Long Road Home

by Kate Stacy

  Jaxson chimes in nodding toward the fire, “He’s right, Hails. Let’s all go sit over there and relax.”

  I know they’re right, so I follow as they walk over to the benches that they’ve arranged around the fire. Jaxson sits on the first, cuddled up to Madalyn. That leaves me next to Drake on the other bench.

  He nudges me with his elbow. “I was starting to think you weren’t real.”

  I furrow my brows, then raise one up in silent question.

  This makes him laugh, but he explains, “Jaxson and Madalyn have talked about you a lot, but we’re just now meeting. I thought maybe they made you up.”

  “Oh!” I giggle. “I just don’t get out much. I stay pretty busy.”

  Jesus. I sound like an airhead. Since when do I giggle?

  “Yeah? You work at the bakery with Mads, right?”

  “Yep. I’m the main baker. I also handle the business end of things.”

  “That’s awesome.”

  I shrug. “Yeah, I guess it is. I love baking, so it’s really the perfect job for me.”

  I hate that I’m so freaking awkward. He doesn’t seem to mind, or maybe he just doesn’t notice.

  “And you go to school, right?”

  “Damn, did they give you my life story?” I laugh but acknowledge his question. “I have a year left until I get my degree.”

  “They’ve told me very little, actually. I’d really love to get to know you more.”

  “Why?” The question pops out automatically.

  “Why not?” He’s looking directly into my eyes now. “You’re gorgeous. I noticed you the moment I got here tonight, and I knew I had to get to know you.”

  “Oh…” I’m not sure how to respond. “I...umm...I’m really boring, actually.”

  “I don’t believe that for a second.” He tilts his head, looking at me curiously.

  “I work, study, and take care of my son. That’s really all there is.”

  “Elijah.” He says without looking for a response. It’s clear he knows I have a child. “How old is he?”

  “He just turned two. He’s an adorable little handful.”

  “I can imagine. Is he with his dad tonight?” I'm pretty sure he's fishing for information, but I could be wrong.

  I’m so bad at this.

  “Um, no. He's with my parents for the night. His dad isn't...he isn’t around”

  “He's a damn fool.” I think we're both surprised at that. Judging by the look on his face he didn't mean to say that out loud.

  I smile with a small laugh. “Thanks. I think.”

  DRAKE

  Apparently, when it comes to this girl, I have no control over my mouth.

  I keep saying things without thinking, but luckily, she doesn't seem to mind. I love that sweet little smile of hers and the way her cheeks turn pink when I say something she's not expecting.

  She’s fucking adorable.

  Her gorgeous brown eyes light up when she laughs—I can’t seem to look away.

  I do notice that Jaxson and Madalyn are watching us closely. I really want to get to know her without an audience.

  “We should grab another drink and walk a bit. What do you say?” I stand, holding my hand out to her.

  She hesitates, looking over at Madalyn for approval, or maybe reassurance? I’m not sure, but she must find what she’s looking for because she looks up at me. “Okay.”

  She reaches out and takes my hand. Heat blazes through me at the simple touch. I thread our fingers together, pulling her to follow me.

  We walk back over to the bar and I start mixing a drink for her. I noticed she was drinking a Tequila Sunrise earlier, so I go with that. I’ve picked up quite a bit of drink knowledge since my best friend owns a bar.

  She stands quietly, watching my hands as I work. When I’m finished, I pass it to her and grab a bottle of water for myself. “Come on, sweetheart.”

  I walk beside her, wanting so badly to hold her hand again, but I can tell she’s hesitant around me. I don’t want to scare her off. It’s quiet for a few minutes. I can tell she wants to say something, but she’s holding back.

  She stops and looks back toward the fire, then takes a deep breath before speaking. “I could be way off here, but I don’t think I’m wrong and you’ve been flirting—”

  I interrupt her rambling.

  “You’re not wrong, sweetheart. I’ve definitely been flirting.”

  “Yeah, but...I don’t…” She bites her bottom lip and doesn’t continue.

  Fuck. I want to bite that lip.

  “You don’t what?” I look down at her, but she’s looking at the ground again. I lightly grasp her chin to make her look up at me. “You don’t have to be shy around me.”

  “I just...I don’t really think that flirting is a good idea.”

  “I think it’s a great idea.” I give her a flirty wink.

  “You would.” She rolls her eyes and laughs. There’s that spunk I saw earlier when she was talking to Holden.

  “It’s harmless, beautiful. I won’t lie—I’m interested in you, but I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

  “You don’t. I don’t date, though.” She takes a deep breath. “And I definitely don’t do hookups—”

  “What about friends? Do you do those?”

  Her nervousness is cute, but I want her comfortable with me.

  “Friends. I can do that.” She gives me that shy smile of hers again and I’m hooked. I don’t know what it is about this girl, but if being her friend is the only way I can be close to her I’ll take it. For now.

  “So, friend, tell me more about you.”

  “What do you want to know?” She starts walking again. I notice we’re close to where I parked, so I direct her toward my truck.

  “Everything.”

  She laughs, but I’m serious. “Ask me anything and I’ll answer, mostly.”

  “Mostly, she says.” I laugh and think for a minute. “Okay, what’s your favorite thing to bake?”

  She raises an eyebrow. “That’s what you want to ask?”

  I shrug. “You’re an adorable little baker and I have a serious sweet tooth.” I grin.

  My comment makes her blush again. Her blush is almost as sexy as her ass.

  “Fair enough. Hmm.” She taps her index finger on her lips a few times. “I think my favorite thing to make is cake pops.”

  “Cake pops are delicious. I’m also a huge fan of brownies, but I have a serious addiction to donuts.”

  “Mmm. I love donuts too!”

  Fuck. That sound on her lips goes straight to my dick.

  She’s gotta stop drawing attention to her mouth.

  We get to my truck and I lower the tailgate. I grip her hips, quickly lifting her up, causing her to squeal and laugh. A chuckle rumbles out and I hop up and sit next to her, our thighs touching.

  “I love this truck!”

  I chuckle again and raise a brow, “So you think my truck is sexy?”

  “I do.” She looks over at me, giving me a beaming smile. “I’m not a car person or anything, I just really love the look of old cars, especially trucks. I’m honestly kinda surprised that you don’t drive a big, lifted truck like the rest of the good ‘ol boys around here.”

  “Nah, not me, darlin’. This truck was my grandfather’s. It’s a 1968 Ford F-100. He bought it brand new and was the only one to drive it aside from me. He left it to me when he passed, along with his house and land.”

  “Oh wow.”

  “Yeah. It’s my most prized possession. It costs a fortune for maintenance, but it’s worth it to feel like he’s with me every time I’m behind the wheel.”

  “That’s really sweet.”

  I don’t really know how to respond to that, so I don’t.

  Fuck it. I decide to ask what I really want to know.

  “What upset you?” I can see she’s confused by my question, so I clarify, “Jax said that they planned this bonfire because you were upset and needed a distract
ion. What happened?”

  She sighs and shakes her head. “It’s stupid.”

  “If it upset you, it’s not stupid.”

  She hesitates before saying, “I’m in love with my best friend.”

  I can visually see her body tense like she’s expecting a blow to come.

  “You’re in love with Mads?!” I ask.

  Whoa. I didn’t see that one coming.

  The tension immediately eases as she throws her head back laughing.

  “Oh my god! No. No no no no. I love Mads like crazy, but I’m not into her. Not like that.”

  I start laughing with her.

  Talk about breaking the ice.

  She explains, “My friend Grayson. We’ve been best friends since high school and I’ve always secretly crushed on him. He doesn’t know. He’ll never know.”

  She looks up at me for a reaction, but I don’t give her one, so she keeps going.

  “Anyways, he’s getting married and even though I’m happy for him, I’m still hurt.”

  “Hailee, you’re entitled to your feelings. I have to ask—why have you never told him how you feel?”

  She bites that damn lip again, drawing my attention to her mouth.

  “If I thought that there was even a tiny chance, I probably would have. There’s not though—not even a little bit.”

  Damn, this guy must be an idiot.

  I’ve known her a couple of hours, but I can already tell that she is everything.

  Gorgeous. Sweet, mixed with a little sass. Great personality. Easy to talk to. Seems laid-back and low-maintenance.

  Any guy would be lucky to have someone like her. This is what’s stopping her from dating—what’s caused the wall she’s put between herself and every guy that’s tried, including me.

  “I knew there was never a chance for us. I’ll get over it and move on, just like I always have. He’ll get married and have his happily ever after. I’ll still be his best friend. Life will go on.” She smiles, but I can tell it’s forced.

  “Well, I know we just met, but for what it’s worth...I think he’s crazy for not noticing.”

  “You don’t have to say that. It’s okay. I accepted it a long time ago.”

  “I’m not just saying that. I may say things that I don’t mean to say out loud,” I smile as I think about how loose-lipped I’ve been with her all night, “but I never say things that I don’t mean.”

  “Thank you, Drake.”

  I put my arm around her shoulder, pulling her close to me, giving her a gentle squeeze.

  Fuck, she smells amazing. Like peaches and cherry blossoms.

  “You’re welcome, sweetheart. I have a feeling we’re going to be great friends.”

  Until we’re more. I just have to be patient and break down her walls.

  She pulls away from me sooner than I’d like but smiles up at me. “I think so too.”

  HAILEE

  We sit on the tailgate of his truck for a long time. Our conversation stays steady and easy. It’s so easy to talk to him, which is unusual for me.

  I learn that he has no family except for his parents, but he chooses not to have contact with them because they’re not good people. He was close with his grandfather, but he passed away two years ago. I actually remember Madalyn and Jaxson going to that funeral. I could tell that the loss of his grandfather was really hard on him.

  I tell him more about Elijah. He tells me about his job on the road. I explain how I moved to town while I was pregnant because my relationship with my ex-boyfriend ended and my parents suggested starting fresh in a new town. I can tell he wants to know more about my ex, but we’ve already talked about a lot of heavy things, so I don’t want to get into it tonight.

  I realize that it’s been a long time since I felt this comfortable with someone so quickly. It could be the alcohol that eased my nerves, but I don’t think so.

  Before I know it, a couple of hours have passed. I decide that it’s time to call it a night.

  It’s late.

  I’m drunk.

  I just want to curl up in bed and figure out what’s going on inside my head tonight. My thoughts are a tangled web of Grayson and Drake.

  Drake follows as I look for Madalyn to let her know I’m headed home. It’s easy to find her. She and Jaxson are still on the bench where we left them.

  They’re always so happy and content together. Part of me envies that, but I don’t expect to ever have it. I shake my thoughts away as I squish my ass onto the edge of the bench next to Mads.

  “Hey, babe. I’m gonna get outta here.” I lean in, laying my head on her shoulder.

  “Aw, you can’t leave yet!” She pouts.

  So loud. Someone is more drunk than me.

  “I’ve barely seen you all night!”

  She pounces on me for a hug, knocking us both off the bench. We hit the ground laughing. I push her off of me and try to stand but fall right back on my ass. Drake reaches down, helping me up. Jaxson does the same for Madalyn.

  “Ouch. That’s gonna bruise.” I rub my ass, groaning.

  I look up to see a huge grin on Drake’s face. I cast a glare his way. “Don’t say a word.”

  He makes the gesture of zipping his lips, but the smile never leaves his face. Madalyn is looking back and forth between the two of us but stays silent.

  “It’s late, Mads. I’m gonna go home, drink a ton of water, and pray I don’t wake up hungover.”

  “Okay honey, but you’re not driving.”

  “Of course I’m not driving. I’m not that damn drunk. I’m also not an idiot—gonna call my dad for a ride.”

  She should know me better than that bullshit, but we’ll blame the tequila.

  Drake is quick to chime in, “Don’t make your dad drive all the way out here. I can give you a ride.”

  “You were drinking too.” Madalyn points out before I can reply.

  “I had one shot and a beer hours ago. I’ve been drinking water since.” He holds up an almost empty bottle of water, shaking it. “I’m fine, I promise.”

  She gives him a stern look, saying nothing. Drinking and driving is something she doesn’t tolerate.

  “I swear Mads. I wouldn’t put her in danger like that.”

  After a bit of hesitation, she finally relents, “Okay, Drake. I’m trusting you with my best friend.” She wags her finger at him. “Get her home safe.”

  I guess I’m riding with Drake.

  Madalyn gives me a huge hug—slower this time—and tells me to text her when I get home.

  Jax follows, giving me a hug and a kiss on the forehead. “Goodnight, sweetheart.” He directs his next comment at Drake while slapping him on the back. “Drake, take care of her, man.”

  Drake nods, a serious expression on his face. “You have my word.” He turns to me, “You ready to go, darlin’?”

  I smile, leaning toward him. He grabs my hand and we walk back over to his truck, where he opens the passenger door.

  His truck really is sexy.

  Once again, Drake grabs my hips to help me up. The truck isn’t lifted, but I’m short and drunk. I have to actively ignore the feeling of his hands on my skin where my shirt rode up—and the fact that I like it.

  I’m buckling my seat belt when I notice he’s still standing there.

  “What?”

  He looks at me for a few seconds longer before shaking his head. “Nothing.” He shuts the door and walks around the front of the truck to the driver’s side.

  I’m still wondering what that look was all about when he gets in and starts the truck. The radio comes on and I hear Meant to Be by Bebe Rexha.

  Perfect song for the night.

  I’m guessing he thinks so too, because he listens for a minute before chuckling as he puts the truck into gear.

  He starts driving and looks over at me. “Where am I taking you?”

  “I live in the Blackwood Apartments, near the bakery. You know where they are?” I quickly realize it was a stupid question a
nd facepalm. “Duh, you grew up here, of course you do.”

  “Sure do.”

  A song comes on that I don’t recognize, but Drake does and starts singing. He’s actually got a great voice. I lean my head back against the seat and turn to watch him shift gears as I listen to him sing. He glances over at me, giving me a quick smile before turning his focus back to the road.

  DRAKE

  Sweet. She’s so fucking sweet.

  Damn, I have it bad.

  I’m so fucking gone for this girl.

  I can’t believe I just met her tonight. I feel like I’ve known her all my life. I can’t ignore this connection. I just hope she feels it too.

  I can’t remember the last time I just sat and talked to someone the way we did tonight. We just kind of jumped in, not pulling any punches when it came to questions, especially about her friend and ex-douchebag. I know she didn’t give me the dirty details about her ex, but I can tell he didn’t treat her right. I just hope she’ll eventually realize that she deserves a man that won’t see past her and treats her like a queen.

  That man will be me.

  It was nice to talk to her about my grandfather. He was the most important person in my life. If it weren’t for him, I don’t know how I would have turned out.

  My parents aren’t worth knowing.

  My dad is a raging alcoholic with a vicious temper. My mom, a spineless shell of a woman who lets him use her as a doormat. I’m not sure if she’s always been that way, or if he made her like that. I don’t think it really matters at this point.

  I spent my childhood dealing with their shit. My dad was an asshole. Never happy, always yelling. It was worse when he was drunk. He was pretty much always drunk. Nothing was ever good enough for him, especially his only son. As I got older, I started to be protective of my mom, until I was old enough to realize that she had no desire to stop him and got mad at me when I tried to interfere. She just put up with it, forcing me to do the same. On my eighteenth birthday, I packed my shit and got the hell out of there. I wanted nothing to do with either of them.

  I lived with my grandfather, working odd jobs until I was old enough to get my CDL and I’ve been on the road ever since. There’s been no voluntary contact in almost ten years. I haven’t even seen my parents since right after my grandfather’s funeral. They caused a huge scene at the lawyer’s office when they found out he left everything to me.