Page 92 of A Cup of Autumn
A beat passed. “It’s a long way from…L.A.”
“That’s what planes are for.”
“You’re right. I’d be stupid to turn it down. It’s my dream.”
She had no idea what to say.
Keaton started to speak and then stopped. He held up the bag. “I’d better get the candy for Pippa.”
Raine wasn’t sure how she stepped out of the way when her heart had stopped beating, but she did and kept walking in a daze.
Callie ran up to her. “I’ve been looking for you.”
“Did you know?”
“About?”
“Boston.”
Callie nodded. “Did Keaton tell you?”
“Garrett.”
Callie inhaled sharply. “Are you okay?”
“I’m trying to be. I want him to be happy.”
“He’s happy.”
“Especially now that he’s found his dream job in Boston.” Raine couldn’t keep the sarcasm from her voice.
“I meant he’s happy in Silver Falls,” Callie amended.
“For now, yes. But for how much longer? He’s had the Boo Bash to plan.”
“I’m not talking about the Boo Bash. You—”
“Once again, I’m not a big enough draw. And neither is Silver Falls.”
“You don’t know that.”
“Does your brother seem like a small-town guy?”
“Not at first glance, but you never know.” Callie’s tone was so hopeful. “Besides, the position is temporary. Keaton’s planning to spend Christmas here. He might decide he doesn’t like Boston and prefers Silver Falls.”
He was a sweet guy who’d helped Raine when she needed it most. But a dream was a dream. The chances of him changing his mind… “After my experience with Emmett, I can’t believe that’ll happen.”
Raine didn’t want to say goodbye to Keaton. Not because he helped her or kissed like a dream or tutored college kids for free. She was falling for him. Based on this afternoon’s reaction, she’d fallen without even realizing it. But now that she had, Raine wanted to see where it could go.
“My brother isn’t like Emmett.”
Raine wanted to believe Callie, but… “Then why does it feel like goodbye?”
Chapter Seventeen
For two days,the memory of the hurt on Raine’s face kept Keaton awake at night. If he closed his eyes, she was there. Who was he kidding? Even when his eyes were open, her image was front and center in his mind.
His fault.
