When It Was Us (Sage Hill Series Book 1)

by Larissa Weatherall

  Drew opened the door to his shiny black Ram truck, holding her hips to help her in. His hands lingered, fingers digging into her skin through the shirt’s thin fabric. With a quick shake of his head, he blew out a breath and closed the door.

  “A Dodge, huh?” Anna teased as he took his seat next to her.

  “Don’t you start with me,” he grumbled, but a smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

  “I’m just saying…I listened to you and Luke have the Chevy versus Dodge debate for years. I guess he finally swayed you?”

  He laughed, staring at the Ram symbol on the steering wheel.

  “Don’t get me wrong,” she said. “It’s a beautiful truck—”

  “We don’t call trucks beautiful, sweetheart. They’re rugged and manly.”

  “Okay, well, your truck is very rugged and manly, but I’m positive I heard you say you’d never own anything but a Chevy.”

  “He talked me into driving it, and…I couldn’t talk myself out of buying it.”

  “And you’ll never live that one down. Did you factor that in your buying choice? The fact that Luke will hold it over your head for the rest of your life?”

  “Yes, it was that awesome.” He winked. “So I had lots of date ideas, but if we’re going full-on first date here, we should go to the diner?”

  “Full-on first date?” She laughed.

  Drew eyed the spot next to him then met her gaze with a raised brow. When they were teenagers, she’d slide over there immediately and snuggle close to him, gearshift between her knees, his hand on her thigh. The urge to be near him was so strong her body moved toward him without permission. Biting down hard on her lip, she reined it in and kept her spot by the door.

  “You wanted the first date experience, did you not? We had our first date at Betty’s Diner over burgers and fries. You got that nacho cheese you love to dip your fries in, and you had it on your chin for about twenty minutes.”

  “I did not!” she squealed.

  “You did, and amazingly, I still asked for a second date. It made you look so damn cute I couldn’t bring myself to tell you it was there.”

  Drew parked in front of the little white diner with the red roof, taking her hand in his to help her from the truck. He intertwined their fingers, his thumb softly rubbing across her knuckles. Just the touch of his hand sent shivers all the way to her toes.

  Rose Craig led them to a small booth in the back. She and her husband Tom had owned the diner for thirty years. Nothing had changed, from the red and white checked tablecloths to the Sage Hill Tigers student artwork covering the walls. Rose took the notepad from her yellow daisy-print apron, smiling at the long-lost couple that once sat in this very same booth every Friday.

  They ordered, and she whispered in Drew’s ear on her way back to the kitchen.

  “Well, our orders haven’t changed over the last ten years,” Anna said with a laugh.

  Drew’s expression grew serious, those intense brown depths searing hers. “We’re still the same people, Anna.”

  Maybe they were, but was that good or bad? He didn’t want the Anna that existed ten years ago. And what about everything that happened since? The things she still struggled with the words to explain.

  “How do you like your job at Green & Russell?” he asked, and she said a thankful prayer for the distraction.

  “It’s great. I love Carole, my boss, and the Yoakum Ridge development she offered me is an amazing opportunity. There’s a VP position open, and I feel like if this project goes well, I’ve got a really great shot at it.” She saw the flash of dejection cross his face at the mention of her leaving, but he hid it away quickly. It was time to steer in another direction. “Yoakum Ridge has been great so far. Even Luke’s crew and their constant teasing are pretty fun.”

  Drew gave her a playful scowl. “They’re flirting with the hot girl. I can’t blame them, but I sort of want to throat punch them all.”

  She laughed. “What about you? How’s practicing medicine in a small town compared to the big city residency?”

  “I didn’t really know what I was getting into with the crazy people in this town, but I love it. I missed this place.”

  “Yeah.” She nodded in agreement as he took her hand in his on the table, skimming his fingers over the top. He was the kindest man she’d ever met. He probably didn’t even charge half the people that came in his office. Or they paid him in pie.

  Talk turned to their families then high school friends and where they were today. Most married with more than one child.

  When Rose returned with their food, she patted Anna on the back, and behind her, Tom peeked his head out from the kitchen.

  Anna’s eyes slowly scanned the room as she leaned across the table. Drew stopped mid-bite. “Did you notice everyone in this restaurant is staring at us?” she whispered.

  “Yep.” He finished his bite and continued. “I noticed the whispers when we walked in, and Rose said, ‘Good for you, sweetheart,’ in my ear as we sat down. It’s a small town, and we’ve just become the juiciest piece of gossip. Drew and Anna…will they or won’t they?”

  That aspect of living in Sage Hill had conveniently slipped her mind in the years she’d been away.

  “Now I sort of feel like we should put on a show for them. Like we’re actors expected to entertain.”

  Drew let out a full belly laugh, almost choking on his burger. “I could reach across this table, grab your face, and kiss the hell out of you. That would get the rumor mill turning pretty quick.”

  “Mr. ‘I’m a Gentleman.’ I thought you didn’t want to kiss me,” she teased.

  He set his fork on the plate and held her hand in his. “I’m certain I did not say that. I haven’t stopped wanting to kiss you since I got over girls being gross. I’m still pissed Chris Howard stole your first kiss from me in fourth grade. Even if it was just on the cheek.”

  Anna’s free hand touched his face, leading him closer. “Well, maybe you should’ve stepped up your game.”

  His eyes narrowed, but her favorite smile appeared. “You will pay for that comment.”

  The two of them shared Rose’s famous apple pie for dessert, county fair winner fifteen years running from the blue ribbons lining the wall.

  They left the restaurant and the prying eyes of its patrons. Drew started the truck and turned to her. “I can’t believe you ate the last bite of pie. Without even asking if I wanted it.”

  “Sorry.” She gave him her most innocent smile. “It was so delicious, and I could tell you wanted me to have it.”

  He flashed her a fake scowl, grabbing her waist and pulling her to his side on the bench seat. “So, what would a couple on a first date do now?” Drew asked with a nervous smile. “I know what we would have done back when…but I’m not sure you’d want to go there.”

  “I don’t think I’m quite ready to visit the river. I know it has a lot of great memories, but…that’s definitely not a first date place.” She looked away, unable to meet his eyes. Her composure had gone into hiding with one mention of their spot. “How about we go back to my parents’ house?”

  “Really?” His brow furrowed, the disappointment clear in his voice.

  “Oh no, I’m not ready for the night to end. Let’s sit on the porch and talk. Is that okay?”

  Drew reached up, tucking a stray hair behind her ear. “Sounds perfect.”

  The drive was quiet. Soft country music played as Anna settled into a place and time she never thought would exist again. A time when Drew had one hand on her leg, one on the steering wheel, her nose brushing his neck slightly as her head fell on his shoulder. She was scared to death of how much she loved this moment, every moment with him. Scared of losing him, scared of keeping him, scared of everything that came next.

  They parked in the driveway, and Drew immediately took her hand in his, leading them to the porch swing. He pulled her tight against him, her nose in his chest breathing in the special Drew scent of soap and spice. It was ad
dicting, making her wish for so much more than she was ready for.

  The swing had its familiar squeak as they rocked, and Drew sighed, hugging Anna so tight she almost couldn’t breathe. With those strong biceps wrapped around her, warmth coursing through her entire body, she decided breathing was overrated. She’d pass out before she moved from his touch.

  “Can I make you dinner tomorrow night?” he whispered.

  “Wow, seeing me two nights in a row. You’re gonna get tired of me pretty quick,” she teased.

  Drew turned to face her, the dim light from inside illuminating his thoughtful expression. “I guarantee you that will never happen.” He pulled his hand up, brushing her cheek with calloused fingers. The hot doctor in the white coat combined with the sexy cowboy who rode horses and lived on a farm.

  Her breathing hitched as she watched him. Dear God in Heaven, she didn’t stand a chance.

  “Do you remember our first kiss?” she blurted.

  Drew chuckled, a mischievous spark in his eyes. “There you go, thinking about kissing me again.”

  Anna couldn’t form words when he looked at her that way, so she simply shrugged.

  “Do you honestly think I would forget? It was in your tree house by the river in the backyard. We were holding hands, and I leaned in and kissed you. Then it started thundering and lightning. Scared the hell out of me. Thought your dad caught us.”

  A grin broke out on her face. She’d never been so nervous in her life, but when his lips touched hers, the nerves melted away, replaced with an emotion she didn’t even recognize at the time. She’d loved him even then. “We were drenched. That tree house leaked so badly.”

  Drew stared nervously at their joined hands. “We have great memories on that river, too.”

  “I know we do. It’s just the last memory…” Talking about it made her stomach clench and nausea took over.

  Drew lifted her chin so their gaze met. “I know, and you’ll never know how sorry I am.”

  “Let’s agree to stop apologizing, okay?”

  He threaded his fingers through her hair. “I’ve spent eleven years wishing that day never happened.”

  “I understand, and I want to get past it.” She wanted it like she wanted her next breath, but she’d been burned by both men trusted with her heart, and she wasn’t entirely sure she was capable of that kind of faith again.

  He smiled. That ridiculously sexy smile. “I’m confident you will.”

  For a second, she thought he’d give in and kiss her. She’d challenged him on this stupid “no kissing” first date, and now it was biting her in the rear because all she could think about were those lips on hers. Would they still cause the same fire to ignite as they had before?

  Drew let out a slow breath and looked up to the ceiling, cuddling her closer to him when a cool breeze blew around them.

  Please don’t break my heart again, Drew.

  “It’s getting late. I should probably go.” Drew stood, pulling her with him. “See you tomorrow night?”

  The anxious way he bit the corner of his mouth made her smile. She’d rarely seen this always self-confident man nervous, and it gave her hope that this thing between them meant something real to him. “Tomorrow.”

  He leaned in, and her eyes fluttered closed as his lips met her forehead. “The forehead doesn’t count,” he whispered.

  His restraint was impressive. She hated him a little bit for it, but she didn’t intend to suffer alone.

  Anna ran her hands up his chest, one finger brushing his collarbone as his heart beat wildly under her palm. “I bet I could get you to kiss me.”

  He muttered a curse and took small steps backward. “I’m certain you could. That’s why I’m leaving right now.”

  He continued walking backward to his truck, holding the door open but never taking his eyes off her. “Good night, Anna.”

  “Good night, Drew,” she murmured, still waving long after his taillights faded into darkness.

  Chapter Nine

  Computer. Keys. Purse. Jacket…Phone?

  Anna searched the living room frantically. She needed to be on the road already for her two-hour drive to a Yoakum Ridge progress meeting. But her phone had mysteriously disappeared in the last five minutes. A buzzing sound caught her attention, and she found it hiding under a dishtowel in the kitchen. The phone landed in her purse with a thud; she’d return her sister’s message later.

  Coffee in hand, Anna rushed through the front door.

  “Good morning, Sunshine.” Drew stood from the porch swing. The pre-dawn light shone behind him, and she jumped, spilling her entire tumbler of coffee on the porch. Thankfully, not a drop touched her clothes.

  “Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” He chuckled. “I brought coffee and blueberry scones for breakfast.”

  He held the cup with a Joan’s Bakery logo on the front in one hand, a white paper bag in the other. His gaze, the gold flashing bright with its intensity, never left Anna’s as he put the items on the little table.

  “Joan’s isn’t even open yet,” she said.

  A bright crooked smile lit his face as he took slow steps toward her. “I have connections.”

  He was dressed in a light gray suit, crisp white shirt, and green tie. She breathed in his unique, spicy-clean Drew scent as he stood with his brown dress shoes toe-to-toe with her red patent heels.

  “Those scones are my favorite, but I’m—”

  Drew’s hands moved tentatively toward her waist, cutting off her protest. His eyes closed briefly when his fingers dug into her hips. That simple touch brought back so many feelings that Anna was still afraid to let herself explore.

  One hand moved to hers, intertwining their fingers. The other brushed the side of her neck and into her hair, pulling her face inches from his. Every hard line of his body leaned delicious weight into her soft curves as his gaze silently asked for her permission. She smiled, and he matched it with a dimpled one of his own. Their bodies had changed, but the way they fit together still struck every part of her on fire.

  Drew examined every inch of her face torturously slow, like he was seeing her for the very first time. Anna’s eyes fluttered closed, and Drew’s breath hitched as warm, familiar lips pressed breathtaking softness into hers. His kiss was the same incredible combination of slow and teasing but strong and demanding that made her knees weak from the very first time in that tree house. Everything in her arms hit the porch floor, and her hands brushed up his neck into his hair.

  Drew’s tongue traced the seam of her lips, causing a hum from the back of his throat as she welcomed him in. Tender hands skimmed down her body, landing where they started on her hips and squeezing tight. Anna cupped his neck, pulling him closer, as his lips softened against hers with a single last lingering touch.

  “Second date, complete,” he whispered, the spearmint scent of his breath pulling her under as his forehead pressed against hers. “I couldn’t wait until tonight. I’ve wanted to do that for way too long.”

  Leaning against the door, she smiled up at him, tracing a thumb over his bottom lip. “So you expect me to get in my car and drive to work? After that?”

  “Maybe I didn’t quite think that part through.” He raised an eyebrow, fingers drifting under her suit jacket to the small of her back.

  Drew held her gaze, all the emotions she couldn’t yet acknowledge simmering between them. His hands moved to cup her face like he held something precious and fragile. Eyes squeezed tight, he leaned in, and the tenderness of his second kiss left those feelings she’d been holding back raw and exposed.

  “Second kiss, pretty good too,” she murmured. Her hands smoothed his jacket where she’d been clutching it for dear life. “You know, I really do have to leave for work.”

  A wicked grin played across his lips as he stepped back, and his eyes scanned slowly down Anna’s body. “And you look sexy as hell in this black suit. The fancy red shoes are doing crazy things to my brain. Are you sure you have to leave?”<
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  She ran her hands though the softness at the base of his neck one more time and leaned away. “As much as I’d love to stay right here, I’m already going to be late.”

  “Okay, I’ll go.” Drew held his hands up in surrender, then picked up her computer bag and purse, placing them in her hands. “You get to work, and don’t forget your scones.”

  “Thank you.”

  He hopped in his truck, rolling down the window. “I’ll see you tonight.”

  She waved as he drove away, brushing her lips still tingling from his kiss. The sensation had somehow become more commanding with the years they’d spent apart.

  Anna arrived only five minutes late for her meeting. Carole was very impressed with the Yoakum project and all but promised her the promotion she’d been dreaming about for years.

  The familiarity of her office greeted her, as did a visitor waiting in the leather chair behind her desk. Layla’s eyes flew wide with excitement as Anna leaned on the desk next to her.

  “Tell me everything about the date!” Layla squealed. “I need details, right now.”

  “It went great. We had dinner, and then we sat and talked.”

  “So you’re not going to give me details?” Layla pouted, eyes rolling.

  The events of the evening hadn’t been incredibly remarkable, but being with Drew again, being in his arms—the evening’s significance to her heart was monumental. “I promise there weren’t any more details, not really. We had a great night together, and then this morning…”

  “This morning!” she screamed. “You two were together this morning. So much for no more details.”

  “No, not still together this morning. He showed up on my parents’ porch at the crack of dawn with scones and coffee. The coffee was exactly the way I take it, I might add. And…he kissed me, Layla, and it was…perfect.”

  “Ahhhhhh! I love it!”

  “He’s making me dinner tonight.”

  Layla’s gaze drifted to the bookcase behind Anna, a clear tell she had something else to add.

  “Spill it, bestie. What aren’t you saying?” Anna asked.