 
### Table of Contents

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Mad About Matt

Copyright

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Sneak Peek of Crushing on Kate

Other Books by Theresa

Become a Townie

Acknowledgements

About the Author
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COPYRIGHT

All rights reserved.

Printed in the United States of America.

No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval systems, without prior written permission of the author except where permitted by law.

Published by TMP Books Inc.

Copyright March 2017

Edited by CookieLynn Publishing Services

Cover Design by Amanda Walker PA and Design Services

The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious.

Any similarity to real persons, living or dead is coincidental and not intended by the author.
Dedicated to my Mom

who insisted I follow my heart and not worry about the rest.

# Chapter 1

Growing up the oldest of six, Matt Hayes knew a thing or two about all the places teens went in Red Maple Falls to break the law. It might have been seventeen years since he graduated high school, but other than the clothing and hairstyles, not much else had changed. So, when he slowed his patrol car to a stop on the outskirts of the old barn on Chestnut, he already knew the source of Ms. Wilkinson's noise complaint.

With a population of nine-hundred-and-twenty-two, there wasn't much crime. Every now and again there would be a domestic dispute up at the old Wheeler cabin or Old Man Simpson driving his tractor drunk down Main Street in no more than his underwear, but nothing ever life threatening or earth shattering. Nothing like the big city cops who dealt with armed robberies and gun-wielding criminals on a daily basis.

It was small town life, and Matt wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. He loved knowing the address of every person in town. Loved that his entire family was close by--with the exception of his baby sister, who was currently chasing her dreams in New York City and his younger brother, who was backpacking across Europe. He even loved that his best friend from childhood was the local fire chief. Matt was what the locals called a "lifer." He was born in Red Maple Falls, and he would die there... and he would do so with not a single regret.

He grabbed his flashlight and headed toward the abandoned barn. Music and chatter echoed through the night like a guiding path that brought him directly to the main doors. The padlock he placed on it a few weeks ago was lying broken on the ground.

It's not that he was too old to know there wasn't much for a teen to do in Red Maple Falls on a Saturday night, but this barn wasn't exactly the safest place to hang out. The beams were rotted, the foundation cracked, and it was full of rusting farm equipment that would cause more than a scratch and a need for a tetanus shot.

He stepped through the door and held up his flashlight, not expecting a frenzied panic to ensue. The word sheriff was whispered like a swear word from both directions as the sound of swift movements and clanking bottles joined the mix.

"Freeze!" he called out to the shadows dodging into the darker corners of the barn.

He mentally shook his head. Kids. Did they really think they'd be able to hide, and he would just leave? It was his job not only to protect the town of Red Maple Falls, but also its citizens.

"If you come out right now, I won't personally escort each one of you home to your parents," he said, knowing that threat would work for most of the town's young adults.

Slowly, and not without a few heated whispers, the shadows materialized. Shelly Grist was first to step forward. Her usual fair skin was brightened red as she cast her eyes to the ground. She fidgeted with her hands and shifted awkwardly from one foot to the other.

Carrie Fleming was next, followed by Greg Atman. They stood next to Shelly in the same awkward stance. Al Ruiz and Henry Lutz joined them shortly after. Jake Johns stepped out last, his shoulders set back with way too much attitude for a kid his age.

Everyone in town knew Jake's story, and Matt felt sorry for him even if he knew that would be the last thing Jake Johns would ever want from anyone. He was a tough kid, smart too, but he was slowly self-destructing, and there was little anyone could do to help.

Once all the kids were lined up in front of him, Matt urged them to get out of the barn. The structure had stood for a hundred years, but he wasn't taking any chances. There was a reason for the no trespassing signs.

He flashed his light on those very signs. "Can you read that?" he asked the group.

The girls and Al nodded, Greg gave a quick yep, and Henry shrugged.

"Are you insinuating we can't read?" Jake asked with his usual tough guy tone.

"Jake, stop." Carrie grabbed his hand and tried to pull him back with the rest of the kids. There was a sparkle in his eyes when he looked at her, but he quickly shook his hand free from her grip and stood on his own.

Matt had seen that sparkle many times in the eyes of his two brothers and also the poor saps who dated his sisters. Jake Johns, Red Maple Falls rising bad boy, had it bad for sweet Carrie Fleming. It was information Matt could use to his advantage.

"I'd listen to the lady," Matt said, locking his gaze with Jake's. "You might not care about having the Sheriff escort you home, but I'd wager she does." Matt glanced over to Carrie. "Am I right?"

"Yes," she said softly and Jake's eyes dropped to the ground. His shoulders slumped forward and he let out a loud exhale, as if the realization that he would let her down weighed heavily on him.

Matt sympathized with the kid. Once upon a time, he knew what it was like to love a girl who was out of his league. If Jake was lucky, he'd make a run for it before he got in too deep and his heart was broken beyond repair.

"We weren't doing anything wrong," Jake stated.

"Never said you were, but this building is condemned for a reason. Trust me, I know there's not a lot of places to go around here, but I don't want to see any of you getting hurt. So please do me a favor, and stay out of the old barn."

He received a collective nod, even Jake who stepped back to stand next to Carrie. Matt scanned his flashlight across the property and toward his police cruiser. "I don't see any cars, so is it safe to say you walked here?"

"Yes, sir," Carrie answered. "We cut through the woods from my house."

"Then head on back." He motioned his flashlight toward the large expanse of trees lining the property. The teens hesitated for a moment then began to move. "And another thing," Matt called out. "If I catch any of you drinking and driving, I won't be so nice. You got that?"

The group nodded.

"Good. You can go now."

They hurried off toward the trees. Born and raised in these parts, the woods were as much a part of you as your own family, so Matt wasn't too concerned about them disappearing into the darkness.

He waited a few minutes to make sure they didn't double back before he got into his cruiser and pulled away, making a mental note to replace the lock. With no streetlights, Matt depended on his headlights and own knowledge of the area. He was about to turn onto the dirt road that would bring him back to civilization when a call came over his radio.

"What's going on, Martha?" Martha, his secretary and dispatcher, had been doing this job for twenty plus years and liked to remind him of such every time he questioned her. She was set in her ways and refused to change what wasn't broken. It was a topic of contempt between them when Sheriff Green had retired and Matt had taken over. But as much of a pain in the ass as Martha was, she was efficient and loved her job as much as he did.

"The alarm down at Sweet Dreams Bakery is going off."

Matt's heart skipped a beat. Sweet Dreams Bakery was owned and operated by the only girl who ever gave him that sparkle Jake Johns was sporting earlier. Shay Michaels, a petite little thing with long brown hair--he wanted nothing more than to wrap his fingers in--and big hazel eyes that could burn right through to his soul. She was the star in many of his dreams.

Ever since that day, twenty-one years ago, when he laid eyes on her as she stepped out of her grandparent's car onto Main Street with those tiny jean shorts, he was a goner. She lived in New York, but visited her grandparents every summer. Matt looked forward to that first week in July every year until she stopped coming, and then he dreaded the memories that time of year churned up.

Shay was a city girl at heart, and Matt knew that. He also knew that Red Maple Falls would never be enough for a girl who lived amongst sky scrapers and crowded sidewalks. It took him a while to realize Shay Michaels needed someone who could promise her the world, and all he could promise was a simple life in a small town he would never leave.

Seventeen years ago, he let her go, and nobody was more shocked than he after all those years of being MIA, Shay came back to Red Maple Falls to stay. Her return was a mystery and the town gossip for weeks. Though, just as the girl he remembered would, she took it in stride. Her smiles only grew when she suspected someone was talking about her.

A few short months later, she opened Sweet Dreams Bakery and was an instant success, selling everyone on her upbeat personality and her now famous maple bacon cupcake--a cupcake that won top billing at the annual Town Festival, beating out Terry, of the Happy Apple, and her famous apple tart.

He'd avoided the tiny section of Main Street as best he could. He had nothing left to say to Shay Michaels. There'd been occasions when they bumped into each other--small town and all, it was kind of impossible not to, especially when she was good friends with his sister.

With all those years between them, he was surprised she even remembered him. The boy from Red Maple Falls she made believe was her future before she stomped on his heart and turned him bitter.

It didn't matter she was the last person he wanted to see. She was a citizen of the town now, and her business was a part of the community. He had no choice but to push aside their past and make sure everything was all right.

He took a deep breath, clearing his head and getting back into the right mind set.

"Did you call Shay?" Matt asked Martha a moment later. When building alarms went off in Red Maple Falls, nine times out of ten it was an accident and nothing to be concerned about.

"I did," Martha said. "It wasn't her."

While break-ins were rare, it did happen on occasion, which meant he needed to approach this as if it were a viable situation, just in case.

"She's on her way there now."

Matt's heart kicked into overdrive, his hands tightening on the steering wheel. "What do you mean she's on her way?"

"I told her I'd send you over, but she said it's her shop and if someone had the... the um... balls to break into her shop, she was going to make them sorry."

The girl might only stand at an inch or two over five feet, but she packed a lot of punch in that tiny, tight body of hers. He'd almost feel bad for the intruder if she got there before he did.

Wait. What if it was an intruder? A trained criminal who would take no prisoners, and she's storming in there like Joan of Arc ready to fight a war? A rush of panic shot through him, causing his hands to tighten on the steering wheel.

"Son of a bitch," Matt mumbled under his breath as he slammed his foot on the gas and headed toward Sweet Dreams Bakery.

In Red Maple Falls time, Main Street was only five minutes away, but in real time it was a good twelve minutes from where he was. Shay lived roughly ten minutes away and already had a head start.

Matt flipped his lights on and flew down the road, kicking up dirt and rocks in his wake. It was a quarter to ten and most businesses on Main closed at seven. If Shay got to the bakery before him, there'd be no one to help her if she needed it.

Violating too many traffic laws, he made it to the bakery in nine minutes. The street was empty except for Shay's bright red Mini Cooper, and he pulled his cruiser right beside it.

He flung his door open and, with his hand on his gun ready to hurt anyone if they hurt Shay, he ran to the front entrance. The door was unlocked so he let himself in, immediately wishing he wore sunglasses for the sensory overload caused by the pink and white everything.

Unable to focus, he squinted against the brightness, taking in the flipped chair to his right. He retrieved his gun and moved quietly toward the register. The shelves were covered in flour, chocolate chips scattered across the counter, and pans knocked from their perch lay haphazardly across the floor.

A slight sniffle caught his attention, and he rounded the counter to the kitchen to find Shay sitting in a mess of flour and a path of destroyed cupcakes, her head hanging in defeat.

"Shay, are you okay?" he asked, squatting down to her level, but on alert in case the culprit was still lurking. "You aren't hurt, are you?" He rested his hand on her, but she stayed quiet. "Dammit, Shay, answer me."

She blinked up, tears glistening in those beautiful hazel eyes, and suddenly, all those years between them didn't exist. God, he wanted to take her in his arms and protect her, find a way to make the tears his own so he could bear the pain for her.

Her hands fell limply to her sides as she let out a loud puff of peppermint breath.

"It's ruined."

A tear escaped her lid and slid down her cheek. This time he couldn't help himself. He reached out, swiping a finger across the wet streak. "Don't cry."

She inhaled deeply and straightened her shoulders. "I'm good," she said, getting to her feet as if she'd flipped a switch. She wiped her hands against her thighs, leaving white streaks of flour across black leggings. The material was practically molded to her skin, highlighting every perfect curve.

He shook his head, reminding himself he had a job to do, and that job was not checking out Shay Michaels.

"Did you see the person who did this?" he asked.

She shook her head then glanced around to the disaster that was her kitchen. "No. I checked the register. They didn't take any money."

Did they take anything?"

"No."

"They just destroyed the place and left?"

"Appears that way."

"Do you have surveillance cameras?"

She cocked her eyebrow and her hip. "What do you think?"

His eyes lingered on the soft curves of her lips long after she stopped speaking. He had a lot of thoughts running through his head, like how they were the softest lips he'd ever kissed. How she was the single most beautiful woman he had ever seen. How he still couldn't believe after all those years of not seeing her, of not knowing where she was in the world, she was right there in front of him that very second.

All the animosity he felt toward what they once had vanished as he looked into her sad eyes. He cleared his throat, bringing him back to reality and warning himself to keep it professional. "I can see if they left any fingerprints on the door."

"What's the point? They didn't steal anything. Just made a mess and ruined all the cupcakes I made for Tommy Kramer's sixth birthday party tomorrow."

The point? Nobody destroyed a bakery for no reason, especially if they didn't steal anything. In his line of work, he'd learned that there was motive behind everything. Somebody broke into Shay's shop tonight, and the question was, not only who, but why?

Retaliation was at the top of his guesses. Someone who felt Shay had wronged them and wanted to hurt her in the best way they knew how. The little bakery on Main was Shay's life, according to his sister, and if someone wanted to find a way to unnerve her this place was an easy target. "Do you have any enemies?"

Her eyes widened. "I get along with everybody here. Why would you even ask that?"

"If they didn't steal anything, then it would appear that whoever did this was trying to send a message. Maybe you don't have any enemies here, but what about in New York?"

# Chapter 2

Shay sucked in a startled breath at Matt's question. Who the hell did he think he was? Sure, his shirt said Sheriff, but that didn't mean he had to use the opportunity to go probing into her past. When she'd left New York, she'd left everyone and everything behind her. There was no reason to bring it up after all this time.

He tilted his head in her direction like he knew she was hiding something. Maybe she was, but that was for her to know, and her alone. She didn't care that his freakishly green eyes had an extra sparkle in them as he looked at her, or that his lips were so damn kissable she deserved a medal for not attacking them.

No, it didn't matter that Matt Hayes was sex on a stick dressed in a tan uniform that screamed dominance. She wouldn't tell him about her enemies in New York because, quite frankly, it was ancient history... just like the two of them.

"Nobody I can think of," she said, bending down to pick up a pot from the floor. She placed it in the sink. Even though she kept her store cleaner than a hospital, she wasn't taking any chances. All of the pots and pans needed to be washed before she could use them again.

So much for her early night in front of the TV with a glass of chardonnay and her Kindle. It would have to wait for another time. Right now, she had a shop to clean and five dozen cupcakes to re-bake and re-frost.

"You could be washing away fingerprints," Matt said as she plunged her hands into the warm water.

"It's fine. Probably some stupid kid who has nothing better to do than wreak havoc."

The truth was she didn't want Matt dusting for fingerprints... or any evidence for that matter. If it was somebody from her past, she didn't want Matt to get involved. He didn't need to know about that part of her life. It was better to forget about it.

"I don't think you're taking this seriously enough."

"And I think your badge is getting to your head."

His jaw ticked and, as silly as it was, she found satisfaction in his annoyance.

"My badge has nothing to do with it. I'm the Sheriff of the town and whether you like it or not, it is my duty to protect you and your shop."

She knew this, of course, but hearing him say it--declaring that the only reason he was there was because he had to be not because he wanted to be--cut a little deeper than she expected.

Pushing aside the disappointment that someone could ruin what she'd worked so hard for, she squared her shoulders and glared at Matt with all the irritation she could muster. "Glad to see you care."

"I do," he grunted in heated anger.

"Because it's your duty, right?"

"That's not what I meant."

It didn't matter what he meant. All that mattered was the fact that the clock was ticking and if she didn't get to work, she'd have a very upset birthday boy tomorrow.

She squirted more soap on the sponge and scrubbed harder at the bowl in her hand.

"Let me help you," Matt said, reaching for the sponge she was holding, his fingers grazing her skin and causing a flurry of sparks to ignite along her arm.

After all this time his touch still set her ablaze. She ignored her burning skin and focused on the water, the bowl, anything to keep from looking at him.

"Give me the sponge," he said, his voice low and demanding.

The only reason he was offering was because he felt bad. She didn't need his help, and she damn well didn't need his pity either. She'd started this bakery from the ground up with little to no help. She could handle a few dishes.

"I have it. You should go. I'm sure you have speeders to catch and a town to keep safe. I don't need you cleaning up my mess."

He didn't step away. His hand tightened on the sponge until she let go. She looked up, catching those gorgeous eyes of his. Her body betrayed her, a smile playing at the corner of her mouth as she lost herself in his gaze.

"I'm not asking." His tone was commanding and insisting, but she knew him. Or at least she once did. Despite everything, he was kind. It was all he knew. He was raised to be a gentleman, a quality so rare in the men she'd dated since him. She'd almost forgotten what it was like to have a man offer his help without expecting anything in return.

There was no denying that Matt Hayes was a good man, but he was also a living, breathing reminder of the mistake she'd made--walking away from him so many years ago. They had been teenagers, but she'd loved him with every fiber of her being.

Every guy she'd dated since then had fallen short...not just short, oh no, a football field length short of Matt and the connection they'd shared.

No guy had turned her body to liquid heat the way Matt had from only a single look. Or ignited an explosion of fireworks up her arms and straight to her core from a simple touch. And no guy could ever make her feel like she was the most beautiful girl in the world--even after falling in a murky creek--like he had.

Their summer together was so long ago, yet the memories were burned so vividly in her mind it was as if she could still smell the basil growing on his parents' farm, feel his hands roaming up and down her body, his lips pressing hungrily against her own as they made out behind the tractor, trying to hide from his brothers and sisters.

Memories--that's all they were. She grabbed a rag and started wiping down the counters. Anything so she didn't have to look at him and get sucked into that intense gaze again.

"Rub any harder and you might just put a hole in it," he said a few moments later, snapping her out of her head and back to reality. She looked down at the stainless-steel counter that shined as brightly as polished silver.

"You sure you're okay?" His voice like silk wrapped around her in a warm caress.

She forced a smile, even though she wasn't feeling very chipper at the moment, and lied. "I'm fine."

"'I'm fine' as in you are fine? Or 'I'm fine' as in 'I'm not fine but I'm going to say I am so I don't have to talk about it?'"

She cocked an eyebrow at him.

"Remember I have three sisters. I know when I'm being blown off."

He shut the water off and turned toward her, resting his backside against the sink. The muscles in his arms pressed firmly against the tan sleeves of his uniform as he crossed them over his chest. She swallowed down the desire the movement stirred inside her.

She forced her eyes away from his biceps, fully aware that she'd been staring and staring hard. She only hoped she wasn't slack-jawed and drooling. If she hoped his expression would key her in, she was sadly mistaken. A knowing smirk flitted across his mouth, his eyes twinkling in amusement.

Refusing to play into his boyish charms, she continued scrubbing the counter. "I'm not blowing you off," she finally managed.

"If you say so."

"I do."

They spent the next hour working side by side in silence until her kitchen was finally back to normal.

"Let me walk you out," Matt said, tossing a towel onto the edge of the sink. He had shed his top shirt at one point, and was down to a white undershirt that only managed to accent his hard muscles even more. She swore he did it on purpose after seeing how crossed arms got her all hot and bothered. He scooped up said shirt and pivoted toward her.

"You go," she said, tying her hot pink apron with white polka dots and black frilly trim around her waist. "I have five dozen cupcakes I have to make."

"Now?" Matt glanced over to the vintage cupcake clock. "It's after eleven."

"Tommy Kramer will be six years old tomorrow, and he's expecting five dozen dinosaur themed cupcakes."

"You still have plenty of cupcakes in the case up front. Tell his parents what happened. I'm sure they'll understand."

"I can't let him down."

"He's six. He'll get over it."

"Six or sixty-six, he's still my customer, and I always aim to please. I will accept nothing less."

"You're a good person, Shay."

A slight smile lifted at the corner of her mouth. Maybe she was then and now, but it didn't make up for the in between years when she hadn't been. "Thanks for coming down here. Sorry to have wasted your time."

He stepped toward her, his gaze dark and serious. "Any time with you is not wasted."

She tried to ignore the butterflies taking flight in her stomach, swirling around in a joyous frenzy. Afraid she was blushing, she let her hair fall forward, creating a curtain to hide behind.

"I should get started," Shay said and hurried over to the cabinets, pulling down the sugar and flour. It was late, and she was bone-dead tired, but once she started mixing ingredients, she'd come alive just like she always did.

Matt slapped his hands down on the counter, startling the ever-living hell out of her.

"What do you need me to do?" he asked, taking the containers out of her hand and placing them on the counter.

Her eyebrows pulled down. "What?"

"We have five dozen cupcakes to make, don't we?"

"We?"

"Did you honestly think I would bail on you?"

"You've already spent so much time here. Don't you have to get back to the station?"

"Shift's over."

"You're the Sheriff. Your shift is never over."

"I have my phone on me in case of emergency."

"But you're probably tired. You should go home and get some sleep."

"Are you going to stand here all night trying to get rid of me, or are you going to give me something to do?"

He was always a straight to the point kind of guy--something she'd appreciated. No bullshit, no beating around the bush... It was refreshing.

She gave him a sassy tilt of her head. "You know how to crack an egg?"

"I think I can manage."

She slid a bowl across the counter to him. "In the fridge, top shelf."

"Yes ma'am."

She might not have been that girl anymore, but right now she was a girl in need, and she would take the help he was willing to give.

Besides, it was just baking. It's not like he was going to scoop her up and have his way with her on top of the fondant. 

# Chapter 3

Matt's back and feet hurt and... come to think of it, so did his hands and ass. He worked out four times a week, hiked on the weekends, and spent many early mornings rowing across the lake behind his log cabin, yet spending four hours bent over a counter making cupcakes, was seriously taking a toll on his body. It was downright pathetic, so he blamed it on lack of sleep.

He skipped his morning row and headed to Main Street before his shift started. He needed to stop by his sister's studio and, since he'd be a few doors down, he'd also stop in to check on Shay. He was the Sheriff, and it was the right thing to do after all.

Matt parked his cruiser in one of the few spots alongside his sister's building, Serenity Glass Blowing Studios. Kate had been up and running for three years now, and as an older brother, he couldn't be prouder. She had a dream she wanted to make happen by her thirtieth birthday and she didn't just follow it; she grabbed it by the balls and made the dream a reality.

At thirty-three, she was the second oldest in the Hayes clan. Growing up they shared a lot of the same friends and were extremely close. It was a different bond than he had with his other siblings. Kate was his go-to whenever he needed advice. He trusted her opinion and respected her as a business woman and a person in general.

He arched his back, giving it a good stretch before making his way toward the front. Multi-colored glass balls strung up by clear fishing line decorated the big front windows of the studio, and come midmorning when the sun sat just right in the sky, it would illuminate them and cast a rainbow of colors across the small space.

The sign on the door was flipped to CLOSED, but Matt ignored it. Signs like that didn't pertain to family. Even if it did, that wouldn't have stopped him. Just like when they were kids and the girls would put "no boys allowed!!!!" signs on their doors as if that would keep him from entering. His sisters quickly learned it would take more than some angry written sign with too many exclamation points to keep him away.

Being the oldest, he looked out for his younger sisters and brothers, even if that meant poking his nose where it didn't belong. He couldn't help himself. He was born to protect them, care for them, and he would do it whether they wanted him to or not.

He looked around the front portion of the studio that was set up like a small shop. The shelves along the walls were lined with vases, glasses, and various shaped animal figurines. While handcrafted pedestals made out of refurbished wood--courtesy of Earl, the owner of Red Maple Falls Wood Studios--were placed meticulously throughout and showcased Kate's larger pieces.

"Anyone here?" he called out as he pulled the door behind him. The shop area was small, but what most people didn't realize was there was also a back section of the studio where Kate did all of her work as well as teach classes.

He found her there rolling a metal rod with flaming bright glass across a flat surface.

"Hey sis," he said as he approached so he wouldn't startle her. He made the mistake of doing that once, causing her to roll the rod a little too hard and sending it sailing out of her hold and across the concrete floor. The vase she'd been working on shattered into a million pieces, and he'd never felt so guilty in his life. He apologized a million times and brought her coffee for a week.

Kate lifted her head, reddish blonde wisps falling free of her ponytail. "Matt! What are you doing here? I wasn't expecting you."

Matt leaned against a table after making sure there was nothing breakable in sight. "A brother can't stop by to say hi?"

"Oh, he can, but you usually have a reason."

One thing about being so close--Kate could call him out from a mile away no matter how good his poker face was. There was no use dragging this out. He needed answers and Kate would be the only person who might have them. "Have you talked to Shay today?"

Kate stopped and looked up, her brows pinching. "No, I haven't. Should I have?"

"Got a call last night that her alarm was going off. It looks like someone broke in."

"Oh my god! I had no idea. I've been here since the ass crack of dawn. I must've missed the gossip mill. If I'd known I would have stopped by this morning on my way in to check on her." Kate's head tilted. "Unless you were hoping I didn't have any information so you could go check on her yourself."

Kate and Shay had been close friends ever since that first summer Shay arrived, and it was a friendship that had only gotten stronger over the years.

If anybody in Red Maple Falls knew anything about Shay's past it would be Kate. Matt hated to go behind Shay's back in order to find out information, but Shay wasn't talking, and he didn't like how defensive she'd gotten when he had asked about her past. She was hiding something, and he was going to get to the bottom of it with or without her help.

"I was planning on stopping by there anyway. Thank you," he said with extra sarcasm.

"Then why don't you tell me why you're really here." Kate put down her tools and crossed her arms over her chest. "I'm not used to you beating around the bush, so get to it already."

Matt didn't believe in bullshit or sugarcoating things. It was a quality he'd gotten from his grandfather. But for some reason this wasn't easy to blurt out. There was something in the back of his head telling him to talk to Shay one more time. If she was in danger, he needed to know. How else would he be able to protect her? He didn't have time to play games. Not if there were answers that could help him help her.

"Has Shay ever mentioned anything about New York?"

"She's mentioned a lot actually. Anything in particular?"

"An enemy?"

"Besides her mother?"

"I'm serious. Is there someone she might have bad blood with?"

The soft playful air that surrounded Kate vanished as the smile on her lips flattened into a straight line. "You think the break-in was personal?"

"Her place was wrecked, but they didn't take anything. So, to me, that says it was someone trying to send a message."

Kate's bluish green eyes widened. "Do you think she's in danger?"

"It's all speculation right now. I wanted to see if there were fingerprints left behind, but she started cleaning and tampering with things before I could. She told me not to worry about it."

"But you can't help yourself."

He shrugged. "I don't want to not look into it and then she winds up hurt. I'd never forgive myself."

Kate gave him a knowing look. She didn't need to say anything. That look said it all. Because you still love her.

It had been so long since they'd been together, but the love he once had for her still burned like a fresh lit fire. No matter how hard he tried to snuff it out, it just kept coming back. They weren't teenagers anymore, and so much time had passed, so much had happened, but every time he looked at her, it was like he was eighteen all over again--hopelessly and forever in love with her.

Most of the time, he despised her for it. She'd ruined his chances of ever having a family because every time he started something with a girl, thinking that was his chance, he'd remember Shay. Try as he might, he couldn't create the natural spark that Shay so easily ignited inside of him. When she left, she'd taken the spark with her. How the hell was he ever supposed to be with someone else when a part of him was missing? The part that made everything worthwhile, caused excitement and passion. Drove him crazy with desire and want.

Sex for him had become a means to an end. A need for release and little else. He'd tried to forget about Shay, let go of what they had because clearly it was something made of fairy tales and only set him up for failure, but he couldn't. She had infected his heart, staking her claim, and ruining his chances at happiness.

Who knew a sweet girl from New York had that much power?

"She doesn't talk about New York," Kate said. "Not anymore at least. I always assumed something happened. Why else would she come back here after all this time? Especially right after her grandparents left for Florida."

"Did she have a boyfriend?" Matt growled despite his attempts to keep his feelings out of his tone. The thought of Shay with another man made his jaw tick, his teeth grind, and every muscle from his neck to his shoulder blades to tense.

"Of course. It's not like she was celibate for the past seventeen years. She dated. A few were serious."

"Did she ever give you the impression that they..." He couldn't get the words out. If he had even an inkling of suspicion that a man would hurt Shay in any way, he'd drive all the way to New York and make them pay for every tear, every ounce of pain she ever felt because of them.

"That they were what? Abusive?" Kate's voice held the disbelief he secretly hoped for. "God no. At least I don't think so. Some were jerks, some more than others, but just stupid stuff. Nothing like that."

Relief settled through him, easing the tension that had been pulling painfully tight.

"Don't you think if she suspected someone she'd tell you?"

He'd like to think so, but he wasn't so sure. Once upon a time Shay told him everything, but not anymore. Before last night he'd done his best to avoid her, and on the off chance he couldn't, their conversations had mostly consisted of pleasantries and awkward observations about the weather.

"Did she have any idea of who it might be?"

"She said it was probably some teenagers."

"Maybe it was the Johns boy. I've been hearing musings around town about him causing trouble."

"He would have been my first guess, but I was with him and a group of other kids on the other side of town right before getting the call for the alarm."

"Oh."

"Exactly." Matt ran a hand over the day-old stubble on his chin. He'd been too tired to shave this morning and said the hell with it. "I'm going to head over there now and talk to her again. Do me a favor? Don't tell her about this conversation."

"You want me to lie to my friend for you?"

"Just withholding information."

"Funny. You're asking me to do exactly what you wish Shay wouldn't."

"So?"

"Just thought I'd point out the irony."

"Don't be a smartass."

"But I'm so good at it."

He cocked an eyebrow at her, and her face softened.

"I won't say anything. Just keep our girl safe."

Our girl. If only Shay was his girl. If only he'd gone after her sooner... If only he hadn't succumbed to the fear that their differences did in fact divide them.

It was ancient history though, and not something he cared to think about anymore. There was no use dwelling on the would have, could have, should have's of life.

He'd keep her safe because it was his duty to do so. "I will." He gave a nod to Kate and headed toward the entrance when she called out to him.

"Do me a favor and flip the sign to open." She smiled big when he grunted. "Thanks!"

"Any word on if they rented out the other unit?" Matt asked, deciding he had a few more seconds to kill. Kate's studio was connected to another unit that used to be occupied by Mae's Toys, but when Mae fell and broke a hip a year ago, she'd had no choice but to close shop. The unit had been empty since. Everyone in Red Maple Falls was waiting to see what would open up. George Peters, a crazy old man with too much time on his hands, was taking bets. Last Matt heard, the pool was getting pretty high.

Gambling was illegal in their parts, but Matt chose to ignore it. George was harmless, and if it kept him from bugging Matt about the street light that was installed last year down on Roanoke Blvd, then he could keep on taking bets.

"Not yet. I'm just hoping whoever moves in is as sweet as Mae."

"Big shoes to fill," Matt said.

"Tell me about it. She was the best neighbor, and the kids always dragged their parents in here to watch me. I got so many sales because of that."

"I'm sure you'll luck out and get someone great."

"I hope so."

Matt rested his hand on her shoulder. "Just have a little faith. I'll see you at dinner tonight." He gave a squeeze and let his hand fall back to his side.

"I heard through the grapevines that Mason has big news," Kate said and Matt stopped in his tracks.

At twenty-seven, Mason was fourth in the Hayes sibling lineup. While he often kept to himself, he was the go-to person for most of his brothers and sisters. He was the quiet, shy one, which is probably why he was extremely insightful. He might have lacked the extrovert gene, but he made up for it in dry wit that either left people laughing or scratching their heads.

"How do I not know about this?" Matt asked, not happy to be left in the dark. He was usually the first to know about everything in their family, or at least he thought he was. If there was news or drama, he was always on the inside.

"That's what I hear."

"From who?"

Kate smirked. "Wouldn't you like to know." If he were fifteen, he would have grabbed her in a headlock and given her a noogie, but he was an adult, the Sheriff of an entire town; as much as he wanted to, he couldn't resort to childish tactics.

"You're not going to tell me?"

"And reveal my sources?" She shook her head. "Not a chance."

With an obnoxious smile, Kate turned back to whatever it was she was working on, and Matt headed out. As soon as the fresh spring air surrounded him, he reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone.

He found Mason's name and hit call, but unfortunately got his voicemail. There was no point leaving a message. Mason was notorious for never listening to them. Matt would have to wait and find out the news like the rest of the family.

Besides, he had more important things to worry about right now.

Shay's bakery was only a few doors down, so he left his car and made his way over.

***

Working as a VP of Marketing for a Fortune 500 in her old life made Shay used to functioning on little to no sleep. She'd put in long hours at the office and followed it up by meeting colleagues and clients for dinner then drinks. She'd be lucky if she managed to clock four hours of sleep a night. As long as she had her coffee, she would make it through the day no problem.

She took a sip of the glorious liquid then finished boxing the last of Tommy Kramer's cupcakes. According to her clock, Sarah Kramer would be arriving in ten minutes to pick them up.

When she'd come into her shop last night and seen the disaster, she never would have thought she'd be able to clean up and remake all those cupcakes. If it hadn't been for Matt, she probably wouldn't have been able to pull it off. He'd saved her butt big time, and she owed him.

At the same time, she hoped they could both forget about it.

Shay closed the lid of the last white cardboard box and taped it in place before tying her signature ties, a pair of pink and white, and the other white and black, around the box. She should have finished up over an hour ago, but from the moment she walked in this morning, people had been stopping in to check on her. Apparently, word had gotten out about the break-in and everyone was concerned about her well-being. As exhausting as it was assuring everyone she was okay, it was nice to have people care. It was also nice that not a single person could resist a purchase after walking in the door.

The bell above her door rang, and she turned with a smile ready to greet another concerned citizen. Her breath caught in her throat at the sight of Matt with dark stubble on his face. His usual combed hair was unkempt like he'd just rolled out of bed.

Her teeth slid over her lip as she imagined him waking up first thing in the morning, ruffled hair, bare chest, droopy eyes... oh my. Heat swelled in her chest and crept up her neck. Before the warmth made it to her cheeks and gave her away, she quickly pushed those thoughts far out of her mind.

"Good morning," he said as he approached the counter.

"Morning," she replied with her normal chipper tone.

"How do you do it?"

Confusion tugged at the space between her eyebrows. "Do what?"

"Look as if you got a full night's sleep."

She smiled. "Used to it I guess. I had a busy schedule back in New York. After a while sleep becomes a luxury and not a necessity. Plus, lots of coffee."

On closer inspection, she could see the tiredness in his eyes. His lids were heavier than usual, his normally bright green eyes dull. Suddenly, she felt horrible for keeping him up all night.

It's not like his job was mindless, like he just had to go through the motions. He needed to be alert twenty-four-seven. Not that there was really any danger in Red Maple Falls, but Matt Hayes still kept the people of this small town safe by making sure they didn't speed, helping old women cross the street, and keeping old man Simpson from getting too far on his tractor when he had one too many sips of moonshine.

Matt protected people, gave them a feeling of security, and she didn't want to compromise that.

"I'm so sorry. I should have insisted you go home."

"Like I would have listened."

"That's true. I tend to forget how stubborn you are."

"Family trait."

"Are you hungry? Want some coffee? Whatever you want, it's on the house."

His eyes scanned down to the display case, and he pointed at a blueberry scone. "That's looking pretty good."

"You got it." Shay grabbed a light pink paper bag with her logo--a cupcake with a hot pink and black striped baking cup and Sweet Dreams Bakery written in cursive above--and placed the scone inside. "Let me get you a cup of coffee, too. You look like you need it."

"Is that your way of saying I look like shit?"

Shay froze as she placed the bag on the counter beside the register. "No, of course not." She didn't even think that was possible.

"Not everyone can look as beautiful as you do on no sleep, you know."

Her heart came to a stop before jumping into overdrive. Heat crept up her neck and into her cheeks before she could control it. She didn't waver in her response, hoping he wouldn't notice how flustered his words made her. "We all know that is not true, pretty boy."

"Pretty boy?"

Shay shrugged. "Sheriff or not, you are and always will be a Hayes boy."

The Hayes brothers were the hottest bachelors in town--kind, each charming in their own ways, and undeniably sexy as hell. They all had a distinct look but shared a smoldering gaze that could make a girl weak in the knees.

Matt shook his head at Shay's words. There was no arguing that point; it was a stigma he'd been stuck with for as long as she'd known him. The brothers were the subject of many girl crushes, and now they were objects of desire, stars of fantasies and daydreams.

"To answer your question," she said. "You don't look like shit, you just look a little tired."

That damn gaze of his locked on hers, and she felt unsteady on her feet. She wondered if he knew how much he affected her still.

"Coffee would be great," he said, flashing her that sexy lopsided smile of his. Shay quickly tore her eyes away before her body melted to the floor like overheated chocolate. "You should really think about putting some cameras up."

She had hoped he would let last night's disaster go, but she should've known better. Matt Hayes didn't let anything go. But if it wasn't some punk kid and it was, as Matt suggested, someone she knew then the last thing she wanted was for Matt to get involved.

The mess she left behind in New York was her problem and her problem alone. She thought leaving would fix things, but maybe it made things worse. Either way, it was a personal matter and one she would have to deal with on her own.

With a deep breath, she took hold of his coffee and turned back to him. "I don't think that's necessary." She slid the coffee across the counter. "Milk, one sugar, right?"

"You remember."

"My grandma always said I have a steel trap for a brain."

"How are your grandparents?"

"Good. Enjoying the warmth of Florida and not missing the snow at all."

Her grandparents had bought a second home in Florida a few years back and spent most of their time there. It was only supposed to be for winter, but after time they came home less and less. They were kind enough to let Shay stay at their place while they were basking in the sun. They'd insisted she'd be doing them a favor by keeping an eye on things and helping with the upkeep.

"They're even taking salsa lessons."

Matt laughed--the same reaction Shay'd had when her seventy-five-year-old grandma had shared the news with her.

"I can't picture that."

"I don't want to," Shay said and this time they both laughed.

Shay had always loved his laugh. It softened his features and made his green eyes sparkle.

Matt looked down at the coffee cup with trepidation.

"You didn't tell me the cup was pink."

"Does that bother you?"

"I mean it's pink."

"It's not like it's going to infect you and turn you into a girl. It's just a cup."

"If you say so."

She rolled her eyes, and Matt took the cup into his hands, examining it like it was a foreign object.

She laughed and his face fell.

"What?" he asked

"Just thinking how cute you look with that pink cup."

"You're enjoying this way too much."

"Maybe."

"Have you had any more thoughts about who could have broken in here?" Matt asked, completely knocking Shay off guard and reminding her that Matt was a stubborn mule.

"No," she lied. "I have no idea who would do something like that."

"Are you sure?"

Frustration bubbled inside of her, but she took a calming breath, pushing it down. "I'm sure."

"You plan on staying after hours tonight?"

"I don't know. Why?"

"It's not safe to be here by yourself, given the circumstances."

Shay rolled her eyes. "You're being ridiculous. I doubt they'll be coming back."

"It's better to be safe than sorry. I don't want to have to worry about you if I don't have to."

That stupid anger only he could provoke rose inside of her. "Then don't. It's as simple as that. I lived almost my whole life in New York City, a place where there actually is a crime rate. I took the subways at all hours of the night, walked the streets--" She sucked in a startled breath slapping her hand over her mouth like she was in disbelief and lowered her voice. "And most times I was...get this... alone. Without Mr. Sheriff Man worrying about me. I survived then and I'll survive now. If you want to waste your time worrying that's your problem, not mine."

"You're being completely unreasonable."

A laugh bubbled out of her. "Do you even hear yourself? You can't get safer than Red Maple Falls. I'm not concerned, and you shouldn't be either. Besides, this is my bakery and I refuse... re-fuse to let anyone or anything keep me from it. So, don't ask me to."

"Can see you're just as stubborn as you once were."

"Look who's talking."

"You give me no choice, then. I'll drive by on my way home from my parents tonight just to make sure everything's okay."

"Be my guest. Maybe then you'll realize you're overreacting."

"I don't overreact."

Another obnoxious laugh exploded out of her. Was he really going to stand there--with a straight face, no less--and say that like it was the truth? He was delusional.

It's not like her bakery was a crime scene with blood and guts. A few things got tossed around, a few dozen cupcakes were destroyed. The mess was cleaned up and forgotten just as the situation should have been.

The bell above the door rang, and Tommy Kramer came running in like he was shot out of cannon. "We're here for my cupcakes!" he declared, and not wanting to ignore an excited birthday boy, Shay leaned across the counter and offered him a warm smile.

"They are right here waiting for you. And you know what?"

"What?" His eyes lit up in curiosity, the freckles on his cheek defined by the big smile spreading wide.

"I have a special one right here I'm only allowed to give to someone on their birthday."

"It's my birthday!" Tommy exclaimed.

"It is?"

He nodded with the excitement and joy Shay so adored.

"Then this is for you." Shay handed him a cupcake with a fondant birthday hat on top.

"Mom, look what I got!"

"Thank you, Shay," Sarah Kramer said with a big smile before bending down to her son's level to admire his cupcake.

"Isn't it awesome, Mom? Can I eat it now? Can I? Please?"

"You're a good person, Shay Michaels," Matt said just loud enough for her to hear. "While I'd love to stay for you to mock me some more, I have to get going. I'll drive by later."

"Suit yourself. If you want to waste your time, I'm not going to stop you."

"Making sure you're safe isn't wasting my time."

Before she could think of a retort, Matt crouched down to wish little Tommy Kramer a happy birthday before disappearing out the door.

# Chapter 4

Sunday night dinner at the Hayes family farm had been a tradition for as long as Matt could remember. Even as a teenager he'd had to make plans around dinner or invite whoever he was with to come along. His parents were pretty lenient when it came to most things, but his mother would never budge on Sunday night dinner.

The whole clan would be there except for Daisy and Cooper.

Cooper's backpacking adventure was a mystery to Matt. Matt loved his youngest brother, but he didn't understand him. Cooper was a nomad, never staying in one place for too long, always out looking for the next big journey. Matt only hoped that whatever Cooper was looking for, he would find it. He missed his little brother. Missed having him around to go fishing together, hike through the mountains to Angel's Den, and having him around to help with the farm.

All the siblings kicked in their time to help Mom and Dad manage Basil Hill Farms. It was made famous by their annual Fall Festival that started the last week of September and ran through the first week of November every year since Matt was seven. It was all hands on deck to get through the season.

Matt and Cooper used to plan the corn maze, spending hours coming up with a design before bringing it to their father who was the mastermind behind turning their idea into a reality. This year Matt would be doing it on his own unless Cooper decided to come home. Matt wasn't going to hold his breath.

Hadley pulled up in the driveway beside him and Matt got out of the car to greet his second youngest sister. She slipped out of her beat up red S-10 pickup, and her latest foster dog, Bubbles--a pit bull/husky mix that Hadley called a pitsky--jumped out. He had a white face with a band of brown fur that started right at the edge of his head and went right into his ears, making it look like he was wearing a headband. His crystal blue eyes could easily make you drop a few scraps from the table.

Bubbles ran right to Matt who bent down to pet him.

"Hey Mattie," Hadley said. The nickname would have bothered him coming from anyone else, but Hadley had been calling him that ever since she could talk and because of that, and that alone, she was the only one allowed to use it.

"Hey sis," he said, standing up and wrapping her in a hug.

While all the other siblings had their own thing going on, Hadley devoted all of her time to helping their parents with the farm. She did everything from running the shop where they sold fresh cut vegetables, flowers, eggs, milk, and homemade pies, to working in the fields and cleaning out the chicken coops.

A dirty blonde strand fell from Hadley's bob, and she quickly pushed it back into place. "I heard Shay's place got broken into. Is she okay?"

Word spread fast in their small town.

"She's fine. Whoever it was just left a little mess, nothing too crazy."

"Thank god. Do you have any idea who it could have been?"

Matt shook his head, wishing he had a better answer. "No, but I'm looking into it."

"Good. That shop is Shay's life. I'd hate to see the person responsible get away with it."

"That makes two of us. Now come on. Let's get in there before Mom sends out the search party."

Hadley looked down at her watch. "Five after. I'm surprised she hasn't already." Hadley patted her leg. "Come on, Bubbles." Bubbles, who was sniffing along the far-right side of the house, came running.

"Any interest in him yet?"

"There's a couple in North Conway that are interested. They have a dog already, though, so they want to make sure they'll get along. We're trying to coordinate a meeting. Hopefully all will go well, and Bubbles will have a new home."

"Won't you be sad to see him go?" Matt didn't know how his sister did it. Taking in dog after dog, sometimes months at a time, before saying goodbye.

"It's always a little sad, but then I think of the life they get to have they might not have been able to, and then I'm not sad anymore. Just happy."

Bubbles led the way, running up the stairs and excitedly wagging his tail while he waited for them.

"What do you think Mason's big news is?" Hadley asked.

"How do you know he has news?"

Hadley plucked a piece of dog hair from her shirt. "Spoke to Kate this afternoon. Jealous you weren't the first to find out?"

"Don't be ridiculous."

Hadley's eyebrow rose. "You're the one moping."

"I'm not moping."

"Sure, you're not. So, any guesses?"

"Maybe he met someone."

Hadley laughed. "Yeah sure. I swear my brothers are destined to be forever bachelors."

"Like you should talk. At least we date."

"I date."

This time Matt laughed. "When?"

"It's not my fault my brother is the Sheriff and scares off any guy who is remotely interested."

"I did that once. Besides, you should be thanking me. Steve Radley is a loser. And if that's not enough... 'Hadley Radley?' Come on. I did you a massive favor."

"Fine, I'll give it to you, but that's not the point."

"Yes, it is."

"No, it isn't!"

Matt held the door for his sister, and she rolled her eyes as she passed. He waited for Bubbles to go in before he followed.

The mouth-watering aroma of fresh sauce, basil, and garlic, permeated the air. Matt's stomach growled in response.

He hadn't eaten anything other than the blueberry scone Shay had given him earlier. He'd been running mainly on coffee.

"Is that my babies?" Carol Hayes called out from the kitchen.

"They're in their thirties; they are not babies anymore," Jonathon Hayes, the patriarch of the family, responded to his wife.

Matt walked into the kitchen as his mom swatted his father's chest. "You shush. They will always be my babies. Now out of my kitchen."

Matt gave a sympathetic look to his father as he left the room.

"Hi Mom," Matt said as he stepped into her outstretched arms, making sure to avoid the wooden spoon she held in her right hand. He might be a thirty-five-year old man who carried a gun for a living, but that wooden spoon still gave him nightmares. Not that she'd ever actually hit him with it--hard--but the threat had always been enough to put the fear of God in him.

"Dinner smells delicious." He went to stick his finger in the sauce, and she smacked his knuckles with the spoon.

"Matthew Jonathon Hayes, don't you even think about it."

"Come on, Mom. Just a taste."

"You can wait to taste just like everyone else."

He tilted his head, and his mom laughed. "Fine, but don't tell your father." She took a piece of Italian bread, dipped it in the sauce, and handed it over.

He gave her a kiss on her cheek and pulled back. "You're the best."

"I know," she responded with a big smile. "Now go on inside. Mason and your father are tasting one of Mason's new batches.

His mom didn't have to tell him twice. Mason was a homebrewer and always brought samples for his family to taste. Matt was particularly fond of Mason's coffee oatmeal stout. He could easily throw a few back when he was off duty, relaxing on his deck.

Matt walked into the oversized den that was just off the living room. Mason was pouring out a dark beer into small tasting glasses. Kate was lounged in the Lazy Boy in the corner, and Bubbles found a comfortable spot at her feet.

"What do we have today?" Matt asked as he entered the room.

"Hey son," his dad said, walking over and giving him a proper greeting. "Mason here is letting us try a maple bacon porter."

The flavor instantly reminded Matt of Shay's famous cupcake, and he found himself biting back a smile as he thought of her. That was new--usually when he thought of her he got annoyed or angry.

"Sounds delicious," Matt said as he gave Mason a pat on the back.

Mason handed him a small glass. "Hopefully it tastes as good as it sounds."

Hadley came into the room and took a glass off the table. "Let's find out."

Unlike Kate, who preferred a nice red wine, Hadley loved a good beer.

"Here goes nothing," Mason said, holding up his glass. The four of them clinked their glasses together then took a sip.

It was quiet for a moment while they let the liquid settle over their taste buds. Kate leaned forward on the chair, her eyes fixated on the group. She might not have liked beer, but she was always interested in everyone's thoughts.

"Holy crap, that's good," Hadley finally said, and the slightest of smiles tugged at the corner of Mason's mouth. If you blinked, you would have missed it.

"Nicely done, son," Jonathon Hayes declared, patting Mason on the back then taking another sip. "I think this is your best so far."

"I agree," Matt added. "Really good. I like how the smoky bacon taste hits you on the back end and doesn't overpower the beer."

"That's what I was going for."

Matt nodded toward his brother. "So, what's this big news I've been hearing about?" They'd tasted the beer, and now it was time to get down to business. He had waited long enough, and his patience was starting to wane. He hated when anyone in his family knew anything before he did. Hated even more when his family kept things from him.

"All in due time," Mason said. "I'm waiting for Grandma and Grandpa to get here."

"They should be here shortly," Carol Hayes announced as she came to a stop by her husband's side. She placed a plate of mini quiches on the table for them to snack on. Matt scooped up two before his siblings descended.

"They're late," Kate said, looking down at her watch.

Betty and Harold Hayes were always on time. Never a minute early or a minute late. It was as if they timed their arrival and waited until the hand of the clock landed on the hour before they knocked.

"Grandpa was fiddling with that old tractor," Carol said with a sigh.

Hadley rolled her eyes. "He's going to hurt himself."

"No kidding," her mother agreed. "But you know him. Stubborn as a mule."

Stubborn as a mule was putting it lightly, Matt thought. Once his grandfather got something in his head there was no stopping him, and for some reason, his newest obsession was that damn tractor he'd bought off Charlie, the owner of Charlie's Garage. He'd been tinkering with it, determined to get it working for the past two weeks.

"An unfortunate family trait," Hadley said, popping a quiche in her mouth.

Matt rested his hand on his Mom's shoulder. "I'll stop by there sometime this week and take a look at it."

She patted his hand. "Thank you, sweetie. I thought having three boys under the age of ten would do me in. That was a walk in the park compared to having an eighty-two-year old father who thinks he's forty."

"That's because we were angels," Mason said which garnered a loud round of laughs.

Kate got up from the chair and walked over to the table. "More like devils," she said as she bent down and picked up the beer growler Mason had poured from. She admired the bottom then dragged her fingers around the loop of the handle. It was something she did with every piece of glass she came by.

Her mind was always set on work and her craft. Always admiring other's craftsmanship, or pointing out imperfections.

Because of this Matt knew exactly what she was going to say next before she even said it.

"I could totally make this. It would be more of a custom piece and less generic looking. Do you think something like that would sell in my shop?"

"Definitely," Mason said and went to continue when their grandparents arrived. Mason held his finger up to Kate. "Hold that thought."

There was a flurry of hugs exchanged even though they'd seen each other at least once a week. Matt kissed his grandmother on the cheek, and she pulled back, shucking his chin. Her white hair was cut short, pixie like, and her blue eyes always had a sparkle to them.

Matt towered over her five feet and a few inches, but that didn't mean he wasn't terrified of the old woman. She was as sweet as her favorite sweet potato pie, but she was also as tough as her homemade turkey jerky, still helping Matt's parents on the farm, carrying bags of feed and cleaning up the chicken coop. She didn't let age slow her down in the least, but unlike Grandpa, she knew her limits.

"You get better looking every time I see you," she said.

"Thanks, Grandma."

"Now tell me why a good-looking guy like you still hasn't settled down?" For the past ten years, this was the topic of conversation whenever he was within earshot of his grandma. He loved her fiercely, but her obsession with his relationship status drove him a little crazy.

"Haven't found the right girl," Matt replied like he always did, quickly taking another sip from his glass and hoping she would for once let it go.

"Then you need to stop being so dang picky."

Guess not today, he thought to himself.

"There are plenty of lovely girls out there who would love a guy like you. My friend Judith, you remember her, right? The one with the lazy eye? Anyway, her niece is recently single and--"

"The one who just got arrested for indecent exposure?" his grandfather chimed in.

Betty waved her husband away. "She's had some issues, but who hasn't?"

"Mother," Carol Hayes said, coming to her son's rescue, "Matthew is perfectly capable or getting a date on his own. He doesn't need you meddling into his affairs."

"Clearly he does. Tell me, Matt, when was the last time you were laid?"

Matt choked on his beer, sending it right up his nose. His grandfather swatted him on the back, and for an eighty-two-year-old man, he still packed a lot of punch. Matt coughed then cleared his throat while his grandmother looked at him, waiting.

He stuttered, partly because he didn't know how to respond, but mainly because even though he'd known his grandmother his whole life, he still was never prepared for her bluntness.

"Don't answer that," his mother said. "Mom, leave him alone."

"I have six grandchildren all over the age of twenty-one. You would think one of them would want to give me great-grandchildren before I go six feet under."

"We know, Mother. Now come on inside. Mason has some news to share."

"Did you knock a girl up?" Betty's face lit up like the sky on the Fourth of July.

"If I knew that's all I had to do to be the golden child, I would have done it a long time ago," Mason said with a smirk, and their mother swatted his shoulder.

"Don't be smart."

The group moved back into the living room and found spots to sit on the two couches and several chairs surrounding the fireplace.

Matt sat impatiently on the edge of the coffee table. "We're all here. So, what is it?"

Mason ran a hand over his chin, a slight smile tugging at the edges of his mouth. He looked up at everyone the smile spreading farther than Matt ever thought possible. "I've decided I'm going to open my own brewery."

Kate sucked in an excited breath, and everyone joined in with their sentiments except for Matt. Before he got excited and offered his congratulations, he had questions.

"Where? How?" It was only a few of the questions Matt had for his brother, but he figured he'd start out with the basics.

"The old farm up on Maple Hill. I got it for a steal. It has plenty of room for all the tanks, bottling, and even a tasting room."

"That doesn't sound cheap," Matt said.

Mason's eyes darkened, the slight expression on his face fading. "Can you ever just be happy for me and let me worry about the rest?"

Matt was happy for him; he just couldn't help but worry. Overhead costs alone had to be astronomical. Their parents and grandparents would offer him assistance without batting an eye, but Mason wasn't the type to take handouts, even from family. He preferred to earn his own way. Matt was trying to protect him before he bit off more than he could chew.

"I'm thrilled," Matt continued, needing his brother to know that before he said anything else. "This is exactly what you should be doing, but--"

"There's always a 'but.'"

"Have you thought about upkeep for the equipment? Having adequate parking for the tasting room? Obtaining a license? Making sure everything will be up to code?"

Mason held his hand up. "Way ahead of you, buddy. I've been planning this for a very long time, I just needed to find the right place. When the barn on Maple Hill went on the market, I knew I had to have it. It was perfect. Everything I had always envisioned. If my word isn't good enough for you, I have a thirty-five-page detailed plan including blueprints, an inspection, safety precautions, and anything else you may have questions about." Mason's eyes locked on his. There was a silent plea in his brother's gaze, almost desperate for Matt to stop for a second and allow Mason this moment. "Can you give me some credit?"

Matt smiled then pulled his brother in for a celebratory hug. He still had questions, but Mason had always been a good kid, and he deserved the spotlight for now. With a pat on Mason's shoulder, Matt stepped back. "Sorry. You're my little brother, and I'm just looking out for you, but I have to remember that you're twenty-seven now and more than capable of looking out for yourself. Sometimes I forget."

"Thank you. I appreciate that."

"So, where'd you get the money?" Matt asked, because even though he was more than aware of Mason's capabilities, he was still curious.

Mason laughed as if he didn't expect any less. "Can't help yourself, can you?"

"I'm just curious."

"I took a loan from Grandpa."

Matt was shocked. He couldn't imagine what it took for Mason to pluck up the courage to ask for help. Clearly, the brewery was something he desperately wanted or he never would have.

"Your grandmother and I think it's a great investment," Harold said, resting a wrinkled hand on Betty's shoulder. "Plus, I now get free beer for life and since I probably don't have many years left in me, I'd say Mason made a great deal."

"Don't talk like that, Grandpa," Hadley said. "You have many years left in you."

He pointed to the ceiling with a devious smirk. "From your mouth to God's ears."

Matt finally stopped asking questions after Mason gave him the thirty-five-page detailed plan for review. He would read it over after he took a drive past Shay's bakery and made sure everything was as it was supposed to be.

# Chapter 5

The woman of the Red Maple Falls Garden Club absolutely adored the earl grey lavender cupcakes Shay was currently making and had ordered four dozen for their annual Tea Party.

It would be another late night for Shay. Maybe her grandmother was right. Maybe it was time to hire another baker.

Shay had a hard time trusting people though, and had gone through a very long hiring process the last time she needed help.

It had paid off for her when she hired her cashier, Louise, a twenty-three-year-old with an old-fashioned soul that matched her name. She was a godsend. But what were the chances that would happen again? Every cupcake, every muffin, scone, roll, and cookie sold at Sweet Dreams Bakery was personally made by Shay. How could she trust that someone who had no investment in the bakery would put as much love and devotion into each batch as she did?

When she left New York, she was supposed to relax. Instead, she found herself following a dream from her childhood and putting all her time and energy into it, working even harder than ever before. She was happy, though, even if a little lonely, and to her that made the long nights and lack of sleep worth it.

She hummed as she scraped down the sides of the bowl then transferred the batter into white and black damask cupcake cups. Once she popped them into the oven, she got started on the cream cheese frosting. Each motion was as natural as the next.

She glanced at the clock, shocked to discover it was a quarter after nine. It felt like only moments ago when Louise called back to her that she was leaving.

She definitely needed to hire another baker.

Shay's cell phone rang and her lip curled, stomach flopping at the name flashing on the screen. If she didn't answer now, her mother would keep calling until she did. Then she'd give her crap about not answering. What's the point of having a cell phone if you never have it with you? Or Shay's favorite, I could've been on my death bed in the hospital and you didn't even bother to answer.

It had been a peaceful day, and Shay was in a good mood. If she picked up, that would all change in an instant, so she made the tough decision to ignore the call and deal with the wrath later.

As predicted, the phone rang almost as fast as it stopped. With a smile on her face, Shay sent her mother to voicemail and then turned her ringer off. It felt good. Liberating almost.

Shay moved six hours away, but as long as Shay had a phone, no distance would be far enough to avoid the condescending and disappointing words of her mother. The only saving grace was that Mrs. Michaels couldn't show up on her doorstep like she had so many times before.

It didn't matter that Shay had had a doorman in New York who was supposed to be the gatekeeper from the lobby to Shay's apartment, Mrs. Michael's simply didn't play by the same rules as the rest of the world.

Her mother was a force to be reckoned with, or depending on how you looked at it, a privileged snot who didn't understand the word no.

Shay took the cupcakes out of the oven and let them cool before frosting them with a large rose tip piping bag to create a layered ruffle appearance. She then topped them off with a few strategically placed pearl candies.

They looked amazing, and Shay knew they would taste just as good as they looked. She stepped back and took a picture, so she could add it to her website and social media pages, which had become a big hit with several thousand followers.

When she'd originally decided to open Sweet Dreams Bakery, she'd hoped her parents would help her financially, with the intention of her paying them back plus interest. She should have known better. Her mother refused, even though her father was willing to write a check no questions asked. Her mother however, wouldn't allow it unless Shay moved back to New York and opened the bakery there, which was completely out of the question.

Shay tasted defeat, and it was bitter and awful. From that moment on, she was determined to make her dream come true with or without her parents' help. It wasn't easy in the beginning, but now, she had a store she was proud of, a reputation people would kill for, and a client base she absolutely adored.

She'd found success on her own, but every time she spoke with her mother, it was like she was still an incompetent child who couldn't do anything right. It took a long time, but Shay finally accepted she would never make her mother proud, and she was okay with that. Her mother's opinions didn't determine Shay's happiness; she did.

As Shay sealed the last box with a piece of tape, she heard a slight knock followed by a silky deep voice that was as delicious as her cream cheese frosting.

"I'm back here!" she called out to Matt and quickly checked her face in the reflection of a stainless-steel bowl. Flour covered her nose, and she swiped her sleeve across her face.

"Hey," he said as she turned with a smile, praying she got all the white powder. "I was just driving by to check on the place and saw the light on."

He was out of uniform, in a pair of dark wash jeans and a black Henley with the sleeves pushed up to his elbows. Every beautiful muscle in his chest and arms were hugged in all the right places.

"I just finished my last batch."

"Good, then I can walk you out."

"You don't have to."

"I want to."

A smile tugged at Shay's lips, and she couldn't hide it even if she wanted to. "I'd like that."

Shay grabbed her jacket and slipped it on. Spring was in full bloom, but the nights were still chilly. Soon enough the days would be longer and the air would be warmer. She loved summers in the White Mountains. It was nothing like summers in the city where the rancid smells lingered, and the hot humid days were made more miserable by cramped subway cars and crowded streets.

She and Matt walked to the front of the store in silence, but when they got to the door Matt stopped. "You really shouldn't leave your door unlocked when you're here alone."

Shay laughed. She couldn't help herself. Nobody locked their doors in Red Maple Falls. Not their house doors or even their cars. "You're kidding, right?"

"Not at all. Whether you want to take it seriously or not, there was a break-in here, and since we have no suspects or witnesses, we can't assume they won't strike again. Especially because they didn't take anything."

Shay let out a loud annoyed breath. She really wished Matt would let it go. "No one was hurt, nothing was taken... Can't we just forget about it?"

Matt shook his head. "That's not how things work."

"Well it should. It's my shop, and I should have some say in the matter."

He ran a hand over his chin, and she tried not to notice the flex of his biceps, the tension pulling across his strong jawline. "Of course, you do. I just think you should be a little more cautious, that's all."

"I'll take it into consideration. How about that?"

Matt laughed, and Shay turned to him with a raised eyebrow. "Why are you laughing?"

"Just remembering things."

"What things?"

"How right now you're being about as stubborn as that time you insisted on hiking up Bluff's Landing."

Shay crossed her arms over her chest, trying to hide the shock that he'd bring up their past. "I'd never been. I wanted to go."

"And I would've taken you, but you wanted to go right that second. Right after it rained and the ground was soft and slippery. Even after I told you it was a bad idea."

"We survived, didn't we?"

The corner of his lip quirked. "Thanks to me."

He was right. The conditions had been unsafe, but she had just gotten into a fight with her mother that morning, and she'd wanted to get away. Matt happened to mention Bluff's Landing and she just had to go. She probably should have waited. Should have listened to his warnings, but she'd been angry and sad and not thinking straight. She'd wanted to get as far away from civilization as possible--be with Matt and only Matt because he had been the only one who could make her forget about the world around her. The only one to make her laugh when she swore she'd never laugh again. He'd made her smile for no reason, simply for just looking at her.

She shrugged at the memory. So what if she was stubborn? There was nothing wrong with that. Besides he should talk. And she wouldn't call it stubborn, just determined in her own right.

"And do you remember what you said to me?" he asked, causing more of the memories to flood her mind.

She had been determined--maybe a little too determined--and she hadn't heard his warning about the wet lichen on the rock she had been about to step on. As soon as her foot had hit the stone, it'd slipped out from under her. She'd wavered until she lost balance and tumbled down the side of the mountain. Her hands had grasped at everything, but she had been going too fast and too hard and hadn't been able to catch anything.

Her ankle had hit the ground first, and her body had collapsed into itself. She'd survived, but the fear and adrenaline that had run through her body had completely frozen her. She'd heard Matt's voice from the top, panic lacing his words, but she couldn't find her own voice. Pain had shot up her leg and tears had spilled from her eyes.

She'd thought for sure it was broken. Matt, like Spiderman without the webs, had flown down the mountain, climbing over boulders and trees until he was at her side.

"Shay! Shay! Are you okay? Please tell me you're okay?"

She'd looked up at him through her tears and forced a smile. "I should've listened to you."

"Yes, you should have!" he'd said with a laugh, gathering her in his arms and kissing her head. He'd held her like he was never going to see her again. If he'd only known that it was to be their last summer together...

That morning Shay had phoned her mother and told her she'd decided she wanted to move to New Hampshire. She would apply to colleges in the area because she didn't want to come back to New York. Not if she had to leave Matt behind.

Of course, her mother had refused, and being only seventeen and financially reliant on her parents, Shay had felt the future she had dreamed slip away from her.

If she'd only stood up to her mother all those years ago, things could've been different. There was no way of knowing what could have been, but Shay liked to think she and Matt would be married now, with kids and a dog.

Instead, she'd left him and never looked back. Until now.

"I should've listened to you," she said with a somber smile.

"Exactly. I had to carry you three miles home then explain to your grandma why your ankle was swollen and you were crying."

"It wasn't so bad, most of the way back was downhill."

He laughed. "Don't downplay it."

"I also remember Grandma and Grandpa were so grateful you got me home that they let you stay way past my curfew." As soon as the words came out, Shay wished she could take them back. She didn't want to bring up the past, and not just because it was so long ago, but because she hated to be reminded of what she was once so lucky to have and how she hadn't fought to keep it.

Matt smiled and looked as if his mind went back to that night just like hers had--lying in his arms outside in the hammock, looking up at a blanket of stars, talking about a future she'd known would never happen, but hadn't had the guts to tell him.

She hadn't wanted to ruin the little time they'd had left together. She'd wanted to embrace it, savor it, so when the time came when they no longer would be together, she'd have something to hold on to.

It had been too late when she realized those memories wouldn't bring her comfort, only sorrow and regrets.

Most people would call what they had "summer love," but it was so much more than that. It was a love so deep it marked her heart and never healed. That part would forever beat just for him.

"Your grandparents were good like that," Matt finally said, ending the silence between them. "I also think they'd agree with me about locking your door when you're here alone."

"Probably, but that's why I'm not going to tell them."

"Whoever said it would have to be you who would tell them?"

Shay's eyes widened at his words. "You wouldn't!"

"You calling my bluff?"

Absolutely not. The last time she called his bluff he dove off their canoe into the lake then pulled her in with him.

She needed a better tactic, so she looked up at him through long lashes. "Please don't."

"That might've worked on me when I was eighteen."

"Please," she said again, her voice soft and pleading. She caught his gaze and fluttered her lashes... and for good measure, she pouted her bottom lip out slightly.

"Oh geez. Fine. I won't call them."

Mentally she gave herself a fist pump. "Thank you."

"But if you don't plan on locking your door, I'm going to have to drive by every night to make sure you're okay."

She should tell him she would lock the door. There was no reason for him to go out of his way to check on her, but looking into his green eyes, the last thing she wanted to do was tell him no. She liked seeing him again, being near him, and just knowing that he still cared.

"Like I said before, if that's what you want to do then I can't stop you," she said with a smile before getting into her car.

Matt held the door and looked down at her. The intensity in his gaze pierced her heart and sent heat rushing to her core. Her nipples hardened beneath her white shirt, reminding her of how he'd taken them one by one into his mouth so long ago, pinching the tight beads between his fingers and causing her to scream out in ecstasy.

Her heart sped up at the memory, and a slick heat surged between her legs. His mouth parted, and she imagined all the things those lips were capable of. How easily they could kiss her into oblivion, send her head spinning and her body convulsing.

"Have a good night, Shay," he said before shutting the door, leaving her hot and desperate for his touch.

# Chapter 6

Matt's mind cleared as soon as he got into the canoe and floated out across his lake. Not exactly his lake, but he liked to pretend it was. His was the only house visible for a quarter mile, and the other land around the area, being protected, made it illegal to build on.

It kept his house secluded and private, which he always thought would be great for raising a family. There were plenty of woods to explore, a lake to conquer, and animals to see. Enough land for a swing set and a pool, and a perfect spot for a hammock where you could look up at the night sky without any trees obstructing the view.

Four years later, he was still family-less and alone in his seclusion. The idea of ever having a family like the one he grew up in dwindled more and more with each passing day. He tried not to focus on the things he didn't have, though.

Being out on the lake was his quiet salvation--the place he went to clear his head and relax. Ever since the night he found Shay on the floor of her bakery, tears in her eyes and defeat pressing down on her shoulders, he couldn't get her out of his head.

Everything about her was a living, breathing reminder of the love he was once capable of. As crazy as it seemed, he missed having her in his life.

The fact that she was being stubborn about the cameras and not locking her damn doors only gave him an excuse to see her when he should have been putting distance between them. If the past told him anything, he was setting himself up for disaster.

He put his oars in the water and rowed out his frustrations, clearing his mind of all things Shay Michaels.

A hawk soared above him, spreading its wings wide and gliding across the blue sky. He heard the call of a male wood frog that sounded very similar to a duck quack and saw a turtle perched on a big boulder close to the shore.

He couldn't believe he once thought about giving this all up, the fresh air, wide open spaces filled with trees and wildlife. All of this was his home and there was no way he would've been able to stay away for long.

Once his arms started to feel the familiar ache from rowing for too long and too fast he headed back home. He had about an hour before he had to head into the station, and he wanted to do a little research before he did.

A couple hours later, dressed in his uniform, he walked into Shay's bakery, wincing at the sensory overload and quickly putting on his sunglasses. He was amazed he didn't get calls about people having seizures or going into shock from walking into this place.

Shay's back was to him, and she called over her shoulder. "Be with you in just a moment."

He made his way to the counter and watched as she created a rose with a bag of frosting. Her attention to detail was admirable. She placed the rose on a cake and spun around with a big smile. When she noticed who awaited her, the smile curved down into a frown.

"You."

"Me."

"What can I do for you today?"

The front of her hair was knotted in a single braid and secured with the rest of her hair in a bun, accenting the heart-shaped curve of her face. She was fresh-faced and beautiful with only a tint of color to her lips and cheeks.

He placed the papers he'd printed out from his computer on the counter and slid them across to her. "I did a little research and think this would be the best set up for you. It's nothing crazy, just a few cameras to keep an eye on things when you're not here."

He thought she'd be grateful for his initiative, but he was met with a roll of her eyes. She slumped forward and pushed the papers back to him. "I told you I'm not installing cameras."

"I think you need to..."

"I think you need to respect my wishes."

He took a deep breath, knowing she was just being difficult at this point. He needed her to understand this wasn't just for her safety, but also for her bakery. Or maybe, he knew she was withholding information from him, and he wanted to get to the bottom of it. If she was in danger for any reason, he wanted to be able to help her. What he didn't know put her at risk. Made it impossible for him to know how to keep her safe and that single thought gnawed at him.

If anything were to happen to Shay because she was too scared or too proud to tell him the truth, then he'd never forgive himself. He needed for her to trust him like she once did.

"Can't you just think about it?"

"My answer won't change. Besides, it's too much money. I'm doing well, but not that well. I can't afford the extra expense."

"You have to look at it as a good investment... kind of like insurance. You'd even have the capability to set it up so you can watch from home. You would know everything that was going on here even when you're not."

She shook her head. "I appreciate your concern and the time you put in for the research, but I'm not willing to lay out that kind of money. Now if you'll excuse me, I have customers to check on."

Shay went around the counter and walked over to a couple sharing a plate of cookies. Matt recognized them as Martin and Judy Clark, a middle-aged couple who always followed the speed limit and stopped at the crosswalks.

That beautiful smile reappeared as Shay approached them.

Matt knew when he was being blown off. He placed the papers back on the counter and walked out, hoping Shay would at least look at the information before tossing it into the trash.

***

Shay felt Matt's presence slip away as she heard the door open and shut. She kept her attention focused on the Clarks as they told her about their newest adventure in mountain biking. They were newly empty nesters and were trying to find ways to fill their time. Shay thought it was adorable and loved listening to their stories of discovery.

Next week they had signed up for a glass blowing class at Kate's studio. They were all about exploring all the things Red Maple Falls had to offer--things they never had a chance to do because they were busy raising a family, nurturing their children, and setting them out into the world on their own.

More than anything, Shay envied them. When they spoke about their adventures, they laughed and smiled, but when they spoke about their children, their faces lit up, eyes sparkling with love and admiration.

Shay could only guess what that felt like, and the older she got, the more she came to realize she would never know for sure. Her biological clock was ticking away the days faster and faster, and pretty soon her window would be gone.

Growing up as an only child, she dreamed of a big family to call her own. A house full of children just like the Hayes. Whenever she'd be invited over for dinner during her summers in Red Maple Falls, she'd pretend she was a part of their family. That she had brothers to disagree with and sisters to hang out with. Those moments defined what she wanted out of life.

She loved her grandparents fiercely, but even their love wasn't enough to fill the void her heart bore--the small part that wanted a little brother or sister, someone else to have in her corner when her mother was unreasonable and her father was too busy working.

"Have you ever tried, Shay?" Judy Clark's voice broke through her thoughts.

"Mountain biking? No, I'd hurt myself."

Martin Clark laughed. "That's the fun part."

"Maybe for you. I don't think I'm as tough. I prefer to use my feet to get around."

"What about glass blowing?" Judy asked.

Shay shook her head. Even though her best friend was the owner and taught classes, Shay had never gone to one. "Afraid not. You'll have to tell me how it goes."

"You should come," Judy said.

It was a thought she mulled over for a moment. When she moved to Red Maple Falls her intention was to rest, but it was also to step out of her comfort zone--to experience things she'd never experienced before. Somehow with the opening of the bakery, she'd fallen into a routine and that part of her dreams became a casualty to hard work and dedication.

"I wish I could, but I have to be here."

Judy took Shay's hand in hers and smiled up at her. "Take it from us, dear. Don't wait too long to start going after life. Because one day you'll realize it came and went and you missed it."

"I won't," Shay said, taking their empty cups and excusing herself.

She put the mugs shaped like cupcakes into the dishwasher and wiped the counters down. She was caught up on orders for once and actually had time tonight to go do something if she really wanted to.

The only problem was there really wasn't much to do in her little town that didn't require a sign-up or going out into nature. Her town. Thinking the words brought a smile to her face. She'd lived in New York her whole life and never felt like she truly belonged. This town had accepted her from day one without judgement.

Her cell phone rang, and she slipped it out of her apron pocket. Mom flashed across the screen and every muscle in her body tensed.

Judy's words echoed in Shay's head. Don't wait too long to start going after life. Her whole life she'd been going through the motions, doing whatever it was her mother expected of her, and trying to live up to an unrealistic expectation and for what? Moving out of New York was a defying moment for her. She finally chose how she would spend her days, where she would live and who she would associate with. Unfortunately, every time her mother called, it was like she never left.

Her mother would find some way to belittle her, offer a backhanded compliment or make her feel like a complete and total failure because she wasn't married to some trust fund baby, jet setting around the world while her children were left to nannies.

Shay liked a simple life, which was something her mother would never understand, and she was sick and tired of trying to convince her otherwise. Still, Shay didn't know how to break the vicious cycle. The only thing she could do was put off answering a little longer.

She ignored the call and slipped her phone back into her apron pocket, grateful for the sweet smells of her bakery.

She took a deep calming breath, finding her bearings. The Clarks stood from their table, and Shay waved to them as they headed out, wishing them luck on their newest adventure.

A few more hours and she'd be able to flip the open sign to closed and spend an evening doing whatever the hell she wanted. She had no idea what she was going to do, but she was excited anyway.

Her phone rang again in her pocket, and she deflated. She reached for it and a wave of relief rushed over her when she noticed a different, friendlier name flashing on the screen.

"Daisy, hi!" she said.

"Is this a bad time?"

"No. Not at all. What's going on?"

"Nothing really." Her voice lacked its usual vibrato, coming across dull and weak.

"Daisy, what's wrong?"

When Daisy Hayes had moved to New York City, Kate had given her Shay's number in case she'd needed someone to help her settle in. She'd called Shay a few months later, homesick, overwhelmed, and completely beaten down.

The last time Shay had seen Daisy she was four-years-old, but she was Kate and Matt's little sister, and Shay had been happy to help. She'd dropped everything, cancelled a meeting with a client who she hadn't cared for anyway, and taken a cab to the address Daisy had given her.

According to Kate, Daisy had been chasing her dreams of making it on Broadway and was having the time of her life while doing it. Meeting people, making connections, and having so many auditions, she had to pick and choose which ones she wanted to go for.

Shay had found a different story when she'd arrived. Daisy's studio apartment was not in the greatest area and the place was small for one person no less the three girls that were rooming together. Her curly blonde hair had been pulled back, her shirt too baggy, and her jeans ripped at the knee. Shay had wondered when she'd last had a proper meal and why exactly did her sister think that everything was okay.

Daisy had apologized repeatedly for calling Shay. She just hadn't had anyone to turn to, and the last thing she'd wanted to do was tell her family she was a failure. That she'd made a mistake and moving to the big city wasn't what she had hoped for.

Shay had taken her out to dinner that night, made sure she ate until she was full, and then had enough to bring home that would hopefully last her a couple days.

After that, Shay had made a point to check on her every couple of weeks, promising herself if she didn't see a change, she'd tell Kate even though she'd promised Daisy she wouldn't.

Luckily, she never had to. Daisy had looked better and better every time Shay had seen her. She'd even landed a small role in an Off-Broadway play. Shay had been so proud of her, she'd taken her out to celebrate that night.

There may have been a thirteen-year age gap between the two, but Shay had never felt like she was babysitting when they had gone out together. Daisy was a good girl, and most of all, she had become a great friend. When Shay had told her she was moving back to the place Daisy left behind, there'd been a few tears shed, but Shay had known in her heart that Daisy hadn't needed her anymore. She'd been ready to face the world on her own.

But she knew that tone in Daisy's voice. It was familiar, sad, and broken down. Something was wrong.

"Daisy, you can talk to me. You know that."

"I know."

"Then talk to me."

"I didn't get the part."

"Oh, sweetie, I'm so sorry."

"I'm starting to get used to it, you know? The rejection. It stings a little in the beginning, but then I just become numb to it."

"It's making you stronger."

"You always have a positive spin on things. I wish I could be like that."

"You will. This wasn't the one. The right part will come along, and everything will click into place. You'll see. Give it time."

"It's been three years, Shay. How much more time do I have to give it? How much more time before I say screw it and head home with my tail in between my legs and admit to everyone that I'm a big epic failure?"

"You left home, a small town, the only place you've ever known, and moved to one of the biggest cities in the world. You have worked tirelessly toward achieving your dreams; that is not in any way an epic failure. That is honorable and amazing. You are amazing, Daze. You don't need a stage and a spotlight to prove that."

"Thank you. That's why I call you. You always know exactly what to say."

"Call me anytime. I have pep talks for days."

"I will. Thanks again."

"You're welcome. Now get out of your pajamas and go for a walk."

"How do you know I'm in my pajamas?"

"Are you?"

"Maybe," Daisy said with a laugh, and Shay knew it was just another bump in the road. By tomorrow, Daisy would be fine, but she'd make sure to give her a call just to be sure.

# Chapter 7

The movie theater right off of Main consisted of a tiny snack area that sold stale popcorn and candy and had only two screens with seating for twenty-five in each. They hadn't had any new releases since the industry had switched over to digital and the theater couldn't afford the upgrade. Due to this, the theater played whatever they still had on the old fashioned 35mm films. The seats were small and the floor was sticky, but on Wednesday nights they stayed open a little later and had a double feature for six dollars.

Shay wasn't sure what the evening's selections would be, but she also liked the surprise of not knowing. She could just as easily go home and watch something on Netflix, but there was something about watching a movie on the big screen while the scent of popcorn lingered in the air.

It was a beautiful night as spring moved toward summer. The air was cool, and the promise of warmer days was on the horizon. She took advantage of the weather, left her car parked at the bakery, and walked to the theater.

The retro building sat behind the other businesses on Main with a lit-up sign announcing the day's features. Tonight, would be Back to the Future one and three. Perfect, she thought as she pulled the door open, immediately surrounded by the buttery scent of popcorn.

There was a small booth to the right, set into the wall. Halfway up the wall was a thick pane of Plexiglass that had two openings--one for communication and the other to exchange money for tickets. Shay greeted the boy who couldn't be older than sixteen and asked for a ticket for the double feature.

Once she received her ticket, she made a stop at the tiny snack stand because it simply wasn't a movie without stale popcorn. There was no one in line, and she was starting to think she might be the only person in the entire theater accept for the two employees when she heard a familiar voice over her shoulder.

Shay spun to see Matt talking to the kid behind the wall. His lips quirked in a sweet smile. Her heart quickened at the sight of him in a pair of jeans and a flannel shirt. Only Matt Hayes could make flannel look that good.

What was he doing here? He did not seem like the type of guy who would go to the movies alone. He was more of the outdoorsy type who hung out in nature, not in old musty theaters.

"Can I help you?" the young girl with long red hair and a nose ring behind the counter asked.

Shay quickly diverted her attention from Matt. She offered the girl a smile and tried not to focus on the erratic beating of her heart.

She stepped forward, suddenly on a mission to get her popcorn and get to the theater before Matt noticed her. He would only harass her about putting unnecessary cameras in her shop and ask her about the damn papers he left behind. Truth be told, she barely gave them a glance before tossing them in the trash.

It was stupid and expensive. Besides, it was her shop, and she'd left New York to get away from people telling her what to do; she wasn't about to cave to Matt Hayes because she couldn't resist those green eyes and sexy smirk.

"Popcorn, please."

"What size?" the girl asked.

"Small."

"Oh. Sorry we're out of small bags. We only have large."

Then why did she ask? Never mind. Now wasn't the time for twenty questions. Shay just wanted her popcorn so she could slip into the theater and hide from Matt. "Large is just fine."

The girl scooped the popcorn and hesitated before turning to Shay. "Would you like extra butter?"

Shay shook her head. "Good the way it is."

Matt was still talking to the kid behind the wall, which meant Shay still had a chance to slip into the darkened theater unnoticed.

The girl brought the popcorn over, and Shay grabbed it, holding out a five-dollar bill.

"Would you like to add a medium soda for an additional two dollars?"

"Just the popcorn."

"You save fifty cents."

"Just the popcorn," she said again, quickly glancing over her shoulder to make sure Matt was still at the window.

"It's a really good deal."

"I bet it is, but I don't need a soda. Thanks."

"Would you like to donate a dollar to help maintain the theater."

"Sure," Shay blurted before the girl could finish. "Tell you what, keep the change."

Shay took off toward theater two and slipped through the door, letting out a sigh of relief as she settled into a seat at the far right.

Trivia questions appeared on the screen, and since they were the same questions shown for the past ten years, Shay knew every answer. Local ads also appeared, and she thought about getting one for the bakery. Then again, would there be a return on her investment? This place was becoming more and more obsolete as the new wave of streaming online took over. Who would she be advertising to? A few people who most likely went to her bakery anyway.

On the other hand, without the contributions from other local businesses, the theater probably would have closed a long time ago. It wasn't about her return on investment, it was about keeping the nostalgia of the community and her childhood alive.

She'd spent many rainy summer days here with her grandmother and many nights with Kate and even a few with Matt. This place was as much a part of her personal history as it was for the town. Making a profit didn't matter, but keeping the place alive did. She made a mental note to speak to someone about buying an ad.

The lights dimmed, and she was the only person amongst the seats. She wondered if there was another movie playing, and if Matt had chosen that one when the door opened, lighting a path down the aisle.

Matt stepped into the theater, and suddenly the walls seemed to close in, the air seemed to evaporate, and the temperature spiked at least twenty degrees.

She inhaled quickly, causing her to choke on a piece of popcorn. Her eyes watered and burned as she tried her hardest to keep from coughing. The last thing she wanted was for Matt to see her. Right now, she blended into the shadows, and if she didn't make a sound or any sudden movements, he might keep walking. She reached for the cup holder only to remember she'd refused a soda. Damn it. She imagined the snack girl giving her an I told you so smirk as the desire to cough became too much.

Her lips parted, and she coughed loud enough that it rose above the sound of the movie starting. Once it started, she couldn't stop, no matter how hard she tried. Matt turned to her, and she tried to hide her face with her hand, but it was a pathetic attempt and completely ineffective.

"Shay?" Matt said as he came closer and she realized that, yes, he absolutely did smell as good as he looked. "Geez are you okay?"

She tried to talk, but the damn popcorn scratched the back of her throat, and all she managed was a squeak before she started coughing again.

"Here, drink this." He held a cup out to her, and she took it without a second of hesitation, sucking down the cool, soothing liquid.

Afraid if she spoke, she'd go into another coughing fit, she held the cup up and out to him. He took it as he sat next to her, surrounding her completely in his delicious scent. A moment ago, her mouth was bone dry as she nearly choked to death and now it was salivating.

"You okay?"

Still unsure if she was able to speak, she nodded.

"If you weren't, I'm trained in the Heimlich and CPR," he said with a laugh, but now all she could think about was his mouth on hers. "But I'm happy you are."

"Thank you," she finally managed. "Just a little piece of popcorn, nothing serious. You can go enjoy the movie now."

He didn't even attempt to get up; instead he leaned back in the chair, his legs spreading wide as his thigh grazed hers.

She swallowed at the contact, trying not think about the hard muscles she imagined hid beneath his clothes.

"Wouldn't have guessed you as a Back to the Future fan," he said with that adorable smirk.

"Didn't guess you to be the type to go to the movies, but here you are."

"I try to come every now and again to help keep it going. I had a lot of great times in this place, and it would kill me to see it close. Plus, there isn't a whole lot for teens to do in these parts. This is the one place they still have to keep them out of trouble."

"If I recall, it never kept you out of trouble."

He laughed. "I suppose you're right."

On the screen, Marty McFly got blown across the room, the bookshelf falling on top of him. The movie had started and even though there was no one in any of the other seats, Shay closed her mouth and settled into her chair.

Out of the corner of her eye, she could see the rise and fall of Matt's chest, the slight curve of his lips every time Doc Brown did something crazy. She could feel heat radiating off of his body and mixing with hers, smell that delicious scent of cedar and lemons, making her light-headed and delirious.

She thought of the many times they'd sat in this exact theater as kids and lost themselves in each other instead of the movie. She remembered how soft his lips were against hers, how she hadn't cared who'd see them because she was in love and she wanted everyone to know.

Matt leaned over, his mouth so close to her ear she could feel the warmth of his breath. Goosebumps rose on her neck and sprinkled down her arm, turning her memories into the present. "Want to make-out?" he asked, and she pulled back, meeting his eyes. "For old time's sake," he added, those damn eyes of his sparkling in the dim light.

She wanted nothing more than to capture his lips with hers, slide her tongue against his as his hand inched ever so slowly up the hem of her shirt, but she couldn't tell if he was serious or making a joke about their past because being in there, next to each other, made it impossible not to remember.

"I..." she started and stopped. Heat flared across her chest, creeping up her neck and into her cheeks. Moisture pooled between her legs as she thought about all the places on her his lips had been and how she wanted nothing more than for them to rediscover her. "This is my favorite part," she finally said, pointing to the screen.

"It was worth a shot." That smirk of his played at the edges of his lips as he looked back toward the screen. "This is my favorite part, too. George knocks out the asshole and gets the girl."

"Aren't you the romantic."

"Not as much as I like to root for the little guy. George might not be the obvious choice for Lorraine, but he's the right choice."

Shay couldn't take her eyes off of Matt as he spoke, as if his words weren't about George and Lorraine at all, but about them. Matt had never been the obvious choice--he hadn't gone to prep school and move on to an Ivy League college, he didn't wear a tie to work every day and spend his holidays in tropical locations. He was born and raised in the same town, wore a uniform, took an oath to protect the citizens of his town, and spent his holidays with family at home. No, he wasn't the obvious choice for her by any means, but he had always been the right choice.

She'd known it when she was twelve-years-old and first laid eyes on him. Known it body and soul when she was seventeen and fell deeply and madly in love with him. She had known it every day of her life since, but they'd had their chance and she'd walked away. She chose to listen to her mother and follow her lead from one obvious choice to the next, always knowing no matter what, it would never be right. Her ship had come, and she'd let it sail off without her, staying behind on the shore and suffering from regrets, only having the memories of their time together to hold onto.

He turned his head, catching her eyes and staring at her with the intensity that made her knees go weak, her mind go foggy, and her heart skip a beat. Maybe it would be easier if he'd grown up bald and fat. Maybe then she'd be able to resist the desires sparking to life inside of her.

Though, his looks wouldn't have made a difference, because it was never about them. She'd fallen in love with his heart not his looks; they were just an added bonus.

She swallowed down the desire to reach across the tiny arm rest and take his face in her hands, feel the strong curve of his jaw, have her skin against his, their body heat becoming one.

"Fuck it," he said, his hand reaching across the small space between them and wrapping around her head. He pulled her to him as his lips crashed against hers, his fingers lacing into her hair.

She gasped, but it was lost to the motion of her mouth syncing with his, gliding together and reuniting. He tasted of root beer and sin, a delicious combination that had heat shooting to her core and her sex throbbing with desire.

His tongue thrust into her mouth, hungry and searching. She met him in a tangled dance, sliding together, a battle of give and take until they moved as one.

All the years of missing him, wanting him, still loving him... poured out of her and into their kiss. Desperation and longing slammed together as she dug her fingers into his chest, grabbing hold of his flannel shirt and pulling him closer.

She held on, afraid to let go because she knew those consequences all too well, and she wasn't ready to face them again. She wanted to stay forever in this moment that was fueled by passion and desire, craving and yearning. She wanted to forget about all the years they weren't together and continue where they'd left off.

But as the familiar music brought the movie to a close, and the lights turned back on in the theater, reality set in and the moment was lost, destined to be just another memory.

Matt pulled away first, resting his head on her forehead before cursing under his breath and slumping into his chair. "Sorry," he said his voice gruff.

Sorry? What did he have to be sorry for? He might have started it, but she hadn't stopped him. If anything, she'd prolonged it.

"There will be a five-minute intermission before the next movie plays," the boy who she bought her ticket from said. He had a stupid smirk on his face as he looked over at them, and Shay suddenly felt like a kid being caught red-handed. She ran a hand through her hair and pulled out the hair tie that barely held its place before securing it.

The kid left, and it was just the two of them again. Silence spread between them like an ugly plague that there was no cure for.

Matt let out a sigh then stood up. "I should go."

Shay grabbed his hand in desperation. "There's still another movie. You can't go."

He looked down at her hand wrapped around his. She waited for him to shake free of her hold, but he never did. Instead, he turned back to his seat and sat down beside her, linking his fingers through hers.

The tension in her body released, and she bit her lip to keep from smiling.

"Why do you think they're showing the third movie in the series and not the second?" she asked because she didn't want to sit in silence. Once upon a time they could talk for hours, and she missed that. If making small talk was a way to get back to what they once had, she was willing to try it.

"I learned to stop wondering about things like that in this town and just embrace the peculiarity."

"I like the third one better anyway."

"No way. The second was better."

"Nuh uh. I have to strongly disagree with you there."

"The second one had hoverboards, flying cars, self-drying clothes, and hoverboards."

"We have hoverboards too. They send people to the hospital," she said with a laugh.

"Totally different than the ones in the movie. Can't even compare."

"I'll give you that." She popped a piece of popcorn in her mouth. Most of it had spilled on the floor during their make-out session. She felt bad for the kid who had to clean it up.

"Why the third one?" Matt asked.

"Why not? It's basically a western, which if you really think about it, is kind of a love letter to cinema. Then there's Doc and Clara. He finally gets a family, his happily ever after. It's the perfect conclusion."

"It has to be. They destroy the time machine."

"Which makes it even more perfect."

"What you're saying is you like it for the sappy shit."

"What can I say? I'm a romantic at heart."

"Do you think every conclusion gets a happily ever after?" His eyes locked with hers, looking beyond the surface and piercing her soul. They hadn't gotten a happily ever after, but what they had wasn't a conclusion; she was here now, and they had a shot at a sequel.

"I don't know," she answered truthfully. "But I sure hope so." 

# Chapter 8

Matt still had the taste of Shay on his lips--sweet with a touch of salt from the popcorn. He had no idea what had come over him when he'd kissed her, but now that he had it was all he wanted to do. He didn't get up and plan to leave because he was embarrassed of his actions; it was because the desire to kiss her again, feel her tongue slide against his, her hands tighten around his neck, was so damn strong. Walking away was the only thing he could think of to do before he lost control. But when her hand had wrapped around his, and she'd looked up at him with those big beautiful eyes, and asked him to stay, he couldn't refuse.

He deserved a damn trophy for sitting there, surrounded by her vanilla scent, watching the rise and fall of her chest with each breath without reaching out to her, pulling her close, and revisiting those beautiful lips. God, they were as addicting as they once were, and if Petey hadn't interrupted them during intermission, Matt didn't think he would've been able to stop.

They walked out of the theater together. "See you soon, Petey," he said with a wave as he held the door for Shay.

Shay smiled as she passed, the green of her shirt bringing out the green in her eyes. She stopped, staring at him with a dopey look on her face.

"What?"

"Nothing," she said with a smirk.

"You're going to look at me like that and tell me it's nothing?"

"It's just... these days you can come across a little rough around the edges, but then you bend down to little Tommy Kramer to wish him a happy birthday or wave goodbye to the kid who works at the movie theater--whose name you actually know--and I get a glimpse of the boy you used to be. He's still inside you, and I don't know... It's nice to know he still exists, even if he is hiding behind a cranky old man."

"Look who's calling who old."

"I like how you're not offended by the cranky part. And besides, you'll always be older than me."

"By eleven months."

"Still older."

"I can see the girl who was at times shy, but never had a problem speaking her mind. Still doesn't."

"What can I say? You have that effect on me." She patted his chest and missing the feel of her skin, he grabbed her hand, holding it against his chest.

"Lucky me."

The heat of her touch was almost too much to ignore. He wanted to feel her hand sliding across his bare chest, moving down his body, and wrapping eagerly around his hard length.

But sex with Shay was a bad idea because it wouldn't just be sex. It never was. What they shared was beyond just bodies coming together; it was mind, body, and soul converging, syncing their hearts to beat as one.

They were young, each other's first loves, during a summer that was as hot as it was memorable. Maybe it wasn't just sex because he didn't know any better. Maybe sex with Shay now would be just sex. No cosmic connection like their bodies were meant to come together, just an old fashioned good time between two people who were attracted to one another.

He'd reacquainted himself with the taste of her lips, the feel of her hair falling through his fingers, now he wanted to know how soft her skin was, if her breasts still filled his hand like they were meant to be held by him. Did her eyes still flutter shut as she was on the brink of an orgasm and would she cuddle up to him after?

"I'm this way," Shay said, pointing toward the street.

Matt looked around, but didn't see Shay's car. "Where are you parked?"

"I walked from the bakery."

"I'll walk you back."

She didn't argue, and he was happy. He wanted to be near her, and if it was only for a few more minutes, then he was going to hold on to those few minutes.

The night was warm, but there was still a chill from the lingering winter air. Shay ran a hand down her arms, and while he had a sweatshirt back in his car, he was happy he didn't have it with him.

"Cold?" he asked.

"Always," she said with a smile. Matt wrapped his hand around her back, resting it on her shoulder and pulling her against his side.

"Better?"

"Yes." It was only one word, but the raspy tone in Shay's voice had Matt hardening in his jeans.

"I never asked you..." he said, hoping to take his attention away from his growing desire.

"Kind of hard to ask me anything when we never really talked," Shay interrupted, and he smirked.

"Suppose you're right. So since we're talking, tell me why. Why did you come back?"

She stiffened for a moment, her steps falling out of sync briefly before lining up again. "I guess what it comes down to is freedom. The bakery is the first thing I did on my own with no help from my parents."

"You had a job in New York."

"My degree and experience wouldn't have even gotten me in the door for my interview. My dad made a few phone calls and next thing I knew I got the job."

"That was all you."

"I wish I could say it was, but the truth is, my boss's father-in-law was good friends with my father. Would've made for awkward social gatherings if I wasn't hired."

"How long did you work there?'

"Seven years."

"See? That was all you. They wouldn't have kept you on if they didn't think you were any good."

"Make no mistake, I was great at my job."

"But?"

She turned her eyes to him, eyebrows knitting together, creating little wrinkles on the bridge of her nose that he had to admit were damn adorable.

"I feel like there's a 'but' in there," he clarified.

She was silent for a minute, her teeth sliding over her plump bottom lip as if she was debating whether or not to admit her true feelings. "But," she finally said, "I didn't love it. In the beginning, I did, but after a while the competitive nature of the business, always having to be on my game, schmoozing people I despised... it got old and tiring. I wanted something more. Something that fulfilled me and not just a quota."

"Did you find it?"

"I did. The bakery is my world. A dream come true really."

"Hence the name."

"Exactly. It's more of me than anything I have ever done. It's part of my history. Every time I make a blueberry scone, I think of my grandmother on Sunday mornings in her apron, humming happily to herself as she dropped the blueberries into the bowl. When I hand a little kid a cupcake and their face lights up, it reminds me of all the cupcakes my grandmother made me through the years and how I looked forward to them every summer. When an old man comes in and sits down with a cup of coffee, a pastry, and the paper, it reminds me of my grandfather sitting at the kitchen table while my grandmother taught me how to make homemade icing. The bakery reminds me of all the good parts from my childhood. The things I want to remember. Sappy, I know."

Matt came to a stop, walking in front of Shay and resting his hand on her neck. "Not sappy. Not sappy at all." He ran his thumb across the apple of her cheek, relishing in the softness of her skin before letting his hand fall back to his side. "My parents' farm holds all my childhood memories, and I couldn't imagine not being able to go there and revisit them. You found a way to capture the things that mean the most to you, and there is nothing sappy about that. And now you're helping to create new memories for all the people who come to your shop. I bet you anything Tommy Kramer will remember those dinosaur cupcakes for years to come."

"He better after the nightmare they caused," Shay said with a laugh, and god if he didn't want to haul her up against a building and devour her with a kiss until her legs were so weak she needed him to keep her standing. "But you're absolutely right. I'm in the business of making memories, and I don't think there is a job in the world that would be more satisfying. At least for me."

"You found your calling."

"What about you?"

"What about me?"

"You didn't always want to be the town Sheriff. You wanted to take over the farm and be just like your dad. What changed?"

You. The words were on his tongue, but he didn't speak them. There were some things he didn't like to talk about, and his time in the Marines from eighteen--after losing Shay--until twenty-two, when he came home instead of reenlisting, was one of them.

He'd been devastated when he'd lost her. She had become the center of his world, and the thought of continuing his life as planned left him restless and anxious. He'd needed to take a different path, and the service seemed the best course of action. He'd wanted to become the kind of person that his family and town would be proud of. Someone people would look up to. Unfortunately, becoming a soldier was more difficult than he could've ever imagined. He learned discipline and honor but had also seen and did things he certainly was not proud of.

Being Sheriff of a small town was nothing like the Marines, but he still woke up every morning and put a uniform on to serve the people, and that was what was important to him.

Shay didn't need to know any of that, and the fact that she was even asking what changed his plans made it obvious that Kate never mentioned anything to Shay about his time overseas. Which was a relief in itself, since it was one less person he would have to silence on the subject. He did not like thinking back on his time in the service, never mind discussing it with anyone. It took his family a couple of months to learn that no matter how many questions they asked, he wasn't going to answer. Eventually they stopped asking.

He had a feeling Shay wouldn't be so easily deflected.

"I decided I wanted something different," he finally said. "I wanted to give back to the town that had given so much to me."

"That makes sense. It suits you."

"You think so?"

"I do. It's like you're the big brother of the entire town, and you can tell them what to do and watch over them like you've always done with your siblings. Now you just get paid to be a pain in the ass."

"She's got jokes," he said, poking her in the side and causing her to squeak out a laugh.

"Jokes, facts... call them as you like."

Before he could poke her again, she jumped out of his arms and started walking backward, her eyes glued on his.

"What about the farm? I know your parents still own it, but one day they'll have to retire."

"I still help out when I can, but Hadley is there every day. If anyone is going to take over Basil Hill, it'll be her. She's earned it. Deserves it. And she'd be perfect for it. Though, I wouldn't be surprised if she built a place to foster dogs."

"I love how every time I see her, she has a new dog with her. One cuter than the last. I'm always tempted to adopt them, but with my schedule that'd be impossible."

"You can always bring them to work with you."

"I have a feeling having a dog hanging out at a bakery wouldn't go over well with the Board of Health."

"Good point."

They came to a stop in front of Sweet Dreams Bakery, and Shay hitched a finger over her shoulder. "This is me."

He didn't want to walk away; he wasn't ready for the night to end when it felt like it was just beginning.

She pulled out her keys and unlocked the shop doors. She pushed the door open and stood just outside.

"No alarm?"

"I knew I was coming back so I didn't set it."

"Don't tell me you're going to go work now."

Shay shook her head with a laugh. "No. I have to grab my laptop. Thank you for walking me back."

"You're welcome."

Shay stepped away from the door and lifted up on tiptoes, pressing a kiss to Matt's cheek. "Tonight was nice." Her breath was warm on his face, and when she pulled away their eyes met. Want and desire rushed through him like a tidal wave, but as he reached out to her, a loud noise came from inside.

Shay jumped back, her eyes wide with fear. Matt quickly pushed her behind him, shielding her with his body. "Stay here," he growled as he moved swiftly into the shop.

He reached for the gun that rested beneath his shirt and made his way toward the counter. He didn't expect anyone to be armed and dangerous, but since he didn't know who he was dealing with, he didn't want to take any chances. It was better to be safe than sorry.

The clanging sound of metal hitting metal rang out from the kitchen. Whoever was here must've slid in through the back. Why the hell didn't she set the damn alarm?

He got to the kitchen, holding his gun out in front of him as he inspected the area.

Pans were scattered across the counter and baking chocolate spilled from a bag onto the floor. The mess wasn't nearly as big as the last one, but he assumed it was only because the trespasser heard them and took off.

After scanning the area and deeming it clear, he moved toward the back door. The door was locked, which he wasn't expecting. He opened the lock and slipped out into the dark. He kept his gun in front of him, his eyes scanning from one edge to the other as he made his way around the building.

He heard the snap of a branch, and he turned toward the noise. "Freeze," he yelled.

Shay's hands flew up in the air, her face stricken with terror as she stared down the barrel of the gun in his hands.

"Shit!" he exclaimed as he holstered his gun and ran over to her. "What the hell are you doing?"

She dropped her hands and glanced around the area. "Looking to see what was going on."

"Didn't I tell you to stay put?"

"What do you think I am? A dog?"

He let out a huff. "No, a dog has more common sense."

Her eyes widened and mouth opened in a surprised O. "You did not just say that."

"You bet your ass I did. How the hell am I supposed to do my job if I'm worrying about you?"

"Because little ol' me isn't capable of taking care of herself, is that it?"

He pressed a finger into the bridge of his nose suddenly feeling a headache coming on. "I didn't say that, but we don't know what the hell we're dealing with here either. Unless you know something you're not telling me."

"That's ridiculous."

He eyed her curiously. "Is it? Because you seem a little too eager to see what was going on."

"Because this is my bakery. My life. Whoever this is, I want to catch them just as badly as you do, if not more."

"Grab your laptop and go home."

She planted her feet firmly into the ground, her hands defiantly resting on her hips. "I will go home when I damn well please and definitely not before I go inside and make sure everything is okay."

"There's a few pans knocked over on the counter. Some baking chocolate on the floor. Nothing like before."

"Then if you'll excuse me, I have to go clean up the mess."

She turned and Matt grabbed her wrist, spinning her back to him, long hair whipping around her as she came to a stop in front of him. "I'm giving you one last chance. If you know something, tell me now."

Her stare hardened to solid stone as she glared at him, her chin tilting up in defiance. "There's nothing to tell," she all but growled.

He stepped closer, his annoyance and anger fighting to come forth. He looked down at her, his jaw ticking with each jagged breath she took. "Get the damn cameras," he barked before letting go of her wrist and watching her march off inside.

# Chapter 9

On Matt's lunch break, he took a ride to his grandparents' house up on Cherry Valley Lane. Their house was an old Shaker style with sage green siding and many yellow windowpanes--that Matt painstakingly helped paint. Rows of stacked rocks outlined the flower beds surrounding the house. It was only a matter of time before the tulips would be in full bloom.

He thought of how the pink flowers brightened the yard, then his mind immediately shifted to Shay and how she brightened any room she walked into. He smiled, thinking of their conversation the night before. The slight crimson that started at her neck and spread across her cheeks, the way her eyes bore into his, making his pants tighten and his brain think of all the ways he wanted to touch her, remembering how she once reacted so easily to his caress.

Then his smile faltered, remembering how the night ended. She was so damn stubborn, and it drove him nuts. If she would have set the alarm before going to the theater, or if she would just put up cameras, it all could have ended. Instead, he was on edge, hoping and praying that she wasn't being targeted and if she was by who? What did it all mean? And was this intruder done with the games or just getting started? Was a few knocked over chairs and a dozen destroyed cupcakes as far as they would take it? Or were they more dangerous than that? Matt wasn't stepping away until he had answers.

He raised his hand to knock on his grandparents' door when he heard mumbled profanities coming from behind the house. With a laugh, Matt changed direction and found his grandfather having an argument with a tractor.

"You stupid, good for nothing--"

"Need some help?" Matt asked as he walked toward his grandfather.

"Only if you have a tow truck and you can get this hunk of metal off my lawn."

His grandfather was getting cranky in his old age. He used to love to tinker, but when things didn't go the way he hoped, he quickly got agitated and gave up. Four months ago, it was a fifteen-foot fishing boat that he swore he would trailer to Lake Winnipesaukee when the weather got warmer. Instead, after a month of not being able to figure out what was wrong with it, he sold it to the Larson kid down the road for fifty bucks.

Matt and the rest of the family were actually relieved. To think of his eighty-two-year-old grandfather out in the middle of the lake by himself, worried them all. What if something happened? The man was notorious for his hate of cell phones, and if he was on the water, Matt wouldn't be able to reach him as easily as he normally could if something went wrong. No, Matt preferred his grandfather on solid land where he'd be able to get to him if there was ever an emergency.

"Why don't you let me take a look," Matt said before agreeing with his grandfather to throw in the towel. Growing up on a farm, Matt knew a thing or five about tractors. He knew how they were built, how they ran, and what was usually wrong with them if they broke down.

This one, however, was older than Matt. Basically an antique in its own right. Probably should've been in some fancy showroom in a museum if it was cleaned up and restored.

Nobody understood why Harold was so insistent on having this piece of machinery, but Matt did. This tractor reminded him of his prime when he worked his own crops and could do as he pleased without his body or mind stopping him. It was a way for him to try to recapture the youth that had slipped away from him quickly and unexpectedly.

The boat was the same thing. Matt still remembered long days out on the lake with his grandfather when Matt was just a boy before his brothers were born. How Grandma would pack a cooler full of food and drinks and lather him repeatedly with sunscreen. Matt would jump off the bow of the boat and swim for hours. Other times it was just the boys. He, his grandfather, and his dad, would go out for a day of fishing while Mom and Grandma spent the day doing things with Kate and Hadley. The summer days out on his grandfather's boat were some of his fondest memories. So, while the others might not have grasped the bigger picture to their grandfather's crazy obsession with fixing the old tractor, Matt did, and it was something he could appreciate.

"What seems to be the problem?" Matt asked.

"The dang thing won't start."

"Does it have gas in it?"

Harold narrowed his eyes and looked like he might smack Matt upside the head. "I'm old not an idiot."

Matt held his hands up. "You'd be surprised at how often that is the problem. There might be gas in there, but if there isn't enough, it's not going to do you any good."

"I filled it this morning. Try again, Einstein."

"Let's make sure it has spark. Do you have a volt tester?"

"Yes, and I did that already."

"Can you just humor me?" Matt was sure his grandfather had checked all the basics, but it didn't hurt to check again in case he'd missed something.

His grandfather turned around to a makeshift table made out of old crates and firewood and handed Matt what he had asked for. Matt hooked it up to the ground connection of the battery, then checked to make sure the points in the distributor were opening and closing properly. "Do me a favor and turn the key. When I tell you, press the starter."

Harold turned the key and the tool lit up.

"Okay hit the starter." The light flashed, which was exactly what should happen.

Matt continued to troubleshoot while Harold stood over his shoulder. Every time Matt would do something, Harold would chime in with, "I already did that."

Fifteen minutes later, Matt determined it was the coil. "You can go down to Charlie's Garage and see if he can order you one. I'll put it in when you get it," Matt said.

"I can handle it," Harold grumbled.

"Then I'll come over and assist." Harold might have been capable once upon a time, but Matt wasn't so sure anymore. The older his grandfather got, the more forgetful he became. The simplest things turned into projects, and while it broke Matt's heart to see his once vibrant, smart as a tack grandfather deteriorating, he was happy he got to spend as much time with him as he could.

The only regret Matt had was that his children, if he was ever lucky enough to have them, might not ever meet the man who had helped raise him. The man who helped teach him all the things he knew about tractors, boats, fishing, cars and girls, taught him kindness and respect, and helped turn a boy into a man.

A vision of a boy and a girl running through his grandmother's tulips popped into his head. He smiled at the image of the little guy with the trademark Hayes boy's shade of green eyes. His were darker, almost brown like his brother Mason's. The little girl's dark brown hair was braided into two pigtails. Her hazel eyes sat perfectly symmetrical above a cute little nose. She looked just like Shay.

The thought completely threw Matt. He had always wanted kids, and back when he and Shay were young and naïve they'd talked about having a family together, but that was ages ago. Things had changed. She'd left. He'd stayed. But she was back now. Things could easily change again if she was willing to take a risk on a small-town Sheriff, who could never give her the fancy city life she was used to, but who would love her with every ounce of his being? Who would stay up late helping her frost cupcakes so she didn't miss a deadline? Carry her to bed when her feet hurt from being on them all day? Who would wipe her tears when she was sad and laugh with her for no reason? Protect her from any harm and always be there for her until their dying day?

She had left New York and come back. Maybe this was their second chance. Maybe she didn't need all the luxuries of that life anymore. Maybe she would be content sitting on the porch of his log cabin and looking out to the quaint lake behind his house while sipping a glass of wine, wrapped in his arms.

Maybe being with him would be enough this time.

Matt's radio went off, and Martha's voice boomed across the quiet afternoon. "Smoke detected down at the abandoned barn on Chestnut. Sam is on his way. He's about ten minutes out."

Dread landed deep in Matt's gut. The last time he was at the barn, he was escorting kids out of the decrepit structure, and he never did go back and replace the lock. He hoped like hell there was nobody there. Matt took a deep breath, clearing his mind and focusing on his next move.

"Tell Sam I'm on my way," Matt said into his radio. "Have to go, Grandpa. Call me when you get the part."

His grandfather nodded. "Be safe."

"Always am."

"And watch out for Sam." Sam was Matt's best friend since grade school and was also Red Maple Falls fire chief. Growing up, Sam had practically lived at the Hayes' house, avoiding his shitty home life and becoming as much a part of the Hayes' family as a blood relative.

"Always do." Matt jumped into his car. Matt was about eight minutes away and would probably get there at the same time as Sam.

Matt continued down the dirt road his grandparents lived on and took the first right that would bring him toward Chestnut. As he got closer, he could see ugly, dark smoke rising into the blue sky. Definitely a fire. He hoped like hell that the place was currently vacant.

The air grew thicker with smoke the closer he got, and by the time he pulled up, he could see flames shooting out the right side of the structure.

He scanned the property, and spotted Carrie Fleming off to the side, but still way too close for comfort, bent over and coughing in uncontrollable fits.

He got to her side, resting his hand on her back. "Are you okay?" he asked, taking in the black soot on her face, the sweat beaded across her forehead.

She looked up, her eyes bloodshot and frantic as she grabbed Matt's arm. "He's still in there. Please you have to help him!"

"Who?" Matt asked, keeping his voice calm so not to contribute to her panic.

"Jake. He's still in there. Please. You have to do something." Desperation and heartache consumed her tone, but Matt pushed aside the emotions and focused on what he needed to do.

He looked to the barn, flames shot out the roof, but it looked like it was contained to the right side. If that was the case, then there was hope.

"I need you to go stand by my car," he said. "Help is on the way." He went to run and Carrie grabbed his arm, her nails digging into his flesh.

Her hands trembled as she looked him straight in the eyes. Tears streamed down her cheeks. "You need to save him. You can't let him die in there."

"I won't," Matt assured her and took off, praying he didn't just make a promise he wouldn't be able to keep.

Matt ran back to the barn and looked to see if he could find an entry point that wouldn't put him in immediate danger. The broken lock sitting at his feet was an awful reminder that he'd never replaced it. He ignored the guilt bubbling inside him, and was about to enter the barn when a loud explosion caused him to dive to the ground. Flames shot out a broken window and Carrie let out a blood curdling scream.

The explosion could have been anything, but if Matt had to guess, it would be an old gas can that had been left behind. The smoke grew thicker, his throat and eyes burned.

Just then the Red Maple Falls fire truck pulled onto the property, and Sam and his crew jumped out. Sam pulled on his fire coat and yelled to his crew to get the hoses ready.

"What do you got?" Sam asked as he ran toward Matt.

Matt rubbed at his eyes. "There's a kid in there. Jake Johns. Seventeen."

Sam didn't hesitate. He took off into the barn without a second's pause before Matt could even say another word. Crazy bastard. Matt understood it was their job to protect, and he would always honor that commitment, but he'd also protect himself in the process.

Matt's heart slammed against his chest as he let the fireman take over, and he prayed like crazy that if Sam did have a death wish, this wasn't the time to cash it in. Time moved like molasses dripping from a tree, slow and thick.

A loud bang followed by a crackle echoed through the air. The smoke wrapped around the barn like a black death grip as the flames became larger and more terrifying.

There weren't many fires in Red Maple Falls, but when there was, it never got easier for Matt when Sam disappeared into the darkness. He was afraid that one day he wouldn't come out with that stupid smirk on his face and that no big deal attitude.

Matt was about to go in after Sam when he emerged with Jake Johns, arm draped over his shoulder. Sam removed his mask as they moved away from the fire. Both were covered in ash, sweat pouring down their foreheads.

"Jake!" Carrie cried out and went running toward them. Matt was able to grab her before she got any closer to the fire. Besides, Jake looked unsteady on his feet, and Matt wasn't sure if he needed medical attention yet. One of the other firemen ran over to help carry Jake to safety.

An ambulance pulled up, and Cynthia and Devin, the local EMTs, jumped out and rushed to their sides.

"He needs oxygen," Sam said, nodding toward Jake.

"What about you?" Cynthia asked as they lowered Jake onto the back of the ambulance.

Sam smiled. "I'll be fine once I get this fire out," he said as he ran over to his crew and started yelling commands.

Matt let go of Carrie and she ran over to Jake, taking his face in her hands then falling against him, sobbing into his chest. Even though it looked like it took all the energy Jake had, he held her.

"What happened?" Matt asked as Cynthia dodged Carrie to place an oxygen mask over Jake's nose and mouth.

"I don't know," Carrie said. "We were just hanging out, and by the time we smelled smoke, the fire had already spread."

"We're going to take you down to the hospital to make sure everything is okay," Devin said to Jake.

Matt saw the death grip Carrie had on Jake and looked at Devin. "She should get checked too," he said, nodding to Carrie.

Jake's eyes met Matt's, and though he didn't say anything, Matt saw the gratitude. He also saw himself. Poor kid so damn in love. Matt just hoped things worked out better for Jake than they had for him.

Matt helped Carrie climb into the ambulance, and then shut the door behind them, giving a wave as they pulled away.

He watched as the black smoke turned gray to white, until the big billowing clouds dissolved into the air.

Once the fire was out, Sam came over and removed his helmet, revealing the dark hair that was prematurely going gray in the front. It had been that way for the past couple of years, and while it would've bothered most guys, Sam didn't care. Girls go crazy over George Clooney, he'd say, and I'm better looking. Matt always laughed him off--not because he was lying, since Sam never had a problem getting a girl--because of his arrogance.

Sam swiped a bead of sweat from his forehead. "Want to grab a beer later?"

"I have to go let the parents know where their kids are."

"Better you than me."

Matt smirked in agreement. "I'll probably head up the hospital to check on them after. How about tomorrow?"

"Told my mom I'd help Rick install a new dishwasher after work. It shouldn't take long, but you know how that shit goes."

"Raincheck then?"

"Sounds good. I'll talk to you later," Sam said, giving Matt a pat on the shoulder before heading back to his crew to finish up.

***

Shay pulled up to the hospital to visit her grandparents' neighbor just as her cell rang. She reached for the phone, expecting to see her mother's name flashing on the screen, so she was elated when her dad's office number appeared.

She loved her father with all her heart, who unlike her mother, was kind and loving. Shay had wrapped him around her finger at a young age, and he would do almost anything to ensure her happiness. The one thing he refused to do, was to stand up to his wife, and it drove Shay crazy to witness a cutthroat business man turn into a coward where her mother was concerned.

While he would give Shay the world on a silver platter, it wouldn't matter as long as her mother had anything to say about it. Her father would always bow down to her mother.

In high school, Shay would stop by her father's office after school once a week and lie to her mom about attending an extracurricular activity just so she could have time with her dad untainted by the likes of her mother.

For those couple hours, Shay was happy.

She didn't hesitate as she brought the phone to her ear. "Daddy!"

"Hi princess. How's the bakery?"

"Good. Really good actually. I'm turning a profit and managed to cut my costs by three percent this quarter without sacrificing quality."

"That's fantastic."

Hearing his enthusiastic tone made her heart swell. She always wanted to please her parents, but with her dad it was different. It wasn't about feeling the need to perform to his standards like it was with her mother. It was a genuine desire to make him proud. And even though she was miles away in a place that he never much cared for, she knew without him saying it that he was proud of her.

As much as Shay hoped this was simply a call to check-in, she wasn't an idiot.

"What's going on, Dad?"

He was silent for a second before letting out a loud breath. "Why aren't you taking your mother's calls?"

Shay closed her eyes in annoyance. There were a lot of things she didn't like about her mother, but the thing she despised most was when she used her father to get at her. It was a cheap move and completely unfair.

"Did she tell you to call?" Shay asked not even attempting to keep the hostility from her voice.

"Actually, this call is entirely on me."

"I find that hard to believe."

"You know how much I hate getting involved in whatever is going on between the two of you, but your mother is upset."

"I bet she is," Shay mumbled under her breath.

"I know she's not always the easiest person."

Shay choked on a laugh. "That's an understatement."

"She is still your mother."

Whether Shay liked her mother or not, she was her mother and Shay, despite her own reservations, loved her. "I know," Shay said, her voice so small she wasn't even sure if her dad heard her. "I'll answer the next time she calls."

"Thank you. I have to get back to work now."

"What you really need is a vacation." Shay had always been a hard worker, but her father put her to shame, working into all hours of the night.

"Your mother goes on enough vacations for the both of us," he said with a laugh, but Shay didn't find it funny. She hated that her mother reaped the benefits of her dad's hard work without ever lifting a finger. It was frustrating, but not her place to say anything, so she kept her comments to herself.

"It was good talking to you, Princess."

"You too, Daddy."

"I'll email you soon. Love you," he said before hanging up.

Shay took a second to gather herself. Talking to her dad was the only time she missed New York. With a deep breath, she grabbed the sugar free cupcakes off her passenger seat and headed toward the hospital.

She reached the door just as Matt walked out. He stopped, looking down at her. His eyes were dark and red rimmed. Black spots marked his usual fresh clean face and he wreaked of a bonfire. Tired and run down, he'd never looked sexier.

"Rough day?" she asked.

He ran a hand over his face, smearing one of the black marks. "You could say that." He nodded to the container of cupcakes in her hand. "Dropping off?"

"Sort of. I'm visiting Mae."

"I didn't know she was sick."

"She's not. She had her other hip replaced. I'm bringing her some sugar-free cupcakes, but don't tell her that."

"Sugar-free? I'm sure she'll be able to figure it out on her own."

Shay smiled. "Not the way I make them."

Mr. Fleming, a customer of Shay's who always ordered the key lime cupcake, pushed open the door. With his face set in a scowl, Shay decided it wasn't a good time to say hello, so she stepped aside to let him through.

"Daddy, please. I just want to make sure he's okay," his daughter, Carrie, who Shay now realized he was holding by the wrist, pleaded. She also had black marks on her face and clothes.

"I told you to stay away from that boy. He's nothing but trouble and today's events proves that!" Mr. Fleming barked as he continued.

Carrie planted her foot in the ground. "I'm not leaving until I see him."

Mr. Fleming turned to her, leveling his gaze. "If you go back in that hospital, you can say goodbye to prom and your summer vacation."

She sucked in a startled breath. "You wouldn't."

"Try me," he said.

Carrie let out a frustrated screech, stomped her foot then B-lined it to the car.

Shay watched in confusion and disbelief. She'd never seen Mr. Fleming without a smile on his face. She turned to Matt, wondering if his rough day had anything to do with whatever that was she just witnessed. "What the heck was that about?"

Matt's jaw ticked, eyes narrowed. "History repeating itself," he muttered before storming away, leaving her more confused than ever. 

# Chapter 10

Matt lounged back in the Adirondack chair on his deck, looking out across the lake and listening to his dad and grandpa discuss the farm. He sipped on water while the older man enjoyed one of Mason's batches. He'd be partaking if he wasn't on call.

"Did Charlie get that part in yet?" Matt asked his grandfather since he hadn't given him a call yet, and he wouldn't put it past the old man to try and install it himself.

"Not yet. Damn thing is on backorder. Do you believe that? I'll be dead before we can get it up and running."

"You let me know when it comes in."

"Why? Don't think I'm capable of fixing it myself?"

"I didn't say that. I told you I would help and that's what I'm going to do."

"More like babysitting me," Harold grumbled.

"You're getting cranky in your old age." Matt laughed, thinking of how Shay called him a cranky old man. That girl... No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't stop thinking about her. She was in his head at night when he went to bed, interrupting his sleep, and there again in the morning when he was in the shower. He'd masturbated so many times, he was beginning to feel like a teenager again. Every time he hoped for some relief, and he'd get it for a couple of hours before Shay popped back into his mind with her big eyes and pouty lips.

"I've earned my right," Harold responded, and Matt shifted in his seat, trying to focus on the now and let the thoughts of Shay naked in his bed, in his shower, on this deck, float away.

"Can you two stop bickering like two old maids? I'm trying to enjoy the night," Jonathon said with a laugh.

Harold pointed a finger at Matt. "He started it."

"And you wonder why you need a babysitter," Matt joked.

Jonathon kept his eyes closed as he spoke. "He's got you there, Dad."

Harold mumbled under his breath, and Matt smiled. These were the moments Matt would remember when the time came and Harold would no longer be with them. He cherished their weekly get-togethers when they drank beer and shot the breeze.

"Too bad Mason couldn't come tonight," Matt said, thinking how it felt a little strange without him.

"He's neck deep in getting the brewery up and running," Jonathon said.

Matt had offered his help a few times, but Mason shot him down every one of those times, saying he had it all under control. Matt was the control freak in the family, and while he should have understood Mason's desire to do things on his own, it was killing him not to be able to help.

"Maybe I'll stop by there one day this week and see if he needs help," Matt thought out loud.

"Leave him be," Harold said. "He wants to do this on his own, then let him. If he needs help, he'll come to you."

"That's not Mason's style."

"He came to me, didn't he? Just let him know you're there if he needs you, but don't suffocate the poor boy."

"Your grandfather is right," Jonathon said.

"Of course I'm right. When am I not?"

Matt's radio went off before he could respond with a smartass remark. Matt excused himself to take the call. He wasn't surprised to find out old man Simpson was riding his tractor down Main Street in his underwear again singing America the Beautiful.

"I have to head out."

"You go on. We're going to finish our beers and enjoy the night a little longer."

"If you're not here when I get back, I'll see you at Sunday dinner."

"Speaking of..." Harold said. "Your grandmother wants to know if you'll be bringing Shay."

"Shay? Why would she think that?"

"Heard you two were cozy at the movies the other night."

"We were the only ones in the theater. How does she even know about that?"

"I don't ask questions. You learn that after sixty years of marriage."

"You and Shay, huh?" Jonathon asked.

Matt held his hands up in front of him. "I don't have time for this. I have to go stop a drunk man from driving his tractor into a tree."

"That's a yes," Matt heard Jonathon say as he walked off the deck and toward his car.

Matt pulled onto Main Street expecting to see the headlights of the tractor lighting up the road. Instead he found it dead in the gutter with no sign of the old man.

"Great," Matt mumbled as he pulled his cruiser next to it and got out. He climbed up onto the tractor and noticed the keys still in the ignition. He gave it a turn, but it didn't start up. Out of gas.

Now not only did he have a dead tractor in the middle of Main Street, but he also was missing its driver. Matt got back into his car and drove toward the only gas station in town.

Old man Simpson might have been a drunk, but he wasn't a dumb man. If he was out of gas, Matt would guess he'd be on a mission to get it even though the gas station had closed over an hour ago.

He drove about a quarter of a mile before he spotted the old man walking on the side of the road in nothing more than a pair of house slippers and tighty whities with a red gas can dangling from his hands.

Matt pulled up beside him and rolled down the window. "Hey, Bert. Need a lift?"

Bert stopped and looked down into the passenger window. His hair and beard were long and tinted yellow by years of cigarette smoke. "Matt, is that you?"

"Sure is. Looks like you could use a ride."

"I sure could." Without another word, he opened the door and slid right in, placing the gas can at his feet.

Normally Matt would just drive Bert home, but he still had a tractor in the middle of Main Street he had to deal with. He pulled onto the road and headed toward his parents' farm where he knew he'd be able to find a couple of gallons in the shed.

The shed was set far back from the main house, so he didn't feel guilty about not running in to say hello to his mother. Once he got the gas can and placed it onto the backseat, he headed to Bert's place.

Matt turned to Bert to try to gauge how drunk he was, but his head was hanging forward, his arms crossed over his chest, and he was snoring.

It took a little extra muscle to get him in the house, but Matt managed before heading back to the tractor.

While most cops wouldn't put up with Bert's antics, most likely throwing him in the cell to sleep it off for the night, Matt had a soft spot for the old man. He had nobody other than a daughter who had long since moved away. Loneliness could make you do some crazy things. Bert had always been a known drinker, but in the past few years it had only gotten worse.

Matt was about to call it a night when he noticed a light on in Sweet Dreams Bakery. Instincts kicked in as he moved toward the place, but when he spotted Shay's red Mini Cooper, he knew he wasn't going to be dealing with another break-in.

Not in a rush to head home, he walked over to the bakery and cursed under his breath when the front door opened with barely a push. Would it kill her to lock the damn door? He understood that in their town no one locked their doors, but no one else in town was being targeted by some unknown suspect either. How the hell was he going to make her understand she needed to take a little precaution?

His lip quirked at the corner as a plan formed in his head. If she wasn't going to take this whole thing seriously then he was going to have to take actions into his own hands.

He slipped into the shop. The bell above the door rang, and he waited a moment, but no Shay. If she didn't even hear the bell... Anger and frustration bubbled up inside him as he made his way around the counter. He peeked into the kitchen to find Shay with her back to him, earbuds in her ears and her hips swaying back and forth.

The round curve of her ass was highlighted by a pair of black leggings that he loved so much. His pants tightened and desire caused his fingers to twitch, begging him to grab her, haul that sweet ass up against him, and finally give into what his body craved.

The temptation was strong, but he needed to teach her a lesson first. He went up behind her and covered her mouth with his hand, pulling her tight against him. She let out a scream, but it was lost to the mass of his hand. She bucked back and forth, struggling and kicking... doing everything she could to get away, but it was no use against his strength.

Anger pushed past the desire as he realized if he was anyone else, she'd be as good as gone. He ripped the earbud from her ear, his mouth breathing hot against it. "This is why I told you to lock the damn door," he growled before loosening his grip.

Shay slid out of his hold and spun around, her eyes wild and furious. "You son of a bitch!" she screamed then slammed her hands into his chest, leaving streaks of flour on his shirt. "You scared the shit out of me." She shoved his chest harder. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

He grabbed her wrists, halting her from hitting him again. "Proving a point."

"And what point is that? That you can come in here and give me a freaking heart attack?"

"No!" he barked. "That anyone can come in here and hurt you. You didn't even hear me come in. It's bad enough you left the damn door unlocked, but to have these in your ears." He flicked at the wire dangling from her ear with his finger. "You're lucky it was just me."

"Lucky?" she spat. "You're crazy. You know that? Downright crazy."

He stepped toward her until he could see the green specks in her irises. "If it gets you to lock the damn door, then go ahead and think that."

"I'll think you're crazy whether or not I lock the door." Her eyes locked with his, challenging him to say another word. Her breathing still hadn't evened out, causing her chest to rise and fall with each hot and heavy breath.

Not one to back down, he went to say something when her cell phone rang. She rolled her eyes and stepped away, picking up her phone and looking down at the screen. Her eyes slid shut as if she was trying to find strength.

"You plan on answering that?"

"I don't feel like dealing with my mother right now. Not that it's any of your business."

"That's surprising. I thought you jumped when she called."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing. Just saying I bet if she told you to lock your doors and to put up cameras you would do it, no questions asked."

Shay's eyes widened, and if he wasn't mistaken there was a slight sheen forming.

"Don't stand here and act like you know me or anything about my relationship with my mother because you don't. Not anymore." There was ice in her tone and fury in her eyes. He'd overstepped, and if it made her think about everything he'd been saying then good, but it wasn't enough to take away the guilt he felt for provoking the tears she was barely keeping at bay.

"Shay, I'm--"

She held her hand up. "Don't."

"But--"

She shook her head. "I think you should leave."

He hesitated, caught between the desire to pull her close until the pain eased from her features, or to do what she'd asked.

She rested her hands on the counter, staring down at the stainless-steel tops. "Please," her voice was a mere whisper, making him powerless.

"I'll lock the door on my way out," he said before walking away.

# Chapter 11

Shay's phone rang, and she wanted to chuck it across her shop. The other times when Shay ignored it she'd felt triumphant and unfettered. Now with each second, she didn't answer, the conversation with her father chipped away at her resolve.

With a heavy sigh, Shay finally answered. "Hi, Mother."

"Darling, is everything all right? I've been worried sick."

"Everything is fine."

"Then why haven't you answered your phone? I could have been dying in some hospital bed. What could have been so important that you couldn't give your mother five seconds of your time?"

"I've been busy." Shay had learned long ago that the shorter the answers the better. It gave her mother less of a chance to latch onto something and manipulate her words to use against her.

"Busy?" her mother said, then laughed that fake, pretentious laugh of hers. "In the middle of nowhere? I don't think you could be busy there if you tried."

Shay was happy the conversation was taking place over the phone, so her mother couldn't see her facial expressions. "I do own a business, Mother."

"Of course you do, dear," she said with the same tone as she would use on Shay as a child and she'd asked if Santa was real.

Shay ignored the total disregard her mother displayed and went right to the point. "What do you want, Mother? What was so important that you felt the need to call me twenty times?"

"It was hardly twenty times. No need to exaggerate."

Shay was a patient person. She prided herself on being able to handle the most obnoxious of clients back in her corporate days, but for some reason that patience didn't extend to her mother. The fuse for her was short and only got shorter with each passing moment.

"The reason I called."

Finally.

"I ran into Robert the other day, and we had lunch."

Shay froze, every inch of her body paralyzed. The air in her lungs sucked out. This was a joke. It had to be. But her mother didn't joke, and she wouldn't put it past her to betray her in this way.

"Please tell me you didn't."

"It was quite lovely." Her mother continued to talk, but Shay couldn't hear her past the blood boiling in her ears. The hard, heavy breaths that were coming out in succession.

"I think you should give him another chance."

It was as if her mother had plunged a knife into her back. Every ounce of control Shay had vanished.

"Another chance?" Shay yelled. "Are you out of your damn mind?"

"He made a mistake. People make mistakes all the time."

"A mistake?" Shay could barely get the words out past the massive lump forming in her throat. Her body shook with anger and rage and more emotions she couldn't even begin to decipher.

"Yes, a mistake."

"He stole from me!" she finally managed. She had given Robert three years of her life, agreed to marry him at her parents' insistence. She wasn't madly in love with him like she had been with Matt, but she had loved Robert, and he repaid her by milking her dry, completely wiping out her savings account and leaving only ten dollars in her checking.

"He was only trying to fix what he did. He would have paid it all back. You weren't even supposed to know about it."

Shay scoffed. Her mother was insane. Certifiable. Robert stole from his clients and when they'd catch on, he'd used her hard-earned money to cover his ass without her knowledge. He'd stolen her checkbook out of her bag while she'd been sleeping and cleaned her out. If her credit card payment hadn't bounced, she may never had known, but that didn't change the fact that he'd stolen everything but ten dollars from her. And no, he wasn't ever going to pay her back, because if he was, he would have already. It had been two years, and she hadn't as much as received a penny from him.

Not even a damn apology.

It went beyond the money, too. Her name was linked to his scheme, and if he went down, she could have been dragged down with him. Everything she worked for would have been ripped out from under her. Her name tainted forever.

"You honestly believe that?" Shay demanded.

"Yes. He wants to make amends. He's doing really well now. Back at the top of his game."

"If he's doing so well, then why hasn't he paid me back?"

"He wants to see you."

"That is never going to happen."

"Darling, give him another chance. You two were great together."

The only reason her mother wanted her with him was because of who he was. It didn't matter that he stole from her, almost got her roped into an illegal scam... All that mattered was his last name.

She always knew her mother was materialistic, but to choose money and prestige over her own daughter's welfare was downright cold. Matt's words from the night before echoed in her head. She might have always done what her mother had asked of her, but not anymore. Especially when her request was insulting and insensitive.

"No," Shay said with unwavering resolve.

"He's changed. He just needed to grow up. He's learned from his mistakes. Just come down and see him."

"No!"

"You're being dramatic."

Shay's jaw tightened, her teeth clenched, and her hand curled into a fist. She knew the game. Her mother had been playing it for years. Make Shay feel like a child who was incapable of making a decision so she could make all of her decisions for her. Not anymore. She wasn't that girl anymore. That girl disappeared the day her money did. The day the person her mother swore was the best thing for her destroyed her trust and her bank account.

"I said no, Mother. And you are not to ask me again. Stay out of it."

"I beg your pardon?"

"Don't act like you didn't hear me. I have moved on and I am never coming back to New York. Not for you and definitely not for some dirt bag who hides behind his family's name and connections."

"How dare you! I'm your mother, and you will not speak to me that way."

"Fine, then I have nothing left to say to you. Goodbye."

Shay hung up and slumped against the wall. Her body was weak and fatigued as if she'd just put in an intense workout at the gym.

A part of her couldn't believe she'd said those things, but the other part of her that was sick and tired of being manipulated was high-fiving herself for finally standing up to her mother.

The bell above the door rang, and Shay pushed herself back up, running a hand down her apron and putting on a smile.

Kate walked in, her strawberry blonde hair trailing behind her. She was in a navy-blue t-shirt and a pair of ripped jeans that were cuffed at the bottom, revealing a pair of white Keds.

"Hey," she said with sunshine in her voice until she caught a good glimpse of Shay. Her bluish green eyes narrowed in concern. "Are you okay?"

Shay nodded to the phone in her hand. "I just hung up with my mother."

"How is Cruella today?" Kate asked, using her given nickname for Shay's mother.

"Trying to meddle in my life like always."

Kate didn't know about what had happened back in New York. No one did. Shay was too embarrassed by the whole thing. She didn't want people to know how naïve she'd been. How she'd let her parents--especially her mother--push her toward an engagement that she knew in her heart wasn't right. But like her mother said, it didn't have to be right, just convenient.

"You should tell her to screw off," Kate said which was exactly why Shay loved her so much. While Shay found it hard to say the things that were on her mind, Kate never had a problem blurting them out. She was blunt, but not malicious. It was refreshing and endearing.

"I did in not so many words."

Kate's eyes widened, and a smile spread wide across her face. "Good for you! No, really, I'm proud of you. It's about time. How do you feel?"

"Like I need a drink."

"I think I can arrange that," Kate said with a wink.

Calhoun's was one of the few bars in town and frequented by many of the locals. It sat on the town border and close enough to bring in people from other towns. It was the one place in Red Maple Falls where you could go and actually see people you hadn't known for most of your life.

Not that Shay had that problem in the beginning, but as her time in Red Maple Falls prolonged, all the faces became more and more familiar. It was nice to hide away for a while and disappear into a crowd. It was one of the few things she missed about being in New York. Some days she just wanted to shut the world out, but that was impossible in Red Maple Falls.

Shay parked her car on the side of the building and waved to Kate as she got out. Both had gone home to freshen up. Shay ran her hands over the hips of her designer jeans and touched the edge of her plunging neckline. The stiletto heel of her nude platform Christian Louboutin's clicked with each step toward the bar. She was still lucky that that Robert hadn't hocked them. Though, he probably wouldn't have gotten anywhere near what she had paid.

They were expensive and impractical for country life, but they made her feel sexy and sophisticated and sometimes a girl needed to feel those things.

"You look amazing," Kate said, giving her a sassy wink.

"You too." Shay admired the easy care-free beauty that was Kate. Her face was practically free of makeup, yet she looked like she could walk any runway. She was naturally beautiful with little effort. Shay hated and envied her because of it.

"Oh, this old thing?" Kate said with a laugh, pulling at the hem of her shirt.

The light pink of Kate's baby doll tank top should have drowned her out, but instead it complimented her porcelain complexion and gave a nice view of Kate's curves. She stood at least six inches taller than Shay, but carried herself with as much grace and poise as a delicate ballerina.

"Ready to get drunk?" Kate asked.

Shay shook her head. "I can't get drunk. I have to drive home and be up early tomorrow."

"You always have to be up early."

"You own a shop. You should know how it is. The business always comes first."

"A good time should always come first."

"It should, but unfortunately, I can't have a good time without money, and I can't make money if I don't work."

"Basically, what you're saying is life isn't fair?"

"Something like that," Shay said with a smile. She opened the door and turned back to Kate. "Only one drink. Two at the most."

"You got it." But the devilish grin on Kate's face said otherwise.

***

Matt walked into Calhoun's and instantly spotted Sam. He gave him a quick wave as he headed toward him. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of burgundy then familiar dark hair. He turned to see Shay swaying with a drink in her hand to music that had stopped playing.

Her shirt was cut dangerously low, revealing two beautiful mounds, and those jeans molded to her body like they were painted on, highlighting all her sexy curves. She was the most beautiful woman in the bar, not that he noticed anyone else.

Her hips rocked back and forth as the music kicked back on to a slow song. Just like last night, he wanted to grab her by the waist and pull her up against him, hold her tight as they swayed to the music together, losing themselves in the movements and the moment.

She lost her balance and her drink spilled over the top. "Whoopsie," she called out, getting a few chuckles from the guys in her vicinity. They'd better not make any moves on her, because there would be hell to pay if they did. She was out having a good time and didn't need to be harassed. Or maybe she wanted to be. Maybe she was here to meet someone.

The thought caused the veins in Matt's arm to bulge and the tension in his neck to pull tight. She wasn't his, no matter how desperately he wanted her to be, so he needed to rein in his jealous thoughts. It wasn't his place. He swallowed down his desires to take her in his arms and headed in the opposite direction toward Sam.

Sam lounged back on a bar stool, tipping a brown bottle to his lips. As Matt approached, Sam handed him a bottle of Dogfish Head 60, a good IPA that Matt defaulted to when he didn't know what he wanted.

"Any news on what started the fire?" Matt asked.

"Cigarette. The boy insisted it was his, even though there was lip gloss on the filter."

"He's taking the blame for her."

"Wouldn't you?" Sam asked, but Matt didn't respond because they both already knew what his answer would be. He looked across the bar to where Shay was. In order to protect the girl he loved, of course he would.

Matt's eyes moved over to the beer taps, and he wondered if one day Mason's beer would be available at local bars across the state.

It was hard to imagine, but at the same time, Mason never disappointed. He was driven and if he wanted to be a success, it was only a matter of time.

"What you thinking about?" Sam asked as his eyes lingered on a blonde in the corner.

"Did I tell you Mason is opening his own brewery?"

Sam slapped the bar and a smile formed on his face. "Get the hell out of here."

"Bought the place and everything. Just has to get it up and running."

"No shit." Sam nodded, a look of pride in his eyes. "He better give me free beer."

"I'm sure he will."

Matt's attention drifted back to Shay. She was there with his sister, and they looked like they were having a good time. He only hoped Shay hadn't driven here. She looked like she'd already had one too many.

Sam said something, but Matt completely missed it.

"Is anyone in there?" Sam said, and Matt held up his hand.

"Kate's here. I'm going to go say hi."

"Sure, it's Kate you're going to go say hi to," he said with a knowing smirk.

"Shut up," Matt said. "I'll be right back."

Sam made eyes at the blonde, and she offered a sexy glance back. "Take your time," Sam said. "I have someone to say hi to myself."

No matter where they were, Sam always managed to find a chick. It was like he was a magnet to the single ladies of New Hampshire. They flocked to him in droves, especially if he was wearing any indication that he was a fireman.

Matt laughed off Sam's luck and made his way through the Friday crowd until he was standing beside his sister and behind Shay who was currently talking to some guy.

"Hey," Matt said to Kate, his eyes narrowing on the guy.

Kate smacked a hand against his chest. "Hey, what are you doing here?"

"Having a drink with Sam." He nodded over his shoulder to where Sam had made his way to the blonde.

"AKA, watching Sam snag a hookup."

Being only two years younger than them, Kate knew all about Sam and his Playboy ways. He'd been bagging chicks since ninth grade, and more than once they happened to be friends of Kate. She looked at Sam the same way she looked at Matt though, as a brother, and thank god for that. Matt wouldn't know what to do if Sam and Kate ever hooked up. His sister was simply off-limits.

"You're cute," Shay said to the guy she was talking to, and Matt's lip curled.

Kate instantly took notice and draped her arm over Shay's. "Shay, sweetie, over here."

"Oh," Shay said with a squeak of surprise. "Okay, we're spinning now. Bye." She waved to the guy and turned with Kate until Matt could see her hazel eyes that were more brown than green tonight.

"Matt!" Shay exclaimed, surrounding him in the scent of cinnamon and not her usual vanilla. She tossed her arms in the air, wrapping them around his neck. He wanted to enjoy the moment and the feel of Shay's body pressed against his, but a cold wet stream poured down his back. He pulled away, and she pouted which was slightly satisfying.

"You spilled your drink," he said, pulling at his shirt to see the damage.

Shay looked down at the hand holding the glass, and her eyes widened as if she forgot it was there. "I'm so sorry."

"It's all right. It'll dry. What are you drinking anyway?" he asked, taking the glass from her hand and bringing it to his nose. The scent burned his nostrils, and he had to quickly put it down.

"Fireball and Coke. More Fireball, less Coke."

That explained the cinnamon scent. "I can tell."

"She had a rough day," Kate chimed in.

"Everything okay?" Matt asked. "Was it the shop? Did somebody break in again?"

She held her hand up, cutting him off. Her eyes slipped shut then opened. "Slow your roll, buddy."

"If someone broke in again, you need to take this seriously."

She shook her head, dark waves of brown hair falling in front of her face. "Nobody broke in."

"She had a call with Cruella," Kate said.

"With who?"

"My mother, the evil wench," Shay announced proudly, throwing her hand in the air and sloshing more Fireball and Coke onto the floor.

Matt had never liked Shay's mother. He despised her. He'd tried to give her the benefit of the doubt even though Shay had told him some unfavorable stories about her. Even with that advantage, she'd rubbed him the wrong way. She was pretentious and self-involved with no regard for what Shay wanted. If it didn't please her or feed into her ridiculous views on the world, she wanted no part of it. Matt had wondered how a woman like that could have raised someone as sweet and kind as Shay.

"Guessing it didn't go well," Matt said.

"About as well as a root canal."

"Sorry." Matt didn't know what else to say. There were no words to justify a mother's insolence.

"Don't be!" Shay exclaimed, smacking her hand against Matt's chest. "I finally told her to go screw herself!"

Matt was stunned and apparently through her drunken haze Shay picked up on it.

"Okay, maybe not those words, but I stood up to her. I told her to leave me alone. To stop meddling in my life. I don't need her." Shay held her finger up like the most insightful thought just popped into her head. "I never needed her."

"No, you didn't," Matt agreed and Shay's eyes met his. They were bloodshot and glossy, but still beautiful. She looked at him like she was seeing him for the first time and maybe she was. It had been so long since they had been together, they were different people now, but Matt wholeheartedly believed that both their past and present selves were perfect for each other.

Shay broke their gaze and turned to the bar, flinging her hand up in victory. "We should drunk! I mean drink!"

"I think you've had enough," Matt said.

Shay shook her head. "I'm just getting started."

"Oh you started, and now you're done."

She stabbed a finger into his chest. "Nobody bosses me around anymore, buddy. You got that?"

Matt had to stifle a laugh. Drunk or not, she was quite entertaining. Besides, Shay was always her own boss. The only time she wasn't, was when her parents were involved. Matt knew Shay didn't need them. They were like a cancer eating away at everything that was good about her, turning her into someone he didn't recognize.

Shay leaned against the bar. "Billy! I'll have another."

The bartender turned toward Shay, and Matt shook his head. "No, she won't."

"If you won't buy the lady another drink then I will." The asshole from earlier sidled up next to Shay and gave her a wink like he was her knight in shining armor.

"At least someone knows how to celebrate," Shay said, flashing her sexy smile at him.

Matt knew his type. He sat around at a bar, waited for a girl to get too drunk, and then he would strike. Matt would be damned if he let Shay be his prey.

"Billy, she's done," Matt said.

Billy knew Matt rather well. Matt had made a few trips down here over the years to break up a bar fight or two. Billy also called when someone was too drunk and insisted on driving home. There was no way in hell Billy would give Shay another drink now that Matt had stepped in.

"I think that's the lady's decision," the asshole said, stepping in front of Shay.

Anger surged through Matt's veins. If he had a different profession, he would lay this guy out in a heartbeat.

"I think you need to mind your own business."

"Make me."

Matt laughed, and out of the corner of his eye, he saw Sam walking toward them. Sam always had Matt's back. Ever since fourth grade when Jimmy Littleton sucker-punched Matt and Sam stepped in and laid Jimmy out. They'd been best friends ever since.

The guy shoved Matt's shoulder. "Let's go, tough guy."

Matt shook his head. "I don't need to prove my dominance to some jerk in a bar who can't get a chick unless she's wasted."

Matt anticipated the guy's move before he even made it, so when his fist came at him, Matt ducked and then grabbed his hand and yanked it behind his back. Matt shoved his knee up until the guy dropped to the floor.

Shay shrieked, turning into Kate and the bar fell silent.

Sam came over and rested a tight hand on the guy's shoulder while Matt dug in his pocket. The guy twisted and turned, trying his hardest to break free.

"Let me go, asshole."

Matt grabbed his badge and dropped it down in front of his face. "I suggest you stop resisting."

The guy froze then his head fell forward.

"Looks like you have things under control," Sam said with a smirk then glanced over Matt's shoulder. "Hi Shay."

"Uh, hi."

"Kind of like old times, huh?"

"I guess." She dropped her head and looked down at her fidgeting hands. Sam laughed before heading back to the blonde.

"Tell me," Matt said to the guy beneath him. "How did you plan on getting home tonight? And I'll give you a hint. If you say driving, we're going to have a problem."

The guy stuttered a few incoherent sounds before forming a sentence. "Walking?"

"Are you asking me or telling me?"

"Telling?"

Matt took his wallet and checked his ID. "According to this, you live a good seven miles away. That's a pretty long walk."

Matt turned to the bartender. "Billy, call the station. Tell Graham to get down here."

"You can't arrest me! I didn't do anything wrong." Sweat beaded on his forehead. Matt was getting a little too much pleasure watching this guy panic. Maybe it'd teach him to keep his nose out of places where it didn't belong.

"I could. You did after all shove a police officer." Matt let that sit between them for a moment before adding, "But I'm not arresting you. I'm getting you a ride home. You're welcome." The guy might have been an asshole, but he was still a human being, and it was Matt's job to protect him and anyone else on the road tonight. "But I'm telling you right now. If I ever catch you drinking and driving in my town, I will have you in cuffs faster than you can blink. You got that?"

The guy nodded. Matt looked at Shay. Her back was pressed against the bar, eyes widened in shock like she was still processing everything that was happening.

Did she even realize the danger she put herself into tonight? Forget the drinking and driving portion. She was wasted, completely out of control, and vulnerable. It might be a small town, but that didn't mean bad things didn't happen.

As a city girl, one would think she'd be a little more careful about shit like this. He thought of all the worst-case scenarios and anger pumped through his veins. His eyes narrowed on her.

Once he was done dealing with this guy, she was next.

***

The intensity of Matt's stare had Shay grabbing for the bar. Her lips parted to say something--a thank you or an apology--anything, but she still didn't understand what had just happened. One minute she was bickering with Matt, and the next he was taking down some drunk guy.

"Let's get you some water," Kate said, wrapping her arm around Shay's shoulder and turning her to face the bar.

"Billy, a water."

"With lemon," Shay added. It was a natural way to rid her body of the toxins she'd just consumed. Maybe, if she was lucky, she wouldn't feel like hell in the morning. Doubtful since she felt like she was on the Tilt-A-Whirl.

If she only hadn't downed so many Fireball and Coke's in the first place. It's just her mother made her crazy, and even though she acted like it was a celebration, she was really trying to forget the entire conversation completely. If she knew her mother, which she did, she knew this wasn't the end. When her mother wanted something, she didn't give up.

Shay sipped on her water, letting the icy cool goodness work its magic. Matt had escorted the drunk outside, and Shay had felt the loss of his presence the minute he'd left the bar. She also felt it return the minute he walked back in, as if he was somehow connected to her.

"Let's go," he barked without so much as a single glance in her direction, treating her like she was a dog that he could command.

"I'm not ready to leave," she said, bringing the straw back to her mouth even though there was nothing left to sip.

"I don't care whether you're ready or not. We're leaving."

"Kate can drive me home," Shay snapped back. "I wouldn't want to inconvenience you."

"I pass your place on my way home. Kate's on the other side of town. You're coming with me."

"Shouldn't that be Kate's decision?"

Kate held her hands up. "I'm not getting involved."

The skin on the bridge of his nose creased, his jaw clenching. Sure signs he was losing his patience. Good. That's what he got for being such a killjoy. If she wanted to get drunk, that was her prerogative. It's not like she invited him out tonight; he just happened to be there.

"Either you come with me--"

Annoyance burned bright and Shay jumped up from her stool. "Or what?" She planted her hands firmly on her hips, showing him he couldn't make her do anything.

Before she could say another word, Matt bent down and scooped her up, throwing her over his shoulder.

"Put me down!" she yelled, slamming her fists into his back, but it was no use. It was like hitting a brick wall, and the only thing she accomplished was hurting herself. She kicked her legs, but he pressed his strong arm over the back of her thighs, making it near impossible to move.

"See you later, Kate," he said.

"Just like old times," she heard Sam say as the door opened and closed behind them.

"Put me down, you big ogre!" she demanded.

"I'll put you down, if you promise to behave."

"What am I, five?"

"Sure as hell are acting like it."

"Me? You're the one taking down some poor guy who was just trying to buy me a drink."

"The guy swung at me!"

"I would've swung at you, too!"

The blood rushed to her head, making the Tilt-A-Whirl feel intensify. Everything she drank turned into a whirlpool in her stomach. Her body heaved, and it took all that she had not to spew Fireball and Coke down Matt's back. Not that he didn't deserve it.

She slapped one hand over her mouth and tapped him in a rushed panic. He slowly lowered her to the ground just as everything she drank pushed up. She had barely enough time to turn away from Matt so she could at least keep some of her dignity.

This is why she only drank wine. Liquor was the devil, and right now she felt like she had the fiery depths of hell burning her insides. Unable to control her emotions, tears spilled from her eyes, making this night even more of a disaster.

A gentle touch landed on her shoulders, massaging the tight tissue before pulling her hair out of her face. It reminded her of the first time she'd gotten drunk and how Matt took care of her so her grandparents wouldn't find out.

"Feel better?" Matt asked. She wanted to crawl into a hole and hide.

Physically, she might have felt slightly better, but emotionally she was a wreck. She didn't know how to do this. How to be friends. The truth was she and Matt were never really friends. There was always something that burned between the two of them. They'd resisted until neither was strong enough to keep up the fight.

Her walls were cracking, and she was too tired to try and hold them up any longer. But she had to. If he was interested still, he would've made another move by now. Clearly, the ongoing attraction was one-sided, and she needed to keep her resolve or lose him forever.

That kiss though. My God. It was toe-curling and mind numbingly good. How could he not want to repeat it? Unless, it wasn't as good to him as it was to her.

"Stay right here," Matt said as if the fog in her head would suddenly clear and she'd get in her car and take off.

She managed to right herself even though she was being weighed down by embarrassment.

"Here," Matt said, walking over to her and handing her a bunch of tissues with the Happy Apple logo on them.

"Go there a lot?" she asked.

"Stop in for breakfast a couple times a week. Terry packs it up for me so I can take it on the go."

It shouldn't have bothered Shay, but it did. The Happy Apple was at the other end of Main Street, and yes, they served things like bacon and sausage that her shop didn't have, but still. Why did he never think to stop by her place to grab a quick breakfast? She would've loaded him up with coffee and a few scones... even thrown in a chocolate croissant.

"I serve breakfast," she said, then added, "type foods."

"I know."

"So why don't you ever stop in?"

Matt let out a loud exhale and ran a hand through his short brown hair. His lips parted, but then he pressed them shut. He held a hand out to her. "We should get you home."

Shay's stomach flopped, but it had nothing to do with the alcohol this time and everything to do with the man in front of her.

Normally, she'd get in the car and let the conversation die, but she wanted to know. "I have really good coffee."

"I know."

"Do you not like sweets in the morning, then? Because I have croissants without the chocolate."

His eyes dropped to hers, an intensity so strong it made her suck in a breath.

"I like sweets in the morning," he said.

"It's me, isn't it? You don't want to see me." Emotion clogged her throat and tears pricked her eyes. She wanted to blame it on the damn Fireball for lowering her guard and putting cracks in her exterior.

Matt shook his head, but his gaze immediately locked back on hers. There were a million unspoken words hanging between them, and Shay wished she could reach out and grab them. Only so she could know what Matt was thinking because the man was like a steel trap, revealing little and keeping the rest bottled up.

"Yes," he finally, said and he might as well have reached across the divide and slapped her. A wretched pain twisted her heart, her legs became wobbly, and she wished the night sky would swallow her up and place her among the thousand stars to hide.

"I see," she said, keeping hold of the little resolve she had left. "Okay, then. We should go."

He didn't stop her, and somehow that hurt worse. After debating if she should get into the backseat of his cruiser--because let's face it, that's where people on the down belonged--she waited for him to unlock the passenger door.

Matt's presence was overwhelming so she piled her hands on her lap, sticking as close to the door as possible. She rested her cheek against the cold window, loving how it felt against her heated skin.

She heard Matt turn in his seat, but she refused to look at him. Refused to acknowledge that he was even there. Once she did, she didn't think she'd be able to control her tears.

If it wasn't for the break-in, he never would've stopped in. He would've continued to avoid her at all costs, and on the slight chance he couldn't, he would've resorted to talking about the weather. Well, at least she knew now.

He didn't help her out or insist on security cameras and driving by her place every night because he wanted to see her. He was doing his job. Doing what he was paid to do. The kiss was obviously just a fluke, fueled by the familiarity of being close to each other in the theater.

Matt pulled up to her place, and she quickly grabbed her purse and flung open the door. "Thank you for the ride and don't worry about driving by every night. I'll lock the door. Bye, Matt."

She shut the passenger door and took off toward the house, just wanting to get inside before she crumpled. As she put the key in the lock, a strong hand latched onto her wrist and spun her around. Matt stared down at her with that intense gaze, and all the tears building in her eyes dried up.

Matt ran the pad of his thumb across her cheek, and her eyes slid shut at his touch, absorbing every second, burning it to memory.

His chest was practically pressed against hers, his breathing heavy as he looked down at her. His lips parted, and it seemed like what he was going to say was going to be important. She wanted to say the hell with it and kiss him, but then she remembered her incident in the parking lot.

She held a finger up to him and looked down. "Can you just give me a minute?" Shay pushed the door open and closed it behind her, running as fast as her drunk self would let her to the bathroom.

She downed a bunch of mouthwash and then quickly brushed her teeth before slipping back out the door and right back to where she was. Luckily Matt was still there.

The skin on the bridge of his nose pinched. "Did you just go brush your teeth?"

She nodded. "You were standing really close and well you know..."

He laughed, and god... did he realize how damn sexy that laugh was? How it made her insides melt and her heart pitter patter in her chest?

"You're something else, Shay Michaels."

"I'm not sure if that's an insult or a compliment."

"Compliment, definitely. Now can I finish what I was about to say before you disappeared on me?"

"Please."

He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, his hand lingering. His hands were more rugged, stronger, calloused, bigger than they once were, but his touch was still just as gentle. She wanted to feel those hands move across her body and slip beneath her shirt, pressing his skin against hers.

"You were right. You're the reason I never came in."

Her heart sunk in her chest, but then he cupped her cheeks and looked into her eyes.

"Only because seeing you hurts."

"It does?"

He nodded, resting his forehead against hers, his breath warm on her face. His finger slid beneath her chin, and he urged her to look at him. "So damn much."

"Why?"

"Because I miss you. Because seventeen years ago, I fell in love with you and never stopped."

"I'm not even the same person anymore. Neither are you. So much time has passed. We might as well be strangers."

The rational part of her brain decided to kick in now? Where had it been all night? She wanted to kick herself, but at the same time, she was just protecting her heart. Losing Matt once was hard enough; she couldn't go through it again.

"Tell me there's not a single part of you that still loves me, and I'll walk away right now."

She swallowed down the words fighting their way to the top. The answer was simple. Yes. A part of her still loved him. More than a part. Every guy she ever dated, she compared to him. Whenever she had a bad day, she would close her eyes and let her mind take her back to that summer they spent together. It was so long ago, but the memories burned bright, making it impossible for her to forget.

She looked at Matt, stronger, more filled out and even sexier than he ever was, and still saw the boy he once was. The boy who loved her unconditionally and showed her what true love felt like.

Her eyes slid shut as she garnered the strength to open her heart to the only guy capable of destroying it. When she opened them, and he was staring down at her with those big green eyes, the words came easy.

"I never stopped loving you, either."

His lips came down on hers, devouring her heart and soul, refueling the fire that had been simmering for so long, sending chills down her spine and heat to her core. Their lips synced, both giving and taking, making up for all the time lost.

Shay poured herself into each kiss, refusing to hold anything back, wanting Matt to not only know how much she loved and missed him, but to feel it, too.

Matt's hands slipped down her back, cupping her ass, and hoisting her up. Her legs wrapped around him, the heel of her foot urging him closer until she could feel his hardness pressed against her.

A smile tugged at her lips, but was lost to ecstasy as Matt dragged his lips down her neck. A moan tumbled from her mouth as he continued to kiss and suck the sensitive skin. His strong hand slipped beneath her shirt and spread against her stomach. She arched into him, and his grip tightened.

He dragged his lips to her ears, his breathing fast and warm against her skin. "I've been thinking about this from the minute I stepped into your shop that night."

"I was a mess."

His mouth stopped moving against her, and he pulled back, staring into her eyes, going past the surface and right to her soul. "You were beautiful."

She grabbed his face, crushing her lips to his, knowing that no matter how many times she kissed him it would never be enough.

She reached behind her, grabbing the knob and pushing the door open. They stumbled into the house, but Matt managed to keep them from toppling over.

"Bedroom," she managed before her eyes rolled into the back of her head as his fingers slid across the thin satin of her bra.

"Are you sure?"

She grabbed his face, bringing his eyes to hers. "I've never been so sure about anything in my life."

"I have dreamed about this moment for seventeen years. Where have you been all this time?"

"Waiting for you."

Matt captured her lips with his, tilting her head back and deepening the kiss. His tongue slid against hers in a beautiful dance as she met him stroke for stroke.

He unhooked her bra, slipping his hand beneath the cup and taking her full breast into his hand. His finger ran across her nipple, and it hardened at his touch. She wanted to feel him take each bead into his mouth and circle it with his tongue.

As if he could hear her thoughts, he dipped his head and did just that. Shay cried out from the intense pleasure, digging her nails into his back, reveling in each flick of his tongue.

"I need you," she said. "Please don't make me wait any longer."

Matt brought his mouth to hers again. "Point me in a direction," he said against her lips.

"Third door on the right."

His fingers traced up her back before he grabbed her shirt and pulled it off. She slipped out of her bra and let it fall to the floor beneath them, leaving a trail of clothes as they went.

When they got to her bedroom, he placed her on the middle of the bed and sat back. He removed each of her shoes then her pants. His eyes darkened at the light pink strip of satin that covered her.

She could see the bulge in his pants grow even bigger still. "Matt, please."

He reached behind him and pulled his shirt over his head, revealing the body of a god--tight and muscular and full of cut lines she wanted to run her tongue along.

His lips quirked at the corner as Shay stared in awe. He watched her with intense eyes as he slid his pants off. She let out a gasp then licked her lips in anticipation.

Matt slid the condom on and kneeled on the bed, hovering over Shay before pushing into her. She cried out as he filled her completely, and after two years in Red Maple Falls, Shay finally felt like she was home.

# Chapter 12

Matt woke to Shay in his arms, cuddled against his chest. Her bare skin was soft and warm, and she still smelled of cinnamon. He didn't want to wake her--hell, if he could spend the rest of his life stuck in this moment he would.

Guilt tugged annoyingly at his gut. While last night was unbelievable, he couldn't forget the fact that Shay was in fact drunk. What if she woke up and was filled with regrets? He didn't think he'd be able to bear it.

Before he could dwell on the thoughts any longer, a loud blaring noise echoed across the room, and Shay moaned, burrowing into his chest farther. "Five more minutes," she mumbled, her breath warm against his skin and causing his erection to spring back to life.

The sound didn't stop; if anything, it only got louder. She must have had an alarm set on her phone, and while she could sleep through it, there was no way he was going to be able to. He had an alarm built right into his head. If he had to be up at five the next morning, he would be up at five. He never used an alarm clock and hearing Shay's blaring in the silent morning, he was grateful he didn't need one. That noise was horrendous.

He shifted slightly, but Shay latched onto him, pulling him back.

"Hey," he said, running a hand through her hair and pushing it off her face. She looked rumpled and beautiful this morning. The comforter slipped down as he moved, revealing her bare shoulder. Unable to resist, he pressed a kiss there and then another.

Her legs moved and a smile spread across her face. A tiny moan rumbled in her throat as Matt continued his path up her neck. He swiped his tongue across her earlobe, sucking it gently into his mouth. "It's time to get up."

"Nuh uh," she said.

"Someone hungover?"

"Nope, just comfy."

"At least let me turn that god-awful alarm off."

She nodded; her eyes still closed. "Okay, but be fast." Her hand slipped beneath the covers, grazing his chest and moving lower.

He hopped out of the bed with lightning speed and shut the alarm off. He crawled back into bed, flipping Shay over and hovering above her. "I just have to know one thing."

She looked at him with those big beautiful eyes and while he didn't see regret, he needed to be sure.

"You were drunk last night."

"I was."

"I'm just afraid that..."

"No regrets," she said as if she could read his mind. "None."

"You sure?"

"Yes, now kiss me."

He bent down, pressing a kiss to her forehead then to each cheek. She let out a satisfied moan as he continued on. He was just about to get to the good part when her phone blared again.

"Another alarm?" he asked with a smile, even though this one sounded different.

"No, that's my phone."

"Who would be calling you at five-fifteen in the morning?"

Shay finally opened her eyes for the first time, and he hated the annoyance he saw there as she let out a sigh. "My mother."

Matt kissed her neck. "Don't answer it."

"She'll just keep calling back."

"Let her. Besides, didn't you tell her to screw off yesterday in not so many words?"

Shay nodded.

"Didn't you tell her to stop meddling in your life?"

Shay nodded again.

"Didn't you tell me you didn't need her anymore?"

She looked as if she were in thought for a second, probably because her memory was fogged by Coke and Fireball then she gave a strong nod as she sat up. "I did." The sleepy, sexy Shay was gone, and a determined, beautiful Shay took her place.

She climbed out of bed with purpose, and Matt rested his hands behind his head, admiring the gorgeous view in front of him as she swiped her phone off his dresser. She held her finger up and dramatically hit the power button. A satisfied smile crossed her pretty lips.

"You okay?" he asked, knowing that even though her mother wasn't his favorite person, not even in his top one hundred, she was still Shay's family.

"Couldn't be better. Now, where were we?"

"How are you not hungover?" he asked, unable to fathom how she could wake up glowing after a night of drinking liquor.

"I have no idea." Shay climbed back into bed and straddled Matt. She rested a finger on his lips. "Let's not waste time trying to figure it out."

She bent down, pressing a kiss to his lips. He grabbed her hips and flipped her beneath him, honoring her request.

***

Electric. That was the only way Shay could describe it. Sex with Matt was electric. He awakened things inside of her that had been dormant for so long. Things she only ever felt with him and never thought she'd feel again. Five hours later, aftershocks still racked her body, sending sparks skittering across her thighs, making moisture pool in her panties as she recalled every touch and caress.

"Someone has sex glow."

"What? No!" Shay said to Louise, doing her best not to make eye contact. The minute she did, Louise would know she was a big fat liar and not a very good one at that.

Louise circled a finger at Shay's face, her head tilting at an angle. Her dark brown eyes told Shay she didn't believe her for a second. "You've had this stupid grin on your face since I got here this morning, you keep staring off to space, and were you singing to the cupcakes earlier?"

"Can't I just be in a good mood?"

"Yes, but you're always in a good mood, except when your mother calls, but this is different. It's cute. Who's the guy?"

"No one you would know," Shay lied since everyone in town knew the Hayes brothers. You'd have to be dead or blind not to see them. They were pieces of art that should be molded in stone and put in a museum for women to admire for years to come.

Shay was lucky enough to be with the oldest and, in her opinion, the hottest of the brothers. All six feet of him was pure perfection, and she had firsthand experience from last night and that morning to confirm it.

Just as Shay thought she'd get away with her little white lie, the bell above the door chimed and Mr. Sex God himself walked in.

Her mouth went dry at the sight of him all strong and powerful in his uniform. She bit her lip, but even that couldn't keep the stupid grin off her face.

He removed his sunglasses and squinted slightly, causing little wrinkles to appear around his eyes.

"Oh, I see," Louise said with admiration in her tone. She leaned closer and whispered, "Lucky girl."

"I know," Shay said to Louise as Matt approached the counter.

"I'm going to make myself scarce," Louise said and slipped away into the kitchen.

Matt gave Shay a slow panty-dropping smile, and she somehow managed to control herself from jumping across the counter and devouring him with a kiss.

"Hey," he said calm and cool.

She willed herself to pull it together. "Hey yourself." It might not have been the sexy seductress tone she was going for, but it was coherent so it would have to do. "What are you doing here?"

"I thought I'd stop in for a late day snack. I hear you have great coffee."

A smile played at the corner of her mouth. She loved that Matt listened when she spoke. Robert never had. She felt she'd spent most of their relationship repeating herself and trying to garner his attention away from his cell phone. She had become so used to it that she almost forgot what it was like to be around someone who actually wanted to hear what she had to say.

"You hear right. It's the best."

"Good. I'll take the largest size you have. I have a feeling I'm going to need my energy later."

His words were like a current going right through her and straight to her core. Her legs shook, and her body quivered in anticipation. He gave her a wink that would have brought any woman to their knees.

"I have a feeling, too," she managed, her voice breathier than she'd hoped. "Anything else?"

"How about..." He peered over to the display case. "No maple bacon cupcakes?"

"Nope, they usually sell out before noon."

"Darn."

"Early bird gets the worm. Or in this case, my maple bacon cupcake."

"I was really looking forward to it."

"I think you'll love this one even more." She bent down to the middle rack and grabbed the root beer float cupcake complete with a pirouette made to look like a mini straw and a cherry on top. She stood up and presented it to him.

"It looks like the root beer floats we used to get down at Frosty Frills."

She smiled. "Tastes like it, too."

"Really? It's a root beer float cupcake?"

"I also make Coke, cherry Coke, and orange soda cupcakes, but I remember how much you liked root beer." Her cheeks warmed at the admission.

His gaze met hers and his lip quirked at the corner. "Still my favorite."

A tender rush of nostalgia filled her as his eyes all but sparkled. She snapped her attention away and pointed over her shoulder. "Let me get you a bag."

"Not necessary. It'll probably be gone before I even get out the door."

"Let me get you a napkin, then."

"Are they pink, too?

She grabbed two and placed the cupcake on top. "Not the whole thing. Just the border and the cupcake in the middle."

His eyebrow turned toward the bridge of his nose. "You like pink."

"It's fun and sweet and whimsical. What's not to love? Let me guess. Your favorite color is..." She tapped her chin. "Blue."

"You remember that, too?"

She shrugged. "It was a lucky guess. Typical male."

"I could say pink is typical female."

"You got me there."

"I have to head back to work."

It's not like they were having a deep, mind blowing conversation, but the cute banter was addicting, and she didn't want him to leave. She enjoyed his company and wanted to be around him more.

"How much do I owe you?" He held the cup of coffee and cupcake up.

"On the house."

"I couldn't."

"You could and you will."

"What are you doing later?" he asked, and if she were a dog her ears would have perked up.

"No plans." Unless he considered working too many hours because she had nothing or no one to go home to.

"How about dinner? It's the least I could do."

"I think after last night I owe you." As soon as the words were out of her mouth, heat spread up her neck and across her cheeks. "F-for taking me home last night and bringing me to get my car this morning. Not for...well, you know... Of course not that." She stopped herself before she dug herself any deeper.

Amusement danced across his face. "You about through?"

"Yes."

"My place. Six-thirty."

She assumed dinner meant going out to one of the two restaurants in town, but maybe he wasn't ready for them to go public.

"Your place?" The two of them alone behind closed doors... She swallowed at all the dirty thoughts popping into her head.

Matt's head tilted at her question. "Don't think I can cook?"

"I didn't say that."

A self-assured smirk curved his lips. "I'd have you know I'm a master on the grill."

The admission, as smug as it was, took her off guard. "I didn't know that."

"There's a lot of things you don't know about me."

Too many, she thought. Once upon a time she knew everything about him. How he was a Red Sox fan--gag--how he always ordered root beer with dinner even if they had plans to get a root beer float after, how he loved to fish, and how overly protective he was of his family, especially his younger siblings. Now there was a seventeen-year gap filled with things about him she didn't know.

"There is a lot of things I don't know, but I'd like the chance to find them out."

"I'd like that, too," he said, catching her eyes. He leaned across the counter, and she moved toward him. Their lips mere inches apart when Louise appeared in a rush, head down, dark hair knotted high on her head, looking at her notepad.

"Just took an order for five dozen ice cream sundae cupcakes. They need them by"--she looked up as Matt was pulling back--"oh! Did I? I interrupted, didn't I? You know what, this can wait."

"No," Matt said. "I have to get going anyway. Bye Louise. I'll see you tonight, Shay."

Matt walked out the door, and Shay slumped against the counter.

"He knows my name," Louise said all dreamy.

"He's the Sheriff. I'm sure he knows your address, your parents' names, and your grandparents."

"Couldn't just let me have it, could you?" Louise said with a laugh. "So tonight, huh? She flashed her perfectly white teeth at Shay. "Look at you! He's a little too old for me, but girls have been trying to snag him for years. What is it that you have that they don't?"

"History."

Louise arched a curious eyebrow.

Shay swatted her with a rag. "And that's all I'm telling you, so tell me about this order. When do they need them by?"

Louise shrugged. "Tomorrow. I didn't realize you were making plans for tonight. I can stay and make them. I know the recipes, and I've been practicing."

"I didn't know you were interested in baking. I thought you just wanted to hand out sweets to customers."

"I did, but then I see you working, and well, you've inspired me."

Flattered, Shay didn't know what to say. She needed to hire a new baker and knew that task wouldn't be as easy as hiring someone else to run the register. Anybody could learn how to type a few keys and give change. Learning about using the right amount of ingredients, piping, using fondant, and knowing when a recipe was off just by looking at it or tasting it, those qualities weren't as easy.

Although, Louise was a quick learner. Shay was almost positive she'd not only pick up quickly, but she'd also be willing. She might not have experience, but that didn't mean she wasn't teachable. Shay learned how to bake in her grandmother's kitchen when she was twelve years old. Surely, she could teach Louise just as her grandmother had taught her.

"How would you like to be my apprentice?"

Louise hands flew out in front of her, shock widened her eyes. "Wait. What? Are you serious?"

"Very serious."

"Yes then. A thousand times yes." Louise threw her arms around her and jumped up and down before very casually pulling away. "I mean that'd be cool."

Shay laughed, happy to see the excitement still on Louise's face no matter how hard she tried to hide it. "I never would've kept this place afloat without you."

Louise waved a hand at her face. "Stop it you're going to make me cry."

"Don't do that you'll make the cupcakes salty." Shay nudged her with her shoulder, and they both laughed. "Why don't you go grab the ingredients and we'll get started. I finished all the other orders so we just have this one."

"On it, boss!"

Shay watched as Louise headed back to the kitchen, and suddenly she felt like a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. With Louise on to help with baking, that would give Shay a little more free-time, and she knew exactly who she wanted to spend that free time with.

# Chapter 13

It wasn't until Shay got in her car and was about to head to Matt's when she realized she wasn't exactly sure where he lived. She knew where his parents, his grandparents, and Kate lived, but she had no idea where he lived.

She sent a quick text to him, happy she at least had his number, and he responded almost immediately.

Matt: That would help wouldn't it? 54 Pine Lake Drive. Only log cabin on the road.

A log cabin seemed fitting for Matt. It was rugged, yet cozy--a perfect combination.

She put the address into her GPS, since she'd never stumbled upon that street before and headed out. She checked her makeup in the mirror as she stopped at the end of her driveway. It was just dinner at his house, but she still wanted to look good, so she opted for neutral colors that made her look fresh-faced and gave a slight glow to her cheeks. Her hair was down, curled at the bottom and sitting just beneath her shoulders. She decided on her favorite jeans and a black long sleeve shirt, since the nights tended to get cold.

It took her a little over ten minutes to get to Pine Lake Drive. She passed just two houses on the way to Matt's place, which was the only log cabin on the road.

It was like looking at a picture--beautiful and serene. Past the house, trees rose up to the sky and beneath all those trees, a quaint lake shone in the dimming sunshine. A stone path ran from the driveway to the front of the cabin where two steps led to a small porch.

Shay got out of her Mini, grabbing the box of chocolate Frappuccino cupcakes, and headed for the front door when she heard her name. She turned toward the side of the house where a patio led to a deck overlooking the lake. She swallowed at how delicious Matt looked, holding a plate of steaks in one hand and a beer bottle in the other.

"Find the place okay?"

"My GPS did."

He put the steaks down and held his hand out to her as she walked up the stairs. She graciously took his offer, and when she got to the top she was rewarded with a kiss. "I hope steak's okay."

"Steak is perfect. I'm starving."

"Good."

"What's that?" he asked, motioning to the box.

"Dessert."

"I was hoping," he said, leaning down and pressing a kiss to her earlobe, "to have you for dessert." His breath was warm against her skin yet caused a chill to go down her spine, making her body shudder and her toes curl.

"You can have both. What's dessert if you don't overindulge?"

"I've always liked the way you think. You can put those on the table for now."

Shay walked over to the table set up in the corner and put the box down. Her eyes drifted across the miles of trees, the glass surface of the lake, and the large boulders on the other side. "This place is beautiful, Matt. Really beautiful."

"Thanks. There's nothing better than sitting out here after a long day."

Shay imagined the two of them lounging on a hammock together, cuddled closely as she read and he played with her hair. A kid or two running around.

Wait. What? Where did that thought even come from?

Yes, he said he never stopped loving her, but that didn't mean he wanted to marry her and knock her up. Heck, maybe all it meant was he wanted to spend time with her. Besides, she wasn't that same seventeen-year-old girl anymore. What if he eventually realized he loved who she once was but not who she currently was?

It would break her heart, that she was sure of, but it was a risk she was willing to take. Whatever time they got together she was going to hold on to and cherish.

"Hey," he said, pressing his finger beneath her chin. "What's going on in that head of yours?"

She forced all the negative thoughts away and focused on the living, breathing gorgeous man in front of her. "Just work stuff. I can never turn it off."

He leaned down, touching his lips to hers, soft and sweet before slipping his tongue against hers. Her mind fogged and all she could focus on was Matt and the hundreds of fireworks sparking inside of her. Slowly he pulled away. "Did that help?"

"Help what?"

He smiled that adorable smile of his. "I'll take that as a yes." He gave her another kiss, this one too quick for her liking, then grabbed the steaks and headed over to the grill. "Do you want a drink? I have white wine in the fridge, red on the counter."

"I think I'm going to stay away from alcohol for a couple days. Give my liver time to recover."

He met her gaze and smirked. "That's probably a good idea."

She lingered by the grill, watching as he worked. "Do you need help with anything?"

"Nope, I'm good. You just sit down and relax. I'm sure you've been on your feet all day at the bakery."

She shrugged. "I'm used to it."

"In those heels, no less."

"Beauty is pain."

"You'd be beautiful with or without the heels." Heat exploded in her cheeks at the unexpected compliment.

"But they put me at just the right height." She walked over to him and tilted her head up. He leaned down and kissed her lips. "See, perfect."

"Yes, perfect." He kissed her again then tapped her on the rear with the tongs. "Go relax."

"A girl can get used to this, you know."

"You should. You deserve the best."

Heat fanned across her cheeks, and she bit back a smile as she walked over to one of the four Adirondack chairs facing the lake. She settled into the one closest to the grill and let out a breath as she took in the beautiful surroundings.

The day was fading and pretty soon the sun would set. Shay imagined how beautiful the sky would look as the blue faded to black and filled with thousands of glittering stars.

There was a slight chill in the air as the sun shifted, and she ran a hand up and down her arm. Matt disappeared into the house and came back moments later, draping a red plaid blanket over her shoulders.

"You looked cold."

"Just a little."

She pulled the blanket tight around her and took in the faint scent of Matt--a delicious combination of cedar and lemons.

"Dinner should be ready in about five minutes. You want to move inside?"

"She shook her head. No. I love it out here."

"We can eat outside if you want."

"I'd love that."

"You won't get to see my beautiful table arrangement."

"Table arrangement?"

"Flowers. The whole nine yards."

"Really?"

"No," he said with that adorable smile. "I'm kidding. That's not my thing. I threw a couple plates down and folded a napkin. That's about as fancy as I get."

"Even better," Shay said. "Fancy isn't really my thing either."

"I expected a city girl would be used to those sort of accommodations."

She shrugged. "I grew up with it. My mother always used the fine china for every meal. I hated it. I was always so afraid of scratching the plate that I could never really enjoy my food."

"Then you're going to have no problem enjoying your food tonight because my plates come with scratch marks."

"Perfect! That's the way it should be. Proof they've been well used."

"They should sell them that way like they do with jeans. Pay more money for a pair of pants that looks like someone has already worn them."

Shay snapped her finger and pointed it at him. "I think you're on to something. I could have a marketing plan together by tomorrow."

"Is there anything you can't do?"

"Plenty. While I'm an excellent baker, my cooking skills are a little lackluster. I couldn't throw a football to save my life." She nudged her head toward a canoe he had sitting by the edge of the lake. I don't know how to row, but I think I could figure it out."

"I can teach you. It's easy."

"Do you row often?"

"Every morning when it's not frozen solid. It helps me clear my head for the day and I get some exercise in."

"Is that why you bought this place? For the lake?"

He took the steaks off the grill and transferred them to a plate. "The lake, the view, the privacy. I kind of always wanted a log cabin."

"I remember," she said, recalling their once future plans. He told Shay she could have full reign over the décor as long as he could have a log cabin.

"Let's eat," he said, placing the steaks on the outside table.

Shay joined him at the table but couldn't stop thinking about the life they once spoke about. And the more she thought about it, the more she realized that this home shouldn't just be his, it should be theirs.

If she'd made a different decision, stood up to her mother. If only...

***

Matt hadn't had many girls over to his place, but the few he did had never wanted to sit outside. It was either too buggy or too chilly. He was always forced to be inside when the one place he loved to be was on his deck overlooking the lake. It was stupid and probably a little silly, but the fact that Shay didn't want to go inside warmed his heart.

The steaks were cooked perfectly, which Shay took notice of, and the salad and baked potatoes also came out good. Not that anyone could really mess up a salad, but Shay was nice enough to admit that it was possible if they'd accidentally dumped half a bottle of dressing on it, which she had done before.

There were so many insignificant moments in her life that he didn't know about. He pictured them being in the kitchen together while she got distracted and emptied the bottle of dressing onto a freshly made salad. He imagined they would laugh about it and it would become an inside joke between them.

Shay dropped her fork, slumped back in the chair, and let out a breath like she'd just finished running a marathon.

"I am so full."

"You have to have room for dessert."

She moaned. "Maybe later."

The sun was beginning to set, casting shades of orange and pink across the sky. It was his favorite time of day. Like the day was pulling a cover over its head, blocking out all the light until it was strong enough again in the morning.

Matt rested back in his chair and stared across the table at Shay. She was beautiful with her hair hanging down her shoulders in soft curls and her body surrounded by his plaid blanket. She looked like she belonged there just as much as the trees and the setting sun.

"Do you miss the city?" Matt asked. It was a question that had been on his mind.

She sat up a little in the chair and shrugged. "Not really. Spending my summers here was always the highlight of my year. I was sick of city life. You're surrounded by thousands of people, yet nobody knows your name. You can go months walking the streets and not pass the same person twice. I was craving a sense of community. I loved how I'd go into town with my grandparents and it would take us an hour to do something that should've taken ten minutes because they had to stop and greet everyone they knew. The closest I had to that in the city was my doorman. He was there every day with a smile and a greeting, but if I was honest with myself, I knew he was being paid to be that way. If he wasn't my doorman, he'd probably never even greet me."

It was a life Matt knew absolutely nothing about. He grew up surrounded by familiar faces, where everybody knew everybody and their business. Sometimes he craved privacy, which was why he'd bought a house out in the middle of nowhere set away from the rest of the town. It was nice to shut it out every now and again.

"Have you thought any more about getting cameras in the bakery?"

She shook her head, her eyes darting upward. "You're still on that?"

"I just want to make sure you're safe. That your shop is safe."

"Because it's your job."

"Because I care about you."

"Everything has been fine since. Not even a chair out of place. I'm not getting cameras, and it's not to spite you. I like the sense of freedom here. How I can leave my car unlocked, my house door open and not have to worry. Getting security cameras in my shop would take away everything I love about this place, and I refuse to do that. I hope you can understand and not be mad."

He understood completely. He might not have agreed with it, but he understood. The state motto was, after all, live free or die, and they were words he lived by.

"I'm not mad."

A slight smile touched the corner of her lips. "Does that mean you'll stop harassing me about it?"

He nodded.

"Thank you!" Shay stood up and grabbed his plate.

He instantly protested.

"You cooked, I'm cleaning."

He loved how she said it as a statement, sure and firm, and not as an offer or a question.

She picked up his beer and held it out to him. "Go relax," she said with a wink.

"A guy can get used to this, you know."

"You should. You deserve the best."

"Stealing my lines?"

"They were good ones. Besides, relationships are about balance and partnership--each giving and taking as much as the other."

He wrapped his hand around her wrist, stopping her from walking away. Her hazel eyes met his more brown than green today. "Is that what this is? A relationship?"

"It could be. If that's what you want."

He stood up, taking the plate out of her hand and placing it back on the table before cupping her face with his hands. Her eyes fluttered before locking on his.

"What do you want?" he asked.

"You."

"Good, then that settles that." He ran his hands down her back and grabbed her ass, hoisting her up onto him. She let out a tiny scream of surprise then wrapped her legs securely around his waist. "I think it's time for dessert," he said as he walked them into the house and to his bedroom.

Two hours later, after some of the most amazing sex he'd ever had, Shay lay cuddled up against him, her head on his chest, hand wrapped around his waist. He traced small circles on her back as she drifted in and out of sleep. His eyes were growing heavy and pretty soon he'd be knocked out, but he was trying to hold on to this moment for as long as he could.

His phone rang, reminding him he was on call tonight. The last few times not a single call, so of course tonight, when all he wanted to do was stay in bed with Shay, was the night that would change. He searched for his phone on the nightstand.

"Yeah?"

Shay squirmed slightly as he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. He got the information he needed, said his thanks, and sat up.

"Everything all right?" Shay mumbled.

He leaned down and kissed her head. "Just old man Simpson again. I should be back soon. Get some sleep."

She nodded gently and was asleep before he even got his pants on. He hurried out to his car, buttoning the last button on his shirt before getting in.

If he was lucky, the old man would be close enough to passing out, and he'd be able to get him in his car, park the tractor on the side of the road, and drive him home. If not, he was in for a long night. If he was a betting man, he'd put his money on the latter.

He pulled onto Main Street. It was completely desolate, the only light coming from the few street lights that lined the road. In the distance, he saw the bright headlights of a tractor coming at him. He veered to the side and got out of his car.

Luckily, the old man's tractor was so old that it couldn't get out of its own way. Matt just had to wait for him to make it down toward him, and he could jump up and get it stopped. That wasn't the hard part though. The hard part would be getting old man Simpson into the car.

Matt waited and when the tractor got close, he made his move. The old man was screaming loud, waving a beer can around in the air, making the beer slosh out the top.

"Hey Bert," Matt said as he climbed up beside him.

He flashed Matt a big smile, revealing the few teeth he had left in his mouth. "Good evening, young squire. To what do I owe this visit?"

Matt could always tell how drunk he was by how he spoke. Once he started speaking like he belonged at a Renaissance faire, he was a few sips away from blacking out. Never a good thing when he was controlling five thousand pounds of moving steel.

Matt managed to shut the tractor off without the old man getting startled and falling off. "Okay, old man, let's get down from here."

"I'm going to find me some woman!" he exclaimed, and Matt had to hold back a laugh. The man was nearing eighty and had never married.

"I think they're all home sleeping." Since it was well past midnight and most of the people in the town were early risers.

"That's what's wrong with this place. The bar closes too early. Don't they know people want to be able to get a drink whenever they want? Maybe I didn't want a drink before nine o'clock. Maybe I want a drink now."

"I think you've had a few already. Wouldn't want to have to bring you in for drinking and driving."

"That's why I left the car at home."

"Are we really going to do this again?"

"Do what?"

Matt wanted to bang his head against the side of the tractor. He had a beautiful girl at home, in his bed waiting for him, and he was arguing with a drunk eighty-year-old-man. He decided to take a different tactic and try to reason with the old man.

"See, while you're out here on your search for women, I had to leave mine at home. So, if you could just get down from here, I could drive you home and get back to my girl."

"Is she pretty?"

"Beautiful."

"Do I know her?"

Since he'd confirmed their status earlier in the night he figured it was okay to put it out there. Not like the old man would remember come morning. "Shay Michaels. She owns Sweet Dreams Bakery."

"She's a looker that one! Got big." He held his hands up to his chest, and Matt dropped his head not wanting to discuss Shay's tit size with someone older than her grandfather. "Why didn't you say something sooner?"

The old man motioned for Matt to get out of the way, and he lowered himself off the tractor without a drunken fit, leaving Matt dumbfounded. So many nights he'd sat here arguing with the old man, listening to him recite Shakespeare or pretending to be a jester from the sixteenth century all while trying to get him to get down from the damn tractor. If he would have known this was the way to reasoning with the old man, he would have lied before.

"Come on, now. Don't want to leave a girl like that waiting."

Matt laughed and jumped into the seat of the tractor, pulling it off to the side of the road. In the morning, he would send one of the deputies down to return it to Bert's house while he slept it off.

An hour after Matt left his house, he was back and climbing back into bed with Shay. She instantly pulled her body to his, still naked from earlier and wrapped herself around him. He rested his hand under her chin and urged her head up before capturing her mouth with his.

His erection pressed against her thigh, letting her know that he wanted her again. She kissed him harder, fueling the fire that was burning in him. The pressure built until all he could think about was being inside of her.

She moaned as he flipped her beneath him and swiped a finger across her slick folds. He loved how wet she was for him. Her legs trembled as he continued to tease, giving her just enough until she was desperate and begging for more. He slipped a finger inside and she cried out, digging her fingertips into his shoulder.

She rocked against his hand, setting the pace, not afraid to show him what she liked. The confidence in her movements turned him to granite. He ached to slide inside her, but not before he tasted her.

He dipped his head, dragging his tongue across her swollen nub. Her hands slammed down on the mattress, clawing at the navy-blue comforter.

She tasted as sweet as her cupcakes, causing a craving inside him he didn't think he'd ever satisfy.

Her body arced and he greedily grabbed her hips yanking her closer. She cried out again as his finger and tongue worked in sync, pushing her toward release. She clenched around him, but before she could fall over the edge, he pressed his erection against her sex and thrust inside her.

He kissed her lips, her cheek, then dipped his head taking a tight bead into his mouth. He wanted to taste and touch every inch of her, cause a million explosions to erupt in her body. Drive her to the brink of ecstasy and have them fall over the edge together.

She tightened her hold on him as he moved in slow long strokes until neither could hold out a second longer. Her body shuddered beneath him and he tumbled over the edge with her. 

# Chapter 14

Matt made his usual runs around town, stopping at the Happy Apple, a small café that served breakfast and lunch and featured apples in every dish. Everywhere he turned he was greeted by the fruit. Apple plates, apple curtains, apple salt and pepper shakers, apple mugs, and apple wallpaper. It was kooky and over-the-top, but at the same time, warm and welcoming. A real gem for the town, and most people that visited came back again to see Terry and Walt, the proud owners, a couple in their late sixties. Terry, a rambunctious redhead, and Walt, a gentle giant, were staples to Red Maple Falls and also his parents' best customers.

They bought all their produce and herbs through them and come apple season, Terry would be out there teetering on her five-inch heels, picking her own apples.

Terry greeted him at the door, planting a big kiss on his cheek. He could feel the bright red lipstick coming off her lips and smearing across his skin. Her trademark.

"How you doing today, pumpkin?" she asked, her unnaturally red hair bigger than normal. Matt swore Terry owned stock in hairspray.

"Pretty good, how about yourself?"

"My bunions are killing me, and I hurt my back getting off the toilet, but I'm alive to complain about it, so couldn't be better."

It was no surprise to Matt that Terry and his grandmother were good friends.

"I hear you're shacking up with that pretty Michaels girl."

News travelled fast in these parts, and Matt had to laugh because not only did it travel fast, but most people weren't shy enough to keep it to themselves. Terry especially.

"Something like that," Matt said.

"Well good for you!" She gave him a gentle slug to the shoulder. "As long as you don't go cheating on me. You've been getting your breakfast here since you were a little pip squeak in diapers."

"I would never do that to you," he lied. The truth of it was he didn't want to hurt Terry's feelings, but he didn't want to hurt Shay's feelings, either. So for the past week, he'd been making two stops every morning, getting breakfast from Terry and coffee and a snack from Shay.

"Good boy. Now what can I get you today, sweetheart?"

"I'll take two eggs and sausage. Hold the bread."

Terry arched an over-colored eyebrow. "You watching your weight or something?"

"Just in the mood for eggs."

"You don't want that. I'll whip you up some apple pancakes with sausage and bacon, extra crispy, just the way you like it."

"Just the eggs should do."

She pointed a red manicured finger at him, walking toward the kitchen. "I'll get those pancakes started."

Matt's shoulders fell in defeat, and he let out a sigh. "Sounds great, Terry."

"You better believe it. Best pancakes--"

"On this side of the state line," Matt finished for her with a wink.

"Like I said, smart boy," she said before her and her over-volumized short red hair disappeared into the kitchen.

Matt hung back near the baker's rack that housed all the apple themed dinnerware and waited for his order. Most of the tables were filled with families--little kids with sippy cups and crayons, making a mess on their paper placemat that parents declared beautiful.

Terry's husband Walt stepped out from the back--a stocky man with white hair that was once red. He had big cheeks that were always flushed and a wide nose that fit his face. Wrinkles covered his forehead, showing years of hard work. An intimidating man until he smiled, and his entire face lightened into the oversized teddy bear that everyone knew he was.

"Damn woman kicked me out of my own kitchen," he mumbled as he swung a dish rag over his shoulder.

"How's it going, Walt?"

"Don't ever get married. They'll drive you insane."

"Not if you drive them there first!" Terry called from the kitchen.

"See what I mean?"

"Matthew, you better watch what you say. I can hear you back here."

"She has ears everywhere," Walt whispered.

"I heard that."

"Crazy woman," Walt muttered as he went to check on the customers. An easy smile fixed on his face as a boy no more than two waved at him. Matt watched the cranky old man dissolve into a puddle of mush as he waved back and started talking to him about his coloring.

A few minutes later, Terry came out from the kitchen with a to go bag for Matt. "Here you go, sweetheart. Tell that pretty girl of yours I said hello."

"Will do, ma'am."

"Maybe now you can make your grandmother happy and give her great-grandchildren."

"Have a good day, Terry."

She laughed, gave him a kiss, and went on her merry way.

Matt headed out to his car and dropped the bag on the passenger seat before heading over to the bakery. This was a lot of work to keep two separate women happy and not hurt their feelings. Why the hell would anyone deliberately cheat and do this to themselves? He was only dealing with breakfast foods and coffee, and he was exhausted.

He walked into Sweet Dreams Bakery and was greeted with a big bright smile from Louise.

She had on a pair of overalls with one strap undone. "Good morning! Shay's in the back. Let me go grab her." Louise disappeared and Matt bent down to look at the display case. Everything looked delicious, and he made a point to try something different every time he came in.

There were a few small tables around the shop, as well as two outside. It was a beautiful spring day and both tables were occupied.

"Well hello there, Mr. Sheriff. What can I do for you today?" Shay asked, and Matt stood up to catch her eyes.

"Came in for some breakfast."

"Is that so?" she asked, crossing her arms over her chest. "You sure you haven't had anything already?"

"Why would you ask?"

She spun around and when she turned back, she handed him a napkin. "You have a little something right..." She pointed to her cheek and Matt took the napkin, swiping it down his face. When he pulled the napkin away it was smeared with Terry's signature red lipstick.

"Caught red handed," he said with a laugh. "I thought I was being smooth."

"Terry knows how to brand people."

"She says hi, by the way."

"You told her you were coming here, but wouldn't tell me you were going there?"

"Not exactly. Apparently, word got out around town that we're together."

"That explains it," she said.

"Explains what?"

"Mr. Krugar told me earlier that I broke his heart, but I had no idea what he was talking about. Now I do. He's been asking me out since I opened."

"He's half dead." Mr. Krugar was a few years older than his grandfather.

"According to him he's still got the moves."

"That's a visual I do not want in my head. Thank you."

Shay laughed, and it was as sweet as her cupcakes. "You're telling me. So how long has this been going on?"

"All this week."

Shay covered her mouth with her hand, but it didn't matter, Matt could still see the curve of her lips. "You could have told me."

"I didn't want to upset you."

"It wouldn't upset me. I think it's kind of sweet, actually."

"That I'm cheating on Terry with you?"

"That you don't want to hurt an old lady's feelings. How about just coffee today?"

Matt let out a sigh of relief. "That would be perfect." He handed over a silver travel mug.

"What is this?" she asked.

"To put my coffee in."

"Do the cups bother you that much?"

"I figure this would keep it hotter longer."

"Likely story, buddy," she said as she swiped the mug from his hand. "You're ridiculous."

"But you like me anyway."

She glanced over her shoulder and gave him a sexy wink that he felt right down to his pants. When she finished pouring his coffee, she slid it across the counter to him. Her cell phone rang, he knew by the ringtone, but she didn't even attempt to see who it was.

"Your mother again?" he asked.

Shay nodded. "She's relentless."

"Maybe, but you're strong."

The cell phone stopped ringing and within seconds the shop phone rang. Shay ignored it and took several deep breaths just as Louise's voice floated out from the back.

"Sorry Mrs. Michaels, Shay is out today. No, I don't know where she is. No, I don't believe her cell is broken. No, she didn't tell me. Yes, I'll let her know when I see her. Have a nice... Shay your mother is a witch. Feel free to replace the W with a more fitting letter."

"Thanks for handling her."

"No problem," Louise said, coming back to the front. "I find pleasure in hearing her get worked up."

The bell above the door chimed, and Shay motioned to Matt to move away from the register. She came out from behind the counter and sat down at one of the tables while Louise helped the customer.

Matt sat across from her, taking her hand in his, missing the feel of her skin against his. "She driving you crazy?"

"When she's not calling my cell or the shop, she's sending me emails. Even called my grandparents, telling them to talk some sense into me."

"What actually happened with you two? What finally made you stand up to her?"

Her body froze at the question, and her eyes locked with his. "It's not important."

"Why do I find that hard to believe?"

"She's controlled me my whole life. I finally told her enough is enough. Clearly, she can't accept that."

Matt laced his fingers through Shay's then pulled her hand to his lips. "Give her time. I'm sure it'll die down soon enough."

Shay laughed, but it wasn't her sugary sweet laugh, it was short and slightly manic. "Then you don't know my mother. She gets what she wants when she wants it. I'll talk to her eventually, but not until I'm ready. For once I want to do things on my own terms and not because she forces me into it."

It was a big step for her, he knew that much, and he was proud of her for being strong enough to put her foot down. Her mother was entitled and selfish, and the woman deserved a little push back for once.

"Stay strong," he said.

"I will. I have you." She squeezed his hand. "Which I have to say is much healthier than a tray of double chocolate brownies."

He laughed. "I need to head out."

"Yeah, I should get back."

They both stood and Matt took Shay into his arms, pressing a kiss to her head. "Have a good day. I'll see you tonight?"

"I have a big order for tomorrow, so I'll be here late."

"I'll bring you dinner?"

"You're too good to me. You should go out with Sam or go see your brother."

"Mason is too busy with the brewery, and Sam hangs out with his sister on Wednesday nights."

"I didn't even know he had a sister."

"She's fourteen."

"That's a big age gap."

"His mom had him when she was sixteen. His dad was a mean drunk who was in and out of their lives until Sam was eight then he just disappeared. Bev remarried when we were nineteen, and she had Kayla shortly after. You were already gone by then."

"That's sweet that he's a part of her life like that."

"He's a good guy."

"I always knew he was even if he was dating a different girl every time I saw him."

"We can't all be saints."

"Except for you, Matt Hayes." Shay got on her tiptoes and pressed a kiss to his lips, sweet and lingering, just the way he liked it.

"I'll see you later."

Matt kissed her again because he couldn't help himself, took his travel mug of coffee, and headed back to work.

***

Shay thought about tossing her phone in the mixer at least twenty times today. The only thing that stopped her was that she didn't want to ruin the batch of cupcakes she was working on. She would only have to start over to ensure there were no broken pieces of phone in the batter.

Her mother had called the shop at least three more times, even though Louise assured her that Shay had the day off. Each time she called, her level of nastiness reached a new height. Even sweet Louise was starting to get snippy, which made Shay love her more.

"It's like she thinks I'm lying," Louise said as she shut the phone off.

"You are, and I appreciate that."

"She doesn't know I'm lying. She should take my damn word."

"That's not going to happen."

The bell above the door chimed and Kate walked in. "What's not going to happen?" she asked.

"My mother believing Louise when she tells her I took the day off."

"Cruella's in rare form, I'm guessing."

Louise barked with laughter.

"You know who Cruella is?"

"Of course I know who Cruella is."

"This coming from the girl that never heard of Saved by the Bell."

"What?" Kate exclaimed, and Louise let out a loud breath of air.

"You guys act like it's a crime."

"It is," Shay said.

Kate nodded. "Punishable by law. I think you need to be schooled."

"I think you girls need to step out of the nineties and... oh, what's that? 2017 calling your name?" Louise picked up the phone and held it out to Kate then Shay. "I really think you girls should take this."

Shay swatted her with her hand. "Go bake something."

"Don't want the reminder that you're old sticking around, huh?"

Kate pointed a finger at her. "Next time I come in, I'm bringing my DVDs. I have the whole series."

"You still have DVDs?"

"Where did you find this girl?" Kate asked with a wink.

"Love you guys," Louise said before skipping off to the kitchen.

Shay and Kate laughed as she disappeared.

"Are we really that old?" Kate asked.

"Apparently."

"I don't feel old."

"Me either. Some days it's hard to wrap my head around the fact that I'm thirty-four."

"Ditto. Who would have thought I'd be thirty-three and single?"

"You own and run a business. Not to mention you're the best glass blower in the state, if not the whole country. That's pretty damn impressive for thirty-three."

"It is kind of awesome, isn't it? Speaking of single, I hear you're not anymore."

"Is that why you stopped by?"

"I stopped by for my sugar fix. Just consider this an added bonus."

Shay reached down into the display case and pulled out Kate's favorite: Death by Chocolate cupcake with a decadent chocolate cake and a chocolate fudge ganache. It was rich and delicious and the perfect recipe for a bad day. Shay had given one to Kate after she lost the bid to create a piece for a local college, and she'd been hooked ever since.

There was no use for a bag, since Kate would eat it while she talked, so Shay placed the cupcake on a napkin and slid it across the counter. Kate stuck her finger in the ganache and brought a nice scoop to her mouth. She closed her eyes and tilted her head back and forth.

"This is so freaking good. When my pants no longer fit, I'm blaming you."

"I take that as a compliment."

"You would. Now back to my brother. How long has this been going on?"

"The night at the bar."

"I figured as much. Were you planning on telling me?"

Shay shrugged. "I would have, but small town, news travels faster than I do."

"I'll give you that." She went to stick her finger back into the ganache and stopped, looking up at Shay. "You're my best friend, and I don't want this to get weird, but I have to say this."

"Go on."

"Don't hurt him."

"I won't."

Kate's lip curved, but the smile was lacking. "I know you say that and probably think that, but you've hurt him before."

"We were kids then. It was different."

"Maybe for you."

"What do you mean?"

"All I'm saying is Matt has a big heart, but because of that it can break easily. I'm not sure it ever fully recovered from the last time it was broken."

Though his heart wasn't the only heart to break that day, and it wasn't the only one that never fully healed either, it still didn't change what Shay knew deep down.

For so long, she'd blamed her mom, but really, her mom was just a scapegoat because if she were honest with herself, she would know that the blame lie solely with her.

It was her fault. All of it.

A part of her heart had always been with Matt and now that they were back together it was as if it was finally complete again. If she had only realized sooner how complicated she made things because of her inability to stand up to her mother... How different things could have been for the both of them. Instead, they both needlessly suffered broken hearts.

"Mine either," Shay said.

This time Kate's smile spread a little farther and had a little more life behind it. "I know, which is why I'll be talking to him next."

"You're a good friend and a good sister."

"I'm just looking out for the people I care about. Besides, if it came down to it and I had to choose between this cupcake and my brother, we'd have problems."

"The cupcake always wins."

"So you see my dilemma if this doesn't work out. I can't lose my brother."

"I wouldn't let that happen."

"Now that's out of the way..." Kate took a huge bite of her cupcake, closing her eyes while she savored it, and Shay laughed. 

# Chapter 15

Matt ran his finger up and down Shay's arm while she read on her Kindle. After dinner, they'd taken their drinks outside and climbed into the hammock together. It was becoming a nightly routine when she didn't have any last-minute orders to get done, and he wasn't on duty.

It was the life she'd always imagined they would have. The only thing missing was a dog and a couple kids. While not that long ago she had felt like her biological clock was ticking, now she felt like she still had time. She and Matt were finally back together, and there was no need to rush. Everything would be as exactly as it should be. Though, she did like imagining a little boy with Matt's eyes and the devilishly handsome Hayes' features.

She pictured Matt teaching their son how to throw a ball, how to bait his hook and cast a line. How to climb a tree and ride a bike. A smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

She rested her Kindle against her thigh as she lost herself in the visions.

"What are you thinking about?" Matt asked, his finger now drawing circles on her skin.

She shifted until she was looking into his green eyes, and despite looking into them a hundred times before, she was still struck by how beautiful they were.

"Us."

He ran his fingers though her hair, dragging them slowly down the curve of her ear. "Like what?"

"Do you remember our last summer together?"

"I couldn't forget it if I tried."

"We were so sure about so many things. We had our entire future planned out. I would finish school while you worked on the farm, grooming yourself to take over. We'd buy a house with a lake so you could go fishing. We'd have a dog and kids. Remember?"

He nodded.

"It seemed so easy then. To dream. To imagine exactly what we wanted. I haven't had that since then. I've just gone through the motions, not caring where life would take me next. Until I decided to come back here. The future I wanted started to become clear again when you walked into my shop and everything came into perspective. I realized those dreams I had all those years ago, I still had them. I still wanted things I had long accepted I would never have."

"Like me?" Matt said with that knee-weakening grin.

She laughed, and it was genuine and free, just like her love for him. "Yes, like you."

She tilted her chin up, and he met her halfway, pressing his lips to hers. There was still so much more to say in case he couldn't read between the lines. She wanted him, this, whatever it was they were doing, but more than anything, she wanted to know they had a future. That their dreams were still in sync like they once were. But when his tongue slipped across her lips and slid into her mouth, hungry and searching, she lost herself to the sensations coursing through her body.

Her nipples tightened beneath her shirt, tingling in anticipation of Matt's touch. He dragged his mouth from her, leaving a path of hot fiery kisses along her neck, his fingers hooking the hem of her shirt and pushing it up.

She lifted, helping him rid her of her shirt just as his head dipped and he trailed his tongue along the lacy seam of her bra. Moisture pooled between her legs and she arched, pushing herself closer to him, desperate for him to take what she was offering.

He didn't disappoint as his hands slid behind her back, snapping her bra loose and pulling the cups down one by one, revealing her tight pink buds. His green eyes darkened with lust and desire before he took the bead into his mouth, swirling his tongue around it. A tiny moan fell from her lips as he moved from one breast to the other, showing it equal attention.

A slight breeze moved the trees and swept across her bare skin, only heightening the sensations consuming her.

She reached for his pants, impatient and crazy with lust, needing to feel him inside her, filling her completely and making her see a thousand stars behind her eyelids.

His hands wrapped around hers and pulled them away from what she desired most. She let out a whimper of irritation, but he just laughed as he pinned her hands above her head. "Always so impatient," he said and she thrust up, pressing her center to his hardness.

"I want you now."

"You can't always get what you want." He bit down lightly on the sensitive skin at the crook of her neck, and she let out a scream of raw pleasure.

"I take it back," she cried as his tongue inched across her body.

"You don't want me?"

"No." Her breathing kicked up, coming in short, rapid successions as he pinched her nipple between his thumb and forefinger.

He pinched again a little harder, making her squirm beneath him, only making her hungry for more. His eyes raked up and down her body then landed on hers, dark and intense. "No?"

She swallowed in an attempt to catch her breath. "I don't want you. I need you."

Her heart was open and his for the taking; all he had to do was accept it.

He froze for a moment, his eyes locked on hers, the intensity growing with each ragged breath. "Say it again," he demanded.

She wiggled her hand free from his grip and took his face in her palm, staring deep into his eyes. "I need you."

His eyes slipped shut, and he rested his forehead against hers like he was savoring her words. As if...

"That's all I ever wanted to hear."

He opened his eyes and while the intensity was still there, there was also a familiar vulnerability she had seen before--the first time they ever said they'd loved each other and when he'd begged her not to go.

"It's true. It always has been." His hand rested against hers, squeezing tight at her words. "Make love to me, Matt. Please."

She pressed a chaste kiss to his lips, soft and sweet, yet filled with so much love for this man that had always held her heart.

He leapt from the hammock, and she let out a playful scream as she rocked, but just as quickly she was in his arms, being carried toward the house.

***

An hour later, satiated and reduced to a pool of jelly, Shay cuddled up to Matt on the couch. They never did make it to the bedroom, and her head lazily rested in the crook of his arm as she ran her fingers up and down his bare chest, tracing the hard, defined lines of his muscles.

"I never want to leave this couch," she said as she pressed a kiss to his chest.

He laughed loud and amused and oh so sexy. "I think my family would come looking for me, and your mother would probably send out the National Guard."

Shay was silently agreeing when her phone rang.

"Does she have sonic hearing?" Matt asked as he reached for Shay's phone off the coffee table. His hand froze midair, and Shay glanced up to see his eyebrows curving inward. "It's not your mother, it's Daisy. Why is my little sister calling you?" Matt sat up, and Shay pushed off of him, grabbing the throw blanket from the edge of the couch and wrapping it around her.

She didn't want to betray Daisy's trust by telling Matt the truth, but how was she supposed to get out of this? She didn't want to lie to Matt either, not after everything. Not when she was already holding something from him. And definitely not when their happy ending was so close in sight.

"I'll just ask her, then."

Shay dove across the couch and grabbed the phone out of Matt's hand, tossing it behind her.

"What the hell, Shay?"

"I'll call her back."

He pressed his hands into his thighs, the veins in his arms tightening. His jaw ticked with annoyance, and he took a deep breath. "Why is she calling you?"

"When she first moved to New York, she was having a rough couple weeks. She called me, I took her out, and we stayed friends."

"Rough couple of weeks. Was she okay?"

"She was fine. Just wanted someone to talk to."

"Why didn't she call me?"

"No offense, but you're the last person she probably wanted to call."

"That's ridiculous," he said like he couldn't believe Shay would even think that. As if he couldn't fathom the idea of someone not needing his help.

"You're her older brother. You don't have perspective. You would've just told her to come home."

"Because she should. I don't know what she's trying to prove by moving away."

"She's not trying to prove anything. She's following her dreams, becoming her own person."

"She could've done that here at home."

"Because god forbid someone wants a life outside of Red Maple Falls. You know there are other places in the world other than this town. You would know that if you would stop being so narrowminded and opened yourself up to something different."

His jaw tightened at her words, his eyes turning from emerald to onyx.

"She needs to see the world, find out for herself that this is where she belongs. You can't make that decision for her, as much as you think you can."

"Are we still talking about my sister or you?"

"Me? No, I'm talking about Daisy."

"So, you never needed to figure out where you belonged?"

"Fine, maybe my thoughts on her situation stem from my own, but that doesn't mean they're wrong."

"All that stuff outside about needing me."

"I do. I always have, but you have to understand I didn't think for myself for a long time. I was my mother's puppet, and I wasn't strong enough to break loose from the strings. I am now and that's what should matter." She turned toward him, running her fingers behind his ears and cupping his cheek. "It might have taken me a long time, longer than either of us liked, but I'm here now, exactly where I belong. With you."

He rested his palm against her hand, lacing his fingers through hers and bringing her wrist to his lips. "I wish you would have taken the shortcut, but that's on me, too. There are so many times I could have walked into your shop but chose not to."

"That's because it wasn't our time yet."

"Do you really believe that?"

"I do. Everything happens for a reason, and whether we know those reasons or not it doesn't matter. Life has a way of working itself out. We just have to trust in that."

"I've done that before, and it didn't turn out so well."

"I'm asking you to give it another shot. To give us another shot because I'm not going anywhere. I'm here to stay this time."

He cracked a smile, and it was like the sun coming out on a rainy day. "Good," he said before capturing her lips with his and pushing her toward the edge of another mind-blowing orgasm.

# Chapter 16

Matt carried his to-go bag from the Happy Apple and made his way to Sweet Dreams Bakery for his coffee. He couldn't give up Terry's pancakes or bacon if he tried, so he struck a balance. Grabbing breakfast at the Happy Apple like he had been doing for the past ten years and having it with coffee--in his own mug, of course--at Shay's place.

He gave a nod to Drake Stevens, the local doctor who owned his own practice, before he stepped into Shay's shop.

"Morning," he said to a bright-eyed Louise who stood behind the counter with a smile.

"Shay, your boyfriend is here," she called to the back with a singsong voice.

Shay walked out of the kitchen and into the front, her hair thrown up in a messy bun, revealing her beautiful face.

"Hey boyfriend," she said, leaning across the counter to give him a kiss.

"Boyfriend? That sounds juvenile."

"Says the old man," Louise said from where she was standing.

"Old man?"

"Louise thinks anyone over the age of twenty-five is old. Don't take offense." Shay turned and narrowed her eyes at Louise who stuck her tongue out at her. "Let me get your coffee."

Matt handed Shay his mug, and she turned toward the coffee pot.

"There's only one way to fix that, you know," Louise said, resting her hands on the counter behind her. "The whole being called her boyfriend."

"Yeah, and what's that?"

"Marry her."

Shay spun around with horror on her face. "Louise."

Louise held her hands up. "I'm just saying. There was a problem, and I'm offering a solution."

Louise's words weren't lost on Matt. He and Shay had only been together for a short time, but when he thought about their past, it felt like they had been together much longer. When he closed his eyes and thought about getting married, standing at the altar and waiting for his bride to approach, the girl he pictured beneath the veil had always been Shay. He knew what he wanted, and he was tired of waiting. Tired of being the coward who'd let her walk away without a fight. She was finally back in his life, and he wasn't letting go. He would marry her and she would be his forever.

"Don't listen to her," Shay said, waving her hand at Louise. "Louise, don't you have some cupcakes to make?"

"I thought you were making the cupcakes."

"I changed my mind. Go."

Louise laughed, clearly entertained as she placed an apron over her head and disappeared into the kitchen.

Shay slid Matt's coffee across the counter, and when she went to pull her hand away, he grabbed it. "It's not a bad idea," he said, looking in her eyes and trying to gauge her reaction.

Her eyes widened slightly, her lips parted, and just when she was about to say something, her cell phone rang. She let out a loud sigh and took her phone out of her apron pocket. She ended the call and shoved it back in place.

"Your Mom?" Matt asked.

"Perfect timing as always."

"Do you...?" Shay's words were cut off by her phone ringing again. "She doesn't get a hint." Shay ended the call again and walked out from behind the counter, her big hazel eyes looking up at him. "About what you said..." Her phone rang again, and she snatched it out of her pocket. "What, Mother? What can possibly be so important that you feel the need to call me three times... What? No. When? Is he okay?" Shay slumped down into a chair, a tear falling from her eye and sliding down her cheek. "I'm on my way. I'll be there as soon as I can."

"What's the matter?" Matt asked, getting down on his knees in front of her.

Shay shook her head, tears pouring out faster than she could wipe them away. Her lips trembled as she tried to talk, and it nearly broke Matt's heart to see her pain. He took her hand, holding it to his lips, giving her comfort in the only way he knew how.

"My dad had a heart attack."

Matt took her into his arms, holding her tight as she sobbed against his shoulder. While Shay was always at odds with her mother, her father always held a soft spot in her heart. If it wasn't for Shay's mother, Matt imagined he and Mr. Michaels would have gotten along rather well.

"I need to go home."

Matt hated that Shay still called New York home. He wanted her to think of Red Maple Falls as her home. Her only home. But this wasn't the time for his own insecurities to take over. She needed him, and he'd be damned if he wasn't there for her.

Shay got up from her chair and grabbed her bag. She turned around a few times like a lost child who didn't know her way. Matt went to her, taking her hand. "Wait here."

"I have to go. I have to go now."

Matt took her face in her hands. "If you think I'm letting you drive all the way to New York in this condition, you're out of your mind. Give me a minute to talk to Louise."

Shay nodded, and Matt kissed her forehead. "I'll be right back. He went to the kitchen to find Louise dancing with a bowl in her arms and singing into a wooden spoon.

"Louise," he said, and she jumped.

"Holy crap, you scared the ever living...What's the matter?"

"Shay's father had a heart attack. She has to go to New York. I'm going to take her. Will you be able to handle things here while she's gone?"

"Of course. Absolutely. She's trained me, I know how to make everything. I can open and close. No problem."

"Great. Thank you."

"Please let me know if she needs anything else."

"I will."

Matt turned to go back to Shay when Louise called out to him. He looked back at her.

"I'm happy she has you."

Matt nodded, happy Shay had him too, and ran back to the front to take her back to the one place he swore he would never return.

***

Shay went home while Matt made a run to the station. She needed to pack a bag anyway, but she had no idea how long she would be in New York. She stood in front of her closet, her eyes fixated on the black dress that hung in the corner. A black dress was a staple for every female, but when the thought of a funeral popped into her head, her legs wobbled and she fell against the wall.

Tears built in her eyes until she couldn't hold them off anymore. One by one they poured out, until it was a steady stream of despair flowing down her cheeks.

What happened if she drove all the way to New York only to find out it was too late? That she was too late. She would never see her Dad's smile again that was so rare, but a beautiful gem when he showed it. She'd never hear his voice as he spoke to her about what stocks she should be investing in. Never smell the musky spice of his aftershave and how it lingered in a room long after he left.

Her relationship with her parents wasn't always the best, but her father was the voice of reason against her mother, taking Shay's side even when the battle was useless. He would stop working every time Shay walked into his office, long enough to see how she was and ask about her day. He was in no way father of the year, but he was hers and she loved him, flaws and all.

She took a deep breath, forcing the tears to stop and urging herself to get a grip.

"He'll be okay," she said over and over as she finished packing her bag, leaving the black dress exactly where it belonged--in her closet.

Matt showed up half an hour later, coming into the house without a knock. She loved how comfortable he was to do so.

His eyes went right to her duffle bag on the couch and without a word he picked it up, flinging it over his shoulder. "You ready?"

"I just have to get my keys."

"I have my truck."

"Between the amount of gas that truck will need to get us to New York and how much it'll be to park it, my Mini is a far better option."

Matt's lip curled as he let out a loud sigh. "Fine, where are your keys?"

"In my bag," she said, walking over to the small kitchen table and grabbing her bag off of the back of the chair. She reached in and pulled them out. "You don't have to come," she said, hoping like hell he'd ignore her because she couldn't imagine facing any of this--not her dad, not her mom--without him by her side.

He swiped the keys out of her hand. "Try to stop me," he growled, and on the inside, she sighed with relief. "Now come on. If we leave now, we might be able to beat rush hour."

She hurried out the door and got in her Mini as Matt got in beside her, mumbling something about a clown car.

They didn't beat rush hour traffic. Thanks to an accident on I-95 they were stuck in the dead middle of it. Shay was ready to jump out of the car and walk the rest of the way. It would probably take her a day, but at this rate it would be faster. Besides, at least she'd be moving. She'd feel like she was getting somewhere instead of just sitting, surrounded by cars, unable to get to her dad who needed her.

Matt must have sensed her frustration because he rested his hand on her knee--a simple touch from him, cooling the growing emotions building inside her.

"He's going to be okay," Matt assured her.

"I know. He's tough."

"He has to be, being married to your mother for all those years."

Anybody else might have been mad at Matt for saying that, but Shay couldn't deny what was true. She recognized it better than anyone, and his words made her laugh.

"Come here," he said, motioning to her with his hand. She cuddled up into his side, and he wrapped his arm around her, holding her close. He kissed the top of her head, and she held on a little tighter just as the traffic started to move again.

Nine long hours later, they were finally pulling onto the block she grew up on. She pointed out the parking garage next to her parents building, and Matt pulled in. "You sure you don't want to go straight to the hospital?"

"My mom's text said to meet her here."

Matt got a ticket from the parking attendant, and they made their way to the building. She waved to Frederick, the doorman, and for the first time in her life she didn't stop to ask him how his family was.

She got in the elevator and hit the button for the twenty-sixth floor. Matt stood beside her and when the doors opened, he slipped his hand into hers. "You ready?"

"Do I have a choice?" With a deep breath, she stepped out of the elevator and went right to her parents' door. She knocked, not sure if Frederick would have called up to her mother to announce her arrival since she hadn't stopped.

The door swung open, and her mother greeted her with a huge smile. "Darling! You're here," she exclaimed, throwing her arms around her. Shay didn't move, staying stiff and holding onto Matt. "Much later than I expected."

"How's Dad?" Shay asked, pulling away.

Her mother's eyes landed on her hand still attached to Matt's. Her eyebrow lifted--surprising since it seemed she had gotten more Botox since the last time she had seen her.

"What is he doing here?"

"He's here for me."

"Mrs. Michaels," Matt said and Shay knew it was because he had been raised to respect his elders.

"Are you going to let us in?" Shay asked, and her mother shrugged, pushing the door open and revealing Robert sitting on the couch in his blue Armani suit. His lips held their usual pompous smirk, and his blond hair was combed back.

Every muscle in Shay's body tightened. Her blood boiled. "What is he doing here?" she growled, unable to control the anger inside her.

"I told you dear, he made a mistake and wants to make things right."

Robert stood up, smoothing his pant legs down. "Shay, just hear me out."

Suddenly, it all became clear. "Dad didn't have a heart attack, did he? That was all a ruse to get me here, wasn't it? Wasn't it?" Shay yelled.

"What is going on? And who the hell is this?" Matt asked, and somehow Shay managed to forget he was there. She closed her eyes, trying to think of the best way to explain.

"Robert Prescott, Shay's fiancé," Robert said before she could get thoughts to form into words.

"Fiancé?" Matt repeated, and Shay could hear the anger and hurt in his voice.

Desperate to make this right Shay blurted, "He's not my fiancé."

"You still have the ring."

"Because I bought it! Not to mention it would have been kind of hard to give it back to you in jail."

"Jail?" Matt said as if he was trying to process everything that was happening.

"Total misunderstanding. I was only in for a couple weeks before they straightened everything out," Robert offered. "Shay here took off before we could discuss things. She does that, though. When things get tough, she runs." Matt's jaw tightened as Robert spoke of her like someone who knew her. He didn't know her. Not at all. Not like Matt did. Matt needed to understand that. Realize that Robert was a product of her mother.

"Baby, why don't we have a little chat while your friend--"

"You stole from me! Everything I ever saved you took. So, stop talking," Shay yelled at Robert, holding her hand up at him when he tried to speak. She stepped in front of Matt. She could see Matt's heart breaking all over again, but this time he didn't wear it on his sleeve. He hid behind pain and anger.

"I can explain."

She took his hand but he stepped away letting her hand fall. "You said you were waiting for me."

"I was."

Matt tossed his arms out in front of him. "You were engaged!"

"I didn't marry him!"

His eyes narrowed into two angry slivers. "Only because he screwed you over."

"That's not fair."

"No, you know what's not fair? The fact that you were engaged and never thought to tell me."

"It was my past and you're my future. Why would I? The past doesn't matter. It's behind us."

"I was your past too, you know. Do you just want to forget about all that time we spent together that summer?"

"You're twisting my words; I didn't say that."

"Didn't you?" His tone was harsh, each word like a dagger. "The past doesn't matter, right? It's behind us."

"This is ridiculous. You're mad at me because I was engaged to someone else. Big deal. We broke up over seventeen years ago, what the hell did you expect me to do? I was trying to live my life. It might not have been my first choice, but it was the only choice I had. You let me go, and you never came after me. You never even called. Kate would have given you my number. She would've told you where I was, yet you never asked."

Matt's jaw tightened. "Maybe I did."

"What?"

Matt's eyes drifted away from hers and landed on her mother. He stared at her with hatred and disgust before he shook his head. "Forget it."

"No, what are you saying?"

She grabbed his arm, but he shook her off. He looked up, staring into her eyes, slaying her with that intense stare. She froze, waiting for him to continue, to tell her that he had come for her, but something happened. Something kept them apart.

She waited, but he didn't say anything. Instead he walked away, slamming the door behind him.

Shay stared at the door, wishing this was all a bad dream she would wake up from. But this wasn't a dream; it was her reality, and the mess she was in was all her doing.

Actually, not entirely her doing.

"Now that the trash has been taken out," her mother said, and Shay spun around furious with rage.

"You manipulative, lying bitch. How dare you!"

"I am your mother and refuse to stand here while you speak to me like that."

"You told me my father had a heart attack. Do you have any idea what I went through?"

"You wouldn't listen to me. I was just trying to get you here, so you and Robert could work things out."

"Robert and I will never work things out. Ever. Do you understand me? Both of you."

"Baby, let's talk about this."

"Don't!" Shay pointed her finger at him with all the anger coursing through her. "Don't ever call me that. I'm not your damn baby."

"You're overreacting, like you always do."

She laughed at the absurdity. He was just like her mother--a manipulative, lying, horrible human being who only cared about his image. How did it take him stealing from her to notice it, when all along he treated her like a puppet he could mold to his liking? She was an idiot. She'd made so many damn mistakes because she was too scared to stand up for herself. Not anymore. Starting today she was done.

"Get out of my way," she said to Robert.

He tilted his head and went to reach for her. The last thing she wanted was his lying fingers anywhere near her. Every part of him made her sick.

"Baby."

She cut her eyes to him and he held his hands up. "I mean Shay."

"Move!" she screamed, and with a roll of his eyes he backed away.

"Fine, be a little bitch. Don't come crawling back to me when you're done slumming it."

"Going back to you would be slumming it, and I have higher standards than that."

Robert was such a jerk. She couldn't believe that she ever thought about marrying him. He was everything she didn't want in a man.

The man that she did want, the man that she could imagine her life with, had also walked out that door, but she wasn't going to let him go. Not again. She needed to find him. Needed to make things right.

She went for the door when her mother grabbed her hand. "Where are you going? We have things to discuss."

Shay ripped her hand out of her mother's grip. Shay stared at her, she didn't just tell lies, she lived behind one, the fine lines around her mouth might've been gone from all the plastic surgery, but she couldn't hide her age from her hands and her neck.

Shay's whole life, she was scared of her mother. Scared of what she would think and how she would react. Now, as Shay stared into her hazel eyes, dim, the life fading out of them from too many nights of drinking herself to sleep, Shay wasn't scared of her at all. If anything, Shay felt sorry for her.

"There's nothing left to discuss. I need to go find the only man who has ever loved me for me and try to fix what you broke."

"I didn't break anything. You're the one who lied to him."

Shay went to walk away, and her mother jumped in front of her. "Why don't you calm down, and we can talk like reasonable adults?"

"You lost that right the minute you lied to me about my father."

She waved Shay off like she was being absurd. "It was a tiny white lie."

"The fact that you think that, shows me who you really are."

"And who is that?"

"No one. You're dead to me."

Her mother's hand landed on her chest, eyes full of arrogance and shock. "I beg your pardon."

Shay stepped closer, staring her mother down, refusing to break eye contact for even a second. "You. Are. Dead. To. Me. Don't call me. Don't email me. Don't come see me. As far as I know, you don't exist."

Her mother's eyes widened, her lips parted, but no words came out. "Dead," Shay repeated for emphasis "And by the way, if I catch either of you anywhere near my bakery, I will have you arrested," she said, leaving her mother behind like she should have done years ago. 

# Chapter 17

All these years, Shay believed he never had come for her. Believed that when she'd walked away from him that summer, he hadn't thought about her every waking moment until he couldn't take it a second longer.

October, seventeen years ago, the leaves had lit the sky ablaze in hues of yellow, red and orange. The vibrant green had gone along with Shay. She had been gone for two months, and he was forgetting the way she'd smelled and how her lips had felt pressed against his. Those little details had kept him going, but without them he'd felt lost. Like a part of him had been ripped away.

He'd been supposed to help his dad out on the farm that morning, but instead he'd hopped in his car and had driven nonstop until there were less and less trees. The buildings had gotten taller and the traffic had gotten heavier and he knew he was close.

He'd called Kate to find out where exactly Shay lived. Kate had been so excited, telling him it was just like the movies. A smile had cracked on his face as he'd thought about how those movies had always ended with the girl in the guy's arms, both ridiculously happy and in love.

They'd never showed you beyond that but you knew the couple lived happily ever after, and that's what he'd wanted. He'd wanted Shay in his arms, both of them ready to start living toward their happily ever after together.

He had no idea what he was going to say or what he was going to do, but it didn't matter because he knew when he saw her, the words would come. He would look into her eyes and pour his heart out. He'd only hoped that she felt exactly the same. That she would jump into his arms, and he'd smell her sweet scent and feel her lips again.

In his mind, everything had been perfect. There simply had been no room for anything else.

He'd found a parking garage that had charged him half of what he had in his wallet, but it didn't matter. None of it had. The only thing that had mattered was Shay. He had happily taken the ticket and left his car with the attendant. He'd asked to be pointed in the direction of 82nd and York then took off running.

Her building had been taller than the rest with a doorman dressed in a suit. Matt had looked down at his faded jeans, dirty from work on his parent's farm, the worn hoodie that he'd pulled on in a rush. His boots had been still caked in mud from helping out in the pumpkin fields. He hadn't belonged there. If anything, he'd belonged with the homeless man, sleeping on the doorstep of the church he had passed.

He'd stepped back as the realization had set in. Shay'd been upper East side Manhattan, and he'd been a farm boy from Red Maple Falls, a town so small you couldn't go anywhere without someone knowing you and your entire family.

Shay'd deserved nothing but the best, and the only thing he had to give her was his love. He had thought that would've been enough, but looking up at the building, the women coming and going in clothes that had looked like they'd cost more than his car, a sinking feeling had dipped into his heart. Love wasn't enough.

"Can I help you, sir?" the doorman had asked.

Matt had shaken his head, defeat settling over him as he'd stepped back. "Sorry, wrong building."

"It happens."

Matt had forced a smile to be polite then had turned to walk away, slamming right into the one woman he'd despised. The woman who hadn't let Shay stay. Who'd taken her away from him. The woman who'd drilled into Shay's head that money and prestige had been more important than love and happiness.

Not a single brown hair had been out of place on her head. Her black coat that'd been tailored fit with gold buttons and a tie at the waist had sat over a pair of black dress pants and expensive red shoes. Her matching bright red lips had pursed, and she'd let out an annoyed breath as if talking to him had required energy she didn't want to use.

She'd slid a pair of leather gloves off, pulling each finger one by one. It'd been a brisk fifty degrees, but barely cold enough to warrant a coat. Matt had assumed the gloves were only part of her outfit, to show the world that she could afford such luxuries.

"Shay isn't home, but even if she was, that wouldn't make a difference."

"It's fine. I was just leaving."

"I hope that means you have come to your senses. I'm sure you're a nice boy, Matt, but Shay doesn't need a nice boy. She needs a man who can take care of her. Who can provide for her just as her father and I have."

"She needs someone to love her."

"And she has someone who does. Me. And that's more than enough."

"If you loved her, you wouldn't control her. You'd let her make her own decisions." Matt had been raised to respect his elders, but his temper had waned, his voice rising with each word.

"That's where you're wrong. I do these things because I love her and I know what's best for her."

"That's bullshit!" The words had rushed out of his mouth hot and angry.

Mrs. Michael's had arched a perfectly sculpted eyebrow at him. He'd hated the smug look, as if him cursing had just proven her point. That he hadn't been good enough. As if people who lived in the city had never gotten angry and cursed.

She'd stepped closer to him, surrounding him in a cloud of too strong perfume. She'd looked around and when she'd only noticed the doorman, she had leaned toward Matt's ear. "Bullshit or not she is my daughter, and she'll do as I say. So, I suggest you leave before I call the police and report you for stalking."

"You wouldn't."

A wicked smirk had curved her lips. "Try me."

He wished he could say he'd challenged her, called her bluff and gone after Shay anyway, but he hadn't. Like a wounded dog, he'd put his tail between his legs and had headed back home. Mrs. Michael's had reinforced his own insecurities and he'd let her win.

And just like last time, he'd let her win again.

***

Matt had been in a cab, a train, and now a bus. He was mentally and physically exhausted. All he wanted was to go home, down a beer, and forget this day ever happened. The bus pulled into the station just before midnight, and Matt let out a sigh of relief. Finally.

He stood before the bus came to a stop and hurried off once it did. He felt beat down and utterly defeated. There was only one other time in his life where he'd felt that way, and it was the last time he'd walked away from Shay.

This time was different, though. She had a fiancé. A damn fiancé that she never cared to mention. It didn't matter if she broke it off with this guy, what mattered was that she didn't trust Matt enough to tell him the truth. She'd had plenty of opportunities. More than plenty. He put two and two together and now realized Shay probably thought Robert was the one who was breaking into her shop. You'd think by the second time she might have clued him in. She clearly had suspicions, yet she'd acted like it was no big deal. Like he had been overreacting.

Matt had spent plenty of time on his journey doing a few internet searches. The asshole had stolen from Shay and dragged her name through the dirt with no remorse. He was a lying, manipulative piece of shit. Matt didn't know what angered him more, the fact that Mrs. Michaels pushed him onto Shay or the fact that Shay allowed her to.

He was angry and frustrated, but most of all he was hurt. Shay should have told him. Relationships were built on trust, and without that, they had nothing.

Matt walked through the parking lot until he spotted his brother. Mason stood with his arms folded, leaning against his truck.

"You want to talk about it?" Mason asked as he approached.

"No."

"Okay." Mason pushed off the truck and slipped into the driver's seat without another word. It was exactly why Matt had called him. He would be there for Matt, no questions asked, but most importantly, he wouldn't push for answers.

# Chapter 18

For the next week, Shay went through the motions every day, trying not to think about Matt. After she left her parents', she went to find him, but he was gone. Nowhere to be found. She walked the streets for hours. Waited at the car garage until morning. He didn't answer her calls, and by the time she got back to Red Maple Falls, and made two failed attempts to see him, she accepted what they had was over, and the only person she had to blame was herself.

Every time the bell above the door rang, her heart jumped and she looked up with hope only to be disappointed. She faked a smile for her customers, but even a smile couldn't cover up the fact that she was completely and utterly miserable.

"How you doing, boss?" Louise asked, nudging Shay with her shoulder.

"Been better."

"I know. The empty container of chocolate chips kind of snitched on you."

"Those bastards," Shay said and though she wanted to laugh, she couldn't.

"Why don't you go to talk to him?"

"He knows where to find me."

"No offense, because you are the person who signs my paycheck, but you're the one who messed up. You should probably be the one going to him. You know I'm right."

"I don't think I can handle the rejection. Not again."

"That might not be the case. There could be some talking then some making up. Hot makeup sex would totally be worth it."

"I'm too much of a coward to take the chance."

"How about you and me and a bottle of wine tonight?"

"That's sweet, but I think I'm just going to go home."

"You can't mope around forever."

"I know, but I think I'm entitled to it for a little longer."

"Can't argue with you there."

The bell above the door chimed, and Shay looked up with way too much hope. It was a Hayes sibling who walked in, but not the one she was hoping for.

"Hi Kate," she said and offered one of her fake smiles.

"What the hell is going on with you and my brother?" she asked, coming to a stop in front of the counter. She crossed her arms over her blue t-shirt that brought out the color of her eyes.

"I'll be in the back," Louise said and left her alone on the front lines.

"He's crankier than usual, grunting and brooding like it's a sport."

"We had a fight. I guess. I'm not exactly sure."

"How are you not sure?"

Shay looked at her best friend, and all the emotions she had been trying to keep hidden inside of her rushed to the surface. "I messed up and I don't know how to fix it. I don't think I can." Big, fat, ugly tears rolled down her cheeks, but she didn't care. Holding the pain inside was exhausting, and she didn't have it in her anymore.

"I didn't mean to make you cry," Kate said, swiping a napkin from a dispenser and handing it over.

"Why don't you start from the beginning?"

Shay and Kate walked over to a table and sat across from each other. Shay toyed with the napkin in her hand before looking up at Kate and telling her everything.

She started from the beginning and worked through the Robert fiasco, how her and Matt had gotten back together, leaving out the explicit details, and then about their most recent disastrous trip to New York. How her mother had lied and how Robert had been there and told Matt he was her fiancé.

"He walked out on me. He was so angry--and I don't blame him--but he didn't let me explain. I've tried. He won't take my calls. He won't even answer his door. He gave up on me so easily, and that's what hurts the most."

Kate was silent for a second, looking down at her hands, and Shay wiped the last of her tears away.

"He went after you, you know?"

Shay's eyes snapped up.

"Back then. I don't know details. All I know is he went to New York to get you back and then your mother happened."

Shay's eyes widened, and if they hadn't been connected to something inside her, they would have fallen out. "Wait. He came to New York? But...oh my god. What did she say to him?"

"I have no idea. But whatever it was couldn't have been good, because he came home for two weeks then next thing I knew he joined the Marines and was gone again."

"The Marines? He left Red Maple Falls? He joined the Marines?"

"He left all right. Went to North Carolina for training then shipped off to Iraq. Twice."

Shay was speechless. All this time, she thought he'd never fought for her, yet he had. And no wonder he became a cop. It all made sense now. Someone like Matt couldn't go off into the military and then come back to life on a farm. Not after dressing in a uniform every day, fighting for people's rights and serving his country. He would feel an obligation to continue serving in some way.

She knew there had to be a reason, she just wished he would have told her himself. He should have told her just like she should have told him about Robert. What was the point? Were they trying to protect each other? Because in the end they'd done the exact opposite. She'd hurt him and didn't know if she'd ever be able to fix the mess she created. He wasn't a recipe she could tweak, and because of that, she had no idea what to do. He hadn't given up on her like she thought he had.

"He's going to kill me for telling you this, but I felt like you should know. None of us know much about his time in the military. He doesn't talk about it. He only served four years, and he didn't reenlist. He wasn't the same when he came back. In time, he was, but it took a while."

"Why'd he join?"

"I think he was trying to make something of himself. Something other than the boy from Red Maple Falls."

"Why would he...?" She stopped the question because she already knew the answer. He'd done it for her. She thought back to their argument about Daisy, and she wanted to smack herself in the head for being so blind. He thought he wasn't good enough for her when in fact he was too good for her. He deserved better than the crap she had put him through.

"Whatever happened, past or present, you two belong together."

"Then why does the universe keep working to keep us apart?"

"Because the best things in life never come easy."

***

Matt looked forward to Sunday night dinners, but tonight he could think of a million other things he'd rather be doing--a root canal, a colonoscopy, a lobotomy. They all sounded far less painful than the torture he was bound to endure by his family and their curiosities.

Standing on the front porch, he stared at the door, willing himself to walk through and get it over with.

"You have glue on your shoes or something?" Hadley called out from the side of the house. She started walking toward him, still dressed in her farming clothes, ripped jeans, and a baggy t-shirt. Bubbles came running up the porch steps, greeting Matt with a wag of his tail. Unfortunately, the people who were interested in adopting Bubbles fell through at the last minute. While it was an unfortunate situation, Matt was happy to have the little guy around for a little longer.

"Hey buddy," Matt said as he bent down to pet the dog. Matt looked up to Hadley. "Is your washing machine broken or something?"

"I lost track of time. I have a change of clothes in my truck."

"Thank god for that. You smell like the chicken coop."

"Shut up," she said, giving him a shove to the shoulder. "I do not."

Bubbles burrowed his head into Matt's leg, knocking him back a couple inches. "Trust me, buddy, if I could leave I would."

"Is that why you're standing out here like a scarecrow in the breeze? Too afraid to face the music?"

"I'm not afraid to face anything."

"Then care to tell me what's going on with Shay?"

"No," he said, and finally found the will to walk into the house.

"That's what I thought!" Hadley called from outside.

"That's what she thought about what?" Carol Hayes asked as she greeted Matt at the door.

"Nothing." He kissed his mom on the cheek and pulled back, looking around for the rest of his family. "Where is everyone?"

"Out on the back porch. It's a beautiful night. I thought we could have dinner out there."

"Matthew! Just the boy I was looking for." His grandmother's voice floated across the foyer until she was standing in front of him.

"Mom, I told you to leave him alone."

His grandmother waved his mother off. "He's my grandson. I just want to talk to him."

His mom mouthed "sorry" as his grandmother linked her arm through his and guided him toward the living room.

"What's on your mind, Grandma?"

"My impending death."

"Are you sick, and I don't know about it?"

"No just old." She patted his hand as they sat down on the couch. "I hear you and a certain pretty baker aren't seeing each other anymore."

Matt leaned back into the couch, wishing it would swallow him whole. He didn't want to talk about Shay. If he talked about her, then he thought about her, and when he thought about her, well hell, it hurt like a bitch.

"Can't argue with town gossip now, can I?

"Want to tell me what happened?"

"No."

"Just like your grandfather. A stubborn old mule."

"I'm sorry if I don't want to discuss my love life with my grandmother. And before you get insulted, it's nothing against you. I just don't want to talk about it with anyone."

"That's almost impossible in this family."

"No kidding."

"When you came home from the military everyone was on your butt, trying to get you to talk about things you didn't want to talk about. I could see it in your eyes you'd rather keep those things to yourself and I understood that, so I told everyone to leave you alone. That if you ever wanted to open up about your time overseas, you would when you were darned good and ready."

Matt looked at his grandma with shock and admiration. "You're the reason everyone finally left me alone?"

"Darn tootin', I am. I've been around a long time, and I know when someone needs space. When someone deserves the right to the skeletons in their closets. But I also know when someone is making a big mistake and is too blind to see it for himself. You have loved that girl since you were a kid. The universe gave you a second chance and those don't come around every day, so when they do you have to grab hold and make the best of it."

"I wish it were that simple."

"Of course it isn't."

Matt was not expecting that response from his grandma. His eyebrow lifted with intrigue as he waited for her to continue.

"Falling in love is the easy part. It's everything that comes after that's hard. But if you love the person, truly love them, you won't mind putting the extra work into it."

For years, he had wondered how things would have been if he would have pushed his fears aside and focused on the only thing that mattered--his love for the girl who took his heart and never gave it back.

He thought he would never know, but by some miracle he was given another chance. Shay still held his heart, and now he knew for sure he'd never get it back. Seventeen years or seventy--time didn't matter. His heart belonged with her whether they belonged together or not.

It was simple. He'd never be capable of loving someone else. For him it was Shay and only Shay. When the seas rose and the sun set, it would still be Shay. Always and forever.

He made himself believe he wasn't good enough for her. That she deserved all the luxuries she was used to and a life with him wouldn't provide her with any of that. That day seventeen years ago her mother confirmed those lingering insecurities. He trusted a woman who swore she knew what was best for Shay, but in hindsight didn't have a damn clue what was best for her daughter.

Walking away was the biggest mistake of his life, and he would be damned to do it again. She might have held back information from him, but he was sure she had her reasons. If he'd put his hot-headed temper to rest, he might know what those reasons were.

Not everything from his past was meant to stay with him. Life moved on and brought him along for the ride, and he picked the moments that went with him. Shay chose to keep their memory alive in her mind and forget about Robert. She held on to what was important to her. She held on to him while he'd held on to his insecurities and anger at her expense. He was just as bad as Shay's mom, manipulating and molding Shay in the name of love just as long as she fell in step with his plans.

He was a damned fool.

So what if she had a fiancé? It was clear she'd broken it off with him. Clear Robert had stolen from her and wanted to use her for his own self gain. And poor Shay giving him her love and trust just to be let down once again was the biggest loser in all this.

Matt looked up at the sky, remembering the nights on the hammock in her grandparents' backyard. Holding her tight and tracing soft, soothing strokes up her arm. At the time, it was an insignificant moment, but he chose to hold onto it because in the grand scheme of things, the small moments were the ones that left their biggest mark.

He'd rather have a million small moments with Shay than one big moment with anyone else.

Walking away wasn't an option, so what the hell was he doing?

He jumped up from the couch with determination. "I have to go."

"That's my boy!" his grandmother exclaimed. "Maybe I'll get a grandbaby out of this."

"From your mouth to God's ear," he said with a wink before giving her a kiss on the cheek and bolting for the door.

# Chapter 19

Shay poured flour into a bowl as she had been spending most of her nights at the bakery. She didn't want to go home because it only reminded her of how utterly alone she was. She didn't want to go out because she didn't want to answer questions. Town gossip spread like wildfire, alerting the people that something had happened in New York, and she and Matt were no longer together. Seventeen years in the making, and it was over before it started.

Baking usually brought Shay peace and happiness, but as she cracked an egg, tears poured down her cheeks. Unable to control the onslaught of emotion, she dropped the egg, shell and all, into the bowl. She sobbed into her hand as the events of the last week caught up with her.

After indulging in her own pity, she took a deep breath and wiped away the tears. Unfortunately, she used the hand covered in flour and egg. She went to the bathroom and stared at the mess she'd made. Flour covered her cheek, mixing with tears and turning to paste.

Lately, she was making a mess out of everything. She loved Matt so much it hurt. Not being with him was like losing a piece of her heart--a piece that had been missing for so long.

She dampened a paper towel and wiped at the flour and egg on her face. She lost Matt once and survived, she could do it again...

Her mind drifted to their nights in the hammock while he'd held her tight, talking about their day then making-out beneath the stars like a couple of teenagers before he carried her to bed. She loved that Matt was the last person she saw before falling asleep and the first person she saw when she woke, and she'd be out of her mind if she was going to let that go again.

"No!" she exclaimed to her reflection. "I will not."

Seventeen years ago, she hadn't fought for him, and she'd be damned to not jump in swinging this time around.

He might've given up on her, and she couldn't blame him, but she wasn't about to give up on him. Not without a fight.

Victory was her only option, and she was ready to put it all out there and go to battle for the boy she once loved and the man he had become, and whom she loved even more.

She tossed the paper towel into the trash and dashed out of the bakery. It was Sunday, and she knew exactly where to find him.

***

Three hours later, defeated and mentally exhausted, Shay pulled back up in front of the bakery. Matt was nowhere to be found. She thought for sure he'd be at his parents for Sunday night dinner, but she was sadly mistaken. Mason said he was there earlier, but had taken off without an explanation. He assumed it was something down at the station, so that's where Shay went next, but Martha told her Matt was off for the evening, and no emergencies had come in. Next, she went to his house and sat on his deck for over an hour until accepting defeat.

Either he was avoiding her, or the universe was working against them. It didn't matter because she was still alone, and Matt may never know how sorry she was for everything. How much she loved him. Had always loved him.

She got out of her car and walked toward the bakery, knowing that even if she went home, she wouldn't be able to sleep. Maybe she could get a head start on the Marshall's order.

Her heart slammed against her chest and a scream erupted from her mouth at the figure sitting on the counter. When she recognized those sexy green eyes, and amused smirk, she slapped a hand to her chest. "You scared me half to death," she said to Matt as she sucked in a much needed breath.

"The door was unlocked," he said, his voice firm and void of emotion.

"I left in a hurry. I forgot to lock it." She couldn't believe this whole time she was looking for him, and he was right here.

"Everything all right?" he asked, his eyebrows pinching together.

Despite it all, he still cared, and to her that simple gesture meant more than anything in the world.

"No," she said, her eyes burning with fresh tears. She fought to hold them at bay, refusing to let her emotions take this moment away from her.

Matt jumped off the counter and hurried to her side. His hand rested on her elbow. "What's the matter?"

Her nose twitched as she held back the tears. She parted her lips to speak, but couldn't manage to get the words out. Determined, she tried again. "I'm sorry. For everything. I made such a mess of things, and I understand if you can't forgive me, but I need you to know that if I could do it all over again I would. I'd fight for you like I should have that summer. I wouldn't have just told you how much I loved you, I would have shown you too. I would have shown you by standing up to my mother and choosing you because it's always been you. It will always be you."

Matt didn't move. His silence was all the answer she needed.

"I just wanted you to know that." She lifted up on tip-toe and kissed his cheek, lingering just long enough to savor him before turning away. 

# Chapter 20

Matt watched Shay walk away from him and the visual was too much. She might not have fought for him, but he was the one who'd let her walk away so easily. If she thought she was going to get away with that again, she had another thing coming. Enough was enough. Shay was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, and he was done letting unnecessary bullshit keep them apart.

"You shouldn't leave your door unlocked, you know" he said, trying to keep the humor out of his voice, but failing.

She spun around, fire burned in her eyes, but he could see beyond the flames and see the pain and anguish lying deep inside. "Is that why you're here? To yell at me about my damn lock?"

"No, that's not why I'm here."

"Then why are you here?"

Matt stepped toward her, hating the distance between them. "Seventeen years ago, you walked out of my life. I wasn't ready to accept that, so I drove all the way to New York to fight for you, but when it came my time to show up and fight like I'd never fought before, I backed down. I should have fought harder, too. I shouldn't have walked away."

"I can't believe you came to New York." Her beautiful eyes drowning in regret met his. "I'm so sorry about my mother."

Shock rocked his body. "You know?"

"Only recently. Kate told me."

"Why am I not surprised?"

"She said she thought I should know that you came to New York but then my mother happened and that's all she knew."

"Because that's all I told her. I didn't want anyone to know that your mother made me feel like you deserved better than me. That I would only be holding you back from a great life."

"I'll never forgive her for that."

"In a weird messed up way, it was a blessing. I came back home and nothing felt right without you. Everywhere I went was a reminder of what we had and it hurt so much. I couldn't even go for a hike and clear my mind because memories of you were all around me. I needed to get away, needed to become someone you wouldn't be ashamed to be with."

"I was never ashamed of you. Ever."

"I know that now, but back then I didn't. I felt like I had something to prove so I joined the Marines. I got to see places I never would have, meet people from all walks of life, but I also saw things that will forever be ingrained in my mind. Things I would never burden anyone else with."

"I'm sorry. It's all my fault. If I would've fought harder, stood up to my mother..." She shook her head and her words dropped off.

Matt stepped closer taking Shay's hands in his, needing to feel her skin against his. "It's not your fault."

"It is though. My mother..."

"Was doing what she thought was best for you."

***

Shay couldn't believe Matt was defending the one woman who had destroyed their happy ending not only once, but twice. If this were a movie, she would be the villain. Kate was spot on calling her Cruella. She was as evil as they came.

"She was doing what she thought was best for her."

Nothing she did was motivated by love. It was all self-driven, but Shay knew this. What she didn't realize until this very moment was that she was no better than her mother.

"I think in her own twisted way she thought she was doing what was best for you. I'm not saying she was right. She wasn't. Trust me, she wasn't. But I'm not going to blame her either. I let her stop me from seeing you that day and that's on me. I loved you so much, but when things got hard I bailed. So, while I would love to blame your mother, I can't. I refuse to give her that power. Not anymore because I'm here and fighting for you Shay. I will do whatever it takes to get you back, because life without you isn't a life I want to live. When I think about my future, all I see is you. I see us spending nights in the hammock, days hiking trails with a dog running alongside us. I see a little girl with your cheeks and your stubbornness, hugging your leg while you make a batch of cupcakes."

Tears filled Shay's eyes because that's the future she so desperately wanted and almost gave up on because she was too much of a coward to go to him. But he was here now, and she was done being scared. It was time to put it all on the line.

"That's what I see, too, but I also see a little boy with your eyes and that magical Hayes charm throwing a baseball to you. Life with you is nothing I could ever be ashamed of. It's my dream. The dream I've been holding on to since I was seventeen. Since I gave you my heart and never got it back."

"You're never getting it back," Matt said as he stepped toward Shay, taking her face in his hands.

"I don't want it back."

"Good because it's mine to keep." Matt dipped his head, capturing Shay's lips in one swift movement. He tilted her head and deepened the kiss, filling her with love and hope.

Matt pulled back resting his forehead on hers. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

He urged her chin up, looking into her eyes with that intensity she craved. "Marry me."

Happy tears filled her eyes and warmth circled her heart. She had waited so long to hear those very words from him. Dreamed about them. Wished for them. Her answer came fast and sure. "Yes."

"Yes?"

She nodded, a smile spreading wide across her face. Matt scooped her up into his arms, spinning her around before placing her back on the ground.

"I only have one request," Shay said.

"Already making requests, huh?"

She poked him in the chest. "Just one."

"Whatever you want, it's yours."

"No long engagement. I've waited long enough to marry you."

"We can fly to Vegas tonight if you want."

It was tempting. Almost too tempting, but Shay knew how important Matt's family was to him, and she wanted them there.

"I think your grandma would want to be there."

"Why would you think that?"

"Did I fail to mention the time she stopped by my shop to ask about grandbabies?"

Matt laughed, and she thanked her lucky stars she'd get to hear that laugh as often as she liked. "Okay, we'll hold off a little on the wedding, but the baby making part? I think we should start that right now." He picked her up, and she wrapped her legs around his waist, feeling the hard bulge in his pants press against her.

He crashed his lips to hers desperate and hungry. His hands slipped beneath her shirt as he placed her on the counter top. She reached for his pants when a loud bang had them jumping apart. Matt quickly put his body in front of Shay, standing protectively and possessively.

"What was that?" Shay asked, slipping off the counter. She thought with Robert out of the picture, the break-ins would stop. What if this whole time it wasn't him? What if it actually was someone who was dangerous?

Why didn't she take Matt seriously and buy cameras, lock the stupid door like he asked over and over again?

Her heart slammed against her chest, panic rising inside of her just as she heard a slight laugh come from Matt. "You have got to be kidding me?"

Shay peered around Matt and staring down at them from the vent was an unmistakable black mask, surrounding dark brown eyes widened in uncertainty.

"A raccoon," Matt said. "It was a damn raccoon this whole time."

Laughter bubbled up inside her, pouring out in obnoxiously loud gasps. "Some criminal. I think you should take him down to the station and book him."

"Go ahead. Laugh it up."

"Oh, I plan on it." Shay looked at the cute little critter who was about as harmless looking as they came. "How did he even get in here?"

"Probably through the air duct. I'll take a look at it tomorrow."

"I can take a look at it."

"Says the girl who falls off cliffs."

"Seriously, are you ever going to let me live that down?"

"Are you ever going to let me live this down?"

"No."

"Then there's your answer."

Matt wrapped his hand around her waist, pulling her tight against him. "You should still lock the damn door at night."

"Not a chance in hell," she said with a laugh before kissing the man who was her past and her present and now would be her future, too.

Thank you for reading! I hope you loved Matt and Shay's story as much as I loved writing it.

Please consider leaving a review and help others discover Red Maple Falls.

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~Keep reading for an excerpt from Crushing on Kate

Book 2 in the Red Maple Falls series~

#

# Chapter 1

Kate Hayes was content, but more than that, she was happy. It took her thirty-three years to get there, and maybe her life wasn't exactly how she expected it to be, but she couldn't deny the smile on her face, the warmth in her heart, and the giddy feeling she got as she stuck a metal rod into the fire surrounded by a curious audience.

She didn't have a husband--hell, she didn't even have a boyfriend--but she had glass blowing, her business, a large family who gave her more love and an even bigger headache than any man could, and that was all she needed.

The brisk days of winter in Red Maple Falls had melted into beautiful summer days, and she was able to hold her glass blowing demonstrations in the parking lot of her studio. She was limited to her supplies when she was outside, but she was able to do the basics. Most of all, she was able to draw a crowd, and that's what really mattered to her.

A smile played at the edges of her lips as a little girl with braided pigtails pushed through to the front of the crowd. She picked up a pair of tweezers and gave the little girl a big smile.

"Tweezers are a tool you can use to manipulate the glass," she said as she pulled the glass like taffy. "Pretty cool, huh?"

The little girl nodded enthusiastically. Moments like these were what Kate lived for--putting smiles on people's faces through her art, intriguing them, showing them how to create something from nothing... all the little puzzle pieces that made up her happiness.

She continued the demonstration and finished with a round of applause. Usually the small town was filled with familiar faces, but during the summer tourists from all over visited Red Maple Falls for their picturesque hiking trails, beautiful rivers for kayaking, charming campgrounds, and a simple taste of small-town life away from the city.

Summer was when Kate made the majority of her sales. Most of the time, her summer sales could float her through the rest of the year, so it was vital to intrigue the customers into making a purchase or signing up for one of her classes.

"Thank you so much. I teach classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If anyone is interested, I have more information inside. This piece and many more are available for purchase. I hope you all enjoy your time in Red Maple Falls."

More applause followed as the crowd broke up. She mentally patted herself on the back for a job well done. She turned to head inside when she smacked right into a hard chest. The man towered over her five-feet-eight inches, and she had to stop herself from gasping at the dark brown, smoldering eyes staring down at her.

The man was the picture of perfection, with a close shaven beard and pretty boy hair. Kate wondered how soft those chocolate brown strands actually were but restrained herself from molesting the stranger's head.

"Hi. Can I help you?" Kate managed to say even though her throat was dry and that dark gaze of his made her forget her own name.

"Yeah, you can help me," he barked. "Get these people out of my damn parking lot."

The hot guy spell completely vanished. "Your parking lot? This is my parking lot. That's my studio," she said, pointing to the sign with the words Serenity Glass Blowing Studio written in bold letters.

"And that is my shop." He pointed to the place next door that had been vacant after Mae from Mae's Toys broke a hip and had no choice but to shut down. Kate had been patiently waiting--along with the rest of the town--to see who would lease the space. There was even a town bet going around.

Last month they discovered the place would sell bicycles as hired help hung the wooden sign that said The Chain and Spoke. Kate had yet to meet the owner, despite her many attempts at stopping by. The man just never seemed to be around when she was... until now. Even though he was hot as sin, that didn't negate his less-than-stellar people skills.

"You must be Caleb James," she said, hoping they could start fresh.

His eyebrows pulled together as he narrowed his gaze on her. "How do you know my name?"

"Welcome to Red Maple Falls, where everybody knows your business." She held out her hand and smiled. "I'm Kate."

"That's nice," he said, ignoring her offered hand.

She let her hand fall back to her side and unintentionally rolled her eyes. "Clearly you're not from around here."

"I'm from Massachusetts. Not that it's any of your business... or the town's for that matter."

"I suppose it's not." Kate hoped she'd be able to turn the conversation around, but with his attitude, that was not going to happen. If he wanted to play a hardass, then fine. She was done being neighborly. "Are we done here?"

"Not until you get these damn people out of the parking lot. We barely have any spaces as it is without you taking up half of it with your arts and crafts hour."

"Arts and crafts?" That was it. "I'll have you know, Mr. Cool Hair, that blowing glass is not just some after school arts and crafts; it's a real art that requires a lot of training and dedication."

"I don't care what it is. All I care about is opening these spaces for paying customers."

"Too damn bad. I'm out here every Saturday this summer. Mae never had a problem with it, and I suggest you find a way to get over it."

He straightened his shoulders, making him appear even taller, but she didn't let that intimidate her. She had three brothers and two spunky sisters; there was no way she'd let some pretty boy scare her.

"Maybe I'll call the cops."

She laughed. "Go ahead. I dare you. Better yet, I'll do it for you. My brother is the Sheriff after all." Matt would be pissed if he got called down there for a meaningless dispute, but he wouldn't be pissed at her, which made the idea of calling him very tempting.

"Of course he is. Why wouldn't he be?"

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Don't worry about it."

"Oh, I'm worrying about it."

"That's your problem, then."

"Has anyone ever told you how delightful you are?"

He stared at her with an intensity that made her knees weak, her mouth dry, and her heart pick up speed. She swallowed down the weird desire that gaze evoked inside of her and stood her ground. "Are we done here?"

His top lip curled in what she hoped was annoyance. "For now," he spat before turning on his expensive boat shoes and storming toward his shop.

"Asshole," Kate muttered under her breath as her shoulders slumped. Tension pulled tight across her back, and she knew she'd be having a glass of Chardonnay as soon as she got home.

"Who's an asshole?" Shay, her best friend and Matt's fiancée, stepped up beside her. Kate jolted a little but wasn't surprised to see her. Shay owned Sweet Dreams Bakery only a few doors down and stopped by when she wasn't overloaded with custom cupcake orders.

"Him." Kate flung her finger over her shoulder toward The Chain and Spoke, but pretty boy was already gone. "The new tenant next door."

"Oh! You finally met him. What was he like?"

"He's an asshole."

She grinned. "Do you have any other adjectives to describe him?"

"Arrogant, pig headed, mean-spirited. He has that pretty boy hair like Jake Ryan from Sixteen Candles. You know what I'm talking about? That puff in the front that is perfectly coifed, but he probably rolled out of bed like that."

"So, he's cute."

"He was until he opened his mouth. Figures, a cute guy moves into town, and he turns out to be an asshole."

"Maybe he's having a bad day. Everyone is entitled to one of those every now and again."

"Maybe, but he didn't have to be such a jerk. Who just walks over to someone they've never met and starts demanding things?"

"My mother," Shay said with a laugh. "But she's in her own league."

"How is Cruella?" Kate asked, using the nickname she gave Shay's self-entitled, money-loving mother years ago.

Shay shrugged. "Wouldn't know."

"I'm proud of you," Kate said, wanting her friend to know. Shay's mother manipulated Shay for years until Shay finally stood up to her. It was a long time coming, and though Kate wished Shay would've told the woman to bug off years ago, she was happy she finally did.

"I know," Shay said with a laugh. "She finally stopped calling, too. I think she got the hint."

"Let's just hope she doesn't show up on your doorstep."

"Bite your tongue!"

Kate held her hands up in front of her. "I'm just saying... I wouldn't put it past the woman."

"Me either, but let's hope for once she respects my wishes."

Kate gathered her things together while she and Shay continued to talk. Brianne, a sweet girl home from her first semester at college, was manning the register inside; Kate had a little time to waste.

"I actually came over here for a reason," Shay said as Kate placed all of her tools into a bin.

"What's up?"

"Matt and I were wondering if you'd be free for dinner one day this week?"

"I have classes Tuesday and Thursday, but other than that I'm free."

"Perfect. How about Wednesday? Matt's working a double on Monday."

"Sounds good to me. What time?"

"Seven?"

"I'll be there, and I'll bring the wine. Unless you're pregnant, and that's why you want me to come over?"

Shay closed her eyes and shook her head, a smile tugging at both corners of her mouth. "No, I'm not pregnant. Can you let me get married first?"

Kate pouted, letting her body droop with added dramatics. "I guess so."

"I need to head back before poor Louise quits on me."

"That'll never happen. The girl loves you and that bakery."

"She does." Shay's eyes shone bright with happiness. With a mother like hers, she spent years of her life trying to become someone she wasn't, surrounded by people she didn't even like. Other than her grandparents, she didn't have much of a family, but now the people of the town were her family. Kate loved seeing the sparkle in Shay's eyes, the smile that was constantly on her lips, and the lightness in her step. She had always looked at Shay as another one of her sisters, and when she married Matt it would be official. Kate was more excited about their wedding than she was about ever having her own.

Shay gave Kate a wave as she headed to the bakery. Kate glanced over her shoulder at The Chain and Spoke, images of the cranky owner immediately flooding her mind.

"Too bad, Mr. Cool Hair. We could've had beautiful babies," she said to herself as she gathered the rest of her supplies and headed into her studio.

***

Caleb stormed through the door of his bike shop, tension pulling tight across his neck and right into his skull. The damn headache he'd been dealing with for months pulsed to life. He'd done damn near everything to make it stop, short of cutting his head off. The doctor said it was stress, and Caleb needed to find ways to minimize and cope. Easy for the doc to say. He wasn't the one who had his life shit all over him in the matter of months.

Though, he did heed the doctor's advice, which was why he was in the middle of bumfuck nowhere. Red Maple Falls was a miniscule town nestled in the White Mountains. Caleb thought moving to the middle of nowhere was a move in the right direction, until he realized that small towns were more of a nuisance than anything. He couldn't go to the damn grocery store without half the town starting a conversation with him. Was it too much to ask to be left alone?

Just as the thought came into his mind, the bell above the door rang out. He cursed under his breath, pledging to have that obnoxious noise removed as soon as he remembered where he left his tools.

He didn't feel much like smiling, but he needed the business. He had more than enough money to keep afloat for a long time, but he'd prefer not to post in the red every quarter. He forced a smile on his face and looked up to the potential customer. His smile warped into a scowl when he spotted the strawberry blonde he just had it out with in the parking lot.

Her eyes scanned around the space. "Definitely not Mae's Toys anymore," she said, running her finger along the repurposed wood wall he'd paid a fortune for. "You sell bikes?"

"What gave it away?"

"Do you always have an attitude?" She moved closer to him, her hips swaying with each step. She was tall, and being six-four himself, it was a trait he liked in a girl. She had curves for days that he could imagine sinking his fingers into while--

No. He stopped the thought right there.

Women were nothing but stress in sexy packages, manipulating and self-involved. They were the root of all evil and the number one stress factor in his life. He'd gone months without as much as glancing in a woman's direction, and while he wasn't completely stress-free, he had noticed a difference. Taking away the worry of someone else lessened the burden on his shoulders, and he didn't plan to add it back any time soon.

"Why are you here?" he asked, deciding to skip the small talk and get right to the point.

She moved closer--too close--surrounding him in what he imagined sunlight would smell like: sweet with a touch of citrus. "I thought we could start over."

"Why?"

"Because I don't want earlier to be your first impression of me." Her blue-green eyes pinned him in place. She had that innocent glow about her, friendly and inviting, but it was a glow he'd fallen for before only to find out he'd been duped, and he'd be damned if he fell for it again.

"Too late. You can't redo a first impression."

"I'm trying to be nice here, but obviously you don't understand the sentiment."

"Obviously."

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Look, this is a small town. We're neighbors, and neither of us is going anywhere anytime soon, so why don't we forget about everything before this moment and agree to be civil?" Her eyelashes fluttered, which he guessed she threw in there for good measure.

Women were calculated creatures, and everything they did had a motive behind it. He wasn't stupid--at least not anymore--and there was no way in hell he was going to be made a fool of again. He wasn't going to fall for the girl next door act; beneath the baggy t-shirt and rolled up jeans, he could guarantee she was far from innocent.

"What do you say?" She flashed a smile, showing straight white teeth. She was trying hard, he'd give her that.

He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the counter. "Are you going to stop taking up my parking spots?"

"When the weather gets colder, absolutely."

"That's not what I asked."

She let out an annoyed breath, her hands landing firmly on her ample hips. "I have been in that parking lot every season since I opened. I've become a staple to this town. My demonstrations attract customers, and I am not going to let some pretty boy jerk take that away."

"Pretty boy jerk, huh? Who's not so nice now?"

She harrumphed, and he had to bite back the laugh that tried to surface. "You're impossible."

"I've been called worse."

"I'm not surprised."

"That's not very civil of you."

Her lip curled up.

"While I'd love to sit here and listen to you call me every name under the sun," he said, "I have a business to tend to."

"You're going to run it right into the ground if you don't take that stick out of your ass."

"Duly noted, sweet lips."

Her eyes narrowed before she spun on her heel, her gorgeous ass swaying as she put distance between them. He might not be able to touch, but he'd be a moron not to enjoy the view.

She reached for the door and stopped, spinning back toward him. "Call me sweet lips again, and I will smack that annoying smirk off your face."

"Is that a threat?"

"No, that's a promise."

She slammed the door behind her, causing the bell to clatter and the walls to shake.

He was right about one thing.

She was definitely not the average girl next door.

~End of Excerpt~

Grab your copy of Crushing on Kate here.

# Other Books by Theresa

Mad About Matt

Crushing on Kate

Moments with Mason

Catching Cooper

Hung Up on Hadley

A Bride for Sam

Dreaming of Daisy

Charmed by Chase (Book 1 of the Marshall Family)

Blindsided by Brooke

Lusting After Layla

Jaded Until Jax

Sweet on Sophie (Coming 2020)

Willow Cove

Her Forbidden Love Match

His Not-So Small Town Girl

His Complete Polar Opposite

His Childhood Dream Girl (Coming 2020)

The Again Series

(Never) Again

(Once) Again

Written with Cassie Mae under the pen name Tessa Marie

Broken Records

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# Acknowledgements

Cassie wrote her own acknowledgement, and since I agree with it, I'm leaving it - Thank you to my favorite person in the world, Cassie Mae, who is brilliant and beautiful. I would be nowhere without you! ;)

Mom, without you this book never would have happened. You insisted I follow my heart and not the trends and because of that I wrote a book that I love. Thank you for always knowing what is best for me and pointing me in that direction.

Amanda Walker, thank you for my beautiful cover. I am in awe of your talent and can't wait to reveal the rest of the series to the world!

My Beta girls, thank you for your ongoing support and friendship. In this big messy world, you guys are what keep me grounded.

Grandma, thank you for always asking me how my books are going. Every time I see you, it is the first thing you ask and it means the world to me. Terry and Walt is my ode to you and Grandpa. I love you more than words can express.

Eric, you are my everything. The reason I write kind, loving men. I gave you my heart at sixteen and it was the best decision I ever made. I love you.

To my readers, without you none of this would be possible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sticking with me on this journey or for recently jumping on for the ride. I promise I'm just getting started and can't wait to bring more of Red Maple Falls to you. 

# About the Author

 Theresa Paolo lives on Long Island, NY with her fiancé and their fish. She is the author of NA and Adult contemporary romances. Her debut novel (NEVER) AGAIN, released in Fall 2013 with Berkley (Penguin) and the companion novel (ONCE) AGAIN released Summer 2014. Mad About Matt, the first book in her new Red Maple Falls series, released March 2017.

She loves to write heartfelt romances with a dash of fun and a side of spice. When she's not writing, she's reading, brewery hopping, daydreaming, wasting time on Pinterest, or can be found chatting away on Twitter and Facebook.

She writes YA romance under Tessa Marie.

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