Page 14 of Treasured

"Maybe if you weren't such a prima donna about everything..."

"Woah. Stop it you two." Maxine stands between us and puts her hands out like she's reffing a boxing match. "You'll both go and stop fighting. Good lord, what's happened to you two? You used to be so close and now all you do is bicker."

"Fine," I say and take hold of the ladder.

"Fine," Jake says, stepping onto the first rung.

CHAPTER7

Tracy

Breakfast with Presleyand her husbands is much nicer than I expected. I thought that people in Eagle Canyon would have forgotten about me or they'd be mad that I left. Creed and Jake were pretty adamant that I was their fated mate.

I'm not saying I wasn't. But I was young and wanted to get out into the world.

And the world bit me in the ass. Thanks.

Despite the biscuits I'd had that morning at Aunt Max's house, I managed to eat a couple of scrambled eggs and toast with my new friend and her husbands.

Eagle Canyon really is a pretty small place. When I was a teenager, that felt constricting. As an adult, I can see the appeal. The comfort in the familiar.

"It's great to see you, Tracy," Daniel says. "Are you just here for a visit, or staying longer?"

I blow out a breath. Seems like a simple enough question, but the answer feels extremely complicated.

"I honestly don't know," I reply.

Nash and Daniel exchange a look and I want to ask about Creed and Jake, but I can't.

"You're so pretty. I bet you have a hot boyfriend. What does he think about you being here?" Presley says.

I must have gotten a stunned look on my face because before I answer she blushes and starts to stammer. "Oh my God. That's none of my business. I'm so sorry."

"No worries," I say.

My phone buzzes with a text and I am grateful for the distraction.

Aunt Max:Where are you? I need your help.

Startled—Aunt Max rarely asks for help—I excuse myself. "Sorry, looks like Aunt Maxine needs me." I reach into my purse for my wallet, but Daniel waves me away.

"Your money's no good here. You'd better go take care of your aunt. Be sure to let us know if you need reinforcements."

I look at the three of them, happy and in love.

That could have been me, but I threw it away.

"Thanks. I'll be in touch." And then I hurry to my car.

* * *

Creed

"This is disgusting," I grumble, crawling behind Jake through the dust and other things I don't want to think about in Maxine's attic.

"Tell me about it," Jake says. "At least you can just follow me. I have to look at this stuff in the bright light. It's nasty."

Jake's got a headlamp strapped to his forehead. Makes it easier to crawl around on hands and knees.

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