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  “And I told you tonight is just you and me darlin’. I don't want to share you with anyone.” I can't help the warmth that spreads through my body at his words. I don't say anything I just smile and nod my head. He drives down the trail that leads to the cliff, when we get to it he maneuvers his truck to where his tailgate is facing the lake.

  “Stay right there for just a minute.” He kisses my cheek and jumps out before I can say a word. I can hear him in the back of the truck and I'm trying to figure out what he's doing. My door comes open and I jump a little.

  “Sorry I didn't mean to startle you.” He looks at me and holds out his hand. I take it and slide out of the truck as his other hand goes to my waist. There's less than an inch between us when my feet hit the ground. When I look up our eyes lock and I can't breathe. We just look at each other for a second before I break the tension.

  “So, what's the surprise?” He shakes his head like he's trying to regain his thoughts, I know the feeling.

  “Right, the surprise.” He walks me to the back of the truck and I can't help but gasp. It's perfect. The back of his truck is full of blankets and pillows, and he has food and drinks laid out. The stars are bright and the moon is full lighting the lake in a beautiful glow. I can't believe he thought of all this. Then I wonder how many other girls he has brought out here. He must sense my doubt.

  “Is everything okay? If you don't like it we can do something else.” He looks disappointed and I feel bad, he probably put a lot of work into this and I'm messing it up.

  “No, it's perfect,” I say and I mean it. He smiles and kisses my forehead.

  “Good.” He has never touched me this much, it's starting to spoil me.

  My thoughts are broke when a scraggly looking dog with a stringer of fish in his mouth comes running by me. I hear someone yell, “Stop that fucking dog.” I look up to see Wyatt running at me. The dog races past me with Wyatt doing his best to catch him. I can't help but laugh as I watch them running up the trail.

  “Haven't heard that in a long time.” I jump to the sound of his voice. I spin around and see Lucas walk around a tree with fishing poles and tackle in his hand.

  “Heard what?” I ask a little confused and flushed. How is it we keep running into each other? Small town.

  “That laugh,” he says.

  Chapter 7

  Lucas

  After I get off the phone with my sister I'm not happy. I know she thought she was helping or protecting me, I'm not sure which one. She told Elena how messed up I was over her leaving. That's not something I'm ready to talk to her about, but now I don't have a choice. I call Wyatt back and tell him to pack up his gear, we are going fishing. I meet him there twenty minutes later and park off the old trail. We have been coming here since we were kids.

  This is where my dad use to take us fishing, and this is also where I brought Elena for our first and only date. Wow, that feels like a lifetime ago, but I can remember it like it was yesterday. I had the perfect first date planned. I lined the back of my truck with blankets and pillows, and backed my truck up to the cliff over the lake. The moon was bright and the stars lined the sky. I wanted it to be special for her, to show her how much I cared about her. I even cooked, with some help from my mom. I loved the look on her face when she seen it.

  I helped her climb in the back and laid out the food. As we ate the conversation flowed easy with Elena. It wasn't just that we had known each other forever, but her smile and her kindness drew me to her. She always made being myself around her easy. We talked about school, the ranch, and what I would rather do than take over the family business. She told me, “I think you should do what makes you happy.” I thought she might be joking, but when I looked at her face she was completely serious.

  I can’t explain the happiness I felt in that moment, Elena never cared that I wouldn't make a lot of money rebuilding old cars. She just wanted me to be happy. I couldn't help what I had done next. I leaned in and kissed her gently on the lips, she froze but didn't pull away. It just took a couple of pecks and she was relaxing and kissing me back. My hand slid around the back of her neck so I could pull her closer to me. My tongue came out and I licked the seam of her lips, she opened for me so I could taste her. She tasted like strawberries from the short cake I made. I couldn't stop. I needed to be closer to her.

  I picked her up and placed her in my lap. She was so small, it was easy to put her where I wanted her. She let out a little squeak when I moved her, I thought she was going to move away but she just wrapped her arms around my neck. The kiss grew more passionate. She had the softest lips I had ever felt. Still to this day no one came close to her. I had nibbled on her bottom lip then run my tongue across it to soothe the bite and a little moan slip past her lips. I was already semi hard, I didn't expect anything to happen, I just couldn't help it. Elena was so fucking hot that night.

  She had starred in all my fantasies, shit she still does. So, when she moaned in my mouth I went from semi to full erection in a second. I'm pulled from my thoughts when Wyatt punches me in the arm.

  “Dude, were you listening to a word I was saying?” Shit, I must have really been spacing.

  “No man, I'm sorry. Sarah called me today to tell me she ran in to Elena at the diner.” His eyebrows shoot up and he mouths

  “Oh Shit.”

  “Yeah, she told her that she hurt me when she left, and that she's worried her coming back here is going to mess me up when she leaves again.” I just shake my head. I can't believe Sarah would put me out there like that. The last thing I wanted is Elena's pity or for her to see me as weak.

  “Damn man, little sis just handed Elena your balls.” I can't help but laugh, Elena has had me by the balls since we were kids.

  “That's not all, she told her about me leaving for two weeks after she moved with her aunt and uncle.” Now he's laughing.

  “That's brutal man, now next time you see her you will have some questions to answer. Did you ever tell Sarah where you went for those two weeks?”

  “No, you're the only one that knows.” When Wyatt got back from his two tours with the army, he wasn't the same. I thought I was going to lose my best friend when we got the phone call that his Humvee was hit with an IED.

  After making it through several surgeries he was finally able to come home. I was so relieved when he got back, but I noticed he wasn't dealing with the changes. He started to drink heavy and take pills for the pain. I didn't know how to help at first, we were all in unfamiliar territory. Over the last couple years, he has opened up a little, and came back to some semblance of his old self. We spent a lot of late nights at this lake, just talking and fishing. This is where we came when we needed to clear our heads and talk shit out. Right now, I need to figure out what to do about Elena.

  “Let’s just get some fishing in before the storm hits,” Wyatt says. We make our way to the lake and set up our stuff. We've been fishing for an hour or so, and have had a couple good catches we put on the stringer. Wyatt and I are just bullshitting back and forth when this mangy looking dog comes up to us. At first, he seems unsure but starts to come a little closer. Just when I think he's going to come all the way to us, he stops at our string of fish we caught.

  “No!” Wyatt yells at him, but the pup pays him no mind. Next thing we know the mutts ripping the line out of the ground and running off with our fish. I can't help but laugh as Wyatt jumps up to go after him.

  “You going to help me, or just sit on your ass?” I take my time grabbing our stuff as Wyatt takes off up the trail after the dog. If he wants the fish that damn bad the little fucker can have them.

  I hear Wyatt yell, “Stop that fucking dog.” I wonder who he’s talking to.

  As I round a tree on the path my heart stops. I can only see her back, but I know it's her. She's in leggings, a purple hoodie that says Washington on it, and purple sneakers. Her hair is in a ponytail hanging down her back. My first thought is man her ass looks good in those leggings. Then I hear her laugh a
nd I can't stop the smile that comes to my face. She's laughing at Wyatt, that sound is music to my ears.

  “Haven't heard that in a long time.” She jumps and spins around at the sound of my voice.

  “Heard what?” She asks, she has a beautiful blush that comes up her neck and settles on her cheeks. I would love to see how far down that blush goes.

  “That laugh,” I tell her, she has always had a beautiful laugh. When we were kids that was one of the reasons for my crazy stunts, just so I could hear that laugh. She's not saying anything, she's just standing there playing with her hoodie staring at the ground.

  “So... Sarah said she ran into you at the diner.” Might as well jump right in. She finally looks up and what I see on her face is guilt. It pains me to see guilt on her face when all she was doing was grieving the loss of her parents.

  “Yeah, that went a lot better than I thought it would.” Elena looks everywhere but at me.

  “Elena”

  “Look,” we both say at the same time.

  “You go first,” I tell her.

  “No, you go ahead,” she says back.

  “What I was going to say is, I know what Sarah told you and it wasn't her place.” I can see her flinch at my words, like I caused her physical pain.

  “Lucas, I'm not trying to cause trouble between you and Sarah. I don't want you to think I followed you here, I just needed to clear my head and this seemed like a good place.” It's funny after all these years this lake is still the one place we both feel like we can go to think shit through.

  “I still come here when I need to get away too.” I tell her, there's that blush again.

  “Look Lucas, I didn't mean to interrupt your fishing trip, I should get going.” She's leaving already, is it that bad being around me?

  “Why haven't you been to the ranch Elena?” I watch the color drain from her face. I didn't mean to say that, but it's been on my mind. I've watched the ranch and her car hasn't been there.

  “Who says I haven't?” She throws at me.

  “I do.” I tell her, looking her right in the eye daring her to try and lie to me.

  “How would you know that I haven't been there?”

  “I bought the land on the other side of the creek and built a house there a year ago. I haven't seen your car there.”

  “Oh” is all she says, but she doesn't deny it.

  “I really should go.” She turns around to leave and I look past her to see Wyatt's walking back this way. She stops in front of him and they exchange a few words that are too low for me to hear. When they hug goodbye, I get jealous over my best friend touching her. Wyatt looks over her shoulder and steps away from her fast. I must have a look on my face that says back the fuck off. I don't know why I can't control myself, she's not mine.

  I watch her walk the path back to her car and can't take my eyes off her. When I look over at Wyatt he's staring at me like I have lost it.

  “What the fuck was that look for? You know I would never hit on Elena.” Yea I know he wouldn't, I just didn't like him touching her and I can't.

  “What look?” I ask, knowing damn well what look he's referring to.

  “Okay, you don't want to talk about it, I get it.” He changes the subject. “That damn dog got off with our fucking fish. I might have been able to catch him if it wasn't for this damn leg.” When Wyatt got back he had a prosthetic on his left leg. When the IED hit his Humvee, it killed three of his guys and left him barely hanging on. He lost a lot of blood and from right below the knee down it was mangled. They had to amputate it, and with the help of physical therapy and his prosthetic he was able to walk again. It wasn't easy but with time he has adjusted.

  “I think that dog would have out run you either way, he was pretty desperate.” We both head back to our trucks to load our gear. “So, what did Elena say?” I had to ask, I don't like that they share a secret.

  “She just said she was sorry about what happened.”

  “How did she know about what happened to you?” Was she keeping track of people in this town?

  “Not sure, she didn't say.” Wyatt gets in his truck and rolls down the window.

  “So, what are you going to do about Elena?” I haven't figured that out yet, she keeps taking off when we run into each other. I don't even know if it's a good idea to do anything about it. Maybe I should just be glad her and Sarah seem to be talking again.

  “I don't know man, I don't know.”

  “Well you had better figure it out before Thursday.”

  “Why?” I ask not sure what he's talking about.

  “Because she goes back home on Thursday.” I feel like I have been punched in the gut, ouch that hurts. She's really not staying. I have no idea what made me think she would.

  “How do you know this?” Did she tell him and not me?

  “Sarah told me” Wyatt says

  “When did you talk to my sister?” Sarah and Wyatt have been talking a lot lately, I wonder what's up with that. He doesn't answer he just waves and drives off. I stand there stunned and a little ticked, the fucker didn't answer my question. I'll remember to ask Sarah about it later.

  I climb in my truck and head through town, I need to stop by the store before I head home. When I finish my grocery shopping and everything is loaded in my truck I start to head to my house. For some reason I make it a point to drive past the Inn. I think I'll just do a quick drive by to make sure she made it there safely. I see her on the porch swing with her head in her hands. Without any control of my limbs, I pull over, park my truck, and start walking her way.

  When I'm standing in front of her it's then that I realize I have no idea what to say. She finally looks up and yelps, surprised to see me standing there no less. I can tell she's been crying and it makes me want to wrap her in my arms and promise no one will ever make her cry again.

  “Can I sit?” I finally ask, she just nods her head. I take the seat next to her on the swing. We both just sit there in silence, staring at the garden on the side of the house.

  “What are you doing here Lucas?” She doesn't sound happy that I'm here. It hurts that she doesn't want to be around me.

  “I was just heading home from the store and seen you outside. You looked upset.” That wasn't a total lie, but I don't think she is buying it.

  “Home is in the other direction,” she says.

  “Yea, you’re right. I wanted to make sure you made it here safe.” I tell her hoping the truth will help her open up a bit.

  “Why?” She asks, looking confused.

  “Is it so hard to believe I was worried about you? You looked a little out of it at the lake, I just thought I would check on you.”

  “Thanks, but that wasn't necessary.”

  Well I guess I can take a hint, she really doesn't want me around.

  “Well now that I know I'm not needed I'll go.” I can't help the anger that's in my tone. I stand and make my way down the stairs, I get almost to the driveway when I hear my name.

  “Lucas wait.” Elena calls from the bottom of the stairs. I don't turn around but I do stop, waiting to hear what she has to say.

  With my back to her I can't see what's in her eyes, and honestly, I'm afraid to. When she doesn't say anything else I walk back to my truck and pull away. This just shows how much she needed me. I make it home with some daylight left. After putting up the groceries I grab a beer and go sit on my porch. I look over in the direction of the ranch, trying to think of better days.

  Chapter 8

  Elena

  Well it's official, I'm the biggest A hole in the history of A holes. Lucas came by the Inn Saturday after our run in at the lake. He was being sweet and I pretty much told him to get lost. I don't know why I practically ran from him both times I’ve seen him, then I ran him off when he came by to check on me. I feel really bad but it might be for the best. I can't get close to him again. My feelings for Lucas go beyond friends, and Sarah made it clear I could hurt him again. That's the last thing I want.
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  I spend all of Sunday in my room at the Inn, besides to eat, I just get caught up on some reading. Mrs. Johnson asked me if everything was okay, I just told her I had a headache and that I needed some sleep. When Monday came I told myself to stop being crazy, I can't avoid this town or its residents all week. I can go back home Thursday and leave this town behind me. That thought makes me a little sad.

  I text Aubrey this morning, asking her if she has heard from Dorian. I still haven't heard back from her.

  I only have two days before I meet with Mr. Breck. Sarah told me not to trust him, but I really need to sell the ranch so I can get back home. I should go look at the place before I go meet with him, so I know where I stand on the negotiation. I just don't know if I'm ready.

  I decide to ask Mrs. Johnson if there are any errands she needs done. At first, she tells me it's not necessary, but with very little persuasion she brings me her list. My first stop is the book store to pick up new reading material for the rooms. While I'm there I pick up a few books for myself. The bookstore was one of my favorite places growing up. I still love to read every chance I get.

  Next stop on the list is the local coffee shop, Mrs. Johnson likes to buy the best grounds for the Inn. After picking up a few things from the hardware store I walk out and run right into Wyatt.

  “Oh shit, I am so sorry. I was looking at my list and not watching where I was going.” Wyatt just laughs as he helps me catch my balance.

  “What's the list for?” He asks as he takes my bags for me.

  “Mrs. Johnson had some things she needed picked up so I offered to help.” I tell him as we make our way back to my car. I walked the last two places so it's a little bit of a walk back. When we make it to my car he puts the bags in the back for me.

  “Thanks Wyatt, you didn't have to do that but it's appreciated.” He smiles and leans against the trunk of my car, just staring at me.

  “What is it you want to ask?” I say to him, he has never been very good at being subtle.