Page 70 of Break Me Like a Promise (Oak Valley)

“And you’re still in love with her too, so…”

He stopped short and turned to her. “So… What? What, Katie?”

“Jesus, you’re a moron,” Katie said. It was her turn to roll her eyes and she kept walking. “Win her back, before it’s actually too late.”

“I wouldn’t know where to start, and I’m pretty sure itistoo late.”

“Colton, you’re not the sharpest with women. Trust me, it’s not. Do you want her? I need you to say it.”

They stopped outside of the realty office door, and Colton faced his sister. Her big brown eyes, doe-like, like their mom’s, stared up at him. Pleading.

He signed. “Of course I want her. She’s the love of my life. I basically came back from California to get her back.” He said it with a smile and opened the door, Katie laughing hysterically at the half truth. Yes, his dream job sucked ass and his body was basically dying because of it. Yes, he missed Oak Valley. But he would’ve missed any town he left behind, if Ruby were there.

“So what are we doing here, Hoss?” Katie picked up a brochure with fancy houses on it and flipped through it.

“Liam works here, he helped me sign the lease on that apartment in town. And I bought a commercial kitchen space in Fox Hollow, so I’m only fifteen minutes away from you and mom. But I need your help on one last thing.”

Katie stared at him, wide-eyed and mouth open. “Holy shit, Colt. You really went for it. What else do you want?”

“I want Ruby. I have a couple tricks up my sleeve, but I want your input. The biggest one… I want to buy Ruby some land for her bus.”

Katie whistled and looked around the office. “Honestly, I think that’s a great idea. But only if it’s the perfect plot of land.”

“Obviously.”

“I think we should talk to Olive. Mr. Dougherty was at the shop yesterday and while he was waiting for his tire alignment, he mentioned to Mr. Cassick he was out at Ruby’s working on a bus with his kids. Olive will have more info.”

Colton led the way, a new spring in his step while he mulled what else he could do to win her back. Because he knew now, without a doubt, he could never go back to a life without her. He tried that, and after being with her again showed him how empty he’d been. He barged into the bakery, Olive jumping two feet behind the counter.

“Jesus Christ, Colton.”

“I have questions.”

“Jeez, say it again, I can’t wait to help you.” She shook her head, short hair swinging as she pounded some keys on the tablet register. “What do you want?”

“Colton’s in love and he needs your help!” Katie piped up, grabbing a cookie from the New Flavor plate.

“Shut up, I’m not.” But his face heated. Olive had one eyebrow raised and half a smile. “Okay. Fine. I’m in love with Ruby. I need her. I want to win her back. I don’t care what it takes, but you’re her best friend. And I know we’ve always been friendly, Olive.”

“Would you help this poor sucker out?” Katie asked, grabbing another cookie. Cranberry Maple, read the card. Colton filed it away for his shop.

His shop.

He was finally making all his dreams come true — he didn’t need anyone.

Except Olive. He needed Olive for his last dream.

She was chewing her lower lip and tapping her fingers on the counter. “You don’t care what it is?”

“Nope.”

“I have some heavy-hitters. Like, really heavy.”

“Olive —” he started to lower onto his knees. “I will literally beg you.”

“Hold out a little longer, Olive, I need to see him do this,” Katie cackled.

Olive shook her head, smiling. “Stand up, you fool. Okay. Here’s what I know. Do with it what you will.”

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