A simple nod was her only acknowledgment.
Although he didn’t want to leave her, he had no choice. She was needed at the school, and he had a job to finish.
“I’ll stop by the cottage after work,” he said.
“Okay.”
Because he felt the need to say more, he added, “I’ve missed you.”
How foolish he’d been, unwilling to listen, unwilling to accept that she had been innocent. He’d wanted to hurt her the way she’d hurt him, only to discover the only one he’d punished had been himself.
“Me, too,” she said. Hope turned away and headed toward the school. Cade’s heart sunk and he prayed with everything in him that he could repair the damage he’d done to their relationship.
* * *
—
As soon as Cade was back, his boss hit him with questions.
“Your girl okay? How’s the school? What happened?” Cliff asked, exiting his office and leaning against the doorframe.
“Looks like a car fire.”
Cliff frowned, and Cade noticed the other two mechanics exchanging glances.
“A car fire,” Cliff commented, shaking his head as if to say nothing shocked him any longer when it came to the happenings around the high school. “It’s a good thing the fire department got there when they did, otherwise the vehicle could have exploded.”
Although his thoughts remained on Hope and their upcoming conversation, Cade worked the rest of the afternoon. As soon as he finished, he rushed to his apartment, showered, changed clothes, and then headed to the cottage by the sea. He was headed to see Hope.
Hope.
She’d been accurately named. He’d been penalizing himself by staying away. His pride made for miserable company. He chose to be alone, telling himself he was an island and needed no one. More fool he. The car fire had sent that theory flying out the window.
When he feared Hope might have been in danger or hurt, his pride had died a sudden death. He didn’t care if Hope had collaborated against him with his mother. Cade needed her for the light she brought into his life. Whatever had passed between her and his mother they would sort out together.
* * *
—
Shadow was in the fenced yard when Cade arrived at the cottage. When he climbed out of the truck, he saw Mellie Young in the house across the way. She’d pulled aside the curtain and stared at him from the kitchen window. Even from this distance, Cade could see that Mellie was frowning. It seemed he would need to make amends to her right along with Hope. He’d been warned. He was sure to face the landlord’s ire if he hurt Hope. It encouraged him to know Preston and Mellie had Hope’s back.
When Shadow revealed no excitement at seeing him, Cade hesitated. The mixed-breed shepherd regarded him warily, as if his absence had destroyed Shadow’s trust in him.
“I’ve come in peace,” he told the dog.
Hope opened the door and stood on the small porch. “Shadow, it’s Cade.”
At her voice, his tail wagged and he approached Cade, who paused long enough to scratch his ears before heading into the cottage with Hope.
Once inside, they stood facing each other. For several awkward seconds neither spoke. They remained several feet apart. Hope had her arms about herself as a shield, as if unsure what to expect.
Seeing that he’d been the one to suggest that they talk, he felt an obligation to begin. He hardly knew where to start. All he knew was that he was willing to do or say anything that would bring her back into his arms.
“I’ve been an idiot.”
Hope didn’t argue.
“I have to believe if you sought out my mother—”
Hope cut him off with a shake of her head. “If you’d given me the chance to explain, you’d know she came to the high school and asked to speak to me.”
“How did she know about you?” He’d reviewed a number of scenarios and could think of no way his mother would know about his relationship with Hope.
“She saw us that day on the beach when you bought us hot dogs.”
“She was there?” he asked, unable to hide his surprise. “What reason would she have to be in Oceanside?” Although he asked, he didn’t expect Hope to have an answer.
“You really are oblivious, aren’t you?” she said, shaking her head as if it should be obvious. “She told me she’s driven into town several times, looking for you.” She continued to tell him what she’d learned about his mother being in the courtroom and how she’d guessed he lived in Oceanside.
“Why?” he asked.