Page 29 of Cautious

“If I had known it was a yoga pants party, I’d have worn mine.” I pout, tucking my legs up under me on the sofa, arranging the material of my dress to cover myself.

“You should have. Not gonna lie, if I didn’t have guests, I would have whipped my bra off and pulled my ratty sweats on,” she tells me conspiratorially, knowing I would have been the same way at home.

We chat about nothing in particular until Wade comes back with the wine, letting us know that pizza is on its way.

“I thought you might bring Blake with you this evening?” Wade questions, sitting on the sofa next to Olivia, who immediately curls into his side.

“I wasn’t sure he’d get his stupid giant head through the door,” I grumble before sighing when I see Wade smirk. “We had a disagreement. We’ll figure it out, but I thought it would be better to put some space between us before either of us said something we’d regret.” I take a sip of wine, hoping that will be the end of it.

“So, how are you liking Tempest so far?”

Relief washes over me at the lifeline Olivia throws me. “I love it,” I answer quickly, happy to change the subject away from Blake and my tattered heart. “I wasn’t sure small-town living would agree with me. I’ve always liked having the ability to get lost in a crowd and being in a place where nobody knew who I was. But this place felt like home the moment I passed the welcome sign. I can’t really explain it.”

“Actually, I think you explained it perfectly. I left for a while myself. Needed something bigger and better, but this place is home to me or, at least, the people in it are.” She lifts her head and smiles at her husband before turning back to me.

“Why Tempest, though? We have our fair share of tourists, but not many people relocate here permanently, especially from big cities,” Wade probes.

Did I say I was from a big city? Shit. I can’t remember. I swallow the bile rushing up my throat as I contemplate lying.He’s a cop, he’ll know, a little voice taunts. But god, I just want pizza and wine, not the third-degree. Maybe I could leave early. It wouldn’t be a lie if I told them I was feeling a little sick.

“Callie, ignore him. He’s slipped into cop mode. Wade, stop interrogating our guest. I would like for her to come back one day, thanks,” Oliva states drolly, making Wade roll his eyes.

I chuckle, but it’s more forced than before.

“Sorry,” he apologizes. “Occupational hazard.”

“It’s okay.” I blow out a shaky breath, deciding to give them a little. “Once upon a time, I lived not too far from here. My parents… they had some issues, and I spent some time in a shelter over in Wellington.” I watch Wade swallow hard as Olivia slips her fingers through his.

“Anyway, I was having a crappy time adjusting, and then I met a little girl who told me about this place. She said Tempest was where her hero lived, and I still remember that all these years later. When I was looking for somewhere to stay and saw Tempest on the map, it seemed like serendipity. Besides, everyone needs a hero sometimes, right?” I didn’t mean to add the last part. When I look up, I notice Wade’s eyes look wet, and Olivia has gone a little pale.

“Are you okay?” Shit, I’m so bad at this peopling bullshit. This is why I don’t leave the house unless I’m forced to.

“What was the little girl’s name, can you remember?” Wade asks, his voice cracking a little at the end. I frown at his odd reaction, feeling like I’m missing something, but I answer him anyway.

“Her name was Rose,” I tell him softly, remembering the pretty little girl with the shadows in her eyes. “It was her––”

“Mother’s favorite flower,” Wade finishes.

Olivia sniffs and wipes a tear from her face as Wade takes a deep stuttering breath. I don’t know what’s happening here, but I know it’s something big. Cops don’t get emotional at the drop of a hat unless—well, fuck.

“You’re Rose’s hero, aren’t you?”

Blake

I stop by my grandmother’s to check on her after dropping Marcus off. My mind is so preoccupied with thoughts of what I need to say to Callie that it takes me a moment to notice both the Mercedes parked at the end of Callie’s driveway and the perfectly coiffed woman standing on her doorstep.

“Can I help you?” I ask, making the woman turn. When she does, I suck in a sharp breath, taking in this woman’s striking resemblance to Callie. This must be her mother.

“My name’s Brenda Roberts. I’m looking for my daughter Callie,” she tells me, her cultured voice soft and hesitant.

“She’s out for dinner with friends at the minute. I can tell her you stopped by,” I offer, feeling fucking awkward when her eyes start to well with tears. If there is one thing I can’t stand, it’s seeing a woman cry. It brings out every single one of my protective instincts.

“I don’t know how well you know my daughter, Mr…” She trails off, waiting for me to fill in the blanks.

“Price, Blake Price.” I step forward and offer her my hand to shake. “I’m Callie’s man.”

Her eyes widen a fraction at that, again reminding me of her daughter. “Well, Mr. Price, I’m not my daughter’s favoriteperson.” She twists her hands together, looking uncomfortable confiding in a stranger.

I’m right there with you, lady.

---