Page 9 of Playing for Keeps
“It’s fine. Just another reminder of why I’m so messed up.”
Skye squinted one eye. “He didn’t mess you up. He just ruined you for all other men.”
“Same thing!” Caroline argued. “Why haven’t I found another man like that? One that I can love and see myself spending the rest of forever with?”
“I don’t know, but there isn’t anything wrong with what you’re doing. If you want a relationship that’ll knock your socks off, don’t settle for anything less.”
The hole in Caroline’s heart opened up, letting her feel its raw edges. “How long am I going to be hung up on a ghost?”
Skye let her head fall back. “I don’t know, but Ihate this for you. As much as I know you loved him when you were eighteen, maybe you’re only hanging onto the rush of first love.”
“Where’s my second love? Do I not get another chance? What if I missed it, and?—”
“I fully believe you’ll find a man you can love and spend a happy life with, but comparing everyone to Justin isn’t good for you.”
Justin. The man who showed her true happiness then took it away. She’d trusted him. She’d given him her whole heart.
Then he left, taking her heart with him. Everything since was dull and lackluster, which was ridiculous because she had everything she could ever want. She was finally the owner of The Cakery, her family was hands-down the best in the world, and she considered everyone in Redemption Ridge a friend.
Well, except Justin’s dad. Chuck liked to do everything to terrorize her family, and that was one thing that hadn’t changed in the years since Justin left.
Strangely enough, the family feud didn’t ruin her relationship with Justin. Neither did the secrets and sneaking around. No, Justin wanted to leave more than he wanted to stay. Not only that, but he didn’t ask her to come with him.
The rejection was brand new again, burning like a pie forgotten in the oven. Their love had been aseason for him. To her, it was the standard that no other man could match.
Caroline wiped her eyes and slipped the apron over her head. “I’ll be fine. I just need to focus on mixing cupcake batter.”
“That’s probably a good idea, but I’m always here if you want to talk about it. I love you, and I really want you to find a man who is perfect for you.” Skye knew how to be exactly what Caroline needed in any situation.
“You know we’ll be talking about this again next time I manage to find myself in a new relationship.”
Skye’s phone dinged, and she rushed to the sink to wash the flour off her hands.
It was probably Hayden. Skye’s boyfriend sent sweet texts all throughout the day. The only reason she wasn’t giggling and giddy about it this morning was to spare Caroline’s feelings.
She wanted that for her friend. She wanted Skye to have all the happiness in the world. Caroline’s damaged feelings weren’t jealousy. She was just hung up on the loss of something she’d once had with Justin.
Skye’s smile stretched wide as her thumbs danced over the screen. Maybe she would be the one receiving a proposal this Christmas.
It was easier to focus on mixing batter after Skye turned on their usual Christian worship radiostation. Christmas music was in full swing, and the upbeat tunes put a little pep in Caroline’s step.
A long gasp drew Caroline’s attention away from the eggs she was cracking into a mixing bowl. “What is it?”
Skye’s eyes were wide as she looked up from her phone. “Nothing.”
“Are you sure? That didn’t sound like nothing.”
Skye glanced back at her phone. “Actually, I think you need to see this.”
Caroline rinsed the egg goo off her hands and dried them on her apron as she moved to Skye’s side.
She tilted the phone toward Caroline, showing a post from a Facebook page called Rumor on the Ridge.
Looks like the heartbreaker has come home.
The post was a share of an original post made by Garrett Johnson. Caroline read the text, ignoring the video until she knew the explanation.
Ladies, this guy is new to town and needs a date to cuddle this Christmas.
