“Now that is a silver lining way of looking at life.” I laughed, loving this man even more.
“What can I say?” He smiled and brought me into a deep embrace. “So those are my secrets.”
“Thank you for sharing with me.” I laid my head against his chest and felt the time drift away as I let myself imagine a new way of looking at love. Maybe a love that wouldn’t end.
Chapter Fourteen
“How do you expect me to be away from you for nine days?” I teased as he picked me up and swung me around.
“Bet you’re glad you said yes to visiting the ranch now, huh, baby?”
I giggled as he sat me down on the ground. “I guess so.”
“You just guess so?” He nuzzled me quickly, but the moment he pulled away, I longed to be back in his arms.
“I can’t let your head get too big,” I teased as he kissed my cheek. “Is this how things are supposed to be? This easy?”
“If it’s right.” His eyes hooded with desire and my chest tightened. I didn’t want to let Shane Parker off Fireweed Island. “And meeting you at the wedding was definitely right.”
“I never knew I’d fall for such a good liar, though. That’s usually a trait I shy away from.” I looked up into his gaze and he smiled.
“A liar?” he repeated, surprised.
“Well, where do I begin? You told me you dated your own sister.” I chuckled.
“Only to protect her.” He bowed his head. “I only lie to protect the ones I love.”
“And I value that.” I traced my finger along his shoulder. “I value everything about you, Shane Parker.”
“Somehow I think that’s a high compliment coming from you.”
I chuckled and nodded. “You have no idea.”
“Whatever it takes to make it difficult for you to want to break up with me,” he teased. “My heart is fragile.”
I pressed my palm against his chest. “And I’ll do my best to protect it.”
He caught my hand in his and brought it up to his mouth. “Forever more.”
“You’re such a romantic for a cowboy.”
“I’m not a cowboy.”
“You own a ranch,” I pointed out the obvious. “So in my book, you’re a cowboy.”
“Whatever you say.” He took a step forward and cupped the back of my neck with his hands, looking at me in an almost worshipful way. “I’ll always do whatever you say, Dakota. You want this to continue between us, and I’m there. If you don’t, I’ll still be there, but I won’t—”
“Don’t say that,” I said, surprised that I even cared to stop him. I usually played off sleeping with someone, but I couldn’t, not with Shane. Shane meant something.
Everything.
“I better get back in the SUV and drive onto that ferry.”
I looked over his shoulder and saw the line starting to move.
“I’ll miss you.”
“Nine days.” He kissed me. “Nine brutally long days.”
“Think we’ll manage?” I whispered, kissing the spot right behind his ear as I stood on my toes. “We might need to learn to sext.”
A low growl came from Shane Parker as he pulled me back into his arms. “You’re going to make this really difficult.”
I smiled as his gaze stayed on mine. “I can’t let you forget me.”
“I never would.”
I pinched his cheek, and he chuckled. “Especially with treatment like that. I’ll send all the flight information for you and Sammi.”
“Thank you for doing this for your niece.”
“I just hope Sammi likes ranch life.” He grinned sheepishly. “Or it’s going to be a very painful stay for her. No malls. No boys.”
“She’ll manage.” I winked, and he gave me one more kiss before turning to climb into his SUV.
I watched him turn on the ignition and wait for instruction to move forward onto the ferry.
My stomach tightened with the unknown. I’d never let myself fall so quickly or open up so widely to a man. And it had only been a matter of weeks.
I drew a breath and watched his SUV pull onto the ferry. This was it. Either we’d make it or we wouldn’t. There was nothing else to do, but to live our lives as we always did and hope that we’d each fall into one another’s life in a way that worked.
“Precisely,” I muttered to myself before spinning on my heels and walking toward town. I’d parked in front of the teashop and walked down to the ferry terminal to say goodbye. My master plan was to beg Holly or Maddie for a little more holiday tea.
It was officially June, and all I wanted was for the cool, crisp fall weather to make an appearance. I’d be fine skipping right over summer and landing smack dab in the middle of a pumpkin patch.
The sound of the ferry horn blared into the sky, and I glanced over my shoulder to see the vessel chugging back toward Seattle. The puddle of sadness that was threatening to dump on the happiness I’d experienced the last few days was overwhelming.
Nothing prepared me for the feelings that were washing over me. It had been so long since I let myself feel when it came to men, and I wasn’t sure how to handle those feelings. It was the happiest time in my life, yet I was torn to shreds with worry that it wouldn’t last. I let out a sigh and spotted the teashop ahead.
Before I never cared if it did or didn’t.
“It was so much easier not to care,” I whispered.
“Pardon me, hon?” An elderly woman asked and I jumped.
“Oh, sorry. I was talking to myself.” I smiled awkwardly.
“That’s how I have some of the best conversations of my day.” She chuckled and walked toward a bench carrying her miniature yorkie.
I laughed and continued onto the teashop. The moment I opened the door, citrus filled the air.
“Hey there,” Maddie called out from behind the counter.
“Hi, Maddie.” I waved and felt instantly calmed.
There was no doubt about it. I loved living on Fireweed Island, which was bound to create a long-term problem between Shane and me. I shoved that thought right out of my mind and scolded myself for starting to get into my bad habits so quickly. The man hadn’t even reached the Seattle shore, and I was already planning my exit strategy.
“You okay?”
“Oh, sorry.” I chuckled. “Ten minutes ago, I was certain I’d found the man of my dreams, and somehow in the short walk over here, I’ve managed to set myself up for disappointment.”
“Aren’t relationships great?” Maddie giggled. “Let me give you one piece of advice.”
“Go for it.”
“One day at a time.” She rubbed her belly. “That’s how we get by with a little one at home and a new one on the way. You can’t predict what bumps will make you fall flat on your ass, but those bumps will come. Believe me.”
“I think that’s the most fitting advice I could hear. Thank you.” I glanced at her belly. “When are you due?”
“Supposedly not for three weeks, but I swear this one is pulling out all the stops to come out early.”
“Do you know if it’s a boy or girl?” I asked.
“No. We wanted to keep it a surprise this time.” She sat down, and Holly poked her head out from the back room.
“I thought I heard Dakota.” She grinned and rubbed her sister’s shoulders. “I’ve tried to get Maddie to put her feet up and go to Hound Island and enjoy herself, but—”
“She’s a workaholic.” I smiled and Maddie shrugged.
The bell jangled behind me, and I turned to see Chance walking into the shop with several bags.
“Mom’s watching the little one,” Chance announced, putting the bags on the table and walking over to his wife. “But time’s up. Holly and the others are handling the store from here on out. It’s my turn to spoil you.”
My heart squeezed when I saw how Chance wanted to take care of Maddie. I’d never let myself be taken care of before, and I wasn’t even sure I’d know how to handle it.
&
nbsp; Maddie rolled her eyes, but the huge smile on her face spoke volumes. “Whatever you say, but there better be some coconut ice cream waiting for me on Hound Island.”
Chance chuckled and hugged his wife. “Gallons.”
Holly and I laughed as Chance ushered his wife out of the teashop, and I was left wondering why I’d fought having that experience for so long. It would be amazing to have someone stock your fridge with your favorite ice cream for no other reason than love.
“I didn’t think you were working in the teashop any longer?” I asked, trying to shift my thoughts or the next nine days were going to be brutal.
“Just here and there to help her out. She doesn’t know when to stop.”
“That’s an understatement.” I nodded in agreement. “So, I have a super favor to ask.”
Holly grinned. “Let me guess. You want to know if we have any gingerbread tea left?”
I nodded like a kid in a candy store and Holly winked at me. “We have quite a bit in the back room. Do you want me to measure some up for you that you can take home?”
“That would be amazing. I’d owe you big time.”
Holly giggled and disappeared into the back room for a few minutes. “I’ll have to remember that.”
When she returned, she had a tin full of gingerbread tea. “Thank you so much. I’ll be able to get through the Fourth of July, at least.” I handed her cash in trade for the tin, and I glanced at my phone. I only had about fifteen minutes before I met Tess at Mudflats Tavern. I owed her dinner, and she wasn’t one who forgot free food.
Right as I put my phone away, a message popped up from Shane.
Quit overthinking it. Contrary to popular belief this thing between us is going to work.
I smiled, wondering how he knew I was already worrying about exit plans.
As I wandered out the store and onto the sidewalk, I typed back.
How did you know?
It didn’t take him long to answer.
I think I know you better than you realize, which is why I’m falling in love with you, Dakota. And love makes anything possible.
My heart fluttered into a crazy mess of happiness, joy, and pure bewilderment that a man who I’d known for such a short period of time understood me. I stared happily at my screen and debated what to say back, but another one came over from him.
Driving off the ferry in a few seconds. I’ll text back later and give you time to think about what to say to my latest.
I chuckled and let out a groan, knowing I’d have my hands full with Shane Parker. He knew how I operated and that was going to make life very interesting in the days, weeks, and months to come.
By the time I made my way to the restaurant, I was in a crazy bliss of madness. I wanted something I’d never let myself have before, and I knew there was no turning back. I pulled on the door to Mudflats and immediately spotted Tess. Her hair was in a messy braid, and she waved from the table she’d saved for us.
“Aren’t you glad I let you take me out to dinner on a different night?” Her brows wiggled, and I giggled as I slid into the chair across from her. “Imagine what you would have missed.”
“Okay. I fully admit that you made the right call.”
“So.” She leaned over the table. “Was it as good as you thought?”
“Better, Tess.” My shoulders sank into relaxation as I thought about Shane. “We didn’t just sleep together. We connected on some level that I can’t even…” My voice trailed off.
Tess crossed her arms and nodded. “You’re giving me hope, Dakota.”
The server delivered two beers that Tess must have ordered. I sipped mine and smiled, thinking back to Shane.
“I’m trying to pace myself and not let my mind work me into a million reasons why this can’t work. Shouldn’t work. Like he lives in Montana.”
She waved her hand at me to dismiss the idea. “That’s nothing more than a little geography issue.”
“Spoken like a teacher.” I laughed and took another sip of beer. “I’m just amazed at how he gets me. He already texted me while he was on the ferry because he knew I’d start to panic and look for a way out of the relationship.”
“The fact that you’re calling it a relationship is more than I’ve heard come from your lips in years.” She opened the menu even though we both had it memorized. “I’m having the Reuben.”
“Good choice. I’ll have it too.”
The server came over, and we placed our order before continuing our discussion.
“Seriously though, I really hope you give this a chance.” Tess glanced at someone behind me, and she stiffened.
“What?” I whispered.
“Just someone I never expected to see in a million years.” She sank her teeth into her bottom lip and shook her head.
“An old boyfriend?” I asked.
“Just a crush from high school.” She shrugged as if to dismiss the whole thing, but she looked completely distracted. “Anyway, just try not to fall back to your old tricks. Make that promise to yourself and to him.”
“Thanks, Tess. I needed to hear that.” I grabbed my phone out of my purse. “And I’m going to text that to Shane right this second.”
“Good. For once, someone is taking my advice. Do you realize how seldom that happens as a schoolteacher?”
I chuckled. “I can only imagine.”
I quickly texted Shane and hoped for a response.
I promise not to fall back to my old tricks.
He texted back.
I’m counting on it.
And that was when I realized I couldn’t run because for the first time in my life, I had someone who would follow me and bring me right back home.
Chapter Fifteen
Charles and Cynthia picked me up from the ferry terminal and drove me to their house where Sammi was still packing. When we got inside their home, I followed Charles and Cynthia to the living room and sat down.
I had nothing but nervous energy running through my veins. I just wanted to get on the plane and land.
“Have you been to his ranch?” I asked Cynthia.
“Just once.” She smiled at Charles. “But he invited us for Thanksgiving there, so I think we plan on going.”
My stomach twisted into a knot, realizing he hadn’t extended the offer to me, but that was ridiculous to think about considering how many months away that was, and my track record wasn’t the greatest.
“It’s a beautiful piece of property. The land stretches for as far as the eye can see and his home is sprawling.” She crossed her legs. “I think Sammi will be in heaven.”
“I hope so,” I agreed. “Shane was worried she was going to be bored to tears.”
“Well, that Trey guy certainly has changed her interests a little.”
“Just teenage girls being teenage girls,” Cynthia said, smiling. “Imagine if we all acted like we didn’t care. You men would be devastated.”
“Point taken.” Charles smiled, but a loud thud from upstairs shocked us all into action.
“Sammi, are you okay?” Charles sprang into action with Cynthia right behind him.
I climbed the steps two at a time, hot on their trail, as they made their way to Sammi’s bedroom. A huge snort followed by a sniffle echoed down the hall and Cynthia and Charles slowed.
“Oh, no,” Cynthia whispered over her shoulder and I nodded slowly.
“Sammi.” Her dad knocked on her door. “You doing okay?”
“No.” She sniffed in and held in a hiccup.
“Is it Trey?” Cynthia asked.
“He dumped me.” Sammi sobbed, and my heart felt for her. It didn’t matter how young or old, heartbreak still hurt the same.
“What happened? Can I come in?” Charles asked.
“I’d rather not. I don’t want to go to Montana.”
The words I’d been dreading to hear for nine days, but I understood why she wouldn’t be thrilled at the moment.
“Honey, a vacation away might be exactly wh
at the doctor ordered,” Charles tried so hard to be gentle, it made my own heart hurt.
“That’s true,” Cynthia offered. “Nothing better than a boy finding out that you couldn’t care less you were dumped.”
I glanced at Cynthia and wondered if she’d read my life story.
A few seconds of silence passed and Sammi opened the door. “You think?”
“I know.” Cynthia grabbed Sammi’s hand and pulled her into the hall. “Don’t let him know you cared.”
Charles glanced at me, and I suddenly felt out of place. For the first time, I didn’t feel needed. Exactly how it was supposed to be.
“Maybe post on your Instagram how much fun you’re having,” Cynthia suggested. “I know Dakota would take as many pictures of you as needed to get the point across.”
“You might even meet another boy,” Charles said, but I could tell the words pained him.
The only saving grace with that scenario was that the boy would be in Montana and Charles wouldn’t have to worry about the relationship lasting for long. I thought back to my own dilemma and scowled.
“Okay.” Sammi nodded and looked over at me. “I’m in. Besides, I couldn’t do that to Dakota.”
“Huh?” I tried to feign ignorance. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Cynthia laughed and reached for my hand. “Don’t worry. My brother has filled us in on everything.”
“Great. Glad to hear it.” I nodded and smirked.
Charles chuckled and followed his daughter into her bedroom to help with her luggage.
It wasn’t long before we’d piled into the minivan, fought the freeway traffic, and pulled onto the private airport drive.
“Boy, this is the way to do it.” Charles whistled as he found a parking place in front of the small airport café.
Accidental Love on Meadow Cove Lane (Island County Series Book 10) Page 12