Fearless Hart (A Cross Creek Small Town Novel Book 2) Read online

  “I, uh…” All the turmoil in my life had turned everything upside down. I didn’t know what day it was, let alone the minor details like what was in the fridge.

  Without a word, Bayden scooped me up in his arms, carried me to the couch, and laid me down. Pulling a blanket over me, he kneeled, kissed my forehead, and smiled before speaking. “I’ll look around, and if I don’t find anything, I’ll order something. No worries, okay?”

  I nodded, mute as that painful lump backed up my throat. “I can take care of it,” I whispered.

  “I know you can.” He thumbed a tear from my cheek. “But I want you to know that with me around, you don’t always have to. Everybody needs help sometimes, but that doesn’t make you weak, it makes you human.” With that, he quickly brushed his lips against mine, stood up, and walked off, leaving me thinking about how perfect he was for me … except for that one thing.

  He was back within a few moments and sat down at the end of the couch near my feet. With an absentminded touch, he rubbed my leg while speaking up. “Food will be here soon.”

  “Were you trying to text?” I asked. I felt awful because I told him we had a system, and then I’d blown everything.

  He nodded.

  “I’m sorry. I’m just…”

  I trailed off as he shook his head. “I don’t want to be another point of stress. I know you’re coping with some things, and I’m sorry for showing up unannounced, but I wanted to be here for you.” His throat bobbed as he swallowed, and I knew it had been a struggle for him to make this call.

  Maybe I was a bit annoyed that he had shown up, but given that we set these rules for me texting, I was okay because I didn’t follow the rules either. I blamed myself, not him. “I want to talk about it, I do … but I never have.”

  I needed him to understand, even though I also knew it probably made little sense.

  “When you’re ready, we’ll talk. Until then, I’m going to make sure you’re safe and fed.” He smiled at me, and my heart danced in my chest. Bayden Lockhart was freaking amazing.

  “This is a rough time of year for me.” The words seemed to ease the crushing pressure inside me. He didn’t say a word, and I was grateful for his silence. “It’s not that I don’t trust you, I’ve just … held this in so long it feels impossible to let it go.”

  “You don’t have to explain anything to me.” He gave my leg a quick rub, then stood up as someone knocked on the door. I watched him over the back of the couch and saw him open the door to Ethan, who pushed a big Tupperware bowl into his hands, gave him a quick around-the-shoulder hug, then turned and left.

  Bayden walked into the kitchen while I imagined what it was like to have a family I could just call to bring me food—people who’d drop everything and help when I asked for it. I stood up and moved into the kitchen to find Bayden ladling soup into two bowls.

  “My brother made this yesterday for a family thing. I figured he wouldn’t mind sharing, and it seemed perfect for the moment.” He turned to me with a bowl of steaming chicken noodle soup.

  My mouth watered at the hearty aroma, and I smiled. “I’m so jealous of your family. You guys love each other so much.” He had no idea how lucky he was, but I knew.

  We settled onto the couch and ate. “Have you been out to the old farmhouse?” I missed our little game of cat and mouse out there.

  He shook his head. “It’s not as much fun right now for some reason.” His gaze met mine, and I knew he was saying that I was part of his enjoyment in going out there.

  “Oh, I see.” I couldn’t hold back a smirk.

  My phone lit up, and instantly, the hair on my body stood on end. Terror zinged up my spine, and the soup on my spoon spilled into the bowl as my hands shook. Bayden was here, and that meant he wasn’t the one calling or texting.

  He glanced at the phone, then at me. Then, he picked up the phone, powered it down, and set it back on the table.

  “It doesn’t own you, you know,” he whispered.

  He didn’t understand. How could he when I hadn’t told him anything?

  “You don’t have to answer it, no matter who it is.” He took another bite of soup before looking at me again. “You’re on vacation, so even work can take a back seat. Cross Creek will survive.”

  He was right. Still, not answering didn’t make me feel better. “This soup is amazing,” I said, needing to distract myself from the uneasiness that was threatening to rise up my throat. “Please thank your brother for me.”

  He chuckled. “You better thank him yourself.”

  I smiled, instantly planning to return the bowl with something equally yummy in it when I felt up to the task. As Bayden and I talked about everything and nothing, my stress washed away like sand swept from the beach by cresting and receding waves.

  I laughed at his jokes, enjoyed my time with him, and forgot the little things that would eventually tear us apart. Life began to seep back into me as if this was what I needed all along.

  “When are you back to work?” he asked.

  I shrugged. “Next week.”

  “When’s the last time you got out of the house?”

  I couldn’t tell him, because I didn’t know.

  “You live out here with no neighbors for miles. Show me your favorite spot. Let’s go on an adventure.” His eyes sparkled, and my heart somersaulted. Now, he was speaking my language.

  Ten minutes later, we dressed for the fall chill in the air and headed out the door. The trail I used was overgrown but still visible, and I inhaled the crisp snap of the breeze. All around us, trees pressed in close, some sporting green needles, while others showed off bright-yellow, red, and burnt-orange leaves.

  Bayden stood beside me, his gloved hand taking mine as we pressed into the woods. The air cooled around us, and my heart lifted. Something about nature eased the burdens of life, but somehow, I’d forgotten its healing properties while I was buried in despair.

  “It’s nice out here,” Bayden said as he gazed up at the trees. Sunlight peeked down on us and lit up the forest floor. All around, signs of life flourished from the darting squirrels to the mushrooms and chirping birds. The whole place was alive, and that vibration sent a tingle deep into my core.

  “It is.” I was grateful to him for coming over to get me out of my house and out of my head. “Thank you for spending the day with me.”

  “Thank you for sharing this with me.” He smiled, then scanned the beauty around us.

  “I used to hike a lot,” I said wistfully, remembering how I used nature to escape from my woes.

  “Why did you stop?”

  I lifted my shoulders. “I’m not sure. Life got busy, and I lost my drive to get up and go. I also used to throw a tent in my old car and go on a whim. I’d stay out camping for a few nights, sleep under the stars, and sit by the campfire sipping hot coffee.” He stopped and stared. “Is something wrong?” I turned to face him.

  “No. We should do that. You and me. Tonight.” The excitement in his face made me laugh, and then I realized he was serious.

  “You’re not kidding?” I cocked my head in question, and he shook his.

  “Nope. Let’s go back to your place, then I’ll run home, and we’ll pack the stuff we need to go for a night. I’ll drive.” His expression left me breathless. He had big, pleading eyes that somehow asked everything in their blue depths.

  I nodded my head. “Let me show you this spot first, then we’ll go.” We started walking again, his hand still in mine as my mind whirled round and round. I’d never known anyone like him. Who else would pick up without a moment’s notice and go camping with me for a night?

  My pulse elevated as I realized it would be Bayden and me, sharing space beside a fire under the stars all night long. He might not know it yet, but I planned to zip our sleeping bags together and keep him close.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Bayden

  Our night of camping had seemed to be what she needed. By morning, she looked like she’d had a
good night’s sleep. The dark circles under her eyes were gone, and she appeared refreshed. Her quick smile was back, and color replaced the ashen tone of her skin.

  It was my first time sleeping with someone under the stars, and I teased her about her oath to uphold the law while we made love in the middle of the wilderness. Even now, I couldn’t keep the damn smile off my face.

  Maybe we’d turned a corner. Things finally seemed to go well for us, and I wasn’t about to let her climb back into the self-imposed prison that was keeping her hostage.

  Now, sitting in my truck on my way home, I thought about how she kissed me goodbye after we’d broken down our camp and respectfully cleaned up and buried the fire. She seemed sad to leave, like she never wanted our time to end, but she’d needed to get home and shower, and no doubt, I needed the same. I could smell the campfire smoke clinging to my clothes and body.

  My phone rang, and my heart stuttered to the point I thought it might stop altogether. Was she calling me?

  I pushed the Bluetooth headset button on the steering wheel and spoke. “Hello?”

  Noah’s voice had my heart settling back into place—albeit lower with dejection. “Hey, brother. I was wondering if you can take Kip for a few hours?”

  “Absolutely. I’m out and about now. Want me to swing by?”

  “Could you?” Noah’s tired voice sounded hopeful.

  In the background, I heard Kandra call out. “You’re a lifesaver!”

  “Sure, be there in a few minutes.” I hung up and changed course, thrilled to spend some time with my nephew, though Miranda never strayed far from my thoughts.

  An hour later, Kip and I were safely in my living room. “I’m glad you like the swing.” He had passed out in the car seat to music and motion. I scooped him up, careful not to wake him, and put him down. I’d transformed the guest room into a makeshift nursery, complete with crib, toy box, books, and a rocking chair. The swing was my latest purchase.

  I meant it when I said I would be the world’s best uncle, and I didn’t doubt my other brothers would wind up with kids too, so it’s not like these things would go to waste.

  As the tiny boy slept, I sat down in the rocking chair, running a fingertip over the books’ spines. They were all classics our parents read to us. After the beautiful time I had with Miranda, the possibility of not having kids struck me.

  I refused to go into the situation thinking I could change her mind. I wouldn’t be that person. I respected her wants, needs, and dreams. If those included not having children, then we’d figure it out.

  The thought of having Miranda by my side was all that mattered. I loved her. Kids were great, sure, but without her, what was the point? Noah’s situation taught me a lot. It didn’t matter that Kip didn’t share our family blood because I loved him like I’d love any other nephew or niece. Love doesn’t have to look a certain way. Miranda and I could love and be happy, independent of children.

  I left the nursery and my sleeping nephew to prowl around before taking out my phone to shoot her a text. I miss you. I hated that I was suddenly this corny human being, but it was true; I missed her already. She’d become a necessary part of my existence.

  “Dad, man, I miss you. I wish you were here and could meet Miranda; she would sweep you right off your feet before you even knew what hit you.” I said to the quiet room. “She is a force of nature, and I would risk anything to be with her, although there isn’t much risk because it is like trying to breathe underwater without her. Being with her is what gives me life.” If my father had any input, he was keeping them all to himself. I didn’t mind, though.

  Just the thought of her brought happiness to my heart. Being with Miranda was an adventure that I never wanted to stop taking. As she had proven yesterday, our lives were what we made of them. Her impromptu camping trips were now something I planned to continue doing with her every chance we got.

  Kip woke an hour later, and I was feeding him when Kandra called. “Hey, would you be willing and able to watch him overnight? I’d like to have a date night with my husband,” she asked. I knew exactly how important date nights were. “Sure. I’m enjoying my time with him.” I glanced down into Kip’s eyes. He furrowed his forehead and gazed at the bottle as if silently warning it not to move while he took a few breaths.

  “Thank you so much. Ethan said he’s also willing to watch him, so if anything comes up or you get bored, give him a call.”

  I snorted. “You would let Ethan watch him? Are you nuts?”

  She laughed. “Good night, Bayden.”

  “Night.” We hung up, and I set the bottle on the coffee table before lifting the baby to my shoulder. “Ethan, huh? I’m a better uncle than Ethan.” Kip let out an enormous belch in response, and I chuckled.

  Someone knocked at the door, and I stood up. Had Miranda decided to spend some time with me? If so, I would scare the poor woman senseless by showing up at the door with a baby on my shoulder. Maybe she should have called first so I could have warned her. I snorted at my humor, thinking back to her stipulations. Unlocking and opening the door, I was disappointed to find Ethan on the other side instead.

  “I told Kandra I’ve got this.” I swung the door open in a clear invitation for him to follow and walked back inside. He closed the door behind himself and joined me on the couch. Offering Kip his bottle, I watched my brother’s posture, noting he was sitting forward, elbows on his knees, his hands together as he studied them.

  “Okay, what’s eating you?”

  “I’m glad you finally moved on from Angie to Miranda, but I need to know that you’re actually over Angie.” The raw pain in his voice surprised me.

  “Over Angie?” I asked, confused.

  Ethan seemed to reconsider before asking, “There’s something between you and Angie.” His statement hit me like a surprise right hook to the jaw.

  Well, I knew this was going to come back and bite me in the ass someday. I sighed. “No, there isn’t.” The hard questions were going to follow, and I swore to answer them honestly. I wasn’t going to insult my brother by screwing with him.

  “Was there ever anything between you two?” Ethan stared intently at me as if he was some kind of human lie detector that would catch me if he watched closely enough.

  I shook my head as Kip sighed around the bottle. “There is nothing between us and has never been anything between us.”

  “What’s with the flirting and the weird, passive-aggressive questions?” Ethan’s eyes narrowed as he rubbed the palms of his hands together without lifting his elbows off his knees.

  “This is stupid.” I wasn’t ready to tell this story, but now was a better time than any to come clean. This had been bothering me for a while. Now that I had the chance to get it out in the open, I needed to face the truth. “Angie approached me and told me she had a crush on you. I told her to tell you. I mean, why was she telling me, right?” I lifted my shoulders, and Kip jolted awake and continued working on his bottle.

  Ethan gave a slight nod, and I knew he was hanging on my every word.

  “She asked me to help her out. Flirt with her. Show interest. Make you jealous so you’d come to your senses and realize you wanted her.” Saying it out loud made it sound stupid and childish. Why had I ever agreed and gone along with her hair-brained scheme?

  “I stopped it, though. I was tired of head games.” I grinned ruefully. “It took me longer than it should have, but I realized it was a dumb ploy, and I didn’t want to be part of it anymore. She begged me to reconsider, told me she thought we were close to breaking you, but I know you, man, and you’re a good brother. You thought I was interested, so you backed off.”

  Now for the hard part. “I’m sorry for doing you like that. I was an asshole, and I should have been better to you.”

  Ethan lowered his head and laughed. “She wanted me so badly she tried to get you to pretend to be interested in her so I’d get jealous?”

  I nodded.

  “And it was her idea?” He
glanced at me as if silently daring me to lie to him.

  I nodded again.

  “How the hell did she know that would bug me more than anything?” Ethan’s grin lightened the weight in my chest. “It worked, you know. Thanks.” He threatened to punch me in the thigh but pulled back because of the baby in my arms.

  “Are you going to ask her out?” Had the ruse worked? What the hell were the odds of that?

  “Wouldn’t you like to know?” Ethan glared at me sideways. “If I told you, would you tell her?”

  I shook my head. “Bros before ho—” I thought better of what I was saying, “—me town girls.” Turning the phrase around, I watched him smile—grin, really—a big shit-eating one that took up his face.

  “I think I will ask her out. I’ve had a thing for her for a long time.” He jerked his shoulders up. “I was too much of a wuss to do anything about it. When you started paying attention to her, I figured I had waited too long and lost the chance. Now I’m glad I didn’t accept that bullshit.” He kicked my ankle with his work boots.

  “Ow,” I said on a loud sigh, glaring at him. “You’re lucky I have the baby, or I’d be pummeling you on the lawn.”

  “Good. Pretty sure I owe you one.” He flipped me off and headed for the door. “You’d lose, by the way.”

  He was probably right. He had a few years on me, and that added up to skill. He’d had his ass beat a few times by Noah to learn a thing or two.

  “We good?” I asked as he opened the door.

  “We’re good.” With that, he left, and I smiled down at Kip. “I hope you get to experience the joy and suffering of brothers.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Miranda

  I watched Ethan leave Bayden’s place and reminded myself I owed him some yummy treats in exchange for the delicious soup.

  “Thank you for the soup,” I said as he passed me. “It was amazing.”