A knock on the driver’s side window startles me hard enough to smear powdered sugar across the steering wheel.
Liam.
Again.
He leans down just a little, eyebrows raised. "You planning to move in, or are you camping in your car?"
My stomach flips. It’s not from nerves, more from how unfairly good he looks this close. I roll the window down all the way, brushing powdered sugaroff my lap.
"Considering my other tenants have claws and zero rent-paying etiquette, I thought I’d regroup here first."
He chuckles. Actually chuckles. "Let me know if you need anything. Tools, gloves, hazmat suit. I’ve got extras."
“Hazmat suit might be optimistic,” I say. “I think this place needs a priest.”
Liam gives me a look. He’s amused or maybe something else. I’m not sure what it means. He taps the roof of my SUV lightly.
"Welcome back to Cady Springs, Tessa. You might want to brace yourself. That cabin doesn’t look like it’s going down without a fight."
Then he turns and walks off, leaving me in powdered sugar and mild panic. Damn, he still looks good … and I still don’t stand a chance.
Chapter 2
Liam
Iwatch her SUV disappear up the gravel road, taillights flashing as she crests the hill out of the hollow. She didn’t say where she was going, just that she was regrouping. If I had to guess, she’s headed to find some place a little safer and cleaner to stay. Maybe to the Grand Lodge. Pricey place for a temporary stay, but it’s comfortable and safe from feral raccoons. Can’t blame her for needing a night of hot water andcivilization.
Still, I don’t like not knowing exactly where she’s going. That makes me question myself. I should have offered more help … a place to stay.Shit, why didn’t I do more?
Tessa Montgomery. She’s not a kid anymore. Not even close. The last time I saw her, she had braces and two left feet. Always tagging along behind Logan and their group of summer friends, trying to keep up with the boys on hikes and lake swims. Back then, I barely registered her. She was young, awkward, and mostly quiet except when she tripped over her own feet or got mad at one of the other kids.
Now?
She walks like a woman who’s used to getting things done. Moves with purpose. Still has that reddish mane, but now it’s swept up and out of her face. There’s confidence in her now, even if it’s bruised from today’s welcome committee of wild animals. I noticed the raccoon caused her to panic, but she didn’t crumble.
Tessa’s not just pretty, she’s brave. She held it together. That’s inner strength. I know it when I see it.
Her green eyes lit up when she squared off against that freaking raccoon as it shot out like a rocket. Tessa had moves too, agile ones. She transported her curvy little ass so quickly off the porch, it probably spooked that critter.
I certainly noticed it. Her curves. Her agile body. Damn if it doesn’t stay in your head, and now … it’s messing with me.
Knock it off, you’re just horny. It’s time you settled down with a woman and stopped just thinking about sex.
But I don’t think I’m going to find my person in this small town. I dated around, but since we lost Logan, I’ve been closed off and for good reason. I never want to lose someone I love again. I can’t handle the pain of it, even though I know it could happen … will happen … to all of us.
I love this time of year, but it always messes with me. Too manymemories. Summer used to mean late nights with Logan, working out football plays and talking about girls, of course. The lake took him before we could ever experience many things as adults together.
No matter how many seasons pass, I still hear him sometimes. I hear him laughing, yelling across the water, teasing me about being too serious. I see him throwing me a pass with the football.
I wonder if Tessa knows about Logan? I don’t recall seeing her at the funeral. But then, I don’t remember a lot of things about that time. I was out of my mind and trying to be strong for mom and dad.
Mom slept in Logan’s bed for weeks after that. She wouldn’t allow anything to be washed that he used, including his last bathroom towel. Logan’s passing tore a hole in the fabric of our family. One that we could not find a way to fill in.
Some people bring old ghosts to life. Others remind you there’s still somethingleft to live for. Tessa showing up here seemed to do both.
Tessa says her parents want her to flip the cabin. I wonder why they haven’t been here in years? She’s the same, but quite different now as a young woman. There’s still something in the way she wrinkles her nose or talks with her hands. It’s like the kid she used to be is still in there, somewhere beneath the luscious curves she now has.
I could help her on the cabin, here and there. But I’ve also got work. A team to coach. Repairs of my own to finish before the season changes.
