Page 54 of Break Me Like a Promise (Oak Valley)

Colton nodded and started to read the paperwork. It was pretty straightforward — two million five for the five-acre lot in the heart of town, deposit of five hundred thousand now with the rest due upon signing and deed transfer. There were no variances or hiccups attached to the land — Katie would own everything.

“Seems fair to me.” He opened his jacket, pulling out a pen and the cashier’s check for two million and five hundred thousand dollars made out to Elio Denaube. He always thought it would hurt to spend that amount of money all at once, and while it definitely dipped into his savings, it felt good to do something for someone who deserved it. He passed the check and one of the signed contracts back to Elio, who presented him with the deed.

“You’ll need to register the deed transfer yourself with the town, but since you were planning on putting it in her name you can do it all at once. She’ll need to be present. Oh,” he said, holding up a finger and opening a drawer. “One last thing.”

Elio pushed a thin paper across the desk, and Colton realized it was a check.

A check written out to Katie for one hundred thousand dollars.

“I—We can’t —”

“Please.” He held up a hand, silencing Colton. “I’ve spent my life surrounded by stuff, money. And the rumors that come with it. I don’t need public approval — how I spend my money is up to me. And — coming from the family I have and having raised four children — I know a good person with a great work ethic when I see one. And not only are you one such person, Mr. Taylor, but so is your sister. She may even have you beat.” He winked at him before continuing. “Consider this a gift for her to really start her next venture. I won’t hear anything more on the matter.”

Elio stood and stuck out his hand. “A pleasure, Mr. Taylor. I do hope we meet again, and best of luck to you and Katherine. I look forward to giving her my business.”

Colton stood and clasped his hand, giving him a firm shake. “Thank you, Mr. Denaube. I hope we have the pleasure again.”

He gathered the documents and gave Elio a smile as he exited the room. Mrs. Walsh stood at the end of the hall, beaming, ready to lead him out.

Tapping the paper against his palm, he chewed the inside of his mouth.

If he was going to leave those he loved behind, he’d make sure they were taken care of. The giddiness rising inside him only reiterated that he did the right thing, that Katie would be okay if he wasn’t here.

46

Ruby closed her laptop, still debating on whether she should reach out to Colton. He’d left voicemails apologizing, ones of him tone-deaf singing love songs, wildflower bunches on her porch for the last three mornings. She’d slowly started texting him back — but not regularly — not anxious to get wrapped up in some bullshit dating game.

But she was going to IKEA today and would like some company. His company.

Especially since it was the weekend, and Ruby stressed out anytime it was crowded while she shopped. She could use his strength, the way he made her laugh. He had an intensity about him, but he also knew how to make her feel calm. It was last minute so the chances of him going were slim, but when he responded he’d pick her up in half an hour, the seed of hope she’d secretly been harboring bloomed.

She fixed her hair, owning the curly mess. When she was younger, she hated how wild it was. She hated the freckles posting her fair skin, the gap between her front teeth begging to be teased. And they did, in school. It didn’t help Ruby had been tall for her age and relatively thin. Until she was sixteen, she bordered on looking sickly even though it was just genetics and she ate everything in sight. But that hadn’t stopped Colton from calling — and treating — her like a goddess. Over the years her body morphed. She remembered when she was twenty-five her metabolism slowing down almost out of nowhere, the soft curve of her belly now complimenting the width of her hips. Her legs were still long and lean, but toned from years of hiking through Manhattan and Brooklyn to save money on subway and bus fares. Ruby adjusted her simple black blouse, knowing the lacy sleeves probably wouldn’t make an appearance unless she took her coat off. But the V-neck highlighted her ample cleavage, and she figured if she left her coat open it’d be a good tease for Colton.

The rumble of his car in the driveway sent her heart into overdrive, and she did one last check before leaving. She assumed her mom was sleeping, despite the low sounds of the TV coming from the room Beryl was sleeping in, so she sent a text letting her know where she was going. Colton smiled at her through the windshield, and when she opened the door there was a heart-shaped box of chocolates waiting for her in the seat.

“You know there’s almost two weeks until Valentine’s Day, right?” she asked, trying to mask a chuckle while she held the box on her lap, Colton navigating his way around the potholes in her driveway.

“Doesn’t mean I can’t start celebrating a bit sooner,” he said, grabbing her hand and bringing it to his lips.

Ruby squeezed his hand. “I’m pretty sure you’re supposed to ask someone to be your Valentine, not just assume.”

“I was under the impression I had to ask on Valentine’s Day. So I figured I’d start celebrating now to heighten my chances of getting an enthusiastic ‘yes.’”

“Ah, so you don’t want just any ol’ yes?”

He scoffed and looked horrified. “Of course not. Not for as important a holiday as Valentine’s Day.”

Ruby laughed and rested her hand on his knee while he drove. Together, they’d been the most hopeless romantic couple — putting even classic rom-coms to shame with their ability to gift-give and compliment. But they’d never placed an emphasis on any singular holiday. Since the days of her youth, Ruby had never felt as compelled to celebrate any holiday with anyone, the way she had with Colton. Especially Valentine’s Day, which she’d always somewhat considered ashis.

“Well, thank you. You really didn’t need to.”

“I wanted to.”

“Still.” She looked at him, his strong profile. Cut jaw, broad shoulders, hair falling across his forehead. She giggled and pushed aside a stray lock

“What?” He turned to her, dimples on display, and Ruby could swear her panties melted.

“Nothing.”

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