Long Road Home

by Kate Stacy

  She laughs. “I was just gonna say we should hang out and get your mind off of it! How about a bonfire this weekend for the Fourth? I’m sure your parents would watch Elijah, so we can make it an adult-only event.”

  “That does sound fun. I’ll talk to my mom this afternoon. I could use a distraction.” I turn to get back to work, but she’s still not finished.

  “And shots! You need all the tequila shots.” She walks away laughing.

  I just shake my head, smiling as I finish prepping the last of the muffins for the oven. We open soon. Time to put on my happy face and get through this day.

  DRAKE

  I tap my thumbs on the wheel, singing along to the song on the radio. I’m still a few states away, but I’m headed home for some downtime. I haven’t been back to North Carolina in a couple of months. It’s home, but there’s not much there for me. I have a big house that sits empty and a few friends I see when I’m in town, but other than that there’s nothing to keep the wheels from turning.

  I turn down the music, so I can call my buddy, Jaxson. I plan on staying in town for at least a few days and it’s a holiday weekend, so hopefully there’s something going on to keep me busy. It rings a few times and I’m getting ready to hang up when he finally answers.

  He’s out of breath and panting. “Hey man! How’s it going?”

  “Good, bro. Did I interrupt something?” I tease. “You sound like you’re working yourself real hard.” He’s got a gorgeous wife at home, so I love giving him a hard time.

  I swear I can almost hear him roll his eyes.

  “No asshole. I was outside working on a woodpile and forgot my phone in the house.”

  “Woodpile? That means a bonfire. When?”

  “Saturday night. Madalyn said her girl needs a night of fun and distraction, so I got volunteered to do all the work.”

  I hear Madalyn smack him and call him an asshole, which makes me laugh. “Count me in.”

  “Hell yeah, man. It’ll be good to see you. It’s pretty low-key. Not a ton of people.”

  “As long as there’s cold beer, food, and music you know I’m good.”

  “I hear ya.” He laughs. “You know there’s always booze and music.”

  “Food. Don’t forget the food.” It’s been months since I’ve had a home-cooked meal. I find some good eats on the road, but nothing compares to some true southern comfort food.

  “Mads will take care of you, no worries. You know she loves feeding everyone. Her girl, Hailee, cooks too.”

  “I’m starting to believe this girl doesn’t exist. Y’all always talk about her, but I’ve never met her.”

  “It’s not my fault you’re never around. You’ll get to meet her this weekend since you’re coming through.”

  “I know man, I know. There’s nothing keeping me there. I love being on the road.”

  “What am I—chopped liver?” He laughs.

  Jaxson is my oldest friend. Practically all of my childhood memories involve the two of us raising some kind of hell. We’re not nearly as inseparable as we used to be, but we’re still like family. He’s the first one I see whenever I’m in town.

  “You know you and Mads are the closest thing I have to family that counts, man.”

  “Truth. So, when are you getting in?”

  I think for a minute—mentally counting the miles. “Sometime Friday if all goes right. You know how it is. I’ve got a couple things to take care of at the house, but I’ll drop by early Saturday to help you out.”

  “Sounds good man, see you then.”

  “Later.”

  I turn the music back up, watching the cars speed past. I can’t deny the road gets lonely. I spend so much time alone, but that’s how it is when you don’t have a family. I do miss my friends, so I’m looking forward to spending some time with them this weekend.

  HAILEE

  I get to my parents’ house Saturday evening to drop Elijah off with them for the night. I’m grateful to have them close and so willing to help when I need it.

  “Are you sure you don’t mind keeping him all night?”

  “You know I’ll watch my grandbaby anytime.” My mom practically pushes me out the door. “Go, have fun! You never do anything for yourself. Call if you have too much to drink—your daddy will come to get you.”

  “Okay, mama. I’m going.” I laugh. “Thank you.” I give her a hug and kiss Elijah’s forehead. “Be good for Nana, baby. I’ll see you in the morning. I love you.”

  “Lub you, mama.” He blows me a kiss as I walk down the sidewalk to my car.

  I drive the twenty minutes outside of town to get to Madalyn and Jaxon’s house, thankful there aren’t a ton of people there when I arrive. It’s just starting to get dark and I can see Jaxson lighting the fire. I walk to their outdoor bar to make myself a Tequila Sunrise before looking around to find Madalyn.

  “I see you found the alcohol.” I hear her come up behind me.

  I raise my glass, turning with a smile. “This is what I’m here for, isn’t it?”

  “Damn right it is. Let’s get drunk and make bad decisions.”

  “Sounds fun, but I have too many responsibilities to make bad decisions.”

  “Ehh, true. But at least it’ll loosen you up, so you actually have a good time. I never get you to come out with us.”

  “That’s because I’m always working, or studying, or ya know...being a mom. Elijah gets all my free time.”

  “As he should, but tonight he’s in good hands. No worries, honey.”

  We walk over to Jaxson and he greets me with a hug before putting his arms around Madalyn and kissing her cheek. They’re amazing together and I’m glad they have each other, especially after all they’ve been through.

  I take another drink looking around to realize that I don’t even know most of the people here. It’s a bit surprising, considering we live in such a small town. Mads and Jax grew up here, so they know everyone. I’ve lived here for a few years now, but I’m not exactly a social person. I prefer to keep to myself and keep my circle small.

  I hadn’t noticed Jaxson walked away until I see him across the yard greeting a guy that I’ve never seen. They give each other one of those guy hugs where they pat each other on the back. I can tell that whoever it is, he’s excited to see him, because they’ve both got huge smiles across their faces.

  Madalyn must see what caught my attention, because before I can ask, she tells me, “That’s Drake.”

  “Oh. I think I’ve heard y’all mention him. Jaxson’s childhood friend?”

  “That’s the one. They grew up together, but he’s not around much. He’s a truck driver. Only comes to town every couple of months.”

  “That explains why I’ve never seen him.”

  I watch him from across the yard. He’s absolutely gorgeous.

  Tall, at least 6’1” with broad shoulders and a muscular body. He stands with his arms folded across his chest. It’s impossible to miss the tattoos on his biceps that his black t-shirt is straining to cover. Holey, ripped jeans showcase his thick, muscled thighs and he’s wearing the typical work boots that guys wear around here.

  It’s pretty dark and he’s wearing a ball cap, so I can’t fully see his facial features, but he does have a great smile and his strong, square jaw is lined with several days of growth.

  I’m so busy checking him out that I didn’t even realize he’s staring at me until we lock eyes across the yard.

  “Yep. Want me to introduce you? He’s a really nice guy.”

  Her words snap me out of it and I see the smirk she’s got on her face. A blush rises to my cheeks. I glance away. “Maybe later. I just noticed your brother and sisters over there. I’m gonna go say hi.”

  She shakes her head, laughing. “Have it your way. I’ll catch up with you in a bit.”

  She heads toward Jaxson and Drake. I quickly go the opposite direction to catch up with her siblings by the bar. Her brother, Holden, makes me another drink as we all talk. He
and Jaxson own the local bar, Blackwood Brewhouse, so I guess he’s decided to play bartender tonight.

  “When are you gonna let me take you out, Hailee?” He asks, handing me the glass along with a flirty wink.

  “Never. You’re like a brother to me.” I smile before taking a sip.

  “Ouch!” He grabs his chest, pretending to be wounded. “You’re breaking my heart, gorgeous.”

  I can only laugh and roll my eyes. He’s always such a flirt, but I know it’s all in good fun. I’m not even close to his type—I’ve seen the girls he hooks up with.

  I’m saved from having to respond when Madalyn walks up behind him, smacking the back of his head. “Stop hitting on my girl—she’s not for you.”

  “Damn it, Mads!” He rubs his head. We’re all laughing at this point. This is exactly what I needed tonight. I don’t need a guy to distract me from my heartbreak. Tequila and good friends make the perfect combination.

  DRAKE

  I got to the bonfire a bit late. Shit got messed up with my last load, so I didn’t roll into town until about an hour ago. I parked the truck, got into my Ford and came straight here.

  I’m still catching up and shooting the shit with Jax when my attention is grabbed by loud laughter from over near the bar. I look over and see Madalyn, her brother, sisters, and a few others—but my attention is drawn to the stunning girl that I noticed a few minutes ago.

  I nod my head toward her. “Who’s that?”

  Jaxson looks over his shoulder to see who I’m talking about and smiles knowingly. “Ahh, that would be Hailee.”

  “Damn, man. Where the hell did she come from? She’s fucking gorgeous.” And she is—I can’t take my eyes off of her.

  She’s a petite little thing. Can’t be more than 5’4”. Long, dark hair with lighter bits throughout. She’s built like a pin-up. Lush curves in all the right places and the best ass I’ve ever seen. Her jeans are skin-tight and the flowy top she’s wearing shows off a great set of tits. I don’t get the full view of her face because she’s got her head turned, talking to Madalyn’s brother, but I don’t need to see it to know she’s beautiful.

  “Easy, man.” His words get my attention, tearing my focus away from her. “She’s had a rough go of it. Not to mention that something happened earlier in the week that really upset her. Mads won’t tell me, though. Probably because she knows I’ll beat someone’s ass if they hurt Hailee.”

  “What do you mean she’s had a rough go of it?” I raise my eyebrow. This girl has definitely got my attention. I’m intrigued.

  “Not my place to give her history to you, family or not. Just know that she deserves far better than what life has thrown at her.”

  “You care about her.”

  “Of course, man. Mads basically adopted her into the family when she came to town a few years ago. She’s like a sister to me now. You know I take care of my family.”

  “Still can’t believe I haven’t met her if she’s been in town for a few years.”

  “She doesn't go out much. She works at the bakery with Mads, but she’s also in school and Elijah takes up most of her time.”

  “Elijah? Is that her boyfriend?” I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s spoken for, but damn I hope not.

  “I see that disappointment on your face,” Jax says, shaking his head. “No worries, she’s single. Elijah is her son.”

  I look at her again. I’m completely drawn to this girl in a way I can’t explain. So, she’s got a kid, but she’s single so that means the dad must not be in the picture. It makes me wonder what happened, but Jax has already told me he’s not giving up her history. I don’t blame him. I wouldn’t want someone putting all my personal shit out there either.

  “What’s going on between her and Holden?”

  “Not as much as he’d like. She thinks of him as a big brother. He constantly flirts with her, but she doesn’t give him the time of day.”

  Good. That means I won’t step on any toes when I make a move.

  We’re both watching the group now. Hailee has her head resting on Holden’s shoulder while she smiles, laughing at something the girls are saying. He’s got his arm around her, which causes a flare of jealousy. I don’t like seeing him touch her.

  Her glowing smile draws me in even more. I have got to meet this girl.

  “Guess that means there’s no one standing in my way.”

  “Only her.”

  “What do you mean?” I look at him, waiting for a response.

  After thinking for a minute, he finally gives me one.

  “Look, she’s been here almost three years and hasn’t been on a single date. I know she gets hit on at work. Hell, all the guys our age have tried—some of the older guys, too—but she always turns them down. Her ex was a total dickhead and really did a number on her.”

  He looks like he wants to say more, so I wait him out.

  “She’s shy around new people, kind of awkward, honestly, and really closed off. She only talks to Madalyn about her personal shit, but she doesn’t come across as very confident. She’s definitely insecure.”

  “All women are insecure.”

  “No, man—not like her. I don’t know the full story about what went down with her ex, but I do know that he’s lucky he’s never showed his face in town. He’s the reason that she’s so negative about herself. Whatever that dick did left a lasting mark. She deserves so much better.”

  “Are you warning me away from her?”

  “Not at all. I know you’re a good man and you’d do right by her. I’m just not sure she’ll give you the chance.”

  Jaxson is a protector. I know without a doubt that he’s looking out for not only Hailee’s best interests, but mine as well. He doesn’t want to see anyone he loves get hurt. I can’t imagine how bad this asshole must have hurt Hailee to have her completely doubt herself like Jax says, but nothing he said made me want to walk away. It only made me want her more.

  I’ve never been so instinctively drawn to someone in my life.

  Something inside me is telling me that I need to know this girl.

  Relationships usually aren’t my thing. My job keeps me away from home, and as my last serious girlfriend proved—most women can’t handle it. I want this girl, no matter what. I suddenly have this soul-deep need to be the one to show her how good things can be. To show her what it’s like to be cherished, worshipped, and loved.

  My gut says she’s worth it.

  HAILEE

  I’m finally relaxed, having a good time and not thinking about Grayson at all, surprisingly. I should have known I could count on Madalyn. She’s never let me down.

  Or maybe it’s the tequila.

  I haven’t laughed this much in a while. It feels really good to let go and cast my worries aside.

  Holden finally had enough of me and Mads giving him hell, so he went off to see some of his other friends. Their sisters decided to head out for the night, so it’s just the two of us again. Since I don’t know anyone else here, I’ve been sticking close to Madalyn.

  We’re talking about random work stuff when I see a smile light up her face. Jaxson must be close. Sure enough, he comes over and picks her up before sitting down with her on his lap. She giggles as she leans back, tucking her head up under his chin.

  I hadn’t even noticed that his friend came over with him, so I’m startled when I hear him speak from behind me.

  “You must be Hailee. I’m Drake.”

  I turn, giving him a small smile. “I am. Nice to meet you.”

  Holy hell. He’s even hotter up close.

  His eyes are captivating. They’re hazel—I suppose—but so much more. I’ve never seen eyes like his before. Rimmed with a circle of steel blue, the centers are the color of whiskey flecked with gold. Even in the dim light, the colors are vibrant and bold. I realize that I’m staring, and he notices. I immediately blush. I know the heat rising in my face is not from the alcohol or the fire. Just him.

  “No darlin’, t
he pleasure is all mine.” He smiles.

  Oh my god—that smile.

  The guy has dimples! Sexy as fuck dimples.

  I don’t know what to do with the reaction I’m having to him. I shy away a bit, looking down at my feet before looking to Madalyn for help. She only smiles.

  Traitor.

  “You look like you could use another drink.”

  He’s not wrong.

  “Sure.” I nod.

  “Shots!” Count on Madalyn to break up an awkward moment. I laugh, nodding my head in agreeance. She jumps up, grabs my hand, pulling me toward the bar. The guys follow us and before I know it, we’ve all got a shot in our hand.

  “To friends, both new and old.” Madalyn raises her shot glass, tapping the side of mine.

  “To friends!” We all shout before slamming our shots back. I grab a slice of lime from a bowl on the bar and bite down. The sour tang makes my face pucker.

  I follow the first shot immediately with a second. I have a feeling I’m going to need it to tamp down my nerves.

  I can’t understand why I’m reacting so strongly to Drake. I mean, I’m here at this bonfire because I’m heartbroken about Grayson’s wedding. What does this mean? Maybe I’m just reacting because I’ve already had a few drinks and let’s face it—it’s been a really long time for me and he’s really good looking.

  I haven’t dated—or anything else—since Elijah’s father.

  I think back to all the things he said to me during our breakup. He was right. I completely let myself go. I gained weight, even more so during my pregnancy. I’m extra curvy and have stretch marks. I barely wear any makeup and my hair is thrown up in a messy bun most days.

  No decent guy wants to be with a hot mess, single mom.

  I’m damaged goods.

  My thoughts refocus on the party when Madalyn lines up another row of shots for us. I down the third shot and suck on a lime, noticing that Drake is watching me. I decide to go for a fourth, but he grabs the bottle of tequila before I can get to it.

  “Slow down, beautiful. Pace yourself.”