Chapter 13
Chapter Thirteen
Cassie
Rene stirs her iced tea with a straw, watching me with that sly smile that means she’s about to force me to tell her everything.
“Girl, I’ve never seen you this happy. Spill your secrets.”
I laugh, setting my fork down on my salad plate. “What’s there to spill?”
“There’s a ton to spill. It was my dress, wasn’t it? It changed everything for you.”
“It’s my dress now,” I sigh. “And yes, he liked it, so you’re never getting it back. But Blake and I, we’re umm…just having some fun together.”
“Fun?” She arches a brow. “Honey, I’ve known you for a long time. Fun looks different on you. You’re practically glowing.”
She’s right. I can feel it—the way my heart does little flips just thinking about him.
“Well,” I admit, lowering my voice, “he’s been off duty the last two weeks, so we’ve been taking these little trips.
He took me to Bisbee and brought along a full set of painting supplies for me.
He set them up like it was nothing, so I could paint while he walked around town.
No one’s ever done anything like that for me before. ”
Rene props her chin on her hand, grinning like a fool. “He knows what makes your heart happy.”
“He sure does. Do you know what else he did?” I can’t hold back the giddy laugh, “he dragged me into this amazing art studio and somehow talked the owner into looking at a few of my pieces. The owner took them on consignment. And guess what? They sold! Every single one of them. Not only that, but the store owner called me this morning asking for more!”
Her squeal draws looks from half of the diners. “Cass! That’s huge! You’ve dreamed of this forever.”
“I know.” My chest swells just saying it. “If it keeps up, I might actually be able to save enough to open my own gallery one day.”
She reaches across the table, squeezing my hand. “I think it’s wonderful! You’re so talented. I think everyone should see your art.”
“You’re biased.”
“Maybe,” she shrugs. “But it’s also true. Not only are you a great artist, you’re also one of the most amazing people I’ve ever known. It’s nice to see everything falling into place for you.”
Warmth floods me.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were in love.”
My stomach flips. I glance down at my salad, terrified to say it out loud.
“I…” My throat works around the lump. “I…umm…oh for heaven’s sake, I’m just gonna say it.
I do think I’ve fallen in love with him, Rene.
But it scares me to death. We’ve only known each other for a few weeks.
It’s not normal to fall in love so fast.”
“Sweetheart.” Rene leans in closer, her eyes on mine, “Life doesn’t always follow the rules. Neither does love. If it’s found you, hold on tight, hon. Ride that wave for as long as it will carry you. The ride might be bumpy, it might be scary, but hon, it’ll be the best damn ride of your life.”
I shake my head, almost laughing because it’s true—my life has flipped upside down in weeks.
From a lonely apartment to kisses that leave me breathless.
From canvases collecting dust to art flying off gallery walls.
From telling myself I’d never need anyone…
to wondering how I’m supposed to breathe without Blake in my life.
I pick up my fork to finish my salad when a man at the counter suddenly jumps to his feet.
“That’s downtown Love Canyon!”
My head whips toward the television bolted above the counter. A shaky camera feed shows flashing police lights, yellow tape, and a swirl of chaos. Then I see him—broad shoulders. Dark hair clipped close. A profile I’d know anywhere.
Blake.
He’s moving fast with his gun drawn, barking orders I can’t hear over the roar in my ears.
“That’s Blake,” I whisper, gripping Rene’s hand so tight she winces.
“What’s happening?” she demands from the man at the counter.
“Domestic dispute gone bad,” he answers grimly. “Some disturbed father’s using his own kid as a shield, refusing to come out. Cops are trying to talk him down.”
I can’t breathe. My chest is locked. On-screen, Blake moves closer, and then—
Gunfire.
The sound is deafening even through the television speakers. My whole body jerks, tears burning hot down my cheeks.
The feed cuts to black.
“We’ve lost our camera connection,” the news anchor says, his face somber, his voice flat. “We’re waiting for updates and will give them to you as soon as we get them, but what we can confirm at this time is that Officer Blake Donovan from the Love Canyon Police Department has been shot.”
The words slice through me like glass.
My fork clatters to the floor.
“No,” I whisper, shaking my head, my heart splintering in my chest. “No, no, no…”
Please God, not Blake.