“Nope.” I cut her off with a shake of my head. “If Holden wants to keep hiding behind his walls, that’s on him. I’m not chasing someone who thinks they already know who I am.” I plaster on a smile, sharp and bright. “If he changes his mind, and I hope he does… Then he knows where to find me.”
CHAPTER 7
HOLDEN
The Fourthof July fireworks show is finally underway. It isn’t the spectacular it’s been in years past, but my brothers wanted to make something happen for those who stuck around through the storm.
To be honest, with leftover barbeque, no band, and wind-blown decorations, it’s lackluster at best. It fits because I’m miserable.
I've been scanning the crowd for the better part of an hour. With the sun fully down, it hasn’t made the process any easier. I’m looking for sequins or designer anything. I’d do anything for some flash of that red, white, and blue outfit Zara was wearing when this whole mess started.
But there's nothing.
Everywhere I look, there are only Sagebrush Creek families on blankets. It’s the usual suspects up to their usual antics. Kids run around with sparklers. Every unmarried woman in town is being ushered over by pushy mothers to say hi. Between the infamous gossip podcast in our town being shut down and the fact that I'm the last Kingridge brother without a wife, the target on my back feels bigger than ever.
But none of it matters. All I can focus on is the fact that she’s not here.
I guess I shouldn't be surprised. After the way I treated her this morning. I'm lucky she didn't pack up and leave Texas entirely… Hell, she could have for all I know. But some stupid, hopeful part of me thought maybe she'd show up anyway.
I need to see her and apologize. I need her to know that I was an idiot who doesn't deserve her, but wants to try anyway. It doesn’t look like I’m going to get the chance. So I’m plotting my next move. She isn’t exactly accessible.
I can’t send her a message online. I’ll be one of thousands, I’m sure. Maybe I’ll have to show up at a Southern Knights football game and force my way onto the jumbotron.I ignore the fireworks and search for red-eye flights to South Carolina.
"You look like someone kicked your dog," Bowen says, appearing at my elbow with two beers. "Where's Priya's sister? Thought you two were getting along."
"We were." I take the beer but don't drink it. "Until I opened my mouth and ruined everything."
"What'd you do?"
"Told her she doesn't belong here. That she'll get bored and leave." The words taste even worse the second time around. "Basically accused her of being a shallow city girl who was just playing at liking ranch life."
Bowen winces. "You know, you’ve always been a charmer. Can’t believe that didn’t have her swooning." The sarcasm drips from his words.
"Yeah, thanks." I run a hand through my hair, watching a group of kids chase fireflies near the edge of the crowd. "I panicked, okay? She was... she was getting under my skin, and I figured it was better to end it before I got in too deep."
Somewhere between rescuing her from that storm and watching her dispel every assumption I made about her, I fellfor Zara Platt. Completely, stupidly, irreversibly. And now she's probably halfway back to Charleston, writing me off as just another close-minded country boy.
"You idiot. You’re already in it. Only now you’re in it by yourself. She left."
"Holy shit. She left? I’m too late. All I wanted was to make her stay. Apologize.” The color drains from my face, and I feel sick to my stomach. “Women like her are a once-in-a-lifetime thing, and I really fucked this up. I’m going to get on a flight tonight if I can…”
Bowen claps me on the shoulder and drops his voice. "I’m fucking with you.”
Rage and relief swirl in me. I lock my eyes on him. “What?”
“Yeah, Priya mentioned she's staying through the weekend. You might still have a shot and thanks to that little panic I just gave you, now you know exactly what you want to say."
“I should beat the shit out of you right here. What’s wrong with you?” I bark.
Bowen only laughs. “Yeah, even if you had a shot at taking me on, you don’t have time.”
“You’re lucky.” I hop to my feet.
I search every lawn chair, rocking chair, and blanket. When I finally spot her, I freeze. It’s undeniably Zara, but there isn’t an ounce of sequin on her body. Instead, she’s got her hair tucked inside of a hooded sweatshirt. Her makeup is minimal if she’s wearing any at all. It’s hard to say in this light. But one thing is for sure.
Zara looks beautiful. Real. Like she belongs here. More than that, Zara looks like someone I could build a life with.
I'm walking toward her before I consciously decide to move.
