Page 5 of Rekindled Heat

"Why did it end?"

"I went away to college, and the long-distance thing didn't really work. After I broke things off, I never went back to my hometown."

"You haven't been back in twelve years? I didn't know that." Max retorts.

"I'm embarrassed to say that I used to be ashamed of coming from a small town like Woodland Falls. So when I had the chance, I put as much distance away from it as I could."

Not to mention that every year that I don't show up for Christmas, my mother's heart is broken a little bit more. I can't go back there. That life, those people. I'm afraid if I go back, I won't be able to leave again. I've made a life for myself with my partners at the nightclub here in Miami. That is all I need.

"Do you ever miss it?" Anne asks.

"No. Yes." I hesitate. "No."

"Okay, we need to go visit this place. When could we go, baby?" She turns to Max.

I jump up from my seat, fear flowing through me.

"No, I forbid it. My two worlds need to stay apart."

"No worlds colliding and all that shit?" Anne snorts. She knows me so well.

"No."

"So let me set you up with someone. I can screen them so that they're not vapid and superficial."

"I'm tired, Anne. I don't want to do that song-and-dance show. It drains me."

"What about a vacation? To any place in the Caribbean you want." Max offers.

His features are serious. Max is not a man who makes jokes, but I know how difficult things would be without me at the office. I'm not irreplaceable, but the marketing department is the heart of our business. It's how we get people in the club and how we will be able to open another location sometime soon.

"My work helps me get my mind off my troubles."

"It's not working anymore, Erik. Work is not the distraction it used to be for you. You need to do something else."

"We love you, man. We want the best for you." Max says.

We do a group hug, and then we start joking around like usual. It helps me relax, knowing that my friends have my back. I drink so much that I have to stay in their guest room even though my house is a couple of blocks away. Before falling asleep, I let my mind drift to the one person I don't want to remember—the one person who loved me and let me down.

I try to never think of her. She's my weakness. For the longest time, I thought what we had had to be something that happens once in a lifetime, but as the years went by, I became convinced that it was an illusion. Besides, she would never take me back. Not after I hurt her so much.

Sometimes, I want that dream back, and I would give anything to have it.

Chapter 3

Brandy

Carrying three suitcases and a sewing machine is tough on a person's back. I'm finally in Miami and am struggling to get transportation to Erik's house. It's Saturday afternoon, so he might be there. I don't know what I will do if he's not. I want to surprise him, so I can't really have his mother call him and tell him to let me into his house.

I find the cab line outside. The driver helps me with my luggage and I exhale a breath of relief. I climb into the back seat of the cab, and the driver starts making small talk. I bring out my phone so I can see how far we are from Erik's house. The closer we get, the clearer it is that he lives in a fancy, schmanzy neighborhood.

When we reach our destination, I am in awe of the amazing house I see before me. It's huge, with modern lines and luxurious touches. It looks like a mansion for the rich. I guess Erik has done well for himself. Good for him. My quilting will never get me a house like this, and I'm oddly okay with that.

Once again, the driver comes to the rescue and helps me with the bags. They're piled in front of the door as I gather my thoughts.

This is it. I need to be prepared for any outcome. I'm certain this place has guest bedrooms. Erik won't mind one bit. I take a deep breath and ring the doorbell. The waiting is excruciating. I listen for sounds coming out of the house, but there's nothing. I ring the doorbell again, this time trying to remember what I packed in the larger suitcase. I might have to sit on it.

Finally, I hear footsteps, and I check myself. Stand up straight, shoulders back, breasts out. You don't have a chance, Erik Nelson. The door opens, and a gorgeous redhead appears. Shit. She's breathtaking with a billion-dollar smile. I try to hide my disappointment and put the smile back on my face. Oh my God, did I make a huge booboo? Is he living with someone right now? I'll have to be quick on my feet. I'm no home wrecker.

---