Page 100 of All We Need

“I’ve known you my whole life, andInever knew you had a son or wife.”

He waves me off. “It’snot likeI’vebeen the warmest of people over the years.Ihear what they say.”

I grimace, knowing exactly what they say.

Aloof.Recluse.Outcast.

For such a pillar in the community, so many have dubbed him as companionless.I’mregretfully guilty of that.

“I was ashamed for a long time.Itwas easier to not talk about them.”Hestares longingly out the window. “Imissed out on so much, and nowIcan’t help but wonder what elseI’vemissed out on.”

I follow his gaze, and just make out the tire tracks cutting through the snow.Oneset belonging to a womanIdesperately need to find.

It tookMartinsome convincing to let me intoAly’sapartment.Myheart sank whenIsaw her easel and paints gone, but on closer inspection, her other belongings remained.Quinnhadn’t seen her.Shehadn’t visitedOurPlace.Shirley’swas closed, and after driving around for almost an hour,Iwas losing hopeI’dfind her before night fell.

My knee bounces asIcall her one more time.Whenit goes to voice mail after two rings,again,Islump back into my sofaand stare out the window.Oceanspray coats the glass, andIwatch the water rivulets chase each other.

I pull up the textIsent her hours ago.

Booth: Martin called. Can you let me know you’re safe?

I blink, worriedI’mimagining it when three bubbles pop up and disappear on the screen.Thenit vibrates.

She-Devil: I’m safe. Sorry for worrying you. I’ll call when I’m back in town.

I deflate in relief.

And thenI’mshooting to my feet.

Sheisn’tinSuttonBay.

Aly wouldn’t dare set foot in a motel.There’sonly one placeIcan picture her; wrapped in a fluffy white towel, hair dripping wet, and skin flushed as she stares out at the frosty scenery.

It’s a long shot, butI’mgrabbing my coat and keys, hauling ass to my truck.Istop at the grocery store before heading north to my destination.

Twilight stains the sky a dark violet asIdrive along the dirt path, my bones shaking as my wheels hit the large potholes concealed by the snow.Dexis out of town, building a new cabin up by theCanadianborder, with zero service.WhenIsee the soft amber glow of lights through the small window ofTheNook,Ireally hopeI’mabout to get pepper sprayed by a silver-eyed vixen and not some unsuspecting vacationer.

My heart races asIjog up the front steps.Iplant my hands on my knees, collecting myself beforeIknock.I’mnot given the chance.

The door’s yanked open, and the scowlIadore greets me.

Hidden behind her steely gaze, solace cracks through.

She can deny it all she wants, butAlessandrais happy to see me.

My hands twitch at my sides, desperate to touch her, butIhave to tread carefully.

Before she can invite me in—or slam the door in my face—I’mstepping inside.

CHAPTER THIRTY

alessandra

Instant relief.

That’s the only sensation to describe findingBoothon the cabin porch.

There was no smugness or wisecrack.Hisarrival is a balm to my soul.Warm, comforting, and familiar.Weeksago, he was everywhereIdidn’t want him to be.Nowhe’s exactly whereIneed him.

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