Jared straightens, scanning the tree line, and for one heart-stopping moment, I think he spots me lurking in the shadows.
Then Leif draws his attention, gesturing toward the bow, and I step back out of view, my chest aching so much I struggle to breathe.
I want to protect his happiness. Admitting to anything more terrifies me.
Chapter Sixteen
Grady
Late morning light filters through the cabin windows, catching dust motes that dance between me and the glossy brochures spread across Kyle’s coffee table.
The identical floor plans of Pinecrest apartments all promise luxury living with waterfront views. I flip through a tempting listing for a condo instead of an apartment.
It’s right on Market Street, within walking distance of the docks, and while my stomach clenches at the rent prices, my bank account can handle it. Six years of commissions from Aurora Storm’s bestsellers have left me financially comfortable, if emotionally adrift.
It would allow me to come by for a visit withChloe, and it’s an easy drive to my specialist doctors.
“You’d better be decent, Grady,” Chloe calls through the open window, startling me, “because I’m coming in!”
Before I can hide the damning evidence, the door swings open.
Chloe strides inside, her pink hair catching sunlight like cotton candy at a county fair. She balances a canvas bag on one hip, filled with overflow treats from Holden’s morning baking. Being limited to the small kitchen in Cabin One hasn’t slowed him down at all.
“Morning! Or is it late enough to say afternoon, instead?” I straighten too quickly, wincing as my bad leg protests. “I thought you were going to be writing all day.”
“The muse is in hiding.” As she closes the door, the scent of lilies and lilacs fills the cabin. “Dominic’s on the mainland today, and Holden is hosting a brunch at the trailhead.”
Her curious attention fixes on the brochures. “What’s all this?”
“Nothing.” I sweep them under a magazine. “Just some junk mail.”
“Don’t you lie to me, Grady Garfield Finch.”She drops her bag and plucks one out of the stack before I can stop her. “You’re house-hunting.”
I grab for it, but she turns away, studying the glossy photos of granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances.
“These are in Pinecrest.” She flips to the map on the back page. “Waterfront district. Very pricey.”
I fidget with the edge of another pamphlet, the stiff paper crinkling under the pressure. “I was just exploring some options.”
“Options for what?” She settles into the armchair across from me, crossing her legs to signal she has no intention of leaving without an explanation.
I shift my weight to my good leg, the wooden floor cool under my socked feet. “For giving Kyle his space back.”
Chloe’s brow furrows. “Has Kyle said something?”
“No, he’s been more than gracious.” Kyle and I have become good friends over the months of cohabitating, and I enjoy his company, but… “This cabin isn’t meant for two grown men. Especially when one of them moves at half-speed and takes twice as long in the bathroom every morning.”
I sink onto the old couch, the cushion depressing beneath me. “And he’s worried aboutwhat’s happening with Jared. I’m sure Kyle won’t kick me out, but after that video and the rumors, Jared can’t stay with Emily forever. Kyle’s his cousin. He should have a place here.”
“The place occupied by you.” Chloe sets the brochure on the coffee table, smoothing its creased corner. “So you’re thinking of moving to Pinecrest.”
“I’m thinking of not being deadweight.” The admission burns my throat. “I’ve been here for months, Chloe. Sleeping on Kyle’s couch, eating his food, taking up space.”
“You’re recovering from a serious injury,” she protests. “And you’ve been helping with groceries.”
“Not as much as I should, and I’m recovered enough.” I gesture to my leg. “I can manage stairs now. I can drive. I can live independently again.”
Chloe studies me with quiet sympathy. “Is the real issue here your need for independence?”