Page 31 of Sunrise

"Ah, that's her story to tell, but long story short, we all had plans—Brynn, Jasper, me, and Travis—and when our parents died, the plans changed. They went on to fulfill those plans while we stayed here and took over the inns much sooner than we ever expected." She shrugs.

"What Travis did wasn't okay. You know that, right? A real man would have been by your side to help you navigate your new life. And if you were the one, then he would have rearranged his plans."

I couldn't imagine dumping a girl at her parents' funeral. Even if she wasn't the girl I planned to marry, I'd still be there to help her through it. I can only imagine what they had to go through with the funeral to settle the estates and then take over the inns. And all before their twenty-first birthday.

"I know that now, but then it just was another thing piled on. I don't think I dealt with it right away. Jasper and Brynn were different. They did the long distance for a bit, but you have to ask her for the details."

The waiter comes over and takes our order, and she finally starts to relax. There is a soft buzz in the room as people have started talking again, but a quick glance shows they all have one eye on us. Every so often, someone holds up a phone, so I'm sure there will be plenty of pictures.

"Don't look, but I think our plan is working. Should we give them something to talk about?" I whisper.

She smiles and leans in a little closer. "What did you have in mind?"

I slowly reach across the table and take her hand in mine. She watches the whole thing like she can't believe it's her hand I'm taking. I can't take my eyes away from her small, soft hand because it's a perfect fit for mine. She's tiny and delicate to my large and hard, but it's a perfect fit. Everyplace her skin touches mine is filled with tingling sparks that promise more than just the comfortable friendship we have had.

The spell’s broken as soon as someone approaches the table.

"Really, of all the places to eat in town you picked here?" The man who looks to have come from the kitchen says.

Lin sighs. "Kade meet Jasper. Nice to see you too, Jasper," Lin says, barely looking at him.

"Wish I could say the same," he says in a sarcastic tone, and I know this is where I step in.

"Hey, there is no need to be rude here. I suggested the place, and when Lin told me the story of you and Brynn, I didn't think it would be a big deal. My mistake," I say, trying to shift his focus to me.

"I don't care who you are, Kade Markson. Lin is the reason for Brynn and I breaking up. She has no reason to be here," he says, taking a step toward Lin, who backs up almost instinctively.

I stand and pull his attention back to me as I lower my voice.

"Is this really the place to do this? We have quite a crowd tonight. Despite everything that went on, these girls still thought to bring you the attention that comes with being my date tonight. Is this how you want the place portrayed online?" I ask, shooting my eyes behind him.

When he takes a step back and looks around, I insert myself between him and Lin before he looks back at us.

"Enjoy your meal," he sneers, knowing I'm right.

He storms off toward the kitchen. I watch him go, and before I get a chance to sit down, a cop in uniform walks up to me.

Great, just what I need—to get in trouble for causing a scene. But he surprises me and sticks his hand out.

"Thanks for that. Brynn and Lin have been through enough, and no matter what Jasper thinks, it was not Lin's fault," he says and shakes my head.

"Thanks, Nate," Lin says from behind me.

When I turn to look at her, she explains. "Nate went to school with Brynn and me, and he's a good friend. Helped us out more than once."

I smile at him. "No problem, I don't even know the whole story, and I know Lin isn't involved. That just isn't her."

"He's had a chip on his shoulder ever since he got back, and I don't think the kiwi in the face helped much." Nate tries to hold back his smile and fails. "Not that I approve." His voice goes stern as he looks at Lin. "Anyway, welcome to town. Lin can call me if you need anything. With the bridge out, it should stay pretty quiet."

We say our goodbyes, and I sit back down. I look around, and everyone has their eyes on us again. I clear my throat, and it seems to break the trance as they all go back to enjoying their meals.

We fall into an easy conversation about the things you talk about on a first date, family, friends, childhood, future plans. When our dinner comes, Lin looks it over with wary eyes.

"What's wrong?" I ask her.

"I'm almost scared to eat it if Jasper is as angry as he is," she whispers.

Our server, who hasn't left yet, chimes in. "Oh, Jasper left. As soon as he walked in the kitchen, he grabbed his stuff and went out the back way."

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