Page 60 of A Very Merry Enemy
I think it’s hope. Or maybe it’s delusion.
CHAPTER 12
LUCAS
Iwake up at five and can’t fall back asleep.
Every time I close my eyes, I replay the look on her face when Dominic appeared on that screen. I’ll never forget how the color drained from her cheeks or how she ran outside and dry heaved against the building while most of the town was inside finishing the kickoff meeting.
I followed her without thinking. Heads turned and watched me leave. I can only imagine the rumors that have started. Watching her fall apart broke something in me. For the first time since she came back, I stopped wanting to push her away. I won’t let her quit. Not anymore.
I won’t let that bastard win. I can’t.
Seeing her so vulnerable reminded me of who we both used to be.
I suck in a deep breath, knowing her ex is coming to Merryville in one week, the same day as Jake and Claire’s wedding.
Instead of staying awake behind my eyes for the next hour, I get up and head to the farm early.
By six, I’ve reorganized the entire equipment shed, sharpened every chain saw blade, and checked oil levels onmachines that don’t need to be serviced. Keeping my hands busy usually makes my brain shut up, but this time it doesn’t work.
Actually, it hasn’t happened since Holiday arrived.
At six thirty, Dean arrives and takes a look around the barn.
“You’ve been here a while,” he says with a low whistle.
“Couldn’t sleep. Thought I’d get started early on our list.”
“Good job.” He nods, moving closer to me. “Saw the Facebook posts about last night. About the contest and the judges.”
Of course he did. The entire town saw. But that was expected, considering Holiday’s ex is a celebrity chef. She dated the French equivalent of Gordon Ramsay.
Dean’s quiet for another minute, then he clears his throat. “For what it’s worth, I’ve seen the way she looks at you.”
I don’t know what to say to that. “This has nothing to do with me.”
“So, this isn’t about you trying to get with Holiday and her famous ex coming to steal her back?” He scoffs. “Could’ve fooled me.”
Dean grabs his gear and heads out, chuckling, because there is nothing I can say to that. I’m just thankful he leaves me the fuck alone with my thoughts.
Five minutes later, I walk to the edge of the barn, seeing Holiday’s car at the bakery. I must’ve been too focused to notice when she arrived this morning.
Just as I exhale, my phone vibrates in my pocket.
Holiday
You at the farm yet?
Lucas
Yep.
It’s like she knew I was thinking about her.
Holiday
Can you come to the bakery? Need to talk about our next baking session.
