Page 38 of Her Rugged Guardian

She deserved the truth even though we’d only shared one special moment together. Very slowly I scrolled away from the screen, shoving my phone back into my jacket.

Sighing, I allowed my mind to drift to the night I’d shared with the beautiful girl one last time before putting it to bed permanently. Yeah, it was the right thing to do, even if the ache would remain for some time to come.

“Hey, Becca. I’ll take the food to go. A couple things just came up,” I said after making my decision.

“Sure, Jake. Is everything okay?”

“Everything is fine. I just have some work to do.”

“Sure thing,” Becca answered. “It’ll just be a minute.”

As she slid the bill across the counter toward me, I yanked out my wallet. The decision was a tough one but it was best for both of us.

Whether my Cinnamon Girl knew accepted it or not. At some point, she’d learn that I was a terrible person and more.

After Becca handed me the bag, she followed me out to my truck. “You okay?”

“Peachy. Why?” I answered.

“Because I know that look.”

“What look is that?”

“The one where you’re about ready to blow a gasket. That’s the way you were just before heading to the ice. Maybe you need to do a little practicing like you used to.”

“I got a bum leg, Becca. I don’t play hockey any longer.”

“From what I can see, your leg is all healed.”

“Is that why you followed me out here?”

“No, stick in the mud. I followed you out here because I know you too well. What were you trying to learn by coming into the diner?” She folded her arms, giving me the same hard look she had all those years ago when I was still a human being.

Shrugging, I unlocked the door of my truck, placing the food inside. “Let it go, Becca.”

“You might have fooled everyone that you don’t think the new girl is pretty, but I could see the gleam in your eyes. It’s time you moved on. You know that.”

“Moved on from what?”

“Oh, let me count the ways. From grief. From anger. From self-hatred. Pick one. You’re not a spring chicken any longer.”

One of many things I liked about Becca was that she’d never hesitated in telling me the absolute truth even if it hurt like hell.I’d missed her openness and trust, as well as her caustic mouth. Maybe that’s why I’d been so entranced with Cassandra. “You don’t mince words, do ya?” At least I could grin.

“Nope. You need me to give you a kick in the ass every so often.” She inched closer. “I’m serious though. I have a feeling you like this girl.”

I stared up at the sky for a few seconds, hating the fact my pulse was racing. “It doesn’t matter if I like her. She doesn’t need an anchor around her neck. She’s going to have enough to deal with.”

“Why do you do that?”

“Do what?”

“Sell yourself short? You’re a wonderful man and a fabulous catch. Just because that bitch left you in the lurch doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to have something special.”

She’d refrained from saying my ex’s name ever since the puck bunny had walked out on me, even going as far as telling me she wanted to beat the crap out of the girl more than once. “I’m fine. Stop trying to fix me up.”

“I don’t even know the girl, other than what Mommy dearest had to say about her. I just know you and want you happy.”

“I am happy.”

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