2. Juniper
“Well, Juney,” my dad looks across the kitchen table at me, “have you thought any more about my offer to take over the business?”
I place my glass of lemonade on the table and nod. “I have, and I want to do it.”
“You do?” His brows shoot upward in surprise. Juniper, I don’t want you doing something out of?—”
“I’m not, Dad,” I say before he can finish. “You’ve prepared me for this my entire life, whether you realize it or not. All those evenings you’d let me help you work on cars in the garage, and the Saturday mornings I’d sit with Mom while she did the payroll and bookkeeping when you guys were first starting out.”
He laughs, wiping away a stray tear. “Remember how you’d always talk me into buying donuts every Saturday?”
“Yeah, I remember how you’d always act like you weren’t going to buy them.” I stand and pull my chair across the hardwood floor, sitting down closer to my dad. “Dad, you and Mom deserve to retire. Go travel and see the world, or fly-fish up in the mountains at the cabin you guys never use. You’ve worked your entire lives for this.”
“It’s hard. Working is all I’ve ever known, but you’re right and your mom has so many places on her bucket list that I can’t wait to take her to.” He pulls out his phone and shows me an actual list of places he’s written down in his Notes app, titled: Places for My Sunshine.
My heart aches for a love like my parents have.
“I can’t wait to see your vacation pictures.”
“But sweetie,” he reaches for my hand, “there’s still a lot of world for you to see. I don’t want you settling back down here if your heart is somewhere else.”
“Dad, I loved going to school in Boulder, and I’ve enjoyed living there the last year and a half after graduation too, but I miss home. I want to live here, where my friends and family are and all of my favorite memories reside.”
“Nothing, and I mean nothing,” his voice shakes and his chin begins to quiver, “would make me prouder as your dad than to have you running our family business.”
I don’t bother responding; I would just be a blubbering mess anyway. Instead, I pull him into a hug. Two things my dad loved growing up were cars and working on cars, so he turned his passion into his business. With my mom by his side, they’ve grown it into a much larger operation that not only services regular vehicles, but farm and industry equipment too.
“Let’s keep this between us for now, sweetheart.” He kisses the tip of my nose.
“Ron?” My mom comes down the stairs, her head focused on the front of her dress as she walks into the kitchen. “How does this look for the party? Oh, hey sweetie, I didn’t realize you were still here.” She pokes her hip out, the floral dress draping over her tall, thin frame. “Give me your honest opinion.”
“Stunning,” I say honestly. You would never believe my mom’s age if she told you. She’s always jovial about life and whatever she’s doing. She truly is a ray of sunshine like my dad always says.
“Hot damn!” My dad whistles, standing up to take her hand and twirl her around. “You look just as beautiful as the day you walked down the aisle.”
He nuzzles her neck, making her swat at him playfully before they kiss.
“And on that note,” I finish my lemonade and reach over to grab my purse, “I’ll leave you lovebirds alone. Don’t wait up. Love you.” I wave, my back already to them as I step through the back door of the house.
I unlock my car and slide into the driver’s seat, sending a quick text to my friends Brooklyn and Dolly to let them know I’m heading their way. When I told them I’d be in town for my parents’ anniversary party this Saturday, they insisted on a girls’ night for drinks and catching up.
When I arrive at the bar a few moments later, I get an almost giddy feeling in my stomach. Maybe it’s being back in my hometown after living away for a few years, or perhaps it’s because a lot of the memories I have at this bar are ones of me spending most of the evening just trying to get Decker Slade’s attention.
A warm blush creeps up my neck at the memories. I’m not sure if it’s from embarrassment, given the way I was so obviously into him, or the fact that I know damn well I’d still behave the same way if he were here. I shake my head and pull my keys from the ignition before darting inside to meet the girls.
“Heeeeey!” I hold my arms out toward both women as they get up from the booth they’ve chosen.
“Hey, gorgeous,” Dolly hugs me tightly, “how are you more beautiful every time I see you?”
“I know, right?” Brooklyn rolls her eyes, smiling broadly before giving me a warm hug. “We’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you guys too.” I take a seat across from both of them, a glass of rosé already waiting for me. We instantly launch into how have you been? and what’s new? conversations. It’s been almost five months since I came home for the holidays, which may not sound like a long time to be away, but when you spent almost every single day of your first 18 years in a small town where you see everyone on a daily basis, it feels like forever.
“How’s motherhood treating you two? Brook, are you ready for your third yet?” I wriggle my eyebrows at her, bringing my wine glass to my lips. It’s tart and refreshing.
“Not a chance in hell,” she says dramatically. “I just need a chance to breathe without a child needing something or Tyler bending me over something.”
“Ohhh no,” I tease her, “are you having too much sex with your extremely hot and rugged cowboy husband?” Dahlia bursts out laughing, Brooklyn following suit. “That sounds soooo exhausting.” We all fall into a fit of giggles and it feels just like old times. Almost instantly, my heart is full, a feeling of reassurance washing over me regarding my decision to move back home—something I’ve only told my parents.
“Speaking of sex . . . Juniper Riley?” Brooklyn and Dolly bump shoulders, their hands curled around their wine glasses as they eagerly await some juicy gossip.
“Whaaat?” I ask slowly, confused at their confusion.
“Your new boyfriend?” Dahlia finally says. “The one Ranger said you mentioned?”
“Oh . . . ooohhhh.” I nod my head enthusiastically, completely forgetting about that stupid little white lie I let slip out when I ran into him this morning. “Right, my new man.” I take a long sip of wine. “I wouldn’t say boyfriend, per se. I mean, neither of us actually agreed to give a title to anything yet; we’re just seeing where it goes.”
“Aww, she’s blushing.” Brook squirms giddily in her seat and a pang of guilt cuts through me. “I’m just happy to see you putting yourself out there . . . getting over a certain someone.”
“Yeah,” I laugh, attempting to pretend her comment is a joke, “I’m sure he’ll be heartbroken when he hears.” I say the last part in the hope that it plants a seed, so maybe this information will get back to Decker—for what reason, I don’t know. Maybe in my fantasies, I’m hopeful it will make him realize what he’s lost.
What he’s lost? Girl, get a grip. He never even had you.
“Is the sex hot?” Dolly grins. “I swear the hottest sex is always with the guy you say you’re not going to catch feelings for or label the relationship. The one who just gets under your skin and makes you want to ignore all the red flags.” Her gaze drifts and she chews her bottom lip, lost in thought.
Brooklyn looks over at her. “Something you want to tell us, Dolly? Ranger know about this mystery man?”
“It was Ranger,” Dolly laughs, her face growing red. “He was the one I swore I’d just have a little fun with. You guys remember: I was always crying about being lovesick.” She laughs. “God, I wish I could go back and hug myself and say, ‘Chill, girl, it’s all gonna work out. You’re going to get your man.’”
“I’m so glad you guys were able to work things out.” I squeeze her hand. “I know Dean is probably smiling down on you guys—so happy that his best friend could be the one to take care of you forever.”
“Me too,” Brooklyn adds. “Then again, I bet he was probably up there banging his head against heaven’s gate watching Ranger unable to pull his head out of his ass for so long.” She snorts. “Speaking of heads in asses, Ranger needs to give Deck a lesson in removing his own, because look what happened: He fucked around and you got a boyfriend.” She rolls her eyes. “Men, when will they ever learn? Guess he’ll just have to eat his heart out when he finds out.”
I smile and nod, laughing along as I mentally kick myself for saying anything to Ranger about a boyfriend. I thought it was just a silly little comment that would make its way back to Decker, but I guess I should have known better.
“I’m sure he’ll be just fine,” I say, hoping the subject will quickly change and I can stop squirming in my seat.
“You can find o—” Brooklyn stops abruptly, her eyes darting to Dolly’s, who I swear shakes her head “no” quickly. “I mean, do you need any help for tomorrow? I know you said over text that everything was good to go, but just want to make sure.”
I’m tempted to ask what I just missed, but my brain tells me it’s just because I’m tired. Planning my parents’ anniversary party has been a bit more stressful since I did it long distance, but it’s come together so well.
“No, no, you girls have done enough just asking about it, but thank you so much.” We turn our attention back to our conversation, reminiscing here and there and catching up on some small-town gossip I’ve missed out on.
After we say our goodbyes, I head out, opting to take the long way home, the one that takes me by the Slade ranch. It’s pointless since Decker doesn’t live there anymore and I can’t even see his house from the road anyway. I drive by, a smile pulling at my lips at the fun times I had coming here as I was growing up, and once again, it just feels right to be back home.
The soft breezecoming down the mountains rustles my spring dress, goosebumps breaking out across my skin. I smile and wave to a few of my parents’ friends from across the yard as they step into the house where most of the others are gathered.
I pull my cardigan from where it’s resting on my waist and tug it over my shoulders as the sun sinks slowly behind the distant peaks. The crowd grows louder inside the house. I turn to see what the commotion is, squinting through the kitchen windows to try to make out who they’ve gathered around.
My stomach drops and my shoulders stiffen as I take a few steps closer . . . just as Decker Slade turns his head and makes direct eye contact with me. My knees grow weak and I have the sudden irrational urge to fall to the ground so he can no longer see me, but I don’t. Instead, I give him a timid smile, but his attention is quickly pulled away when his older sister, Milly, throws her arms around his neck.
“What the fuck is he doing here?” I nervously pace the deck, unsure if I should go inside and say “hello” like everyone else. I decide it would be weirder to stay outside. After all, this little crush I’ve been allowing to linger all these years is pretty one-sided.
After watching him get pulled every which way for almost 20 minutes, I walk up behind him when he’s ducked away to grab a beer from the fridge.
“Didn’t expect to see you here tonight.”
He stands, the fridge door closing as he twists off the top of the bottle. He turns around slowly, the beer frozen halfway to his lips when his eyes meet mine. They quickly drop down to my cleavage. I’m petite but God didn’t spare any curves when it came to my body. His eyes drag up me slowly before he finally takes a slow sip. His tongue darts out to lick off a drop of foam before his lips spread into a lazy grin.
“Good surprise or bad surprise?”
And there it is: That slow little fizzle in my belly that burns for this man every time he smiles at me.
“Good, of course.”
“You look . . . nice.” His eyes peruse me again as he takes another drink.
“Thanks.” I look down at the dress and cardigan I bought specifically for the party. I wanted to feel grown-up tonight, like a young woman who’s finally coming into her own instead of the usual array of band tees and denim shorts I sport. “So wh?—”
“Deck, bro, come here. You have to see this.” His younger cousin Aiden pops up behind us, startling me and pulling Decker’s attention away. He gives me an apologetic smile, but I wave it away, walking back toward the great room to find my parents.
“I’ll find you later.”
By midnight, all the guests have finally dissipated, the caterers have cleared everything out, and I’m exhausted.
“Good night, Brennan.” I hug Decker’s mom back, her faithful Baccarat Rouge still lingering. “And thanks again for letting me throw the party at your house.”
“Of course, darling, your parents are our best friends.” She cups my face. “You’re practically a second daughter to me. Now drive home safely.”
“I will, I promise.” I take the steps down the front porch toward my car when I hear Decker’s familiar voice.
“Leaving just like that?” I spin around to see him leaning up against the porch, a bottle of whiskey in his hand, dangling by his knee. “Told you I’d find you later.”
“It’s pretty late.” I shrug, my cardigan now fully pulled tight around my body.
“And? You’re young and you don’t work tomorrow. Come on.” He motions with his hand holding the bottle, walking back up the porch steps to the chairs at the far end of the corner. I follow him.
He takes a swig of the whiskey before handing the bottle over to me. I reach for it, staring at it like it’s going to bite me.
“Oh please, I’ve seen a bartender pour liquor down your throat on more than one occasion.” He laughs and it makes me laugh too. I close my eyes and take a swig, the burn hitting my throat and stomach almost instantly. A few years ago, yeah, I was absolutely a party girl, but these days, that doesn’t interest me so much.
“Smooth,” I cough and sputter as I hand it back to him. He laughs again, taking another drink before the silence settles between us. “So what are you doing back in town?” I finally ask.
“Not much,” he leans forward, his elbows on his knees, “just wanted to see the family is all.” He pulls his cowboy hat from his head, running his hands through his dark hair.
“Your beard’s gotten long.” I lift my chin.
“Guess it has, hasn’t it?” He runs his hands over it briefly before turning back to the whiskey. “So what’s life like in Boulder? Gotta be more exciting than here.”
He stretches one leg out in front of him, leaning back in the chair. Somehow this man manages to look better in person than any fantasy I could conjure up. His broad shoulders dwarf the chair, his chest thicker since the last time I saw him.
“It’s good,” I shrug, pulling my eyes away from him. “I’m usually pretty busy with work, but I love getting out and hiking on the weekends with my friends. What about you? How’s life in Texas?” My stomach clenches when I ask, because I know there’s a fair chance he’ll tell me he’s happily in love. The way Dolly and Brook looked at each other during drinks last night, I half-expected him to show up with someone.
“Can I ask you something?” he asks, ignoring my question and reaching his hand out to touch the edge of my cardigan. “Why are you pretending to be someone you’re not?”
I frown, pulling the material away from him. “I’m not. I’ve worn dresses before.”
“That’s not what I meant and you know it. You look uncomfortable; you’ve been tuggin’ at that thing all night.”
“Well, I’m not uncomfortable. I’m fine, just cold.” I let the cardigan fall open, attempting to appear relaxed, because he’s absolutely right. I do feel uncomfortable, but it’s not because of what I’m wearing; it’s because he continues to stare at me like he’s about to pounce. “And for the record, people change, Decker.”
I keep my gaze forward as the conversation bounces between us, moments of silence lingering. I want to ask him what’s on his mind—why he’s trying to find himself at the bottom of a bottle—but I know it’s a thread I have no interest in pulling at.
“I should probably get home. It’s super-late and I’m sure yo?—”
“I’ll walk you to your car,” he interrupts, standing up and reaching his hand toward me.
“O—okay.” I place my hand in his and he helps me up from the chair, his other hand coming to rest on the small of my back as he leads me down the steps and toward my car. Before I realize it, my keys are in his hand and he’s reaching around me to open the door.
“Thank you,” I laugh slightly, “such a gentleman.” I take the keys from his hands as his smile fades. He looks down at me, his brow furrowing slightly as he takes a step toward me. My shoulders are already against my car, so I have nowhere else to go.
“Not if I can help it.” His eyes are dark, focused on my lips.
My eyes drop to where he’s raising his hands, sliding one into my hair as the other comes to my waist. I’m in complete shock, and my heart thuds in my ears as his cologne hits my nose a second before his lips are on mine.
“Open your mouth for me,” he whispers against my lips. I’m about to ask if I’m dreaming, because finally, after years of imagining what this exact moment would feel like, he’s kissing me.
The kiss is soft, wet—almost sweet—before it suddenly turns hungry. His lips cover mine, his tongue sliding between them as he pulls my body against him, the thick, rigid evidence of his arousal pressing into my lower belly.
I’m drowning in ecstasy from a kiss. One single kiss. My toes curl inside my shoes, my hands still at my sides as my body melts against him. I’m not innocent by any means, but I have never been kissed like this by anyone, and if I had to bet, I’ll never be kissed this way again.
I’m seconds away from climbing his rugged, muscular body when he pulls his tongue from my mouth, his lips caressing mine gently two more times before he steps back, his fingers lingering on my chin as he stares down at me.
“I guess one thing hasn’t changed. Good night, Juniper. Have a safe drive back to Boulder.”