“You can’t let me make a mistake?” She laughed but it was as cold as an arctic blast. “Let me inform you of something, Creedy Hawke. You don’t control me. It’s not your place to let me do anything. I have the right to move on just as much as anyone else does.”
He blinked. “What the hell is going on? Did I miss something?”
“You certainly have.”
“When will you forgive me?”
“Maybe never.”
He growled. “Just so you know, I spoke with Melody earlier. I asked her about the letter and she said she had no clue what I was talking about.”
Her brows scrunched. “So what are you saying? That I lied about writing you?”
“Mindy, that’s not what I’m suggesting.”
“Then what are you saying? Maybe you’re lying. Maybe you knew it was from me and tossed it and you just can’t admit it.”
Slumping his shoulders, he gave his head a jerky shake. “I’m tired of the arguing. Think whatever makes you happy.”
The song ended, he dipped his hat, and left her on the dance floor.
He could have easily stormed back, swept her up into his arms and carried her with him. But he knew he couldn’t force her into anything. If she wanted him, she needed to come to him.
Passing Hamil’s table, Creed bent and said to the man, “She’s all yours, buddy.”
Dipping his hat, Creed strolled through the door and didn’t look back.
Chapter Fifteen
CREED SAT AT his desk at Hawke Landing, looking over quarterly reports for the chartered flights. He rubbed his tired eyes and leaned back in the chair. Stretching his legs and hooking his boots on the corner of the desk, he couldn’t seem to concentrate. After leaving Pelican Hawke, he had jumped in his truck and came to work. He’d called his ma and let her know he wouldn’t he home tonight and to watch Livvy.
He glanced at the clock above the door. It read twelve fifteen. Maybe it was time to call it a night. Turning off the light, he left the office and strolled down to the bunker. Removing his boots and his shirt, he laid down on the bottom bed and relaxed his aching muscles.
Tossing and turning, sleep eluded him although he was dog-tired.
The rain picked up and pelted the tin roof.
Any other night he could have slept a few hours, but tonight he had a lot on his mind.
Images of Mindy filled his cluttered brain.
A craving unlike any other flowed through his veins, making him feel like a madman. He should never have walked out onto the dance floor looking like a foolish dick. Jealousy never looked good on anyone, especially a man his age.
Rolling onto his stomach, he punched the pillow twice and laid his head into the center.
Suddenly the pillow was too soft.
The bed too lumpy.
And his body too hard.
His phone lit up and then dinged from the end of the bed.
He thought about ignoring it, but responsibility made him grab it and read the screen. His heart almost leapt out of his chest. Why was Mindy texting?
Where are you?
He tossed the phone and laid his head back down.
He needed sleep, not another round with the woman who loved to argue.
Two minutes slowly crept by.
Not responding.
Nope. Not happening.
But what if she needs me?
Reaching for the phone he tapped at the keyboard. Where are you?
You’re not allowed to answer a question with a question. M
Just did. C
What’s wrong with you? M
You. You’re what’s wrong with me C. No sense in lying.
I see your car. Open the door. M.
With a growl he pushed off the bed and strolled down the hall to the double glass doors, peering into the darkness. He could see the headlights of a car and a second later the silhouette of someone running toward the doors. Unlocking the door, he held it open for Mindy. By the time she made it inside she was soaked and the car outside had driven away.
“Your ride is leaving,” he muttered.
“It was an Uber.” She shivered.
He almost felt sorry for her until he realized she’d been using his jacket as an umbrella. “Here, you can have this back.” She handed him the dripping coat then he saw the bottle tucked under her shoulder.
“Gee, thanks. Is that why you came out here? To give me my soaked coat back?” He hung it on a hook next to the door. “By the way, how’d you know I was here?”
“I had the driver take me out to the farm. When I didn’t see your truck, I figured I could find you here. You’re always here.” Her hair clung to her wet, rosy cheeks and the shirt had become see-through.
“Why are you here?” he urged.
“I brought an old favorite. Apple whiskey.” She held up the unopened bottle, giving it a little shake.
“You think you need more?” He lifted a brow.
She lowered her eyes to the floor for a brief second. “I guess I was feeling sorry for myself and that’s why I went to Pelican Hawke. I shouldn’t have been so ugly toward you.”
“I know you don’t trust me,” he said. “I guess I deserve some ugliness, but I’m here now, Mindy. Let me be here for you.” His heart was ripping apart.
~~~~~
Mindy wasn’t sure why she’d come, but she was here now, and she couldn’t turn away.
His words made her knees weak. Her inner thighs clenched.
She wanted him. That was honestly why she came.
When he’d walked out of Pelican Hawke, she felt like a part of her had left with him.
It was time they had a heart-to-heart.
“Do you have glasses around here?” First, she needed more liquid therapy.
He smiled, nodded, and motioned
