Page 23 of Everything I Need

“Come on. Let’s get home to Duke and grill up something to eat. Duke will help your mood for sure.” I walk over to the desk to grab my bag.

Colton stops me from walking out the door. “Thank you for letting me come up here, Preston. I really needed some space.”

“Anytime, Colton, you know that.” We start to head back to the house and Colton tells me more about how he thinks Elizabeth is cheating with Caleb.

True to his personality Duke almost takes out Colton in his excitement. That dog can make anyone’s day better I swear. He is bouncing around Colton’s feet crying for his attention.

We walk out to the backyard for Duke to get out some energy. We throw the ball, waiting for him to tire. Colton is quiet, and I’m letting him just have a moment until he’s ready to talk. I think that’s why he and Scarlett got along well back in college. They are both quiet when something is happening and they don’t want to talk about it until they’re good and ready.

“You’ve done a great job out here. The view is amazing and the landscaping came out great,” He finally says.

“Thanks. It was a lot of work but Duke helped dig the holes for planting. Then of course he ran through everything.” I say laughing. I grab two beers from the cooler on the deck and hand one to Colton.

“So. Tell me about Scarlett. Last I heard she still hated your guts.” He hands me a beer opener and we sit in the Adirondack chairs.

I tell Colton more about our business arrangement, her mom’s little push, her mouthing off to Caleb in the middle of the bar, which earns Colton's appreciation. We finish off three beers and successfully wear out Duke.

This is going to be a great weekend here with my brother. I miss my brother now that I’m farther away from him. That was the one drawback to moving so far north. When we were younger, we only had each other. It’s hard not being close enough to see him at least once a week.

The next day, I have to go to work for a few patient appointments. Colton is staying home to look over the space I have for the addition and come up with an idea for the layout. I get to my office and immediately go to check the paint color. I need a reason to text Scarlett this early. And honestly, I’m not sure how to approach her after yesterday. She was clearly embarrassed and ready to run. I don’t want to push her farther into her fear of us.

Me:Good morning. The paint looks great. Let’s do the whole place. I love it. This is my new favorite room in the office.

I shoot off the text and start with my first patient of the day. It isn't long before she responds.

Scarlett:Great. I’ll go by the hardware store tomorrow. Going to help mom this morning. Have fun with your brother. Addy and I decided to have a girls night too!

Me:That’s great. Maybe I could swing by after work for a few minutes?

Scarlett:I’m not sure, Preston, Mom and Addy are already nosey.

Nope, don’t care, after work I’m going straight to her house to remind her why we’re good together and why we shouldn’t care if people know we’re together. I’m not letting her find an out to this. Not after waiting five years for my chance.

After my last patient I text Colton to let him know I was making a pit stop and would be home soon. Then I start on my way over to Mrs. Harper’s house. Meddling or not I’m not letting Scarlett pull away from me.

I don’t even have to knock before Adelaide opens the door.

“Well, hello, Dr. West. Such a lovely surprise to see you this afternoon. Are you here for my sister?” I can see the grin, which proves to me that Scarlett was in fact right about these two. I still don’t care.

“Yes ma’am, you know I am.” I smirk back. Two can play this game.

“Oh, Scarlett. Your man is here for you!” Addy ran off into the house like a teenager mocking her sister.

Addy turned to me with the biggest grin on her face that told me Scarlett had in fact told her everything. I guess this is my payback for Colton’s little show yesterday.

“Addy, don’t be silly I don’t have a -” She stops at the door, her mouth open in surprise.

“Oh really? I thought we were pretty good together yesterday.” Her blush spread quickly from her cheeks down her neck.

“Preston! You can’t say that in front of other people! What will they think of me?” She swats at my shoulder.

“Bullshit.” Uncaring if we have an audience of Addy and her mom I continue, ”Scarlett, I waited five years for you. Five years for you to come back and give me a chance to apologize. Five years for you to not hate me and understand why. I don’t care if this whole damn town knows about us!” The door shuts quietly behind Scarlett forcing her to come down a step toward me. “We both were on the same page yesterday. You don’t get to go back on promising me a chance. That includes being public, at least with our families.”

“I don’t know how to do this.” She admits. “I’m afraid to trust you. I’m afraid to let my feelings grow for you again. I still feel the pull I felt then but I’m so damn scared, Preston.” I reach for her hands.

“Scarlett. I get it. I do. But I want to try this with you. Please try with me. I need you, I’ve always needed you.” I confess.

We hear a collective gasp and oh my goshes from the now cracked front window. I take my chance and pull Scarlett in at the waist. I lean down placing my forehead on hers, “Please. Remember how good yesterday felt. Remember how good we are together. Promise me a chance.”

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