Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 107803 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107803 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
They stepped back, and Caden looked at me.
I flashed him the biggest and brightest smile I could manage. “What’s the matter, cowboy? Too old to be out past seven?”
He smirked. “No, I happen to be meeting up with someone for drinks, and I don’t want to keep her waiting.”
I ignored the way that made my chest ache. I instantly wondered about the woman he was meeting. I’d heard rumors that there was someone in Granby with whom Caden had a friends-with-benefits arrangement. Was that who he was leaving his family to meet?
“Real classy, leaving your family on Thanksgiving to have a hookup,” Ensley said. I was glad someone else was thinking the same thing.
Caden just smiled smugly before turning and heading toward his parents.
“You don’t think he’s really going to meet someone, do you?” Emeline asked.
Ensley shrugged. “Probably. He has that woman in Granby. I think he’s hooked up with her a few times.”
“Are they dating?” I asked.
Ensley laughed. “God, no. She’s like ten years older than Caden and has two kids. It’s just a mutual attraction, I think. Sex only.”
I nodded before taking a drink of my water. Sighing, I said, “I should probably leave as well. I’m hoping tomorrow brings a lot of people from outside River Falls to the shop. I’ve got bookings all day, so that’s a good thing.”
Emeline took my hand in hers. “That’s great, Lilibeth.”
I forced a smile.
Frowning, Emeline asked, “Why don’t you seem very happy about it?”
“I am,” I said, trying my best to sound like my usual peppy self. The truth was, I felt defeated, and suddenly so very tired. The only thing I wanted to do was go home, crawl into bed, and read.
When I stood, Emeline and Ensley did as well.
“I’ll see you when you get back,” I said to Emeline, kissing her on the cheek, then hugging her. “Congratulations again. I’m so happy for you!”
“Thank you, Lilibeth.”
I hugged Ensley goodbye next.
“Let’s have lunch this weekend, if you can break away from the store,” Ensley stated.
Nodding, I replied, “I would love that. Text me.”
I made the rounds, saying my thanks and goodbyes. I didn’t make it out of the house without a container filled with leftovers, though, courtesy of Ladd’s mother, Nellie, who packed it up for me.
Setting the food on the passenger seat, I hit the ignition button and waited for the car to warm up. Snow had started to fall again. This time it was a bit heavier. I sent up a prayer that any seriously heavy stuff would hold off until I got home. The drive from the ranch to my house was about thirty minutes. My little cabin was right on the outskirts of town and only a five-minute walk to the grocery store, which was nice.
The drive into town was filled with Nat King Cole, belting out his Christmas songs as I sang along with them. I pulled into the driveway and hit the garage door opener.
Nothing happened.
“Not again,” I said, my head dropping to the steering wheel. “I need to buy my own place.”
Looking up, I debated whether to text my landlords or just let it go. I sighed. It was Thanksgiving, and I didn’t want to bother them about a garage door that wasn’t opening. I turned off the car, grabbed my leftovers, and made my way to the front door. The temperature had dropped even since leaving the Wilde ranch, and I bounced on my feet trying to stay warm as I fumbled for the key. Once the door was unlocked, I quickly made my way inside to the warmth.
The door to my two-bedroom house closed behind me with a soft click. I leaned against it and closed my eyes, drawing in slow, deep breaths. Instantly, Caden popped into my mind, and I quickly opened my eyes again.
“Damn you, Caden Wilde!”
I pushed off the door and headed into the kitchen. I placed the leftovers in the fridge and headed to my bedroom. Sitting on the bed, I kicked off my boots and tried not to think about what Caden was doing at that very moment…probably already in someone’s bed.
Standing, I pulled the sweater dress off and tossed it to the floor before I dropped onto the bed and stared up at the ceiling.
Is this my life? Am I doomed to be alone forever?
I squeezed my eyes shut to keep the tears at bay.
I rolled over and pulled my knees to my chest. Had I sealed my own fate by sticking to my vow not to give myself to anyone unless I truly loved them? I was turning thirty in the spring, and here I was, still alone.
“Is there a soul mate out there for me?” I asked the universe.
Grabbing the quilt from behind me, I pulled it over my body and let the tears fall until I was so exhausted, I eventually fell asleep.