Page 3 of That Kiss

My shoulders sag in relief, but only for a second. “Uh, I had no idea it was happening, but yeah, of course I’ll be there. Wouldn’t miss it.”

“I had actually forgotten about it too, honestly, but I ran into Juniper this morning grabbing coffee over at the?—”

“Juney’s in town?” I try to hide the hitch in my voice, but there’s no use: my face grows red and my chest burns. I didn’t expect to have this kind of visceral reaction to seeing her, let alone just knowing she’s back in town.

“Yeah,” Ranger’s lips spread into a wide grin, “of course she’s back in town for it. Don’t worry, though. Rumor has it she’s dating someone back in Boulder, so it looks like she’s finally over that crush.” He laughs, standing up to walk toward the kitchen. “I’ll grab us some beers.”

Relief washes over me, but it’s quickly replaced by something else—jealousy maybe? I shake my head. No, this isn’t jealousy. It can’t be. It’s guilt again. Guilt for even thinking of another woman when 24 hours ago I was ready to put a ring on Camilla’s finger.

Chapter 2

Juniper

Three Months Earlier . . .

“Well, Juney,” my dad looks across the kitchen table at me, “have you thought any more about my offer to take over the business?”

I place my glass of lemonade on the table and nod. “I have, and I want to do it.”

“You do?” His brows shoot upward in surprise. Juniper, I don’t want you doing something out of?—”

“I’m not, Dad,” I say before he can finish. “You’ve prepared me for this my entire life, whether you realize it or not. All those evenings you’d let me help you work on cars in the garage, and the Saturday mornings I’d sit with Mom while she did the payroll and bookkeeping when you guys were first starting out.”

He laughs, wiping away a stray tear. “Remember how you’d always talk me into buying donuts every Saturday?”

“Yeah, I remember how you’d always act like you weren’t going to buy them.” I stand and pull my chair across the hardwood floor, sitting down closer to my dad. “Dad, you and Mom deserve to retire. Go travel and see the world, or fly-fish up in the mountains at the cabin you guys never use. You’ve worked your entire lives for this.”

“It’s hard. Working is all I’ve ever known, but you’re right and your mom has so many places on her bucket list that I can’t wait to take her to.” He pulls out his phone and shows me an actual list of places he’s written down in his Notes app, titled: Places for My Sunshine.

My heart aches for a love like my parents have.

“I can’t wait to see your vacation pictures.”

“But sweetie,” he reaches for my hand, “there’s still a lot of world for you to see. I don’t want you settling back down here if your heart is somewhere else.”

“Dad, I loved going to school in Boulder, and I’ve enjoyed living there the last year and a half after graduation too, but I miss home. I want to live here, where my friends and family are and all of my favorite memories reside.”

“Nothing, and I mean nothing,” his voice shakes and his chin begins to quiver, “would make me prouder as your dad than to have you running our family business.”

I don’t bother responding; I would just be a blubbering mess anyway. Instead, I pull him into a hug. Two things my dad loved growing up were cars and working on cars, so he turned his passion into his business. With my mom by his side, they’ve grown it into a much larger operation that not only services regular vehicles, but farm and industry equipment too.

“Let’s keep this between us for now, sweetheart.” He kisses the tip of my nose.

“Ron?” My mom comes down the stairs, her head focused on the front of her dress as she walks into the kitchen. “How does this look for the party? Oh, hey sweetie, I didn’t realize you were still here.” She pokes her hip out, the floral dress draping over her tall, thin frame. “Give me your honest opinion.”

“Stunning,” I say honestly. You would never believe my mom’s age if she told you. She’s always jovial about life and whatever she’s doing. She truly is a ray of sunshine like my dad always says.

“Hot damn!” My dad whistles, standing up to take her hand and twirl her around. “You look just as beautiful as the day you walked down the aisle.”

He nuzzles her neck, making her swat at him playfully before they kiss.

“And on that note,” I finish my lemonade and reach over to grab my purse, “I’ll leave you lovebirds alone. Don’t wait up. Love you.” I wave, my back already to them as I step through the back door of the house.

I unlock my car and slide into the driver’s seat, sending a quick text to my friends Brooklyn and Dolly to let them know I’m heading their way. When I told them I’d be in town for my parents’ anniversary party this Saturday, they insisted on a girls’ night for drinks and catching up.

When I arrive at the bar a few moments later, I get an almost giddy feeling in my stomach. Maybe it’s being back in my hometown after living away for a few years, or perhaps it’s because a lot of the memories I have at this bar are ones of me spending most of the evening just trying to get Decker Slade’s attention.

A warm blush creeps up my neck at the memories. I’m not sure if it’s from embarrassment, given the way I was so obviously into him, or the fact that I know damn well I’d still behave the same way if he were here. I shake my head and pull my keys from the ignition before darting inside to meet the girls.

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