Page 7 of Courage of the Mountain
“Absolutely. No shame in admitting I’d do anything and everything to make her happy. You know, a few months ago, I thought I was content with a solitary life running the inn. Now, I can’t imagine not having Gabby with me every day.”
“I’m happy for you two. Sounds like someone wise and humble gave you some good advice.”
Sullivan chuckles, remembering our conversation not all that long ago. He and Gabby were going through some heavy shit on my first day back in Hope Mountain. I happened to be checking in to Willow Tree Inn when Sullivan needed someone to vent to. I’d like to think I did a little something to encourage him in the right direction.
“So humble,” he jokes. “But seriously, it’s what I needed to hear. I get lost in my head sometimes. You made it clear what the most important thing was, so thank you.”
“Ah, I was kidding. No thanks needed. You knew what you needed to do; I just helped you connect the dots.”
“So, do you need help unpacking? I’ve got time to kill.”
I look around the house I just bought, which is mostly empty except for the stack of furniture and boxes Sullivan just helped me move in. Truthfully, I don’t want to unpack today. My mind is somewhere else. Specifically, it’s at Between the Covers, wondering what Lily is up to and if she needs anything.
“Uh-oh,” Sullivan says. “I know that look.”
“What look?” I ask, blinking my eyes a few times to shake off my thoughts.
“Gazing into the distance, eyes glossed over as you think about what she’s doing and why she isn’t next to you.”
“Who’sshe?”
“You tell me,” Sullivan says with a raised eyebrow.
“Well, you’re wrong there,” I tell him. My cheeks are flushed, and I can’t look at him, knowing he’s spot on.
“Sure. Whatever you say. Whenever you decide to make a move, I’m sure Gabby would love to have the two of you over for dinner.”
“What? It’s not like that. Besides, I can’t make a move even if I wanted to.” I steal a glance at Sullivan, who has a shit-eating grin on his face. The bastard.
“But there’s someone you’re considering making a move on?”
I sigh and run a hand through my hair, tugging on the strands in exasperation. Sullivan’s phone beeps, and his smile turns soft and yet excited. I don’t have to guess who the text is from.
“Gabby’s back,” he tells me as he types out a response. “But you’re not off the hook. I’ll be here to return the favor of relationship advice whenever you’re ready.”
I shake my head but grin at my friend as he bounds outside and into his truck. He’s so in love it’s ridiculous, and I won’t lie, a tiny part of me is jealous. I want what he has, only with Lily.
The enchanting woman with red hair and soul-piercing blue eyes has been in my thoughts and dreams for the last few days. I thought I’d be distracted with buying furniture for my new home and setting everything up. However, every time I picture what I want my home to look like, I see Lily. She’s in the kitchen, sipping the coffee I just made, or curled up in front of the fireplace with a stack of books. I envision her outside on the porch, enjoying the sunset while looking out over the property. It’s like I can’t decide how to decorate because I want her input. I want her to love this place.
I grab my keys and head out to my truck, despite my better judgment. I should stay here and unpack. I should go grocery shopping and break out the cookbook Lily recommended. I should get to work painting the gaudy double doors any color other than their current bright teal. Basically, I should be doing anything but driving to Between the Covers.
Five minutes later, I’m pulling up to Lily’s bookstore with a dopey grin on my face that might just rival Sullivan’s. I already feel more at ease knowing she’s near. Damn it.
I walk inside, my eyes immediately drawn to Lily at the front counter. The bell above the door startles her, and she peers over at me. Her smile lights up her entire face, making my chest tighten as I return her smile.
The closer I get, however, the more I see how tired she is. Lily is still absolutely gorgeous in every way, but her face is a little pale, and she has dark circles under her eyes. She’s trying so damn hard to keep it all together, but I see her. I may not knowwhat’s causing her stress, but I feel the weight of the world as it rests on her shoulders.
“What’s wrong?” I ask as I approach her.
“Do I look that bad?” she teases. Her flirty grin says one thing, but Lily can’t hide the sorrow in her eyes. They’re dimmer today, more of a muted blue than the usual bright, crystal blue. I shouldn’t know that about her, but here we are. I guess I’m doing all the things I shouldn’t be doing today.
“You’re beautiful, as always,” I tell her. Part of me knows I’m playing a dangerous game, especially when Lily’s cheeks turn pink at my compliment. But I can’t let her think she’s anything other than an exquisite goddess. At least I stuck tobeautifulinstead ofsexiest goddamn woman I’ve ever seen.
“Um, thanks,” she whispers, before busying herself with a stack of papers on the counter in front of her.
“Are you going to tell me why you’re so tired?”
She quickly tucks a note of some kind into the large stack of papers as if she’s trying to hide it. Interesting. I don’t know if I’ve earned the right to ask her about it, but damn if I don’t have a burning need to find out.
