Page 21 of My Three Hometown Hard Hats

“I’m going to take this back inside.” I hold up the plate. “You need to stay out here and help the guys finish cleaning up and burn off some of that sugar.”

She looks like she’s going to argue, but just nods.

I make my way into the kitchen, where I don’t see Maggie anywhere. Hadley stands with her back to me, grabbing an armful of things from the counter.

“Need some help?” I ask, setting the plate in the sink.

“Oh, sure.” She gestures to the counter. “Can you grab the rest of that stuff?”

I scoop everything into my arms, following her down the small hallway off the kitchen where the pantry is. She opens the door, setting everything where it belongs.

Turning around, she finds me right behind her. Without saying a word, she grabs everything from my hands and puts it away.

“Thanks,” she says, looking up at me.

Flour is smudged across her right cheek. I reach forward, gently wiping it away. “Flour,” I whisper.

She hums in understanding but leans into my touch anyway. Instead of moving my hand away like I know I should, I leave it on her cheek, my thumb gently tracing over her soft skin.

Walk away, man. Walk away.

But I can’t. I’m being held in her obit by some unknown force. She has power over me that thrills me as much as it terrifies me.

Before I fully register what’s happening, I lean down, pressing my lips to hers. Sparks ignite from the simple touch of our lips.

There is far less connection between our bodies than the other day, but it’s still the most passionate kiss I’ve ever experienced.

Her fingers trail down the arm that’s not currently winding around the back of her head. Her fingers lace with mine.

The simple action anchors me in the moment and keeps the panicked thoughts from creeping in. Because, as much as I know I need to step away to protect myself and my daughter from getting hurt, I’m not.

I’m being careless for once, but damn it feels good. This kiss is probably all I’m ever going to get with her, so I soak up every second until we’re both breathless.

With one last kiss to each of her now flourless cheeks, I step away. “Bye, Hadley.”

Turning and walking toward my truck, I feel like I’m leaving behind a part of my heart that I’m never going to get back.

CHAPTER TEN

Hadley

I stareout the windows across the front of the shelter. Dark gray clouds are building from the west, and I just know in my bones it’s going to pour.

Of all the days I walked to work, it had to be today. Mom had to go to her school to get some things situated for when she goes back to work in a few months, hopefully.

If I’m really going to stay here for a while, I should find a car. In New York, I never needed one, but Aspen Springs definitely isn’t New York.

“Sienna,” I holler toward the back of the building. “I think I’m going to head out before the rain rolls in.”

She pokes her head around the corner. Her red hair looks even wilder than normal. “I would give you a ride, but I can’t really leave right now.”

“No worries. It isn’t far.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow. Go, go,” she says, shooing me out the door.

I grab my bag and quickly start walking toward my mom’s house. The rain holds off until I reach the top of Pine Street, but at least the house is in view.

It’s just a sprinkle at first, but by the time I reach the house, it’s starting to pour.