She let them surround her, hug her, apologize to her for the missed victory she so rightly deserved. As her parents patted her head and Nicole squeezed her hand, Jared stood a few paces back with a tiny grin on his curvy lips.
Once the official details and offer of her apprenticeship came through by phone or email, she’d tell them all. Until then, she wanted this secret. Only she didn’t know if she’d be able to keep it from Jared. Something told her he already knew.
Lloyd announced they should all start enjoying the Indigo-sponsored event, but Mila hung back, letting the group file away and leave her alone with her best friend. The best friend she’d fallen in love with.
“Can I steal you for a minute?” he asked. “I want to show you something.”
She bit down on her lower lip, the good news threatening to spill out. She wanted to tell him more than anything, but if she did, she also wanted to be able to sink into his arms and share her joy in a way that was possible only if nothing else stood between them. But not like this. Not how they were.
“Sure,” she said.
Without asking, he gripped her hand and led her toward the exit. Neither spoke as they walked to the parking lot, climbed into his car, and took off driving east.
They drove silently, smoothly, around roads she knew as well as her own name. She could navigate them blindfolded, sure that no matter what else changed, she knew this place.
The sun hung high over the tree line, turning the sky a clear, brilliant shade of sapphire that nearly burned her eyes. Ahead, the mountaintops reminded her that winter still clung to the high peaks. She ran her hands over her bare shoulders.
“You cold?” He reached for the heat before she could answer. Warm air cascaded over her skin, and when she looked at him, she burned from the inside out.
“Jared . . .”
“Just wait,” he said. “I want to show you this first. Before we talk about anything else. Is that okay?”
She licked her lips and watched as his jaw worked back and forth. Both hands gripped the steering wheel in a forced posture she’d never seen from him before. She couldn’t afford to give him his space last week. Maybe she could try now.
“Sure.”
Jared’s car carried them over shallow hills and down unpaved roads until he finally made a left turn into a dense stretch of forest. The narrow dirt driveway turned to rocky gravel a quarter of a mile down and, after another minute, opened up to a wide circular drive.
Just beyond the driveway, looming in the late-afternoon sun, stood a massive home that hugged the curve of the lakefront, visible through giant glass windows. Each plane of the house showcased the incredible view beyond the lot. Mila’s eyebrows raised in appreciation.
“Wow,” she said. “This is pretty ridiculous. Where are we?”
“Come on.” He cut the engine and climbed out of the car, jogging around to the passenger side before she could exit. He took her hand and drew her close as they approached the house.
After some fumbling with the lockbox, Jared opened the wide front door and ushered her inside. The interior of the home stole the breath from her lungs, and she gazed around in wonder at the empty living room. Twelve-foot-high windows, polished to perfection, featured the glassy lake outside and the emerald green forest beyond.
“Jesus,” she breathed. “I knew there were spectacular homes around here, but I couldn’t have even dreamed this one up.”
Jared closed the space between them, took her hands in his, and lowered his chin. Fine lines appeared around his lips, the corners of his eyes creasing.
“This is Silver Lake,” he said. “As of this morning, Denny Torres put an offer in on it.”
“Jared.” His name came on a breath, and her mouth fell open in elated surprise. She knew how much this meant to him. “Congratulations. Holy shit. You finally did it.”
He licked his lips, the stony seriousness still etched into his smooth face. “Truth is, I would’ve come back and stayed in Pine Ridge even if I hadn’t sold it. I went to North Carolina, and I interviewed for the job with Indigo. It didn’t feel right.”
So he had gone. Her chest constricted with the weight of the news. “If that’s what you want . . .”
“It’s not.” He lifted a hand to her face, cupping her neck and gently trailing her jaw with his thumb. “For a long time, I didn’t know what I wanted. I just wanted to be good at something. To be the best.”
Mila nodded slowly. They’d come at their dreams from two very different angles. And somehow the path kept leading them back to each other.
“I was scared of staying here and failing. I wasn’t selling this house, I wasn’t moving forward in my career, and I kept falling short of being what you needed.” He breathed deep, his gaze flickering momentarily to their hands, then lifting back to look at her. “You deserve everything, Mila. I can see how your life is gonna play out. You’re gonna have the perfect guy with you. I just . . . didn’t know if I could be that guy.”
She gnawed on her lip. She wanted to argue and tell him she’d settle for whatever he could give her. But that wouldn’t be fair to her. It wouldn’t be fair to the potential she knew he had.
A grin tugged at his lips. “I think I sold myself short.”
“Yeah,” she said. “You did. Embarrassingly short.”
A laugh sailed past his lips, and he lowered his face to hers, brushing the tip of her nose with his. “You know,” he said, “you’ve got everybody fooled.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah. People think you’re quiet and complacent. But nobody’s ever challenged me like you. Nobody’s ever pushed me to confront my bullshit like you.”
Her heart surged. He couldn’t know what a compliment that was. “You let me be myself,” she said. “Until recently, I didn’t know how to share that with other people.”
“Well,” he said. “Things have changed, huh?”
She nodded, their lips dangerously close to touching. “I’m not willing to back down from what I want anymore. And weirdly enough, that attitude seems to be working.”
“I’m sorry I asked you to wait for me,” he said. “I meant what I said. I couldn’t look you in the eye and promise you things I wasn’t sure I could deliver on.”
She bit her lip. “I’m sorry I couldn’t find the patience for you to explore that.”
His mouth ghosted over hers. She exhaled, instinctively stretching to maintain the contact.
“But now?” he asked.
“You’re back,” she said. “And I . . .”
His thumb paused its gentle motion on her jaw, and his eyes darkened. “Yeah?”
“And I’m still in love with you.”
She slid her hands around his waist, sinking into the firmness of his body.
“I am so in love with you.” His eyelids sunk closed, and he leaned in, pressing his warm mouth to hers. She melted into the kiss as the adrenaline of the day peaked in her veins.
“I waited for you even though I didn’t mean to.” She grinned.
“I hoped maybe you would.” His hand trailed down her neck, and he stepped backward, gripping her hands tightly once more. “I’m gonna be everything you need, Mila.”
“You already are.”
The room around her blurred in and out of focus as he let go of her hands, reached into his pocket, and dropped to one knee.
“Jared.” His name fell off her lips in two wobbly syllables. This couldn’t be happening. A sob stuck in her throat and threatened to explode.
“Mila.” He took her hand, his own trembling like the last leaf on a maple tree. “I love you. I have never known love like this in my entire life. You’re the most selfless, kind, courageous, beautiful person I have ever known, and if you say yes to marrying me today, I’ll work every day at being all those things for you.”
Tears cascaded down her cheeks, falling
heavily on the bodice of her dress. She wiped furiously. How dare they obstruct this precious view, the sight of his face, illuminated by sunlight and glowing with admiration?
“And if you say no,” he said, grinning, “I’ll wait. I’ll wait forever if that’s what it takes. I don’t want to just be married. I want to be married to you.”
In one move, she dropped to the floor, collapsing against him and burying her face in his chest. “Yes. Yes, J. Yes, I’ll marry you.”
He wrapped his arms around her, their bodies becoming one shaky entity, the nervous laughter spilling out of both of them. He pulled back slightly to take her left hand.
“So that was a . . .” He narrowed his gaze, the sparkling diamond ring poised over her hand.
“Yes, you dope.”
He beamed at her, donning her finger with the gold band. The jewel glittered in the afternoon sunlight streaming in through the windows.
“You’re sure?” she asked. Their eyes locked, her hands tightly clasped behind his neck while his gripped her waist, as if they each held on for dear life. “You’re really sure about this?”
“More than sure,” he said. “I’ve been sure about you the whole time. I just couldn’t get the idea of you together with this messed-up vision of marriage I’ve always had.”
He skimmed her cheek with a knuckle, brushing away the tears that continued to fall.
“So,” she said, tightening her grip on him. “What changed?”
“Sam threatened to punch me in the face.”
She laughed, nuzzling his ear. “Is that the only way you two know to figure your shit out?”
“Apparently.” He kissed her, as if ten seconds was too long apart. “He cleared up a lot of stuff. About my parents. My mom. What happened to her and how she treated me and Sam because of it. Turns out you don’t really know what anybody’s relationship is like if you’re not one of the people in it.”
She trailed her hand down his chest, gazing warmly at the new piece of jewelry on her hand. The one that turned their friendship into something more. The one that symbolized forever.
“Imagine that,” she said.
He breathed deep, kissing her again. His lips lingered on hers and pressed once more. “I’m not going anywhere, Lee. Ever again.”
She waited for the doubt to creep in, the subtle pressure on her heart telling her something wasn’t right. But as he looked at her, the confidence and assuredness etched into his face, she knew. He’d taken the long way. Maybe she had, too. But here they were. Together. For now. Forever.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I will keep this short and sweet, because I am lucky enough to have a small, tight circle of people who helped me turn Wild Love into a book and have been there for me in full force on this one, too. I will probably have the same list of thanks on book one thousand.
To Eva Scalzo, who proved time and time again throughout this crazy process that she is much more than an agent: a brainstormer, a confidant, an editor, a translator, an interpreter, an advocate, and a friend. I am so grateful for all the hats you wear and how often you’re willing to don them for your clients. I consider myself so lucky to be on #TeamEva.
To Brittany Kelley, Michelle McCraw, my RChat loves, the Berkletes, and everyone else who championed this series, I am beyond thankful. The writing community is supportive, but my writing community is a bunch of tough, smart, insanely supportive people whom I never stop appreciating for one day.
To Sarah Blumenstock, for literally guiding me through what it means to work with an editor and for being the best teacher a writer could ask for. Your kindness and patience and knowledge have made this series shine, and I think this book showcases that especially. Sorry my pun game is so weak. I’ll get there.
To Brittanie Black, Erica Ferguson, Natalie Sellars, and the rest of the team at Berkley Romance and PRH, who spend countless hours on marketing, copyediting, publicity, and all the rest of what turns a book into a product for the masses. I’m so grateful for your talents and for explaining it all to me in the simplest way possible! I’m crazy lucky to have such an amazing team behind my words.
To Mom and Dad, for still being my loudest fan group. It never stops feeling like the greatest gift to hear you say you’re proud of me.
And to Josh. An apartment move, a dog, a new job, a pandemic, three books, and a baby to boot. I couldn’t have gotten through half of what we’ve gotten through this past year without the best, most patient partner by my side. And I think we’re just getting started. I love you.
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Coming Spring 2022 from Berkley Jove!
The lake view wasn’t nearly as impressive through the smudged little windows of the guesthouse, but Bee took it in all the same. A suburban kid, born and raised in Garden City, Long Island, she moved to Manhattan the day after she turned eighteen. The idea of nature didn’t occupy much of her brain space. Abe and Johnny had suggested camping once, but she’d laughed them off. Why would anyone elect to sleep on the ground when they had a perfectly good bed at home?
As she peered out the cobweb-covered glass at the back of the converted shed, she breathed in the pine-scented air, and a peace settled over her. No car horns, no screaming people, no blare of sirens. Just chirping birds and the sweetly scented breeze blowing through the trees.
She slipped into her hooded sweatshirt and headed toward Denny’s house, visions of the beefy football player dancing in her head.
Last night, as the sun went down over the lake and the mountain air filled her head and the wine seeped into her veins, he began to look just a little too dreamy. I want your taste. He hadn’t meant it that way, but her body certainly heard it that way.
She wanted to stay in that moonlit kitchen, gazing into his deep golden-brown eyes and wondering what his animated face might do if she kept talking, kept poking fun at him. But if she stayed, she’d start to fall. And she didn’t have time for that.
She rapped on the imposing front door, and it swung open immediately. He grinned down at her. The morning light caught amber flecks in his damp, dark brown hair, and a wave of clean, cool soap scent wafted out at her. He must’ve just taken a shower.
A shower . . . rivulets of water cascading down those chiseled abs . . .
He cleared his throat. “Hey. Good morning.”
Shit. She hadn’t had time to suitably scratch her itch back in New York, and she’d pay for it now. She didn’t imagine the findings on Tinder in Pine Ridge were particularly rich.
“Good morning,” she said. “Ready?”
“Yep. Let me put some shoes on.”
In his brief absence, she pulled her hormones together. He wasn’t even her type. Robbie, her last significant relationship, was a heavily tattooed hipster always dragging Bee into his personal and financial issues. A performance artist, Bee had initially been attracted to him because of his creative ambitions and insatiable thirst for life. After Bee stuck by him during rehab for opioid addiction, newly clean Robbie decided it wasn’t the right time for a relationship and disappeared from Bee’s life.
Someday, Robbie had said in a voice mail he’d left while Bee was at work. Someday my future partner will thank God I had a woman like you in my life.
It hadn’t made the breakup any easier to swallow.
“You look cute,” Denny said, yanking the front door closed behind him.
Bee ran a hand over the word FUN on the front of her gray sweatshirt. She’d had no idea what to pack for early fall in the mountains but figured sweatshirts and jeans would get her through the next few months. Had she gone out of her way to make sure her hair was freshly highlighted and each outfit had some element of her personality in it in case he noticed?
Maybe.
“Thanks.” She brushed away the compliment. “How far away is this place?”
“About a
fifteen-minute drive.” He walked over to his big black SUV and clicked the locks with a tiny remote. “I figured we’d grab breakfast first. That cool?”
She breathed deep, the crisp morning air filling her lungs. She’d declined his dinner offer last night because she didn’t need any excuses to spend non–work related time with him. If she could keep her distance and restrict their interactions to decor-focused ones only, she had a shot at avoiding his glittering eyes and lopsided smile. If they started sharing their life stories over wine, she’d be toast.
But a girl had to eat.
“Sure,” she said. “But we should make it quick. I want to really dive in today.”
His brow furrowed. They climbed into the car, and as he started the engine, he shook his head. “Am I a gross eater or something?” he asked.
“What? No. I mean, I don’t think so.”
“This is the second meal you’ve tried to get out of with me.” A grin tugged at his lips.
“That’s not true.” She cleared her throat and gazed out the window as they ambled over the rocky driveway. “I just want to get cracking, you know? I’m really excited about this project.”
The smile on his face remained, as if he didn’t believe her. Whatever. It was her story and she’d stick to it, even if it killed her.
They arrived a few minutes later at the Black Bear Diner. She’d driven by last night after Sydney picked her up from the train station. The heavy bacon scent floating in the parking lot air made her stomach groan with hunger. She’d inhaled her sandwich last night, but it wasn’t enough to tide her over until morning.
Mila Bailey raised a hand to Denny and told him to sit wherever he liked. As Bee followed him through the bustling little diner, curious eyes trailed her. She stuck close to Denny, as if his towering figure could protect her from judgment.
She slid opposite him into the booth he selected, and picked up a menu to shield most of her from the room. “Are people here friendly?” she asked.
“They’re the best,” Denny said. A tiny smile curled onto his lips. “A handful of prickly assholes, but you know. Every town’s got ’em.”
Sweet Love Page 28
