That Secret Crush (Getting Lucky #3)(39)

“Okay.” She smiles, but I can see the sadness in her eyes, and I hate that I caused it. I hate that I made her think she’s not important enough or that I don’t trust her. I don’t want to talk about my life because I have no idea what the fuck I’m doing with it. Ever since that night in New Orleans, I’ve been trapped in this standstill, this purgatory, with no end in sight. Cursed or not, I have to start over, and I have no idea where to begin or how to do it, but I know I need to do it alone.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, shame hitting me hard in the chest.

“Don’t be. It’s fine. Can I just say one thing?”

“Sure.”

She runs her hand through my hair, starting at my brow and moving down to my ear. Her touch sinks into my bones, easing the self-loathing I’ve been storing there.

“Don’t shut out your family,” she says. “I’ve lost two parents, and I would give anything at this point to get one more lecture from them, one more conversation about my life. Or just to hear their voice, listen to their wisdom. I know you’re hurting, Reid, but also remember—your family is your heart. They’re a part of you, and you never know what might happen. Your dad loves you and only wants the best. Give him a chance, and honor that love by listening to him.”

Well. Fuck.

“Eve, I’m so sorry; I wasn’t thinking. I have no right to complain.”

“Don’t apologize. You don’t need to. Just give it some thought, okay?”

I nod, already resolving to call my dad tomorrow. Eve’s words sink in, reminding me of the devastation etched across her face the day of her dad’s funeral. I promised myself then that I’d make a conscious effort to be closer to my family, to appreciate the fact that I still had them in my life.

That was then.

I’ve forgotten that promise. Looks like I just needed a little reminder.





CHAPTER TWELVE





EVE


“Hey, stranger.”

A tall figure looms over me as a smooth, seductive voice pulls me from my work. Only one man can make my entire body light up with excitement with just the sound of his voice.

I look up to find Reid standing in front of me, wearing his worn-out jeans and Lobster Landing shirt, looking absolutely perfect.

“Hey, you.” I can’t hold back my smile. I’ve spent my day off in Snow Roast, our local coffee shop, trying to get some studying in—and hoping Reid might stop by. I did mention my study plans to him, after all.

Yeah, I dropped subtle hints, and I’m not ashamed of it.

I’m so glad he took those hints, because seeing him does more than just tip up the corners of my mouth—it puts me at ease, shows me that this man is mine.

“This seat taken?” he asks, pointing to the empty armchair beside me.

“All yours.”

Coffee in one hand and a paper bag in the other, he sits down and says, “I didn’t get you any coffee, since I saw that you already have some, but I did bring some scones from the Landing.”

“And Ruth is okay with that?” I ask, worried that the coffee shop owner might take offense to having outside food in her establishment.

“Yeah, she’s good—right, Ruth?” Reid shouts across the shop, holding up his bag.

She winks. “All good, Knightly.”

“See?” Reid turns back to me. “We have an understanding. I buy copious amounts of coffee from her every week, and she lets me bring my girl a scone while she’s studying.”

“Your girl, huh? Did you tell her that?”

“Nah.” He leans back in his chair and pulls out a blueberry scone. “But she knows we’re friends. Plus I told her the other day that I wanted to try her new blueberry coffee while eating a blueberry scone, and I promised to bring her one so she could try it too.”

“Ahh.” I put my pencil behind my ear and set my book down. “Bribing the shop owner. Makes sense.” I lay out a napkin on my lap and place the scone down before breaking off a piece and popping it in my mouth.

God, it’s so good.

It’s no secret that the Lobster Landing has not only the best fudge in town but the best baked goods as well. Ruth doesn’t even bother serving anything but muffins and breakfast sandwiches in her shop because there’s no point competing. Although she has started carrying some of the Lobster Landing’s baked goods for people who don’t want to walk the two blocks, and she sells out immediately.

But the scones, they’re my absolute favorite. They remind me of the scones my grandma used to make before she passed. I didn’t get much time with her, but the time we did have was spent in the kitchen making apple-cinnamon scones. Of course that’s where Eric caught the cooking bug, from our grandma, and why he’s so good at not just cooking but baking too. Dare I say that our scones are even better than the Knightly recipe?

These are a good second option, though.

“How’s the studying coming along?”

“Good. I can’t wait for school to finally be over. I’m kind of sick of it. For a tiny moment, I considered going for a master’s, but I chucked that idea right out the window the minute I started this last semester. I think my bachelor’s is good enough for now.”

“I don’t think I could ever go back to school.”