Waiting to Love You: A Secret Baby Small Town Romance

1. Seth

“Why am I doing this again?” I mumble as I make my way down Main Street.

“Because my friends are your friends.” Brady smiles, slapping me hard on the back before turning his attention back out the window.

Brady and I have been practically inseparable since they placed us in the same bunk about five years ago. On the surface, Brady and I have nothing in common. He’s from Tyson’s Creek, has two parents who practically adore him, and the support of an entire town around him. I chuckle to myself as I remember the first time I came home with Brady while on leave after deployment. The entire town was decked out in American flags with signs welcoming their local hero home. We couldn’t go anywhere in town without someone wanting to shake his hand and ask him how he was doing.

At first, it made me uncomfortable, but after coming back to visit a few times, I understood that this was just how the townspeople were. They took care of their own, for better or worse. They were more like one enormous family instead of a town. Everyone looked out for each other and wanted the best for every person who came into town. That’s something I’ve never had before, especially growing up in the foster care system.

“And why is that again?” I snicker, knowing that everyone probably asks him the same thing after meeting me.

Brady is outgoing. The guy loves to be around other people, while I’m the quiet type, who would rather bury my nose in a book than go out and party—his polar opposite. But somehow, he got it into his head that we were going to be the best of friends and wore me down until I agreed. Being friends with Brady has brought me a peace that I haven’t known since my parents died, not that I would tell him that. His acceptance of me and all my issues has made it easier to breathe over the past few years.

“Because you love me. But mostly because my momma makes the best smothered pork chops, which she makes you every time you come to visit.”

“True. I am very food motivated.” I laugh as we make our way toward the center of town.

The streets are lined with people, but no one is rushing around or in a hurry to get anywhere. Tyson’s Creek looks exactly like you’d envision a small southern town being. There are a few mom-and-pop shops lining the street and no major chain stores in sight. As I make my way down the familiar street of my second home, I notice someone changing the marquee on the only movie theater in town, The Flickhouse. There’s a small bookstore tucked right next to it, with Tyson’s Hardware on the other side. Across the street from the theater is Just the Drip, a small bakery and coffee shop combo, which is the place to be in Tyson’s Creek. There are tables scattered in front filled with people, the peach-colored umbrellas open and casting shade over each table to protect the occupants from the sun.

“Pull in right there,” Brady points to what seems to be an empty store a few feet away from Just the Drip. “Walker and Riggs said they’d meet us here.”

“Where is here, exactly? This place looks deserted,” I question as I turn off the car and we both climb out.

“This is where the studio is going to be, but it’s not open yet. Walker said something about Bristol needing to do some practice classes or something to get her certification,” Brady replies as his phone chimes in his pocket, and he pulls it out. “It seems Walker and Riggs are running late, but Bristol should be inside. They said to go on in.”

“If you say so,” I respond skeptically as we approach the storefront.

The entire front is covered in windows, allowing natural light to fill the space. As we get closer, I notice the outline sketch of a logo on the front door with the words Nurture Space Yoga Studio outlined in black in a serif-type font. “Someone needs to get a better sign if they plan on bringing in more business,” I mumble to myself as I pull open the door and motion for Brady to head inside first.

The space is larger than I expected as we enter a small waiting room off to the right. There is a small desk tucked into the corner, with a small computer screen and a few succulent plants sitting on the edge. The walls are painted a calming shade of green, with light-colored wooden boxes strategically placed near the door for easy access. Inside each box appears to be an assortment of yoga mats filling each one. Directly below the boxes on the wall is a two-tiered wooden shelf, about the same size as the desk. Each shelf is filled with neatly rolled white towels, and a fancy water dispenser sits on the top of it, surrounded by more plants.

“Nice place,” I say before taking a seat in a chair positioned under the windows as I continue to examine the rest of the studio.

Directly across from the seating area is what can be best described as a shoe storage cubby bench to keep everyone’s shoes organized before walking through the small glass door to enter the studio. There is a large cutout in the wall above the bench, giving us the perfect view into the studio.

The entire back wall is covered in windows, with natural light reaching almost every corner of the room. There is a breathtaking view of the same hills that are on the outskirts of Tyson’s Creek. There are several houses sprinkled in the distance, and I notice a small wooden bridge that likely leads to another part of town.

A soft breeze brushes against my skin, causing me to turn toward the door. Walker and Riggs come strolling inside.

“Next time, I’ll drive. You drive like a damn grandma.” Riggs snickers as he gives Brady a one-armed hug before reaching down and giving my shoulder a squeeze.

“I drive at a safe speed, not like a man with a death wish like you do.” Walker walks into the reception area behind Riggs. “If you wouldn’t have overslept, none of this would’ve happened.”

I met Walker and Riggs the first time I came home with Brady to visit his family. Riggs seems to be the least serious of the two, choosing to waste his days giving Walker’s sister, Leia, a hard time instead of just telling her how much she means to him.

“Stacy wore me out last night. What can I say?” Riggs chimes in, causing me to shake my head in disapproval.

We all know how Riggs feels about Leia and has for years. Although I’ve only known him for a few years, I can see the way his entire face lights up the moment she walks into a room and how he orbits around her like she is the sun. However, whenever they’re in the same room with each other, he riles her up. Choosing to push her buttons with his sarcastic comments and sexual innuendos instead of sincerely letting her know how he feels.

Walker says this has been going on for years, ever since they all became friends as kids. While Brady and Walker had a perfect childhood, Riggs wasn’t so lucky. I don’t know much about his past, just that he swears he can’t be with Leia because she’s too good for him. I don’t know how he still believes this, especially with Walker doing everything he can to push the two of them together.

“Cut the act, Riggs. We all know you sat at home, searching for a way to get into Leia’s good graces,” Brady reaches for Walker’s hand and gives it a firm shake.

“I did not,” Riggs grumbles, running his hand through his dark-colored hair. “In all honesty, I slept through my alarm.”

“Dreaming about my sister?” Walker questions, his expression calmer than I would expect when talking about his friend’s feelings for his baby sister. I don’t have any siblings, but if I did, I doubt I’d be so calm if someone was dreaming about my little sister.

“Maybe.” Riggs winks at Walker before dropping into the seat beside me. “So, why exactly am I here again?”

“Didn’t he tell you we were taking a yoga class?” I ask, turning my body towards him. My eyes flick toward Brady and Walker standing a few feet away, deep in conversation.

“He may have, but the only thing I heard was Leia’s name, and I agreed immediately,” Riggs’ eyes flicking toward the back of the studio like he’s searching for someone.

“She isn’t here, man. She had to take my dad to the doctor,” Walker chimes in as Riggs’s shoulders sag slightly.

“Damn, you have it bad.” I snicker, clapping him hard on the shoulder. “Maybe if you stopped acting like a five-year-old, she might give you the time of day.”

“I’ve been in love with Leia Armstrong since we were kids. I made one mistake and instantly ended up on the top of her shit list. A place I’ve remained to this day.”

“What the fuck did you do to Leia to earn that position? And why the hell haven’t you kicked his ass for pissing your sister off that badly?” I question, wondering why I never asked this same question in the years that I’ve known them.

“Oh, I kicked his ass, all right, but then I got over it. Riggs is an idiot and has some weird idea that Leia would be miserable if they were together. However, that hasn’t stopped him from pining after her all these years either.”

“Yes, you did.” Riggs chuckles, gripping the back of his neck. His eyes look slightly unfocused, as if he’s lost in the memory of what happened. “He broke my nose, and I had two bruised ribs, but I deserved it.”

“You did, but that doesn’t mean she’ll never forgive you. You just need to explain things to her. I’m sure she’ll understand that you aren’t the same person you were back then.”

“I wish it were that easy.” Riggs scoffs before pushing to his feet and changing the subject. “When are we going to get this party started? Crawdaddy’s is calling our name.”

“Crawdaddy’s?” I question as my eyes narrow in my friends’ direction. “Strange name for a bar.”

“You’re in a town sitting right near the Tennessee/Alabama border, the home of the crawdad. It’s also Beckett’s pride and joy,” Brady smiles proudly. “That place makes the best crawfish dishes in the area, hence how it got its name.”

“It’s also the best place in town to grab a cheap beer and focus on something other than how much is going on in your life.” Riggs throws his arm over my shoulder motioning his chin toward Brady and Walker.“ We try to stop by whenever we’re into town. It has a great atmosphere. Definitely a good place to unwind after a long day.

“Bristol is here somewhere, probably in the back doing something.” Walker strolls through the glass door and into the open studio area before turning left and opening a door.

“Crawdaddy’s is a good idea. I’ve been dying for one of Beckett’s famous burgers,” I respond, my mouth beginning to water.

“I could go for a good local microbrew. The shit they usually have at the bar on base tastes like piss,” Brady chimes in, causing Riggs and me to laugh loudly.

We barely get our laughter under control before Brady shifts his attention over my head, a bright smile blooming on his face. “Look who finally graced us with their presence.”

“I was in the back the whole time with my headphones in. There’s no way I wouldn’t have heard your big mouth otherwise.”

I turn my attention toward the voice and freeze, my eyes connecting with the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on. Her red hair lays over her shoulder in an intricate braid, with a few stray tendrils of hair framing her face. As she comes closer, I notice there are streaks of blonde in her hair brought out by the halo of sunlight behind her head. My eyes continue to wander down her body, taking in the fitted green top covering her curvy frame and the way her apple bottom fills out a pair of black yoga pants. Images of sinking my teeth into that ass as I take her from behind fill my mind, creating a rising problem in my pants.

Her face lights with happiness as she throws her arms around Brady’s neck and squeezes tightly. He chuckles softly, lifting her in the air before placing her feet back on the floor. She doesn’t even get a second to breathe before Riggs wraps her in his arms and spins her around, causing her to let out peals of laughter. Jealousy shoots through my veins as I jump to my feet, my entire being vibrating with the need to rip her from Riggs’s arms. I’ve never had this reaction to a woman before, let alone one I just met, but my body is moving before I stop myself. I have no idea who she is, but I plan on remedying that as soon as possible and learning everything about her.

Unable to contain my desire to meet this woman, I step between her and Riggs, causing her to take a step back.

“Hello,” she replies as she raises her eyebrow in question.

“Hi,” I reply awkwardly, suddenly at a loss for words. Flecks of gold sparkle in her emerald-green eyes as she looks me up and down, probably making many assumptions about me and my manners.

I hold out my hand, shoving it in her direction. “Hello. I’m Seth.”

The gruff sound of my voice surprises me as I clear my throat loudly, causing all three of my friends to snicker softly. I’ve always been slightly socially awkward, but this time it’s different. It’s like I’ve forgotten how to speak. Words are stuck in my throat as I try to make sense of what is happening right now. I’ve never been a person who believes in love at first sight, but right now, I do.

“Hi, I’m Bristol,” she responds tentatively as she looks down at my outstretched hand before grasping it in hers.

As soon as our skin connects, an electric current sizzles up my arm. Her eyes widen in surprise as she pulls her lip between her teeth. The two of us remain standing there, frozen, staring at each other. My heart aches as my hand moves on its own, brushing along her cheek. Her eyes drift closed as she leans into my touch, a soft sigh escaping her lips as I tuck a stray piece of her hair behind her ear. We stare at each other, neither of us moving, trapped in each other’s gaze until Brady clears his throat and breaks the spell.

He gives her his trademark grin. “Excuse him, Bristol. This is my friend, Seth; we are in the same unit together.”

Bristol’s demeanor immediately changes, her eyes hardening in my direction before plastering on a fake smile. “Nice to meet you, Seth. Are you guys ready to get started?”

“Sure thing. Lead the way, darlin’,” I motion toward the glass door separating the waiting area from the main studio. She flashes me a tight smile before spinning on her heels and walking through the glass door.

“What the hell just happened?” Brady’s eyes are focused on her retreating form.

“I don’t know, but the temperature in the room dropped by a thousand degrees the minute Brady said you were his friend,” Riggs retorts, a confused look crossing his face.

“Do you and Bristol have something going on?” I growl, my fists tightening at my side.

“Calm down, Seth. Bristol and I are just friends, nothing more. What did you do to piss her off that quickly? You only said three words to her.”

Riggs and Brady are right. I highly doubt that I could have done anything, but there must be a reason for her sudden change in behavior. I just don’t understand why she would shut down so quickly after hearing Brady and I are friends. Does she have a thing for Brady he doesn’t know about? Is it because I’m in the military? No, that can’t be it, especially with how she reacted to Brady.

Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Bristol moving around the studio, laying four beige-colored yoga mats on the floor as she gets ready to start our class. “I’m not sure, but she doesn’t seem like she wants to talk about it right now.”

I take a step forward to enter the studio but feel someone tugging on my arm. I turn to find Walker eyeing me skeptically.

“What?”

“You need to tread lightly with her, Seth,” Walker warns as he releases my arm, his eyebrows pulled down in concern as he examines my face. “Bristol is Leia’s best friend from college, but…” he begins, but shakes his head. “Never mind, just be careful, okay?”

Walker strolls past me and into the studio, Riggs right on his heels. Brady gives me a slap on the back. “Don’t think too much about it. Talk to her and ask what her deal is, then we can proceed from there.”

My eyes instantly shift to Bristol again, a soft sigh escaping my lips, which causes Brady to laugh. “You’re hooked, aren’t you?”

I pause for a moment and consider what he just said. Am I hooked on a girl that I’ve never laid eyes on before today? I don’t know, but I do know one thing. If there’s one woman I would trade my little black book in for, it would be her.

I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts before shrugging my shoulders. “There’s just something about her that calls to me.”

“That’s always how it starts.” Brady squeezes my shoulder before shoving me softly toward the door. “Let’s make it through this class, then you can ask her if she wants to come to Crawdaddy’s with all of us.”

“Good plan,” I respond before walking through the door and taking a mat right next to Riggs.

Bristol is all business. She immediately shows us the right way to perform various stretching poses. Soft classical music plays in the background as she shows four grown men the right way to stand and stretch their muscles before finishing the class with a short meditation.

“Thank you for attending my class today. I hope you leave a little more relaxed than when you arrived,” Bristol says cheerfully as my eyes open and flick toward her.

She’s in the front of the room, her legs tucked beneath her, as she smiles brightly at Brady, Walker, and Riggs. The moment her eyes lock with mine, her smile disappears, and she pushes to her feet.

“You can leave the mats where they are. I need to wipe them down before putting them away,” Bristol says over her shoulder before disappearing into a small room tucked into the back corner of the studio.

“Seth can help you. Then you can meet the four of us at Crawdaddy’s to celebrate a successful class,” Brady shouts loud enough for her to hear him.

“That’s okay. I can handle it. Besides, I have plans to meet up with Leia after this, anyway.”

“Leia is meeting us there, too,” Walker pulls out his phone, winking in my direction. “Does an hour sound good?”

“Sure.” Bristol sighs as she comes strolling out of the room, a small spray bottle full of a clear liquid and a roll of paper towels in her hand. “That gives me enough time to shower and head over there.”

Walker says something to Brady before clapping him on the shoulder and striding through the open door.

“Since Seth is staying to help you clean up, I’m gonna catch a ride with Riggs and Walker.” Brady turns on his heels and hurries after Walker, likely afraid of getting left more than anything.

“See you two later.” Riggs winks in our direction before following the other two men out of the room. I hear the small bell above the door chime softly as they exit the building.

“Just spray this liquid on the mats and then wipe it off. I’m going to make sure everything is locked up before turning off the air. Shouldn’t take me too long.”

“No problem, darlin’,” I reply, with a little more twang in my voice than usual. I reach for the bottle, and my fingers brush against hers. Another zing of electricity shoots up my arm as Bristol’s cheeks turn a delicious shade of pink.

“There’s no need for any of this, Seth. I’m not interested in whatever it is you want,” she mutters, taking a step away from me.

“I don’t believe that one bit, Bristol.”

“And why is that?”

“I know we just met, but you have to admit there’s something here between us. It might be nothing, but it might also be everything. I only want a chance to find out.”

“I can’t.” She turns to leave, but I grip her arm, pulling her to a stop.

“Why?”

“Why? Can’t you take no for an answer?” she huffs, wrapping her arms around her waist as if she’s trying to protect herself from some unknown threat. Her eyes remain focused on a spot on the floor, and my heart aches at the thought of not being able to catch another glimpse of her beautiful eyes. My hand moves on its own, resting my finger below her chin and forcing her to look at me.

“You haven’t actually told me no yet, darlin’.” I grin, my eyes searching her face for any hint as to why she’s fighting so hard to resist the connection between us.

“You’re a Marine,” she blurts out, taking a step away from me and turning around. “I refuse to tie myself to a man who will come in and out of my life every few months. Been there, done that.”

“But…” I begin, wanting to tell her that the separation is only temporary. The end of my contract is coming after our next deployment. We can take our time finding out where things might go between us and then decide together whether this is something worth pursuing, but I don’t get a chance. Bristol immediately cuts me off.

“But nothing, Seth,” she snaps, not even bothering to turn around. “Thanks for offering to help me clean up after class, but I got it from here.”

I open my mouth to say something but decide against it. My mind is racing with a million questions, wanting to know who hurt her so badly that she doesn’t even want to take a chance to see where things would lead with me.

“See you at Crawdaddy’s, darlin’,” I mutter, planting a soft kiss on the back of her head before turning on my heels and striding out the door.

I know in my heart that there is something between Bristol and me. I just need to figure out how to help her see how good we can be together. I’m only going to be a Marine for another two years, and then, who knows? Right now, the only other thing I want to be is hers.