Forsaken Trail (Runaway, #4)

by Devney Perry

Maybe it was time to switch directions. To forge a beaten path. And find out if there was a rainbow waiting at the end of my forsaken trail.

“Her dress is gaudy and hideous,” Aria said as we emerged through the threshold of the double doors. The couple in front of us gaped and sent her horrified looks. Aria simply smiled. “Hello.” I fought a laugh. It was . . . surprising. I hadn’t thought I’d have to fight much other than my gag reflex tonight.

“You love your home. You love your job. What else should I know about you, Aria Saint-James?” That maybe I don’t hate you. “One day, I’d like to have a flower shop and a greenhouse of my own. I’d like to make bouquets like that one and keep growing plants.”

“What are you doing?” I asked as he inched closer, pressing into the skirt of my gown. “I’m going to kiss you.” My heart skipped. Yes. That was the champagne talking. I didn’t care. “What if I don’t want you to kiss me?” He leaned in close, the warmth of his breath caressing my cheek. “What if you do?” What if I did? I took his face in my hands, letting the scratch of his beard scrape against my palms, and I pulled his mouth down to mine. Then I kissed him.

“You wore jeans on Saturday.” “That was different.” “Why?” Because we were hauling boxes? “Because that was for you.” One sentence. One answer. And the world fell away from my feet. Did he realize what he’d just confessed? Did he realize how special he’d just made me feel? I was the exception to his rules.

“I won’t let you fall.” “You say that and it’s sweet. But you don’t get it.” “Get what?” “I need to do this on my own.” “Understandable. Think of me as the safety net.” “I’ve never had a safety net.” “You do now.”

“Because tomorrow it might be gone. If I earn it myself, then maybe it won’t disappear.”

“No.” I shook my head. “I fell in love with you the moment you stole that vase of flowers.”

“The struggle is what affirms you’re alive. Without it, the bright moments don’t shine.”