Copper Creek: The Complete Boxed Set

by Smith, Wendy

  I’m not sure what she wants from me. She left me for Alex, so what am I supposed to do? “Well, I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “Can I stay here for a while?”

  I exhale through my mouth, unsure of what to stay. Not that long ago, I would have let her, but now I have Mia in my life and she’s the real deal. “I’m not sure—”

  “I need some help to get my things from Alex’s flat. We sold my car, so I don’t have one right now. After my mid-year exams are over, I’ll go home, so it won’t be forever.”

  I close my eyes, trying to absorb what she’s saying. Part of me wants to tell her to leave and turn my back on her, but I know I’m probably the closest friend she has in Auckland. Or rather, I used to be. I doubt she has anyone else who would do everything she’s asking.

  I’ll have to explain it to Mia. Maybe I can stay with her while Ashley stays here. If we slot back into our previous routine, I’ll be spending the weekends with her anyway. There’s got to be some way to help Ashley even though she’s not my problem. And at least it’s only for a short time. “Hang on a minute. You’re dropping out?”

  Ashley shrugs. “I’ve done half my honours year. Maybe I’ll come back and finish it later. I just don’t have the heart right now.”

  I sigh. “Tell you what. We’ll go and get your stuff, and you can stay here until exams are over. Then I’ll take you home to Copper Creek. How does that sound?”

  “Thank you.” She sniffs again.

  “I should go and see Mum anyway. She’s not getting any better.”

  Her face falls. “I’m so sorry, James.”

  I shrug. “I think the treatment she got before gave her more time with us. I’m not sure she’ll be around much longer. I haven’t been home for ages, and exams will be over soon.”

  Ashley nods.

  “You can take the bed. I’ll take the couch if I’m here.”

  “Are you seeing someone?” Her mouth falls open. “Oh God, I didn’t even ask.”

  “It’s complicated. But yeah, there is someone. I’ll talk to her and explain about you and maybe I can stay a few nights with her.”

  “I’m so sorry, James. I don’t want to put you out. I just didn’t know where else to turn.”

  I nod, sighing when she wraps her arms around my waist and pulls herself in.

  “I knew I’d be safe here. I’m sorry for what I did to you. Now I know how much it hurts.”

  “Yeah, it really did.”

  She lets out a sigh. “I just want to go home now.”

  “How many exams have you got left?”

  She leans back. “Two. You?”

  “One. We’ll go home once we’re both all done.”

  Ashley nods again. “Thank you. You’re such a good guy. I appreciate it.”

  “It’s no problem.”

  Or is it?

  * * *

  “She’s what?” Mia stares at me. I didn’t want to tell her at uni, but it was something I needed to say face to face. I popped into her office to let her know about Ashley. The last thing I need is for anyone to gossip and for it to get back to her without me telling her.

  “She’s going to stay with me for a couple of weeks, and then I’ll take her home to Copper Creek. We’re going to pick up her stuff from his flat tonight and get her out of there.”

  Mia’s pacing. I’ve never seen her so worked up. “And she needed your help. No one else’s.”

  “I’m the person she trusts more than anyone.” I cross the room to meet her and grasp her arms. “You don’t have to worry about her, Mia. I love you.”

  She nods. “I know. It’s just that you wouldn’t be happy if I let Garrett move in under the same circumstances.”

  “I’d fucking kill him.”

  Mia laughs. “There you go.”

  “So, I’m proposing that for the next couple of weeks, I stay with you.”

  Her eyes widen. “Really?”

  “I’ll leave my car in the park at the apartment, and catch the bus.”

  “Are you going to tell Ashley about us?”

  I shake my head. “I’ve told her I’m seeing someone, but she doesn’t need to know the details. It’s just for two weeks, and then I’ll take her home and visit Mum for a bit.”

  “How is she doing?”

  “It’s all downhill from here.” My heart hurts over that. Mum doesn’t deserve what’s happening to her, and I haven’t been home in forever with the various dramas in my life. My focus has been on uni and Mia—not much else.

  “I’m sorry. I wish I could do something to help.”

  I slip my arms around her waist. “You are helping. You’re here for me, and I love you for it. That’s all that matters.”

  “I like the thought of you being with me for a couple of weeks. We’ll just have to be wary of Garrett.”

  “Maybe we can think of it as a test run for the future.”

  She smiles. “I like that idea.”

  “I promise I’ll cook dinner and clean up after myself.”

  “Damn right you will.”

  I gape at her. “Such tough talk.”

  “Wait until you’re living with me.” She laughs, but I know she’s a million miles away from where she was in her former relationship. I’m privileged to be watching the evolution of Mia Scott. She’s becoming more comfortable in her own skin.

  “I’m just looking forward to spending more quality time with you. Between work and uni, it never feels like we have enough. We know we’re sexually compatible, but I think we could strengthen all the other parts of our relationship.”

  Mia nods. “I feel the same way.”

  “We already have a lot of interests in common as far as study goes. Let’s see what else we can find.” I peck her on the lips. “See you tonight at home?”

  She grins. “Sounds good. I love you.”

  “Love you too.”

  13

  James

  Ashley’s things fill my car.

  I guess I don’t have much more than she does, but it’s kind of sad that four years of someone’s life fits into such a small space.

  But I help her load it all in, and then unload it into my place.

  “Where are you staying if I need anything?” she asks.

  “Just send me a text.”

  She scowls. “You’re not going to tell me anything, are you?”

  I chuckle. “No. You’re not entitled to know.”

  Ashley shrugs. “Fair enough. I do appreciate you letting me stay here.”

  “I’m not about to make you sleep on the street.”

  She grasps my arm. “Thank you, James. You’re such a good person. I’m sorry I hurt you.”

  I’m not sure how to respond. Do I thank her for saying it? Or do I ignore it?

  Shrugging it off, I hand her the spare key from the side table by the door. “Here. Let me know if you need anything.”

  She nods. “Okay. Thanks again. I can’t wait to go home.”

  “I bet. Are you okay? Do you need anything before I go?” I point toward the kitchen. “There’s a bit of food in the fridge, and tea and coffee.”

  Ashley smiles. “I know where it all is. I did used to live here.”

  “I know, it’s just … I want to make sure you’re okay. Until I can deliver you home, I feel kinda responsible for you.”

  “That’s really sweet, and I appreciate it. But I’m thinking I might just order some Uber Eats and fall asleep on the couch watching television.”

  I laugh. “Some things never change then. I should get going and leave you to it.”

  She slips her arms around my waist and snuggles in. It doesn’t feel familiar at all; it just feels weird, and all I want is to get to Mia. “Thanks, James. I hope this means that we can be friends.”

  “Of course we can.”

  Ashley lets go of me. “I’ll talk to you during the week.”

  I nod. “You bet. And call me any time if you need anything.”

  Walking away
feels freeing, and I smile all the way to the elevator. I’ve got a backpack with some clothes in it, and that’s all I’m taking to Mia’s. I’ll leave the car parked in the building and catch the bus. If Garrett turns up, then there’s less chance we’ll be caught that way.

  I can’t wait to see her.

  * * *

  I take a deep breath as I step inside Mia’s kitchen. She’s been cooking, and with two hours to go until I start work, I get to have dinner with my lady before my night shift.

  “You’re just in time.” She walks in from the living room and wraps her arms around my waist. This is what feels right now. She plants a tender kiss on my lips.

  “Something smells good. I can smell you’ve been cooking too.” I laugh.

  “I thought I’d make an effort for our first night. I made some chicken cordon bleu, mashed potato, and some fresh vegetables.” Her eyes search mine as if she’s looking for approval.

  “Sounds amazing.”

  “Are you sure? I can make something else if …”

  I grasp her arms. “Completely sure. Anything you’ve made will be amazing, I’m sure. Where’s the doubt coming from?”

  She shrugs. “I know you’ll be coming and going with work, but this is kind of a trial run for living together.”

  “And you can’t be yourself if you’re forever seeking my approval. Babe, I’m not Garrett. Stop doubting yourself around me.”

  She laughs when I lean in and press a kiss to her neck. “I should know that by now, shouldn’t I?”

  “Yes, you should. You don’t doubt yourself at work. And you don’t need to do it at home anymore. I’ll never be that guy who picks holes for the sake of it. And I’m pretty sure that’s what he’s like.”

  She nods. “You’re right.”

  “I’ve got two hours, so let’s eat and then make out on the couch before I go.”

  From the kiss I get in return, and her laughter, I know she agrees.

  14

  James

  The first week is easy.

  We settle into a routine that is one of us cooking dinner, me going to work, and then me crawling into bed with Mia a little after four when I finish. That’s when I miss my car, but there’s usually an Uber around to get me back to her.

  By Friday, I’m more than ready for a break. I just have study to do before the last of my exams, and I’ll make Mia dinner tonight.

  Mia’s warm body against mine, her soft kisses on my cheek before she leaves for work.

  It’s a little after eleven when a crash in the kitchen jolts me awake.

  Someone’s in the house.

  Mia’s usually home around one on a Friday. She’ll be in a lecture right now.

  I grit my teeth. There’s only one other person it could be, unless there’s a burglar.

  I climb out of bed, and peek out of the bedroom door.

  No one’s in the hallway.

  A familiar voice comes from the kitchen.

  “Damn it. Where did she put those plates?”

  Garrett.

  I know better than to confront him. But Mia has to know he’s here.

  Tiptoeing back to the bedroom, I close the door as quietly as I can. My phone’s on the bedside cabinet, and I quickly type out a message.

  Me: Garrett’s in the house

  It only takes a few moments.

  Mia: What? I’ll come home

  Me: Want me to get dressed and sneak out?

  Mia: I won’t be far away. I’ll excuse myself and be there soon.

  I could always climb out the window, but I’ll only do that if I have to. The last thing I want is him to spot me doing a runner.

  The longer I wait, the angrier I get. How dare he do this to her? And how many times has he been in her house when she’s not here?

  The distinctive sound of Mia’s Subaru comes from outside. I place my hand on the handle of the door in case she needs any help. It sucks. I should be out there with her, but I know Garrett will try his best to destroy everything she’s worked for if he finds out about me.

  A door slams.

  “What the hell are you doing here?” she asks.

  “I bought lunch. Thought you might like some.”

  I close my eyes.

  “Well, I don’t, and you’re not supposed to be here. You know that.”

  “It’s still my house, Mia.”

  “That I live in by our agreement. You don’t get to come in whenever you feel like it.”

  He snorts.

  “Leave, Garrett. Before I call my lawyer.”

  I swallow hard. I’ve not been privy to a conversation between them before, and I’m so proud of her for standing up to him. I hope my presence helps give her strength.

  “You don’t have to do that. Next time, I won’t try do something nice for you.”

  “I don’t want anything nice from you. I don’t want anything from you.”

  From the way the door slams, I guess he’s stormed off. That, and the way Mia flies into my arms the second she’s in the bedroom.

  “I’m sorry,” she whispers.

  “You have nothing to be sorry for. Why the hell does he think it’s okay for him to just walk in?”

  “I don’t know. I just don’t want it to affect us.”

  Grasping her chin, I pull her gaze to mine. “It won’t. This isn’t your fault, Mia. I hope you know that.”

  She nods. “I do. He just always manages to knock my confidence.”

  I give her a tender kiss. “I love you. And I know how strong you are. I’ll always be here for you.”

  “I know.”

  * * *

  Garrett’s visit makes her a little cautious in the second week. Her work is winding down for the semester, and she spends more time at home.

  It unnerves me.

  I know she’s trying to protect us, but she shouldn’t have to live her life like this. All it does is make me angrier that she still has another year of this crazy behaviour to go.

  She withdraws a little from me too. I feel it. And our week is disrupted by me working nights, which doesn’t help at all.

  By Friday, I’m tired and I just want her. I fall into bed a little after four, and she wraps her arms around me.

  “I love coming home to you,” I murmur.

  “I love you coming home to me.”

  “Are you going in to work today?”

  She snuggles her head against my chest. “No. I’ve just got some paperwork to finish off at home.”

  I kiss the top of her head. “Are you worried about a repeat of last week?”

  “A little.”

  “We’ll work it out.”

  She rubs her nose between my pecs, and I chuckle. “I know we will. Can we just stay like this all weekend?”

  Chuckling, I run my hand down her spine. “That’s fine with me.”

  15

  James

  My car is packed solid with Ashley’s things when we leave for Copper Creek.

  We’re on break now for three weeks before the second semester starts.

  Two weeks of essentially living with Mia was made harder by Garrett’s intrusion, but that last weekend we got back on track.

  We talked late into the night about biotech, and other scientific areas we both have interest in. We discovered a mutual love of bad science-fiction movies. And through it all, when I worked nights, she was there at four in the morning, welcoming me with open arms. It’s felt like home.

  And at least I’m not leaving town with things being weird.

  Ashley hasn’t asked questions. She knows she has no right to my private life anymore.

  It wasn’t that long ago that I mourned our lost friendship. Now I’m happy to move on with the rest of my life because I have a new best friend.

  Ashley’s a lot happier now than she was two weeks ago when she turned up to my place. Despite our differences, I’m glad she felt that she could come to me. That ex of hers is a real dick.

  “I’m so glad to be almost
home. I can’t wait to go swimming at the cove. Are you sticking around for a while?” she asks.

  I nod. “I thought I’d spend some time with Mum before I head back. At least it’s nice and quiet to get some studying done.”

  “I’m not sure if I ever want to go back to complete my studies.” She sighs.

  “He’s not worth throwing away your dreams for.”

  I flick a glance at her. Her gaze is fixed on me. “I feel so awful, James. I know I was one of the reasons you chose Auckland, and I treated you so badly.”

  I swallow hard. There’s nothing incorrect in what she’s saying, and I was deeply hurt. How am I supposed to reply? “Yeah, you did.”

  “I’m so sorry, James. I never really said that to you before this, and you’ve been so good to me these past couple of weeks.”

  “You really hurt me. But I’ve moved on, and I’m happy now. I hope you find someone who makes you happy.”

  “Who is she?”

  I grip the steering wheel. “I can’t tell you. But I’m in love with her, and she loves me. And I know she’ll never cheat.”

  She’s staring at me wide-eyed. “Why can’t you tell me who it is? I didn’t want to pry, but now I’m really curious.”

  “Because I promised her I wouldn’t. She’s going through a divorce, and we’re keeping it on the down low because her ex is a real dickhead.”

  Ashley bows her head. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “Honestly, no one should be treated the way she was. And What’s-His-Name should never have treated you the way he did.”

  She lets out a shaky breath. “He only did to me what I did to you. You’re such a good guy, James. I hope that you and whoever your lady is are happy. You deserve it.”

  I nod. “I hope you find some happiness too.”

  As we take the last turn before hitting town, Ashley beams. “I can’t wait to see Mum and Dad. Being home is going to be so good.”

  “Says the woman who couldn’t wait to leave.”