Gunn(Bayou Springs Alien Mail Order Brides #2)(8)

 

How was I going to go back there, knowing she was only a few feet away? My entire body tensed with an aching need I'd spent years trying to suppress. For eight long years, I'd spent endless nights trying to find solace with other women only to have her still haunt my dreams. And now she was back. I'd never survive it.

 

The image of her holding my ring flashed in my mind. My chest tightened as I remembered the happy tears in her eyes the day I'd given it to her. And then the raw pain that had carved a hole in my heart the day I'd found it lying on a note that read: I'm sorry. I know this is awful and I really do love you, but this is something I have to do.

 

That was it. No explanation, just something she had to do.

 

I ran an agitated hand through my hair, resisting the urge to fist the locks in utter frustration. I'd gone eight fucking years without answers. And dammit, I was done waiting.

 

 

 

The house was silent. Echo was still working the bar, and presumably Zeke and Opal were shut away in their rooms at the opposite end of the house. The only sign of life was the light shining underneath Kennedy's door. I paused, raising my hand to knock. But I stopped just before rapping my knuckles on the hardwood. Instead, I flattened my hand against the door and let my emotions wash over me.

 

Relief. Longing. Regret. Eight long years and I'd never once picked up the phone. Never showed up on her doorstep, determined to finally get answers. Instead, I'd pretended I was fine until I'd convinced myself of the lie.

 

A vision of Kennedy curled up in the oversized purple velvet chair, her knees tucked against her chest, consumed me. Her hair was swept up in a messy bun, a few loose locks framing her face. She was hauntingly gorgeous as her sad eyes stared intently at the door as if she could see me standing there, my heart on my sleeve.  

 

I stepped back, sucking in a sharp breath. The vision vanished and I shook my head, trying to dislodge the thoughts. Romanticizing her homecoming wasn't going to help anything. The only reason she'd be upset is because she'd given up her independent life and rising career to join the cause here in Bayou Springs. Not because she regretted her choice to leave in the first place. It was delusional to think otherwise.

 

Steeling myself, I took a deep breath and knocked once.

 

Her reply was instantaneous. "Come in."

 

I strode through the door and stopped abruptly, blinking. There she was, in the purple velvet chair, her knees tucked under her shirt with her hair up. Her clean face was makeup-free, and her eyes were slightly puffy as if she'd been crying.

 

"Kennedy … " I started, dumbfounded. My vision had been spot on. How was that possible?

 

"Yes?" She stood, wiping hastily at her cheeks.

 

"What's wrong?"

 

She shook her head. "Nothing. I …  it's just overwhelming being back here is all. I hadn't expected-"

 

"You don't have to stay here," I blurted out, instantly regretting my words when she dropped her hands to her sides, her expression blank as she waited for me to continue. "I just meant that you could use another room or go to Audrey's house if you're uncomfortable."

 

Her eyes narrowed and her spine straightened. "Don't you mean you're uncomfortable?"

 

"What? No." I crossed my arms over my chest.

 

"Whatever you say, Gunn." She mirrored my stance, staring me down.

 

I bit back a scowl. "So you're staying here, then?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Fine." I turned on my heel and headed back toward the door.

 

"Gunn?"

 

My hand closed around the door knob. "Yeah."

 

"What did you want?"

 

You. The word came out of nowhere, echoing through my mind. Dammit. I had to shut that shit down and fast. Why had I come to her room?

 

Right. Answers.

 

I turned and shoved my hands in my pockets, staring into her questioning eyes. Then I forced the words out. "Why did you leave?"

 

She sucked in a small breath and pressed her hand to her stomach. "Sorry?"

 

"You heard me. Before we spend two days in my truck making the run to Gravity Bay, I want an explanation. One minute you were wearing the ring I gave you, debating a spring or summer wedding, and the next you were gone. I've waited eight years to ask you why you walked out. I'm done waiting."

 

The blood drained from her face as she took two steps backward and then sank back down into the velvet chair. Hugging her knees to her chest, she bit her bottom lip.

 

Christ. What had happened to her? The Kennedy I'd known had been a thousand percent confident in everything she'd ever done. And the one sitting in front of me was full of doubt and hesitation. "Kennedy?" I prompted.