Page 35 of An Endless Memory

After we signed and submitted everything required and I got a copy for Aunt Linda, we walked outside to the small parking lot and stood between the two pickups.

Aggie gave me a quick hug. “I know this is temporary, but welcome to the family.”

Cody shook Eliot’s hand. “You need anything, holler. Keep the shirt. Wedding gift.”

Eliot tugged at the collar. “You know I don’t dress up.”

“It’s good for you.” Cody turned to me. He didn’t seem like a hugger. Instead, he shook my hand. “Remember, we’re not far away if you need anything. Call any one of us.”

I nodded, numb.

Good thing “young Lily” hadn’t known she wouldn’t grow up to be a happily married veterinarian who saved kittens and puppies. All my illusions had been shattered. At least I knew where I stood with my career and with relationships.

“Lily.” Eliot’s voice was soft, searching.

My husband.

I could blame the sun for why it was hard to look at him, but my nerves had returned. The man was indeed different with his hard jaw, keen eyes, and that sweep of dark hair. He’d shaved, but I’d like to trace his jaw. I bet stubble was already there.

“You have to get back?” I asked.

“Eventually,” he said. “My guys can function without me a little longer.” He didn’t sound confident. “Want to go eat and celebrate?”

“I feel like there isn’t much for you to celebrate.”

“Don’t think like that. Have you been to Hummingbird’s yet?”

“No, but I’ve wanted to.” I loaded into the pickup, knowing full well he hadn’t disagreed with me.

Eliot

It took inhuman effort to keep from watching Lily’s mouth as she took a bite and chewed. I knew how those puffy lips felt. Even worse, I’d held her briefly, had my arms around her soft, curvy body, and soaked in her warm sunshine smell.

Thelma swung by to pour more coffee for me. She was Tova’s surrogate grandma and had worked at the diner for years. Cody and Tova said she didn’t have to work, they had made sure of it, but Thelma had asked what else she’d do all day. She claimed she was too old to hike or skydive or run the Mafia, so she might as well serve greasy food.

“Thanks, Thelma.”

She grunted and peered at Lily’s cup before walking away. Lily hadn’t touched hers. She said she wasn’t giving Kellan more reasons not to sleep all night, but it wouldn’t have mattered. Thelma would’ve poured her a cup anyway, and she had.

Lily cut into her caramel roll. Our conversation had been awkward and stilted. Figuring out living arrangements now that we were married shouldn’t be so uncomfortable, but then it was usually the other way around.

I downed a sip of the scalding, bitter-as-tar coffee. Just how I preferred it. “The next time I come out, I’ll bring clothing and stuff.”

She got that timid look in her eye that I hated. “When are you returning?”

As soon as possible. But that wasn’t feasible. I could only spare time when needed to keep my absence from being a burden. “When do you need me?”

Her lips parted. The way her mouth captured my attention… The coffee wasn’t hot enough to burn this inappropriate lust out of my brain. That pouty lower lip needed a good nibbling and not from her. I bet it’d taste sweet from the roll. Her flavor would be sugar and sunshine.

Goddamn.

“Why don’t you see what works for your schedule?” She poked her fork into the roll.

I wanted to leave her with an answer, but I didn’t have anything. I was down an employee, and I’d been gone for almost four days. She was right. I had to see what work was like before I could plan to get away again. “We’ll do that, and you’ll call Wilder if you need anything.” She opened her mouth, but I leaned forward and put my hand on hers. “You’re going to argue that Wilder’s taking care of Sutton. So I’m going to tell you to call Austen. Or Cody. Or Ansen. I have four brothers—and don’t tell Ansen I included him, or he’ll be even more of a dick.”

Her lips curved into a smile. That mouth. I could spend all day exploring that lush body of hers. But I wouldn’t be. I was celibate for the next year.

Why’d that feel like a relief? Like she’d just saved me from having a beer in town on a Friday night and trying to keep things light with some girl. We’d mess around. Too often, she caught feelings, and I’d have to tell her that the ranch wasn’t mine. That the house wasn’t mine. That I wasn’t good for more than a good time. No way would I prove my mama right and be nothing but a disappointment to a woman.

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