Page 18

His smile lifted as he wiped his thumbs beneath her eyes, catching moisture before it could creep down her cheeks. His tenderness touched her deeply, reassured her that as they moved forward, they’d always share a special friendship.

“None of this, my sweet.” He kissed her forehead and straightened up. After a brief glance around the room, his nose wrinkled. “Goddess almighty.” He waved his hand, and a subtle breeze kicked up. A pleasant sweetness filled the townhouse, destroying the lasting scent of dead flowers. “Ahh, much better. Now, let’s restock the kitchen and get you settled in, shall we?”

“Your adorably sweetfiancée phoned while you were out.” Mindy beamed, her words dripping sarcasm like rain. Shebatted her lashes and performed a cute move, tipping her head to the side with her hands framing her face. Bryce snickered, dropping a paper-wrapped sandwich on the counter for her. “Guess she couldn’t get the hint when you didn’t pick up your cell, huh?”

“Guess not.”

Mindy tapped a deep blue nail against her chin. “Oh, she wanted me to relay a message to you. Something about pink and purple toilet paper for your phantom wedding, scented appropriately, of course.”

“Damn, girl.” He barked out a laugh and shook his head. “You’re something else.”

“Hell, I enjoy being the high point of your day.” She flipped her ponytail and did a little jig. “At least I can make you laugh for a few hours before you have to face a tyrannical woman and her family.”

Bryce shrugged, raked his fingers through his hair and pulled the long strands to the nape of his neck, fastening them with an elastic. Mindy’s comment hit too close to home.

“I’m gonna chow down real quick. Need anything?”

“Nope. I’ll keep the pile going for your evening fills and hold down the fort until you return. Don’t need a hangry Bryce to deal with. I like the fun version of you.” She lifted her sandwich and winked. “Thanks for the grub, bud. Next one’s on me.”

“Just bake me extra cookies next time you’re in the kitchen.” He flashed her a smile as he headed to the small office behind the shelves of medication. “I’ll call it even.”

“You drive a hard bargain.” She shooed him off. “Hurry up. I take break next.”

Bryce settled into the single seat at the small table and unwrapped his sandwich. He glanced over the numerous texts from Kate and his mother, rolling his eyes at their hot-and-cold cajoles and threats. He had yet to speak with either oneof them since the debacle the day before. Thankfully, Kate had the sense not to show up at his home last night, or at the store today.

As he finished the second half of his sandwich and washed down his late lunch with water, he sent a text to his father, asking to meet up with him after work. Surprisingly, he received an immediate response, agreeing. Of all four parents, his father was the only one who remained grounded in reality, despite his political position. He was a man of integrity and honesty, which made him both a favorite in the political spectrum, and a target for more corrupt politicians.

Satisfied with his plan, he washed his hands and headed back to the counter to continue filling prescriptions for the evening.

As always, he and Mindy worked in perfect sync, answering questions, engaging customers in simple talk, and making it through the evening without a hitch. He focused on the last few scripts as the shift began to taper off when a strange tingle started at the nape of his neck. He rubbed the area, disregarding the sensation as muscle strain. The tingle warmed and spread down through his neck and shoulders.

“What the hell?” he muttered, lifting his head after he capped a bottle. He twisted his head to pop his neck and roll out his shoulders. He really needed to watch his—

He froze, shoulders shrugged halfway through their stretch. The din of chatter and music faded. Time slowed to a crawl. The world as he knew it paused. Tilted.

Something inside him burst. Heat and wholeness poured through him, an inexplicable sensation that swelled within the cold, dank void he’d suffered for six months. The same void that tore open the night he crossedherpath and continued to expand.

His heart punched behind his sternum. His vision faded,tunneled, grayed everything out while clarity came in the form of a surreal woman in profile.

Her.

Rihanna.

A gloriously beautiful sight standing in the aisle that led to his counter, a small red shopping basket hanging from her arm, looking like a Goddess in a world undeserving of her presence.

“Bryce?”

Mindy’s concerned voice sounded miles away, but the woman who held his attention turned at the sound of his name, violet eyes glowing with surprise when they landed on him.

The undeniable connection between them mercilessly stole the breath from his lungs. He pressed a hand to his chest, the sudden constriction around his heart and lungs painful.

He couldn’t stop staring. Couldn’t wrap his mind around the vision permeating his body, his soul, and lighting a fire along his palm. The woman in all of her stunning beauty appeared as startled as he felt, her full, rosy lips parting on what he assumed was a gasp as her eyes widened. Wisps of black hair caressed angular cheeks and a delicate jawline. A jawline he could almost feel against his fingers, as if his dreams might come alive in real time. Tapered ears peeked through her hair, pierced with glittering studs that reflected the harsh incandescent store lighting.

A rush of life surged through his veins as if he’d been dead all this time. His soul soared. Six months, one week, two days since he’d met her in the flesh. Six months, one week, and two days of relentless torture, dreams that tormented him, nights of searching for a ghost.

Here.

In his store.