Page 18 of All Along

I snort. I’m not going anywhere in Smuggler’s Rest. I’d stay in my cabin all the time if I could. But when I suggested doing physical therapy there, Hazel pointed out how she needed all the proper equipment if she was going to get me into fighting shape.

She rolls her eyes. “You can’t be a hermit forever.”

Watch me. I’ll be a hermit until the Army declares I’m fit for active duty again. Then, I’m gone from Smuggler’s Hideaway and I won’t be back.

There’s no reason to come back.

Maya always was my reason but I’m not good enough for her. I thought I could become a better man and prove I was good enough for her.

I was wrong.

Chapter 8

“A barnacle ain’t got nothing on me” ~ Maya

Maya

My hands tremble as I set the picnic basket – the picnic basket that magically appeared on my front porch the day after I visited Caleb – in my car.

I’m not scared or nervous about seeing Caleb. I’m anxious and excited.

Okay. Fine. I am a bit nervous about asking him why he’s here on Smuggler’s Hideaway. I’m a fool for not realizing he could be badly injured.

I was being totally selfish, thinking only about myself. Why doesn’t Caleb want to see me? Is he mad at me? What did I do wrong? All me, me, me.

But Nova’s right. There’s something else at play here. Caleb hasn’t come home in over a decade and now he shows up for a bit of rest and relaxation? Except he’s hiding in a cabin in the woods. And he’s limping. Something’s wrong and it’s time I figured out exactly what.

I switch on my car and drive to his cabin.

I am doing the right thing, I reassure myself as I drive.Caleb is my friend. He needs help and I’m helping him.

This is exactly what a heroine in a romance novel would do. She wouldn’t stay home and cower in the corner while the man she loves needs her. She’d rush to his rescue.

Romance novels are the best. Too bad I’m not in the middle of one. Caleb would make an awesome hero. Military heroes are beyond sexy. Unfortunately, we’re just friends.

I arrive at the turnoff for Caleb’s cabin and slow down. The driveway is unpaved and bumpy. I don’t want his beer to get all shook up.

His truck is parked in front of the cabin. Good. He’s here.

Ha! Did I actually think he wouldn’t be? No one’s spotted Caleb in town yet. I might be keeping my ear to the ground for any rumors involving him.

Thus far, the only rumors are speculations about how long he’s staying. I wouldn’t be surprised if the inhabitants of Smuggler’s Hideaway are already betting on when he’ll leave.

I park next to his truck and haul the basket out of the car. It’s heavier this time since Caleb mentioned he enjoysFive Fathoms Brewing.He didn’t say which beer he preferred so I got him an extended variety pack.

I trudge up the stairs and set the basket on the porch near the door before knocking. Twelve beers is too heavy for me to hold onto while I wait for Caleb to open the door.

“Caleb! It’s me Maya!”

“Go away. I’m not in the mood.”

“Not in the mood for what? Delicious food? Yummy beer? Awesome company? You’ll have to narrow things down for me.”

“Not in the mood,” he repeats.

“Is that an all of the above answer? You know if you’re guessing all of the above is not the best answer to choose.”

“Not guessing.”

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