Page 55 of Mistaken Intention

He isn’t giving me any options and doesn’t seem to want to take ‘no’ for an answer.

“Okay. We’re just taking a walk, so I’ll have to get Drew back to the cottage, and then I’ll be right over.”

“Thanks.”

He hangs up, and I wonder what’s wrong. He seemed much more abrupt than he usually is, and I look around, trying to see if we’re visible from the house… if he’s been watching us, and has seen how close we came to kissing just then. That doesn’t make sense, though. We’re on the other side of Drew’s cottage and I can’t even see the main house from here, so that can’t be it, although something’s clearly wrong.

“Who was that?” Drew asks, breaking into my worries.

“Hunter.”

“My brother?”

I hate that he needs to check, that he still doesn’t know. Just like he doesn’t know who I am… who his daughter is.

“Yes. He needs me to go up to the main house.”

“What for?”

“He didn’t say.”

“And you have to go right now, do you?” His face darkens.

“I’ll get you back to the cottage first.”

He stares at me for a moment and then nods his head, like he’s reluctant to accept the situation.

Neither of us says another word, but we retrace our steps, Drew opening the door when we get to the cottage.

“Do you need anything?” I ask him as he turns to face me.

“No. I’ll be fine.”

“Are you sure? I can get you a coffee, or a glass of water?”

“I’m okay.”

I step closer. “Don’t be mad at me.”

“I’m not.” He reaches out, his fingertips just skimming over my cheek. “I’m not mad at you, Josie. But this is so damn difficult.”

I don’t know whether he’s talking about what just happened outside, or the situation as a whole, and even if I wanted to find out the answer, I don’t have time to ask.

“I—I need to go.”

He lets his hand fall to his side again. “Sure.” He steps back and I move toward the door. “Josie?”

“Yes?” I turn back to face him.

“Don’t be long,” he says.

“I’ll be as quick as I can.”

He nods his head and, as there doesn’t seem to be anything else to say, I open the door and let myself out, following the path that leads to the main house.

My mind is a whirl of indecision, my thoughts racing. I should feel happy. I know I should. This feels like a dream come true. I’ve wanted Drew for so long, and loved him even longer. It seems he wants me, too. But, does he even know what it means to want someone? Does he know what that entails? He obviously used to. He has a daughter to prove it. But now? Does he remember? Because if he doesn’t, we’re in trouble. The kind of trouble I can’t resolve.

And what about love? He hasn’t mentioned it, and I need him to.

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