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The parallels to the accident that changed my life forever were too strikingly similar and left me feeling rattled and vulnerable as a result.
“Everyone needs a friend to feel a sense of connection, someone to share not only the highs and lows with but celebrate life’s triumphs and hold our hand in times of sadness or heartache. I learned fifteen years ago that every day is a gift, and while we can’t always control one minute to the next, people come in and out of our lives for a reason. While I don’t know your why or what brought you to our little town, I understand you needed an escape.”
I dropped my chin to my chest and stared at our feet, fearing he’d see just how right he was in my eyes.
“I get you’re private. I am, too, for the most part. Although that’s a tall order when you grow up in a small town. However, I can promise you, you’re safe with me, and not just because of my job, but also my principles. Every relationship, whether it be friendship or something more, starts with building a foundation; without it, trust can’t be built. And honestly, I don’t think it really struck me just how imperative that was until now. Trust is to be earned, not expected.”
“If only I’d gotten that memo earlier in life, I probably wouldn’t be standing here.”
“As much as it pains me to know you’ve been hurt or wronged in the past, selfishly speaking, I, for one, am glad you’re here.”
If I were honest with myself and him, I was glad I was here too, even though it felt like an assembly of butterflies had converged in the hollow of my stomach before taking flight, leaving me feeling somewhat off-kilter.
“When I’m not on shift, I’m at one of my rentals working, puttering, keeping my mind busy, but for the first time in a long time, if ever, I find myself enjoying the company of having a woman who isn’t my sister around to bust my chops.”
“So, you’re saying I should allow you to be my friend because you’re lonely?” I couldn’t help the wisp of air that crossed my lips in a half laugh. “I’m just a barrel of monkeys, aren’t I?”
“Nah, you’re a woman who needs to learn not to be so hard on herself. Sure, you had a shitty day, but don’t let that diminish the fact that you walked away from a nasty car crash. You survived, and that is the key takeaway.”
I pulled the corner of my lip between my teeth, working to suppress the sadness that lurked just below the surface, and dropped my eyes to his chest before he tilted my chin up with his knuckle, forcing our eye contact.
“Don’t do that.”
“Do what?”
“Shy away and shut down while you try to shield your emotions.”
“I hate this feeling.”
“And what feeling is that?”
“Being vulnerable, weak—”
“Hey, now stop. Any weakness can be turned into a strength. It’s all in the approach and your mindset. Think of it as a learning opportunity to grow, but you are far from weak from where I stand, Lakelyn.”
“You’re kind for saying that, but if you knew my past, you wouldn’t be so quick to make that assessment.”
“True, but from what I’ve seen, you’ve got lady balls of steel. You moved here on your own, not knowing a soul; that in and of itself takes courage. You were full of sass and defiance the night I pulled you over; you didn’t fake cry or feign innocence while flaunting your curves—”
“So, not the stereotype?”
“You’re far from it.”
“So, you’re a cop, house renovator, and a supplier of motivational speeches.” I smirked.
“I’m a Jack of all trades, I tell ya!”
“A full-service kind of guy.” The moment the words crossed my lips, I realized the innuendo.
“Oh, you have no idea.” He winked before subtly brushing past me, leaving my mind to race with possibilities of what I’d just gotten myself into.
Chapter10
Lakelyn
As I stood outside of Boden’s house, I found myself besieged with second thoughts, and if judging by the sad display of the cookies I’d baked as an apology were of any indication, it was clear my head was a mess.
I took a step backward as my indecision weighed heavily.
