Page 53 of Recklessly in Love

“Don’t go too far for too long, city girl,” I murmur, leaning forward and kissing away the last tears that fell.

She cups my face in her hand, leans in, and places the most tender kiss on my lips. It’s so unlike her that it sends chills through me, both good and bad. One kiss that is somehow both comfort and fear. Love and loss. Fight and surrender. But that’s Joanie and me. A contradiction that shouldn’t make sense, yet somehow does. I hope.

“I’ll see you soon,” she promises, rising and picking up her bag.

I want to beg her to stay, but I force myself to nod instead. “I understand. I’ll be here whenever you’re ready.”

She gives me a long look, then walks out the door. I sink onto the couch, my head in my hands.

How did things go sideways so fast? I can only hope Joanie will work through this and come back to me. Because the thought of losing her … it’s unbearable.

I’ve never been one to run from a challenge. And I’m sure as hell not starting now. I’ll give Joanie the space she needs. But I’m not letting her go. Not without a fight.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

JOANIE

As I drive away from Greg’s place, my heart feels like it’s being squeezed in a vice. I know I’m doing the right thing for myself by taking some space, but it doesn’t make it any easier. The look on his face … well, it was all I could do to leave.

With shaking hands, I pull out my phone and call Mia.

“Hey, Jo. What’s up?” Mia answers cheerfully.

I take a deep breath. “I need a place to stay for a bit. Can I get a room at the B&B?”

There’s a pause. “Of course. But why? Did something happen with Greg?”

I sigh heavily. “Things are just moving really fast, Mia. I need some time to figure out what I want.”

“Ah. Well, there’s definitely a room there for you, but on one condition. I meet you there for a girl’s night,” Mia replies.

Gratitude swells in my chest. “You know I’ll never turn down that deal,” I respond. “Thanks, babe. I’ll see you soon.”

I make it to Gran’s old place a few minutes later and wait in my car for Mia. It takes her nearly half an hour to make it down the mountain.

As soon as I step out of the car, she rushes over, wrapping me in a hug.

“God, Joanie, you look —”

“Don’t you dare finish that sentence,” I say threateningly.

She chuckles and leads me inside. “The place is all ours until tomorrow,” she says, gesturing around.

Gran’s former house mostly looks the same, but with newer furniture arranged in a more lobby-style sitting area instead of the old living room with its overstuffed couch and TV. A podium by the door has a logbook and a pile of brochures. A peek into the dining room gives me the same impression — newer, stuffier, and, well, more like a B&B. The kitchen, though, has been walled in completely with actual doors put in place. It makes sense, but it’s still super weird.

“You don’t do check-ins, cooking, and cleaning, do you?” I ask curiously, settling onto the closer of the two linen settees. It’s decidedly less comfortable than Gran’s old couch was.

Mia waves a hand and settles on the other one across from me. “Lord no. There’s a property manager out of Ellensburg who comes as needed and a local who does the daily cooking, cleaning, and such. Though the bakery does supply pastries for breakfast.”

I perk up a little at that. “Ah, so there’s food here?”

Mia smirks. “There’s food here, but I didn’t bring any goodies. There is, however, always wine. And chocolates for the pillows, but I see no harm in plundering that stash.” She rises and enters the kitchen, emerging shortly with a tray bearing a bottle of wine, corkscrew, two glasses, and a good-sized cardboard box of what I can only assume is chocolates.

I raise a brow at her. “Those look mass-produced,” I accuse her in a teasing tone.

Mia rolls her eyes and sets the tray between us on the long, narrow wooden coffee table. “Since they’re for the pillows, we need to keep a bunch of them on hand. Besides, candy-making isn’t my thing. Candy eating, though, I’m here for.” She winks at me and pops open the box, tossing me a chocolate while she unwraps one for herself. “Okay, now that we have provisions, spill,” she demands as she pours us each a generous glass of red.

She hands me one, and I take a fortifying sip before launching into the story about Greg’s ex showing up and my subsequent freak-out.

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