Page 7 of Caden

I worked late to close the gym, covering Marshall’s normal shift so he could leave town early. Normally, I don’t mind. He’s done it for me plenty of times. But that was before his little sister set up her landscaping camp right next door. If I’d known Ruby McCray was going to torture me with her nearby presence all week, I’d have been the one skipping town.

It doesn’t matter that she only came into the gym once to turn off the water and once to pick up Gram today. I was painfully aware of her presence my entire shift.

I hope to hell it won’t always be this way. That one day, I’ll be able to breathe the same air without wishing I could draw her into my arms and kiss the fucking daylights out of her. But since we’ve both established businesses in Daisy Hills, I don’t foresee that day coming too soon.

If ever.

“Hey Caden,” Kelsey, the hostess atJax’s Bar & Grillgreets. “Want a seat at the bar?”

“Actually, I’ll take a booth if you have one.”

“You got it.”

The place is only half full, but there’s a steady hum of conversation and music. I instantly scan the place, noting which tables are occupied and which are empty. Reminding myself of the exits. My quick, assessing gaze searching out any potential threat. A habit I suspect I’ll never be able to turn off.

I’m also painfully aware that Ruby McCray isnothere.

Not that I expected her to be.

She’s at home, with Gram.

I should feel relieved.

Not restless.

“Can I grab you a beer?” Kelsey offers.

“Just a water tonight.”

“On call?” she guesses.

I nod, still not used to the small town life where everyone seems to know everyone’s business. Which is just one of the infinite reasons I can never let anything happen between Ruby and me. The entire fucking population would be talking about it by dawn. “Covering for Marshall,” I offer, so I don’t feel like a complete dick. I’m supposed to be personable to help grow the gym clientele.

“Heard he took off to Vegas.”

“You know more than I do,” I admit, offering the closest thing I can to a smile.

“Also heard he’s eloping in the Bahamas,” she adds with a carefree shrug.

“Unless you heard it from Candie, I kinda doubt that one. Guess we’ll find out Monday.”

Marshall was very tight-lipped about where he was headed off to this weekend. It could be about a woman, I guess. But I’ve known the guy for years. We’ve been in combat together. He’s never once just disappeared for a weekend to meet up with a woman. Then again, we’ve both been known to make our fair share of stupid decisions without giving the other one a chance to talk us out of it.

“Know what you want?” Kelsey asks, nodding at the menu.

“Not yet,” I answer, deciding I need something different from my usual. Being predictable is making me uncomfortable.

“I’ll be back with that water.”

“Thanks.”

I return my focus to the menu, wondering if anything else will replace my craving for my typical bacon cheeseburger. Jax makes one helluva burger, and I’m fucking ravenous. I know what I like, but it might be time to switch it up.

I’m debating between the mushroom Swiss burger and the heart attack burger when I hear the light jingle of bells overhead. My gaze flickers to the entrance. I spot Haley and Bryan Collins approach the hostess stand. The veterinarian has his arm protectively around his wife, and I’m mildly gut-punched with envy.

In another lifetime, that would be Ruby and me.

Not happening.

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