“Even with the risk?” My heart thuds against my ribs, daring to beat with a rhythm of possibility.
“Especially with the risk.” He reaches out again, this time his fingers lightly grazing mine. “I can't remember the last time I felt this...at peace. You know, it's easy to get lost in the hustle of the city, in the demands of my work. But sitting here with you, it's like finding a part of myself I'd forgotten was missing.”
“Can we...can we take this slow?"
“Of course,” he replies, his eyes never leaving mine, steady and sure. “We'll take all the time you need. I know jumping back into the deep end after what you've been through isn't easy. But whatever pace you're comfortable with, I'm there. You set the rhythm, and I'll follow your lead.”
I offer him a smile. “You really are something, Lincoln Montgomery. Most people would run for the hills hearing baggage like mine.”
“Most people aren't lucky enough to know you like I do.” He grins, a playful twinkle lighting up his soulful eyes. “Besides, it's about finding someone who doesn’t mind carrying them with you.”
How did I get so lucky?
Chapter Six
Heather
The worn wooden floorboards creaked under my restless steps, betraying the silence of the old Sullivan house. Michael is coming—Michael, with his polished shoes and piercing eyes that can unravel me with a look. I chew on my lip, trying to tame the butterflies wreaking havoc in my stomach.
“Earth to Heather,” Red's voice breaks through my anxious trance as she waltzes into the room.
“Hey,” I manage, stopping mid-pace to offer a smile.
“Okay, spill. You've got that 'I'm calculating ten different escape routes' look.” Red plops down on the couch, patting the spot beside her.
“Is it that obvious?” I sink down next to her, tucking a stray blonde lock behind my ear. “It's just... Michael's visit feels like a storm cloud looming over Lawson Ridge, and I can't seem to shake off the chill.”
“Michael Harris might think he's a hurricane, but you, my friend, are the whole weather system.” Red bumps her shoulder against mine, her green eyes twinkling. “So what if the man wants to blow back into town? You're not the same woman who left with him.”
“Sometimes I feel like I am,” I confess, the words spilling out in a torrent. “What if seeing him brings it all back? The doubt, the fear…”
“Hey, look at me.” Red's voice softens, but her grip on my hand was firm. “You're Heather freaking Sullivan. You build worlds out of code, create order from chaos. This guy? He's just an annoying pop-up ad. Close and move on.”
A laugh bubbles up from my chest, surprising me. Leave it to Red to turn my angst into an internet metaphor. “An annoying pop-up ad that I married.”
“Past tense, babe.” She winks. “And speaking of past, let's not forget that you've got Lincoln back in your grasp now. He's like the ultimate antivirus software.”
“Lincoln is amazing,” I agree, warmth seeping into the cold spaces the thought of Michael chilled. “But this is something I have to face myself.”
“Of course,” Red says, squeezing my hand before letting go. “But remember, you've got backup. I'll be here, ready to click 'block sender' on any unwanted emotional spam.”
“Thanks, Red.” I lean into her embrace, grateful for her presence. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Crash and burn, obviously,” she quips, pulling away with a grin. “Now come on, let's get some coffee. You need caffeine, and we need to strategize.”
“Strategy involves caffeine?”
“Every battle plan should involve caffeine. It's the Red way.”
“Then lead on, General Red.” I stand, feeling steadier than before. Maybe I am ready for a little comedy in my romantic drama after all.
We enter Page Turners, grab a coffee and sit down. But not even five minutes later, Lincoln walks in and his gaze immediately is on me. Red follows my eyes.
“Oh, well as much as I’d love to be a third wheel, I’ll pass. Call me later?”
Lincoln takes her seat. “Hey, is everything okay?”
“Michael called me. He’s coming into town and wants to talk.”
