Page 35 of The Lilac River

We were walking side by side along Main Street, on our first real date. I’d just bought her a burger and movie ticket, and I was already picturing a hundred more dates.

She giggled, the sound lighting up my chest like fireworks. "Promise you won’t laugh."

"Could never laugh at you, Lily."

She bit her bottom lip, concentrating on her sneakers. "I want to be a teacher."

"And what’s lame about that?" I nudged her with my elbow. "As long as you don’t end up like Miss. MacMichael."

She wrinkled her nose. "Ugh, her coffee breath could kill a man."

Butterflies erupted in my stomach. Fuck it. I reached out and hooked my pinky with hers.

"You’ll be a great teacher," I said simply.

The smile she gave me that night? I still saw it in my dreams.

And now she was finally living that dream.

Just not with me.

Chapter 14

I Hope You Dance – Karen Waldrup

Nash

When we got back to the ranch, Bertie skipped inside ahead of me, already excited to tell Gunner and Wilder all about her day. I was less enthusiastic, dragging my boots like they were made of lead.

Gunner caught my expression first. He tossed an apple in the air, one eyebrow raised. “You look like someone just told you Christmas is canceled.”

Wilder leaned against the counter; arms crossed. “Or like he found out Bertie’s new teacher is the girl who broke his heart.”

“Shut it,” I growled, yanking open the fridge with more force than necessary. “And how did you know?”

“Had to send a parcel earlier.” That was enough of an explanation. Our post office was a hive of town gossip

Gunner whistled low under his breath. “So, it’s true then.”

“She’s not just my teacher,” Bertie chirped from the table, swinging her legs. “She’s the best teacher ever!”

Wilder barked out a laugh. “Ouch, Nash. Sounds like you’re stuck.”

“She’s just doing her job,” I muttered, grabbing a bottle of water I didn’t even want.

Gunner bumped my shoulder with his. “And you’re just acting like you don't still want her to climb you like a tree.”

“Keep talking and I’ll feed you to the cattle,” I muttered darkly, but they both only grinned wider.

Bertie, oblivious to the tension crackling around me, added the final blow. “Miss. Gray smells nice, too.”

I practically choked on the water.

Wilder slapped his knee. “Man, you’re screwed.”

“No.” I set the bottle down with a thud. “I’m focused on Bertie. That’s it. Lily Jones, Gray whatever her name is, being back in town doesn’t mean anything.”

They exchanged a look that said they didn’t believe a word.