I'm supposed to know better, but instead of making myself forget him I ended up doing the opposite, just tossing and turning in my bed while memories of our last moments together play endlessly in my mind.
When I showed him my ring last night, a part of me was expecting him to do either of two things: blow me off...or blow up in rage.
But instead he had said rather simply, "I'll see you tomorrow."
And that was it.
Four words that could've meant nothing or everything, and even though hours had already passed since I watched him drive away, those words still have me emotionally paralyzed.
I'm sure he knows what my ring means.
So why say those words?
I just don't get it. I just don't get him. And while I know I should simply leave it at that and get on with my life...
"Good morning, Bettina." I beam widely at the younger girl as soon as I reach the reception desk, and Bettina's worried expression turns into one of relief.
"I hope you had a pleasant sleep, Ms. Edison."
"I did, absolutely," I have no qualms about lying. "And I'm sorry again for checking in so late—-"
Bettina quickly shakes her head. "We always welcome guests," she says firmly, "no matter what."
"That's so sweet of you." I take a deep breath after this, knowing that the time has come to find a way to steer the conversation towards...
"I'm just glad Chief Blackwood found you the way he did last night."
That.
"You must've been awful frightened," Bettina says earnestly, "when you were stuck in the snow like that—-"
"I was terrified," I hear myself admit.
"Even though it was just a snowstorm."
"Uh..." What is it with these people about snowstorms and blizzards? Weren't they the same freaking thing?
"Chief Blackwood actually called earlier," Bettina goes on to say. "He wanted to make sure you're okay."
It's the cue I've been waiting for, and I clear my throat, saying, "Well, about that..."
Don't do it, Raffi.
It's the last bit of rationality I have remaining inside of me, and it's on its knees, begging me to reconsider even though I've yet to say anything definitive.
Don't. Do. It.
Just begging me not to be stupid and reminding me that I still have a chance to turn my back on temptation and hold on to my sanity.
One last chance...
But instead I hear myself say, "I was hoping to thank Wy—-I mean, Chief Blackwood in person for his help last night, so..."
Last chance, Raffi!
"Do you think you could give me directions to the police station?"
REDWOOD CAFE, Bettina told me earlier, was my best bet at finding the chief. It's part of his morning routine apparently, and since the place is a ten-minute walk from here, I take my phone out, intending to do some work except...
Riiiight.
I keep forgetting the whole of Hartland is just one giant dead spot, and I can only shake my head while tapping the Messages app. No point checking my emails, but maybe there are texts I can answer, and sure enough there's one unread message waiting for me...which happens to be from Jack.
You don't belong there. Your life is here. With me.
Jack and I have been going out for over two years now, and from the very start, he's been the one and only thing I want in a guy: someone I can trust not to dump me for the next pretty little thing that comes his way. I know I'm lucky to have someone like him, but...whoa.
My steps crash to a halt. I've finally reached Redwood Cafe, and the first thing I see through its windows is Wyoming Keanu—-
I mean, Aidan.
I really should start thinking of him as Aidan now, especially since there seems to be...another Aidan?
The third guy in their table notices me staring, and seeing him tap Aidan on the shoulder snaps me out of my shock. I look away quickly, but my mind goes blank just as I spin around and prepare to leave. Where exactly do I go from here—-
"Serafina?"
My senses come wildly alive at the deep sound of his voice, and my stomach flips over as Aidan comes into my view a moment later. He's dressed in his uniform this time, and holy cowabunga, but he looks seriously hot in it. I've never been the type to dig men in uniform, but Aidan is definitely making me want to get arrested. Power and authority totally suits him, and...the glint in Chief Blackwood's eyes tells me he totally knows it.
I wrinkle my nose at him, knowing there's no point denying the undeniable. "I'm sorry for staring."
"Stare as long as you like, baby."
What did he just call me?
"You know I'm all yours."
My heart trips, and even though he's making me want to throw myself at him, I control myself and glower at Aidan instead. "Not funny."
But he only smiles at this and instead adds, "When my brother told me there was a girl outside the cafe staring at me—-"
Wonderful. Just absolutely wonderful.
"I was hoping it would be you."
"You mean, you knew it would be me."
He simply smiles at this, and it's finally dawning on me that this is Aidan's way of politely disregarding what he doesn't care to respond to.
Aidan suddenly steps towards me, and I have to fight against the urge to step back.
"You look like you've had a bad night," Aidan comments.
"You look great, too, thanks," I say sarcastically.
"Did thoughts of me keep you from sleeping?"
I sputter in shock, and his dark gaze gleams. "Happy to have kept you company."
Oh, for heaven's sake.
Since I'm totally unwilling to touch that even with a ten-foot pole, it's my turn to change the subject, and I ask Aidan about my car.
"It's already at the repair shop. You should have it back in a day or two."
I'm a little stunned. "That long?" I seem to recall him saying that snow tires were my only problem, but maybe something else was wrong with my rental. "Do I need to contact its owner?"
"The shop will handle it," Aidan assures me. "There's nothing for you to worry about."
"But—-"
"But if you need a ride in the meantime..."
I manage to pretend I'm irritated, but inside I'm just flailing like a headless chicken at the all-too-sexy sight of his smirk. "Thanks, but no—-"
Aidan gestures to the cafe, asking, "Would you like to join me and my brothers?"
I can't help glancing back at the cafe, and I'm startled to find said brothers watching us with interest. "Um—-"
"Come on."
Aidan reaches for my hand as he speaks, and my heart skips a beat as he twines his fingers with mine.
I know, God. I know.
What I'm doing isn't right, and the day will come when I'll pay for it. But when Aidan starts leading me inside the cafe, I still find myself walking meekly by his side.
The interior of Redwood Cafe is a picturesque mix of cozy and industrial, with its rustic brick walls and polished concrete flooring. There are also wreaths on every table in honor of the holidays as well as glittery gold and red snowflakes hanging from the ceiling.