Did Hadley have a history like mine? Could she understand a bit of what I’d experienced? She seemed so much younger than me when I met her, yet when she talked, she seemed wiser. What had she endured that she’d learned to appreciate the little things?
I’d always wanted the next big thing, marriage, house, and kids. After Caroline’s diagnosis, other things mattered, holding her hand for one more day, waking up in your bed and not the hospital, cooking and feeding her food she could taste, and a home free of nurses, family members, and caregivers. I’d taken the small things for granted.
Hadley’s eyes locked on mine. It was like she could see everything I’d kept hidden—every emotion, every experience, everything. She saw inside me. No one saw or understood the depth of what I went through. Even my family members who were with me. Could Hadley? I had this sudden and overwhelming realization that out of anyone, she could. It was ridiculous because we’d only just met.
“I’m heading out.” Nolan grabbed the bill.
Looking around the table, everyone had finished eating.
“I could have gotten that.” I reached for it.
“I got it. Don’t worry about it.” Then Nolan winked. “You can get the next one.”
He wanted me to come out and do this again. I’d enjoyed dinner because Hadley was here. “We’ll see.”
“You don’t have to get our dinner. We should be getting yours.” Avery pulled out some bills from her wallet. “At least let me pay for the tip.”
“Go for it.” Nolan pushed the billfold to the end of the table. Avery tucked a few bills inside.
“I need to get going too. I have all day depositions tomorrow.” Dylan stood.
Everyone stood then, gathering their things to leave.
“I’m coming to your house tomorrow to continue demo.” Nolan shrugged his jacket over his shoulders.
“I could use the help.” We walked toward the door.
When we stepped onto the sidewalk, Avery, Dylan, and Nolan stepped to the right.
“Hadley, I’ll see you Monday. I’m parked this direction,” Avery said.
“I am too.” Dylan stood next to her.
“I’m going that way. I’ll walk with you,” Nolan said. We said our goodbyes. Nolan winked at me before following the girls.
“Were we set up?” Hadley shot me an amused look.
I shrugged because it sure looked that way.
“I walked,” Hadley said, making no move to leave.
“It’s dark. I can drive you home.”
Hadley’s face pinched. “I kind of wanted to check out the harbor. I haven’t seen it yet.”
“Then let’s go.” I wasn’t sure if she wanted to spend more time with me or if she originally intended to see the harbor tonight. My heart soared with the idea of spending time with her outside the studio.
When we turned to the left to walk the few blocks to the harbor, the crowd was thicker with people enjoying the warm evening. “Take my elbow. I don’t want you to get lost.”
She placed her hand on my elbow, the warmth of her fingers seeping through my skin, warming me. We crossed the street toward the dock that ran along the waterfront.
“You surprise me.”
“How so?” I glanced down at Hadley. Her hair blew behind her in the breeze and her eyes reflected the light from the overhead street posts.
“When we first met, I got this vibe from you—don’t come close, don’t ask too many questions, and don’t touch.” Her voice was soft, as if she was afraid to tell me the truth.
“You got all of that from one meeting?” Her assumptions didn’t surprise me. That was the vibe I intended to give off.
“I’ve never met someone who was so obvious. I wanted to ask you why, but it’s not my place. Each time I’ve seen you since then, you’ve seemed a little better, lighter if that makes sense. I was surprised to see you at the bar tonight.”
“I haven’t been out—” I almost said since Caroline died, but I stopped myself. “In a while. Nolan finally dragged me out. I didn’t think it was a good idea at first but—”
“Then I showed up and it was easier?” Hadley smiled.
“Yeah.” It had been. I didn’t know if it was hanging out with someone who didn’t know my past. Someone who didn’t walk on eggshells waiting for me to break. Or if it was her.
“I’m glad.” She squeezed my elbow, not pressing me for more details. She was in the moment with me.
Chapter Twelve
Hadley
I couldn’t believe it when I saw Cade at that bar. He was so handsome in his flannel shirt—that appeared soft to touch—rolled up to reveal muscular forearms, worn jeans, and boots.
I intended to walk over to him, to say hello, then leave him to his evening. I waited while they finished giving their order to the bartender, admiring the strong line of his jaw and the way his Adam’s apple bobbed when he swallowed. His blue eyes landed on me, sending a zing through my body. Being so close to him made me feel fizzy inside—as if I’d been shaken like a soda can, waiting for the right person to pull my tab.
Cade’s brother bore a striking resemblance to him. He was a couple of inches shorter, a little stockier, and more easygoing than Cade. I never expected Nolan to invite us to dinner or that Cade would agree.
This unexpected time alone was a chance to get to know him better. We walked among the tourists on the dock until we reached the park at the water. It was a large brick patio with boats tied along the edge to the dock. Large flowerpots hung from street posts and benches were scattered over the space filled with couples and families. It reminded me of New Orleans and home.
“Want to sit?” Cade led me to a vacant bench.
“Sure.” I let go of his elbow to sit next to him, immediately missing the contact. His legs were sprawled wide as he leaned back in
