Page 44 of Sweet Music
Bella smiled at his good manners as she followed after the young woman.
“Welcome, welcome,” Charlotte said, smiling at them all from behind the counter. “Your table is all set. I’ll be right over to get your order.”
It was nice and warm inside, so they all peeled off layers and hung their coats before settling in. Cash sat across from Bella, and somehow, even after running around and getting smashed with snowballs, he was more handsome than ever.
Don’t look at him,she tried to tell herself.
But she wasn’t exactly sure how she was supposed to avoid that when he was right in front of her.
“So, what does everyone want?” Cashasked, leaning forward and addressing the kids before Bella had a chance to feel too awkward.
They talked ice cream for a few minutes, the kids weighing their choices with Cash’s help. And the people around them all seemed more interested in their own conversations and sweet treats than with the rock star in their midst.
It all felt so… normal. And Cody looked so happy to be here with a friend and with his father. His eyes kept dancing between them.
After a minute or two, Charlotte stopped by the table and gave Cody a warm smile.
“It’s nice to see you, Cody,” she said. “I’m your Aunt Charlotte.”
“Nice to meet you,” Cody said politely.
“Your dad probably didn’t get a chance to mention it yet,” Charlotte said. “But you’re invited to your grandparents’ place for family dinner tomorrow night.”
Cody’s face lit up and suddenly Bella’s calm was replaced with panic twisting her stomach and crawling up her throat.
“I’m just going to pop out for a second,” she heard herself murmur as she got up. “I think I dropped my scarf in the park.”
She pulled out her chair and slipped through the crowded storefront without waiting for anyone to acknowledge her.
The ache in her chest was so much more painful because it was familiar. She could barely take a breath as she opened the door and stepped into the steadily falling snow. It was only when she made it all the wayoutside that she felt the frosty air finally filling her lungs.
She took a few steps away to get out of view of the ice cream shop.
Across the street, the last of the snowball fighters were screaming with glee and laughing in the park. Spectators watched and cheered from the sidewalk, while recent losers streamed out, heading down to the diner or out to their cars.
Once again, Bella found herself surrounded by happy sights and sounds, while her own heart felt like it was falling in on itself.
Why can’t I get over any of it? Why am I stuck?
Seeing Cody happy, visiting with his dad and being accepted by his family should make her happy. And it did. But it also filled her with this desperate, animal fear.
I don’t want him hurt, that’s all. But getting hurt is a part of life.
And the other thing… well, it was too painful and mortifying for her to waste time being heartbroken about something that happened so long ago.
She began walking again, but suddenly a hand closed around her arm.
“Bella,” that familiar husky voice said. “Where are you going?”
She turned quickly and found herself practically in Cash’s arms.
He was so big, so warm, and those beautiful, dark eyes searched hers with concern.
“I… I was just going to look for my scarf,” she heard herself whisper.
“It was with your coat,” Cash said, pulling her scarf out of his jacket with his free hand.
Her cheeks heated as she realized she’d been caught running away for no reason.
