I had been away for over two years now, studying to become a veterinary nurse. During those years, I had come home only for Christmas, when I would spend time with my family and, of course, Shadow.
About a year ago, I had gotten a phone call from my brother—he and Kristen were engaged. The day before, he had asked Kristen if she wanted to marry him, and she had accepted right away.
As for Finn, the last time I had seen him was the night I turned eighteen. I tried to forget about him, especially on my birthday every year.
But now, with the wedding coming along, I would have to face him since he was to be Will’s best man.
Funny how a situation can turn around sometimes! Since I was twelve, all I had wanted was to be by his side, and now all I wanted was to avoid him as best I could.
I set my luggage down on the floor. “Hello! I’m home!” I shouted, making sure that my voice was loud enough to be heard throughout the house.
It wasn’t long before I heard Shadow’s claws hit the floor. Spotting him run toward me, I knelt down to greet him, bracing for the impact.
“Hello, boy! How have you been?”
Shadow rushed at me, wagging his tail nonstop.
“I’m glad to see you too, bud.” I petted him as he licked my face.
Normally, I wouldn’t let him act this way, but since he hadn’t seen me for so long, I let it slide this time.
“Jamie, you’re home!” My mother was the first to welcome me. Well, second, if I counted Shadow.
“Why didn’t you call? I would have come to the airport to pick you up.” She pulled me into a hug.
“Ma, I’m all grown up now. Besides, I knew you’d be busy with the wedding.” It was good to be back.
“You always put others before yourself.” She kissed me on my cheek.
“Ah, there’s my little girl!” It was my father’s turn to greet me.
“Hey, Dad! Glad to be back,” I said, hugging him too.
After letting me out of the circle of his arms, he grabbed my bags and took them up to my room.
“Well, well, look who’s back!” said Will, coming up to me next, Kristen following close behind.
As I hugged Kristen, the doorbell sounded. Kristen and I pulled back, taking a small step to the left to let Will answer the door.
“Hey, man, glad you came by,” my brother greeted the person on the other side of the door. “Look who’s back!” Will pointed at me with his thumb, moving aside to let the person in.
As Finn walked into the house, I saw in his eyes how surprised he was to see me. But it was gone in a moment, and he gave me one of his smiles.
“Jamie, long time no see,” he said, pulling me into his strong arms for a hug.
When I found myself in his arms, as always, my heart stopped beating—as if it remembered who Finn was after all this time. My mind, on the other hand, was warning me to stay clear of him.
This time, I decided to listen to my head instead of my heart.
I cleared my throat and stepped away from him. “Nice to see you as well, Finn. I hope you’re well.” I tried not to sound nervous, looking him straight in the eye.
“Ma, I think I’m going to lie down a little. The trip back home exhausted me more than I thought,” I said, grasping at the first excuse that came to my mind.
“Of course, honey. Your room is the same as you left it,” she replied.
I waved at them with a smile so no one would catch on to the lies that were coming out of my mouth. Right now, my feelings were haywire, all thanks to Finn Campbell!
I tried to avoid his eyes even though I could feel his gaze on me.
How could Finn continue to affect me after all this time?
On the way to my room, my heart was pounding so hard I could feel the blood rushing through my veins.
Closing the door to my room behind me, I let my body lean against it as the memory of that night came back to haunt me.
I let my head fall back against the door. I couldn’t stop thinking. How the fuck was I going to survive this weekend?
