Page 82 of With This Ring

“And this is news to you because...”

“We sort of had a moment Sunday night.” He explained how he had supper with her family and then stayed and talked. “I thought maybe—” He stopped speaking because he sounded like a ridiculously lovesick guy, and he didn’t have time for this. Besides, he wasn’t staying in Flowering Grove, so none of it mattered anyway. “Never mind.”

Gavin remained silent for a beat and ate a few more bites of pretzel. “If you care about her, you should tell her.”

“There’s no point.”

“Why not?”

Hudson turned toward the rink just as Dakota and Parker skated past. “She’s with him, and I’m leaving town soon.”

“She might not be with him if she knew you cared.”

Hudson shook his head.

“The attraction between you two is pretty potent. I wouldn’t be surprised if Parker has noticed it too.”

Hudson sipped his Coke and cut his gaze toward the rink. Gavin was wrong. But doubt still lingered in the back of his mind.

“Come skate with me, Daddy.” Anissa appeared at the table and took Hudson’s hand. “You too, Mr. Hud.”

Hudson couldn’t resist her. “Yes, ma’am.” He pushed himself up from the table and allowed her to steer him toward the rink.

***

Later that evening Parker steered his Kia SUV into Dakota’s driveway. She gripped the passenger side door handle and triedto remember the speech she’d mentally prepared during the short ride home.

The evening had passed at a snail’s pace. She had tried to stay busy, encouraging Parker to skate so they could avoid getting into a deep conversation at the rink. But now they were parked in her driveway, and it was time for her to be honest with him. The truth would most likely break his heart.

She bit back a grimace and fixed a smile on her face before unfastening her seat belt. “Thanks for the ride.”

He moved his fingers over the steering wheel. “You’ve been quiet tonight. Wanna tell me what’s wrong?”

Her gaze involuntarily moved to the house next door, where light glowed in the second-story windows and Hudson’s fancy SUV sat quietly waiting for him. She had seen him talking with Gavin and also skating with Anissa, which made her smile. She’d even managed to skate near him a few times during the night, but they hadn’t shared more than an awkward hello. She’d longed to have another conversation with him, but his curt greetings spoke volumes. Hudson didn’t want to be more than acquaintances, and it was better that way.

So then why did her heart insist on craving him?

“Dakota?” Her eyes met Parker’s, and they seemed to plead with her to tell him the truth. “Please talk to me. Have I done something to upset you?”

She shook her head as her stomach lurched. “No, not at all.”

“Then what is it?”

“Parker, I’m really sorry I’ve been so standoffish. The truth is...” She gripped the door handle. “The truth is, I’m just not ready for a relationship. You’re a sweet guy, and I’m grateful my niece set us up. But I’m just not in a good place emotionally, and I’d really prefer we just be friends.”

Her speech, which sounded so awesome in her head, was incredibly pathetic when she said it out loud. She angled her body toward Parker, and to her surprise, Parker’s lips formed a sardonic smile.

“Friends, huh?” he asked. “That’s what you want?”

Oh boy.

“Y-yes,” she stammered. “Just friends.”

He nodded slowly as if working through something in his mind. “Does your reluctance to date me have anything to do with your ex?” He pointed toward the colonial.

Dakota’s eyes widened. Had she been that transparent?

“You’re really going to act surprised?” Parker gave her a look of disbelief. “I suspected you had feelings for him the day I stopped by and caught you hugging him, but I hoped you were being honest with me.” Hurt spread across his face. “That’s all I’ve wanted, Dakota—honesty. I don’t think that’s too much to ask.”

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