Tapping into Love

by Monica McCallan

Hannah took a long sip of coffee and stared Lucy down. “Not at all. I’m saying that you have to decide what’s more important: Maple Run succeeding or you holding your grudge against the Westmoore children, who, I will mention one more time, are not their father.”

Voice of reason.

Hannah’s voice rose above the faint sound of wildlife. “So, you gonna tap that?” She burst into laughter, her body vibrating so hard she braced her arm against a tree close by.

“Har-dee-har-har,” Lucy deadpanned. God, Sierra Westmoore was infuriating. Practical and forthright and communicative. Who acted like that?

“I don’t really care if she does. Why would I want to be around someone who’s not very nice to me?”

I wish more women in all media thought this way.

Heat wrapped around Lucy’s neck, her pulse thrumming through her body. “I really am sorry about that. I’ll say it as many times as you need to hear.”

“And we’ll be together again soon,” John said as he stared lovingly at his wife. God, were they trying to kill her?

Same.

“I think it’s just great,” Lucy’s mom said. “Those beautiful trees have gone far too many years without anyone gawking at their beauty.” Jill looked at Sierra and then at Lucy, her eyes light. “Just like my daughter.”

Jill is a gee.

Sierra smiled and ran her hand soothingly against Lucy’s jaw. “I will. I know we’re keeping things casual, but do you think it would be okay if I called you in between?”

All this communication. I feel spoiled.

“Are you saying this because you’re scared?” “I’m saying it because it’s true. The Westmoore family already took too much from me, and I won’t let them take my shot at being happy one day.”

Insane.

She shook her head and refused to continue down this path. She’d done it too much in the weeks back in Boston, and she needed a fresh start. They were going to see one another, and that couldn’t be helped. All she could control was her reaction to it.

She is incredibly mature.