“And the kiss?”
“I was happy to be back. Blaine saved me from that hospital room in Saudi Arabia, and I was swept up in the performance—my first one where I felt stable again. Like all of that other stuff was behind me.”
But it hadn’t been. Still wasn’t. Could she tell Cade the rest of the repercussions she was fighting?By the way, the Mafia might be after me…
Or would that make him dismiss all of it as an unbelievable story?
As if confirming her fear, Cade reached up and grasped the back of his neck with both hands. “I don’t knowwhatto think right now, Rosalyn.”
“I understand.” She’d made horrible decisions for years, listening to Blaine. Seeking fame and fortune, going along with his wild plan. Giving him so much power over her career.
No wonder she couldn’t pray or hear God. She deserved what she’d gotten. She’d made her bed, so to speak, and couldn’t expect someone to bail her out of her own irresponsibility. She had to see this through on her own. Then maybe, when it was all over, she could have the clarity to listen to the right voices.
Or Voice.
“All was as well as it could be. Mentally, I was enjoying aerial again and performing stateside, taking big gigs to pay off the loan for the troupe that I never earned back. Blaine was working on the divorce paperwork, which we kept secret, obviously.” She sighed. “Then several weeks ago, I fell during a show.”
She kicked her injured leg out in front of her. When was the last time it’d actually hurt? Certainly not while she was racing Cade. And hardly at all since being back in Magnolia Bay.
Maybe she hadn’t wanted to heal.
She straightened. “I came home to recover, and now I’m in your circus and, well, that’s it.”
Give or take.
“This whole story feels like a circus.” Cade shoved his hands into his hair. “Rosalyn…”
“It’s the truth.” She hated how small her voice sounded. How small she felt with that disappointed look in his eyes.
But again, she’d done this to herself. She trusted the wrong people, took shortcuts, didn’t manage her own money or career…she knew better.
And she had no one to blame for their storefront kiss except herself. She braced herself. “Look, I know you’re mad. I can only imagine how I’d feel if you’d kissed me and then dropped that ‘by the way’ bomb on me.” She winced. “I don’tfeelunavailable, if that makes sense. Except?—”
“Except youare.” Cade lowered his voice. “Because you’re not only caught up in a bunch of legal red tape, you’re also leaving Magnolia Bay again.”
“Right.” She nodded, the weight of that reality feeling oddly similar to the moment she’d landed on the crash pad. Maybe worse.
Cade held her gaze, as if he thought if he waited long enough, something could change. She’d stand there forever if that were true.
But it wasn’t.
She was not a free woman.
A few shops down, the door to the comedy club opened, and a group of men in ball caps ventured onto the sidewalk. A female voice carried after them, amplified by a microphone.
Cade’s frown loosened, and he eased back. “Want to go see who Bruno was talking about? While we’re here.” Was that an olive branch, or curiosity on his part?
Regardless, Rosalyn nodded, reached up to retie her damp ponytail. If there was ever a time to do like Mom had taught her, hide her crazy, pull herself together…“Sure.” They fell into step toward the club, tension still radiating from Cade’s taut shoulders, but not as much censure in his expression.
She wanted to fall back into his arms. That wouldn’t—couldn’t—happen. But at least now Cade knew. Most of her secret was out there.
The mic’d voice grew louder as they neared the door. “…don’t have kids. I mean, I’m not that far removed from the teen years myself. But I know one thing coffee beans and teenagers have in common…they’re always getting grounded.”
Chuckles erupted.
Cade’s eyes grew round. “No way.”
She paused, not recognizing the voice. “What?”
