a solution,” I say, interrupting him. “I got the job in Chicago, and they said I can work remotely. I just need to fly to Chicago four times a year.” I reach out and grab his hand.
He smiles and reaches his hand out to run it down my cheek. “Sweetheart, that’s amazing! I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. I had no idea if you’d be willing to speak to me again, but if you did, I was going to tell you that I want to move my business to only Colorado. That’s where I started out. I only started taking out of state jobs once things with Tracey went south. I was running away.”
“I don’t want you turning down business for me, Blake.”
“I don’t think it will be an issue. I already turn down a lot of work locally in Colorado to take these long-distance jobs. Maybe I’ll take one or two larger out of state jobs a year, and we can travel together?”
My heart feels like it’s going to explode. A huge grin breaks out on my face, and I leap into his arms. “Are we doing this, Blake Winthrop?”
“Hell yes, we’re doing this,” he says pulling me back for another kiss. This time, he doesn’t stop. We’re all hands and lips and tongues, stripping our clothes off one another till we fall onto the bed.
Blake stops once we’re both on the bed. He’s propped up on one arm looking down at me, both of us breathing heavy from our make out session. He runs his finger lightly down my chest and stomach, stopping right before he gets to my clit.
“You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Too cliché?” He asks leaning down to plant a soft kiss on each of my breasts.
“Tell me more,” I say.
“You have no idea how nervous I was that day I came in to The Place and told you my mom wanted to talk to you. I’ve been so nervous and distracted by your beauty and confidence for so many years.”
“You’re lying!” I say with a giggle.
“Sweetheart, you are everything I could want. You’re kind and passionate about what you believe in, you are loving and sincere and the only person I want to spend my life with.”
I couldn’t feel happier than I do in this moment. It makes me realize that it doesn’t matter where we are. As long as we’re together, that’s what home is to me. It’s not a place, it’s a person, a feeling of love and happiness and contentment.
Epilogue
Blake-One year later...
“Just keep your eyes closed. I won’t let you fall.” I hold Pearl’s hand as I lead her from the passenger side of my truck and up the walkway.
“I can’t see. I’m going to fall, Blake.” She grips my hand a little tighter and has her other hand outstretched.
“Okay, stop right here. Now, open your eyes.”
She slowly opens her eyes and stares at the house I’ve secretly been building for us. She doesn’t say anything, just looks around.
“This is our home, baby.”
She lifts her hands to her face and covers her mouth. “You did this for us? Can we?” She points toward the house.
“Yes. Let’s go inside. It’s just the framing. I wanted to let you make some of the design decisions.” I walk her through the front door. “This is the family room. I left it open concept. If you prefer walls, we can certainly add them in. Over here is the kitchen. I knew you mentioned how much you loved the kitchen island I built for my mom, so I made sure to include a similar design in here.” We make our way through the house as I point out different rooms. I can’t wait to show her the back.
“Come this way. I built a custom deck with plenty of room to have people over, and I’m currently building an elevated garden for you. I remember you telling me how much you enjoyed working
with your dad in your garden growing up.”
She still hasn’t said much. She’s just taking it all in, a huge grin plastered on her face.
“And now for the best part,” I say, taking her hand and leading her back into the house to the second floor. “So this is our bedroom.” We step into the room. “There’s a full en suite and a walk-in closet. I figure you can pick out the exact type of custom built-in shelves and organizers you want.”
“I just…I can’t believe you did all this. How did you do all this without me knowing?”
“Well, I might have let you believe I was working on a job locally the last few months. I did a lot in the early mornings and weekends. I’m sorry we lost that time together, but I wanted to surprise you. One more thing,” I say, leading her out of the room and down the hall. “We have three extra bedrooms. I figure for Trevor and his wife and soon to be baby when they visit or other family from out of town. Or…when we want to start a family of our own?”
She spins around so fast, she almost falls over. “A family of our own?”
I can’t help but smile at the excitement in her eyes. “Yes, sweetheart, a family of our own.”
It’s been almost three months, and the house is finally done. It’s been a blast to watch Pearl turn this house into a home. I swear, every time I stop by, there’s a new painting or cute touch that reminds me of her. She has amazing taste.
I kicked her out of the house yesterday and made her stay at the cabin so I could organize one more surprise for her. I told her to meet me at the house after she wraps up her workday.
It’s nearing six, and I have dinner almost complete, candles throughout the house, and rose petals leading out to the back deck. Soft jazz streams through the in-house speaker system when I hear the front door open.
“Honey, I’m home! Wow, it smells amazing in here,” she says, waltzing into the kitchen with a bottle of wine in her hand.
“Hey, beautiful.” I plant a kiss on her lips. “Why don’t you get comfortable and open that bottle? Dinner is almost ready.”
She looks around the kitchen and pulls me in for another kiss. “This place looks so romantic.” She scurries upstairs and returns a few moments later, her face freshly washed and wearing a cute pair of shorts and a tank top.
During dinner, we talk about her job. She’s about to celebrate her one-year anniversary and loves it. She’s already received a promotion, and we enjoy the trips to Chicago together. We stay with Trevor and explore the city but are always more than happy to return to our home in the mountains.
The cabin rental business is thriving still, and Pearl even hired her replacement, a young eager kid that is attending UC Denver next fall.
We finish clearing off the table, and I reach into the fridge and pull out a bottle of chilled champagne. “Grab two glasses and meet me on the back deck, sweetheart.”
She gives me a little look, “You trying to get me drunk, Mr. Winthrop? Maybe take advantage of me?” She has no idea.
I flip on the twinkle lights I strung up early over the deck. I reach into the hot tub and check the temperature of the water. Perfect.
“Oh my god!” She says as she steps out onto the deck and sees the newest addition, a custom hot tub. “I’m not wearing a swimsuit.” She kicks off her flip flops and sets the glasses down.
“You don’t need one,” I say, pulling her in and nibbling on her bottom lip. I place my hand on the back of her neck and pull her in for a deep, passionate kiss.
We both strip down until we’re naked and sink down into the warm, bubbling water. I reach around us and pop the cork on the champagne, pouring us both a flute.
“What are we toasting to?” she asks.
“How about we toast to you? To you being the last woman I ever bring into a hot tub?”
She giggles as we clink glasses and take a sip.
“Oh, I have one more surprise.” I say climbing out of the hot tub. I tiptoe across the deck and grab the guitar I had hidden behind a large planter earlier.
“You’re kidding me!” She squeals as I sit on the edge of the tub and play a few notes.
She’s smiling so big, I feel like my heart is about to explode.
I start to sing "Marry Me” by Train.
It takes her a few lines before her smile drops and her expression turns into shock. Her eyes grow wider. “Oh!” is all she says when I motion for her to look into her champagne flute. She glances down and sees a diamond ring at the bottom.
“What? How?” Tears form in her eyes as she shakily pulls the ring from the glass. I reach out and take it from her, dipping it in the water to rinse it off before placing it at the tip of her ring finger.
“Pearl Davenport, you’re the only woman I see. The only woman I love. The only person I ever want to spend the rest of my life with. Will you marry me?”
“Yes!” she shouts as I slip the ring onto her finger. We hold one another for a moment, both smiling and kissing between I love yous.
Whoever said forgive and forget never met Memphis Styles.
The cold-hearted prick who stole my innocence and broke my heart.
Out of sight out of mind is too damn hard,
Now that he’s back in town, determined to ruin my life all over again.
Look, I’ve moved on and all that—met someone new,
But that boy is like a bad habit,
A shot of whiskey when you’re already ten deep,
He’ll fill you with regret but he’s a helluva time.
There’s only so many bars and stop signs in a small town,
We were bound to run into each other again,
But I didn’t expect to feel the same flood of emotions come over me,
I wanted to hate him forever.
I don’t need this confusion,
I don’t need him trying to find a spot back in my life,
What I hate…like really, really hate is the way I still smell his damn cologne,
The way I still look for his car when I drive by his mama’s house.
But what I hate the most…
Is that as hard as I try,
I don’t hate him at all.
Copyright 2020 by Alexis Winter - All rights reserved.
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One
Jade
I pour a glass of wine and take it back to the living room with me. Noodle, my mini Aussie, is already curled up on the end of the couch, fast asleep. I smile down at the little black and white fluff ball before sitting on the opposite end as to not disturb him. I take a sip of my wine and set it on the end table before picking up my open laptop and bringing it to my lap. I type a message to…
Jade: Okay, I’m back.
Paul: Oh good, I was afraid I’d lost you.
I smile at his reply. Lately, it feels like he’d be the only one to miss me. My best friend, Pearl, has finally managed to bag her dream guy and settle down. They have the beautiful hand-built house, and I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before they’re married and procreating. I, on the other hand, am still caught up over my high school boyfriend, Memphis Styles, the one who got away… with my virginity and no goodbye. I roll my eyes at how stupid I am.
Jade: Trust me when I say, I’m not going anywhere.
The truth of that statement causes a knot to form in my stomach.
Paul: Except maybe to come out to Argentina to see me one of these days, right?
I know that my relationship with Paul can’t ever go anywhere—nowhere serious, anyway—but it’s nice to dream about. Deep down, I don’t even know if the person I’m talking to is really Paul Frost or if t
hat’s just the made-up name of some lonely seventy-year-old man.
Jade: Well, that’s a given.
I send the message with a smile. Truthfully, I’d like to let myself believe that Paul is who he says he is. I can picture myself flying across the world the meet up with him. The moment we lock eyes, I’d fall head over heels in love, and he’d be the most perfect guy I could dream up. Everything, from his looks to the way he talks, would be what dreams are made of. The likeliness of that situation is so far-fetched, it’s sometimes even hard for me to believe, let alone, the people in my life who still claim that I’m single because internet dating isn’t really a thing.
I guess I’ve always been a dreamer. Well, maybe not always, but since my dream guy up and ran off without so much of a goodbye. The truth of the matter is that this town is small, and everyone knows everyone. The only newcomers are tourists who are only looking for a vacation romance. Other than that, it’s the same group of people it’s always been. It’s unbelievable that I managed to fall in love once in this town. I’m not holding my breath for a second time.
Paul: I can’t wait until I’ll actually be able to see you, to hold you. I’ve imagined it so many times over these last six months we’ve been talking. I already feel like I’ve known you forever.
Jade: I like to think that we know one another on a deeper level. Sure, we haven’t met yet, but I know your favorite color, your dreams, and what you hope to achieve in life. That’s more than some couples who sleep together every night.
My words aren’t a lie. It’s all true, but I long to feel his hand in mine, to feel how quickly his heart beats against my chest when we kiss for the first time. Like him, I’ve imagined it over and over.
Grand Lake Colorado Series: A Complete Small Town Contemporary Romance Collection Page 9