Page 99 of Hold Me Tight

A sanctuary.

And yet, today, nothing soothes my rough edges. It’s as if the comfort I’ve always known has slipped into something I don’t entirely recognize. It’s disconcerting that I’m unable to lose myself in the usual routine.

Maybe it’s because I woke up next to River, and before I could find my bearings, the man was making breakfast for me and Nora like he’s been doing it for years. He kissed my daughter’s cheek, slid a plate of French toast in front of her, and smiled like this was just a normal, everyday occurrence.

Or maybe it’s because, right before I went to get dressed, he handed me a jersey with his name on the back and asked me to wear it to his game tonight. As if we’ve been dating for months and our relationship is clearly defined.

Sloane glances up just as I shrug out of my coat and tie on my apron. Her eyes narrow. “You’re making that face again.”

“What face?”

“The one that tells me something’s eating at you,” she says, arching a brow.

When I force out a laugh, it comes out sounding just as flimsy as it feels. “I’m just tired.”

“Uh-huh,” she says slowly, watching me like she’s able to read every thought as it pops into my head. “Does whatever you’re chewing on have anything to do with the fact that you’re practically glowing? Although, to be fair, you also look like you might throw up, which is an interesting combination.”

I grab a towel and start wiping down the counter just to give myself something to do. “I don’t know. It’s just River, I guess. He’s turning out to be more than I expected. Actually, he’s wonderful. Not just to me, but with Nora.”

Sloane’s lips curve into a knowing smile. “I had a hunch he was behind the look.”

Air rushes from me in a huff. “I think I’m just confused. And I can’t sort out my feelings when I’m with him. He makes me feel like everything will be all right, and I’m not used to it. I’ve had to rely on myself for so long. It doesn’t feel real. Honestly, everything with him feels way too easy. Maybe that’s what scares me.”

Sloane wipes her hands on a dish towel before walking around the counter and leaning a hip against it. Her steady gaze remains fastened to mine. “After everything you’ve been through with Zane, no one can blame you for being cautious about letting your guard down.”

Nervous energy hums through my body, and with a sigh, I toss the towel aside. “It’s like I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop. For the moment I have to pack up, grab Nora, and walk away before it all goes to hell.”

Sloane’s expression lightens as she folds her arms against her. “I think you might be forgetting that River isn’t Zane.”

“Logically, I realize that,” I admit, my voice catching just enough to betray me. “But there’s still something inside me that won’t let go of the fear. He’s patient, thoughtful… And he looks at me like I matter. Like I’m not just this mess of bad choices and baggage. More than anything, I want to believe it’s real. I want to believe him. In him. But it’s all happening so fast.”

Sloane tilts her head. “You’re right. It is fast. But have you considered that maybe it’s not automatically a bad thing?”

I sink onto the stool behind the counter as my palms press against my thighs. “I keep thinking about what this could mean for Nora and me. What if I’m wrong again? What if I let him in and screw everything up?”

“That’s not going to happen,” she says gently. “You’re scared. That doesn’t make you broken, Cal. It makes you human.”

I blink hard, trying to keep my emotions in check. “I’ve followed my heart before, and it turned out to be a disaster. I don’t know if I can survive making the same mistake twice.”

Sloane closes the distance between us before crouching in front of me and resting her elbows on her knees so we’re eye to eye. “You’re not making the same mistake as before. You’re not choosing a man who makes you feel small or chasing someone who doesn’t show up. From everything I’ve seen, River shows up. Not only for you, but for Nora as well. From where I’m standing, that counts for something.”

My throat constricts. “You’re right. It counts for a lot.”

“Then maybe it’s time to stop running, and let yourself enjoy the moment. Even if it’s terrifying.”

I stare at her for a long, silent beat. “What if I fall again?”

Sloane takes my hand and squeezes it. “Then I hope like hell he’s already waiting at the bottom to catch you.”

The sound of my phone ringing slices through the air, startling both of us. My belly dips when I recognize the number flashing across the screen. Every instinct tells me to let it go to voicemail, but I force my thumb to swipe.

“Hello?”

“Good morning!” The woman on the other end is way too chipper for what I assume is a collection call. “I just wanted to let you know the property deed is in the process of being transferred into your name. It’ll take a couple of weeks for the paperwork to be finalized, but that’s more of a formality at this point.”

I frown. “I’m sorry… I don’t understand.”

“The loan for Lakeshore Sweets was paid in full yesterday. You own the property free and clear. Congratulations. I’m so happy you were able to find a solution.”