Page 34 of Love and Memories

“Dean Simmons. We’re actually engaged.” Anna held up her hand to display the massive diamond ring on her finger. “He’s a real estate legacy around here.”

“Oh, that sounds interesting,” Bella said as she scooped scalloped potatoes onto her plate. “I’m sure it was easy to win Dean’s heart, and I bet your cooking skills helped too.”

“I guess,” Anna said as she lined up behind Travis and picked up a plate.

Travis didn’t look up at Anna. Her lackluster comment didn’t match her usual peppy personality. He’d met Dean a number of times, but the guy was a little standoffish and smug. He wasn’t anything like a guy Travis would expect Anna to end up with, but the two seemed to be happy and were planning a wedding for the late fall.

Dinner was delicious, and Travis hung back from most of the conversation, allowing Bella and Anna the chance to get to know each other. They hit it off, and Bella’s beautiful smile stayed put all through dessert.

This was what Bella needed—happiness and comfort. Maybe if she had the chance to relax and heal, her memories would come back.

Then she’d probably go back to her old life. It was the goal. It was what he wanted for her.

Why couldn’t he pry his gaze from her? Why did he want to capture the cheerful look on her face and keep it forever?

Bella stood and picked up her empty plate and reached for Anna’s. “That was delicious. Let me clean up.”

Anna stood to her feet. “No way. I’ll get it.”

“Let me do something, please,” Bella begged.

“Fine. You can load the dishwasher while I put away the leftovers.”

Travis checked his watch. It was still early evening. He didn’t want to leave, but he didn’t have any excuse to stay. “I guess I should head out.”

Bella lifted her chin, and her smile faltered as she looked at him. “Oh. Well, thank you for bringing me here and… everything.”

“Anytime. If you need anything, call me.”

Shoot. He really wanted her to call. His irrational feelings were muddling all his thoughts.

Bella wiped her hands on the dish towel. “I’ll walk you to the door.”

Was she as reluctant to part ways as he was?

Probably not. She had bigger things to worry about, like her injuries and unemployment. Those things were probably consuming her thoughts.

When he reached the door, he opened it and turned back to Bella. “If you need anything–”

“I’ll call you.” She fidgeted with her fingers and tucked her chin. “Thank you for everything.”

She was so lonely and lost. Hopefully, Anna would fill that void because it wasn’t supposed to be him.

“You’re going to be okay. We’ll help you figure things out and get back home.”

There. He’d given his word, and now he had to stick to it, even if it went against everything he wanted.

13

TRAVIS

Travis twisted the oil cap back on his truck and closed the hood. Wiping his greasy hands on a rag, he shouted to Beau across three bays of the garage. “Thanks, man.”

Beau jerked his chin in acknowledgment. “Anytime.”

It was much easier to change his oil at the garage than jack his truck up and climb underneath it at home. He already spent a lot of time helping out at the garage. It just made sense to take care of his own vehicle while he was there.

Travis stopped at the deep sink and washed his hands before heading to the break room. The savory scent of cooked meat in the hallway replaced the scent of grease and metal from the garage, leading him toward lunch.

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