Page 54 of Small Town, Big Storm

I halt mid-crouch then carefully straighten, rubbing my palm over the sharp pain in my chest that threatens to send me to my knees.

Maybe I’m having a heart attack.

Maybe it’ll take me out and finally put me out of my misery.

“Hey, Killer,” Rain says as he hugs Holly tight.

“I’m not a killer,” Holly replies with a frown.

He tugs her ponytail and sets her on her feet.“Did you forget that I saw you on the soccer field last season?Who got all those goals?”

Holly lights up, and there that pain in my chest is again.“You remember?”

“How could I forget?”my brother says, tucking her close to his side.“You were awesome.”

Fuck.

I didn’t know it was possible to hurt this much.

The door holding back those memories buckles, threatens to give way.

Fuck.

I can’t do this.

“Storm.”

I drop my hand to my side, force a neutral expression on my face as I turn to Poppy.“Oh,” I say lamely.“Hey.”

Her expression is far too knowing, those gorgeous green eyes seeing far too much.

So, I react quickly, distracting her before she can transition into pity.

Distracting myself from all that I’m feeling.

“We’re going to Molly’s, wanna come?”

Sixteen

Poppy

The eyesof Cedar Hollow are upon us.

But that’s not what has me concerned.

It’s the thunder and lightning clinging to Storm’s mood.

Oh, he’s doing a damned good job of pretending it doesn’t exist as we walk to Molly’s.

But with each step those clouds gather a little closer, turn a little darker.

Frost and ice and wind and rage and…

Hurt.

So much hurt it’s nearly impossible for me to draw in a full breath.

Especially when Holly yells, “Molly’s!”grabs Rain’s hand, and starts hauling him toward the bakery.