Page 16 of With This Ring

He shook his head, then he sauntered out of the store toward Main Street.

When the door to the shop closed, she leaned forward on the counter and let out a pent-up breath. She hadneverimagined she would see Hudson Garrity in her store. He was most likely just intown for a short visit, and he’d left the store in the same way he’d walked out of her life seven years ago.

That was what she’d hope for, at least.

Her cell phone rang, and she jumped with a start. When she saw the insurance company’s phone number across the screen, her shoulders tightened even more. She had to push the encounter with Hudson out of her head and concentrate on her business. Maybe this time she’d make some progress with her claim.

***

The cool early-March breeze whipped over Hudson, and the morning sun warmed his neck as he stalked down the sidewalk. He wasn’t sure where he was headed, but he knew he had to get away from Dakota.

For the past seven years, he’d managed to visit his aunt and sister for a few days at Christmas without ever bumping into his ex. Since he had to keep his visits short, he’d slipped in and out of town without one run-in. At one point, he’d assumed Dakota had moved away. No, he’dhopedshe’d moved away—far enough away that he’d never have to see her again.

Yet today, only his second day in town, he’d managed to come face-to-face with her before noon. He’d told his aunt and sister years ago that he didn’t want to discuss Dakota, and they had kept their promise not to update him on what she’d been up to. Dakota had always talked about working as a seamstress, but he never expected she’d open a store in Flowering Grove—especially a bridal boutique.

He couldn’t help but notice that her left hand was bare of a ring. He’d always figured she’d be married by now, maybe with a few children. Or maybe she’d gotten engaged again—or even a few times—since him. Had she given those rings back too, leaving a trail of destroyed men in her wake?

Why should he trouble himself with speculation? She’d broken up with him without any explanation, and then he’d left town without looking back.

Hudson stopped at the crosswalk and then loped toward the other side of the street. He pressed his lips together while contemplating his baby sister’s face last night when she’d asked him to pay for the dress at the boutique. That strange look that had passed between his aunt and Layla now made sense. Layla had set him up to run into Dakota, which was ridiculous.

Dakota Jamison was the last woman on the planet he’d ever want to be involved with. In fact, if she were the last woman on the planet, he’d choose to remain a bachelor. He’d learned his lesson.

Also, how laughable that she’d given Layla the friends and family discount. As if she could ever be a true friend to him or his family members after how she’d dumped him.

Hudson glowered and made his way down the sidewalk until the delicious smells from Bloom’s Coffee filled his senses. A mochaccino would hit the spot right now.

He reached the door but paused when he found the same flyer hanging in the window that he’d noticed in the bridal boutique. The fluorescent pink paper advertised an ’80s night at the Flowering Grove Rollerama on Saturday. The rink was a popular hangout when he was a teenager, but he was surprised to see it still operating.

“Hud?”

Hudson turned and found one of his best friends from school standing behind him. “Gavin!”

“Hey, man.” Gavin thrust out his hand. “How’s New York City?”

Hudson returned the handshake. “Great, but I’m here visiting for a while. Do you have time to grab a cup of coffee?”

“Absolutely.”

They went through the line, then found a deserted booth at the back of the shop. Hudson took a draw from his cup. Ah, as good as he remembered. While he enjoyed a good cup of coffee back in the city, nothing beat a cup from Bloom’s.

“So,” Gavin began, “how are things with your software company?”

Hudson wrapped his hands around the warm cup. “Great, actually. We’re in the midst of selling it.”

“Dude, that’s amazing. Does that mean you’re retiring?”

“Not exactly.” Hudson couldn’t imagine ever retiring, especially at the age of thirty. Working seemed to be a part of his DNA, despite his impressive bank accounts. “I have some offers on the table for other positions. There’s one in Bahrain that my business partner thinks I should seriously consider.”

“That’s pretty far away. What are you doing home now?”

Hudson scrubbed a hand over his face. “My baby sister has decided she’s getting married in June.”

Gavin leaned forward. “Little Layla is getting married?”

“Yeah. But she’s only known the guy three months.” He explained how he met Shane at Christmas. “I’m not thrilled. She’s not ready for this.”

Gavin shrugged. “I’d known Jeannie for less than a year when we got married. Sometimes when you know, you know.”