Chapter 2

I doubted the progressive nature of the big bad city I’d left behind had reached the sticks to which I’d returned. That down-home, folksy vibe was still here and reminded me of everything I’d hated growing up, narrowmindedness included. No one had quite understood the odd boy who liked to wear tight clothing and color his hair and was just strange, by their reckoning, a peacock among black-hearted crows. I might be a tiny bit of a drama queen, so you know.

Thankfully, my beloved parents hadn’t cared. I missed them desperately. If they’d been alive today to see how far I’d fallen, I wondered what they’d say. It had been hard going to their funeral, the only other time I’d been back here, but I’d kept to myself, not saying much to anyone and disappearing again as soon as they were in the ground. Their old house still stood, having been leased and cared for by the local Realtor on my behalf, since until recently I’d had no use for it except a few memories here and there. It was far enough away from town for me to be comfortable, and perfect for licking my wounds and getting on with my life.

I reached my truck and greeted Dali, my five-year-old Beagle who’d been curled up on the passenger side seat, the window down enough to give him air on this hot late-summer evening. A bowl of water was on the floor.

“Did you miss me?” I asked, rubbing his head with one hand before placing the bags next to the bowl.

“Woof,” Dali barked and licked my hand, making me smile. He was the only thing that had brought me joy lately. Not even my paintings had done that, which was unusual since I lived and breathed bringing things to life on canvas. I was determined to get back my mojo.

I hopped in and turned on the engine, amused as Dali immediately stuck his head out the window, which I’d lowered a little more for his pleasure. As I drove through the almost-empty lot, I saw Asher standing next to a shiny pickup truck, which looked like it had all the bells and whistles. Guess things had been going well for him, whatever he was doing. And I didn’t care. Nope, not one bit.

His eye caught mine but I quickly looked away, not wanting to torture myself, though I was sure it would happen anyway. I rubbed Dali’s back with one hand, seeking solace and a way for my body to calm down. I hadn’t known if Asher would still be here, but there he was, and it was like yesterday and I was seventeen all over again.

Because Asher Knox was still the best looking thing in the world, hair the color of flames, and time had done nothing to dull the beating of my heart in his presence, even though he’d broken it.

My heart could just piss off.

* * * *

I was out back two days later, checking out the barn and trying to decide if I should do my painting in there or convert one of the rooms in the house, when I heard a vehicle pull in the driveway. Dali took off and started barking immediately, so I was obliged to save my visitor from licks and slobber.

I frowned as I trudged to the front, not sure who on earth would be coming over, unless the Realtor needed something. I turned the corner and stumbled to a stop. I did not want to talk to Asher right now. Hell, not ever, if I could help it. And the way the sun made his hair burn and my fingers itch for a paintbrush could go to hell.

“Kaylie, please,” he said in a voice that was deeper than in his teens and still as distracting. No way was my body reacting to that. Shut up.

“My name is Kayle, and I’d thank you to remember it, Ash-wipe,” I replied, using the nickname I’d dubbed him after he’d dumped me. “Get off my property before I call the sheriff. You’re not welcome here.”

I snapped my fingers and whistled at Dali, who’d been loving the attention from the new human, tail wagging as he begged for an ear rub, the little slut. I might not play fetch with him later, just because. The dog immediately came to me and sat on his haunches, staring up at me with innocent eyes, tongue hanging out and tail going a mile a minute like he’d been a good puppy. Not. I shook my head and went around back, Dali at my heels.

“You can’t keep ignoring me, you know,” Asher said from behind me, and I swore under my breath.