Chapter 8: Chapter 8

BLAKE

“Someone seems to have a little crush,” Killian teased, knocking his shoulder against mine suggestively as we watched Annabelle collect logs outside.

“What makes you think that?” I asked.

“Gee, I don’t know. Maybe it’s that look on your face when she’s near, or how you’ve been staring out the window since she left the room. I’m sure she won’t disappear if you look away for a second.”

I huffed, turning from the window to roll my eyes at him. I wasn’t going to admit how difficult it had been to look away. It would only encourage him.

“You’re seeing things,” I responded.

“Or do you just not want to see them?” Killian asked, wiggling his eyebrows. “Your denial is so telling.”

“Come on, Killian,” I grunted.

“Tell me I’m wrong,” he said with a shrug, “She’s a nice and attractive young woman, and she’s spent a good chunk of her time taking care of you just because. To put it simply, what’s not to like?”

“It’s not like she’s had much of a choice. We’ve been stuck in a blizzard,” I replied, dodging Killian’s question as I looked back outside.

I watched as Annabelle took in a deep breath and looked up at the sky, the wind gently blowing her braids around her face. She looked at peace for a second before she clapped her hands together and began picking up the logs she had stacked to the side.

“You’re so stubborn,” Killian groaned, rising from his chair. “And sometimes that can be more bad than good.”

Annabelle walked in, carrying the pile of wood.

“There you are, missy. I was just about to leave,” Killian stated, making his way over to help her.

“You’re leaving already?” Annabelle asked, looking a bit disappointed.

“Yes, but I’ll swing by for a checkup in a few days, weather permitting,” he said cheerfully. “The good news is, I think he’s going to pull through.”

I shook my head as Killian laughed at his own joke.

“You can remove the bandages after three days,” he continued. “But for now, it’s best to keep everything covered to aid healing. I’ve left some painkillers in his drawer…”

I tuned out Killian’s voice as he rattled off instructions to Annabelle, watching her as she nodded along. Part of me felt guilty that she was going to be stuck here for longer. She’d already done so much for me, and I was sure that she had a life to get back to.

But I was also happy that we didn’t have to say goodbye just yet. I’d only just started to get to know her, but I was finding the thought of being without her difficult. I wanted her to stay, which was probably a very inconsiderate and selfish desire.

“I’ve got it. I’ll call if anything seems off,” Annabelle assured Killian, waving the extra phone he had brought just in case.

He smiled.

I was sure he was happy that Annabelle was here to fuss over my wounds while he was away. I could tell that he trusted her already.

Guilt gnawed at my stomach. I’d probably caused Killian enough worry for a lifetime.

“Let’s just hope the network holds up. This place is notorious for its unpredictable connectivity,” Killian said, turning toward me. “Take care of yourself, Blake. We don’t want to keep the lady away from her family or boyfriend any longer than necessary.”

I nodded with a hum, trying to look reassuring.

~He’s right.~ ~Annabelle probably has someone waiting for her back home.~ The thought sparked a weird feeling in my chest. ~Of course, she has a boyfriend. She’s kind, caring, and determined.~

I stared down at my hands, thinking back to how she cared for me, gently wiping my brow with a cool cloth and comforting me when I had a nightmare. She had shown me what kind of person she was. Why wouldn’t someone want to be with her?

“Well, Blakey boy, I’m off,” Killian said enthusiastically before bending down close to my ear. “I’m sure you’re looking forward to some alone time with Miss Annabelle.”

“Killian,” I quietly chastised, feeling heat rise on my neck and my face.

“What?” he asked, feigning innocence and chuckling.

Annabelle raised an eyebrow as she looked back and forth between us.

“Anyway, take care. I’ll see you in a few days. The food I packed should last you two a while,” Killian added, throwing a glance toward Annabelle. “Please take care of him. He’s like family to me.”

“I will,” Annabelle promised, smiling to reassure him. “Don’t worry. We’ll be fine.”

With a nod and a smile, he pulled her into a surprise hug.

“Don’t do anything that I wouldn’t do,” he added, suggestively wiggling his eyebrows as he closed the door.

And just like that, we were alone again. Thoughts rushed through my mind as Annabelle finished putting the things Killian had brought away.

~Is Killian right? Do I have a crush on Annabelle? Even if I do, she definitely has a boyfriend, right? What if she doesn’t? Would she want to be with a guy like me if she knew the truth?~

“Blake,” she called.

I looked up quickly.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

“Do you have a boyfriend?” I blurted out.

She gave me a surprised look.

“Actually, never mind. I’m sure you do,” I mumbled, trying not to sound as disappointed as I felt.

“Blake—”

“Why did you want to stay here with me if you have a boyfriend?” I interrupted, unable to stop myself as question after question popped out of my mouth. “Why not go to Killian’s place? Why wouldn’t you call him to let him know you’re okay? It’s because I’m here, right? You don’t want him to be jealous. That’s it, isn’t it?”

Annabelle stood there quietly, just listening and staring at me.

“Why aren’t you answering me?” I demanded, my voice sounding harsher than I intended.

“I didn’t know if you were done yet,” she replied flatly.

“Oh.”

She came over to the bed and took my hand. “Blake, I stayed because I want to. You need help, and I’m happy to be here for you. And, for the record, there’s no one to make jealous. I don’t have a boyfriend.”

“I’m sorry,” I said, squeezing her hand. “I lost my composure. I’m not used to people wanting to be around me lately.”

“Why is that?” she asked.

I sighed. There was no use in hiding anything from her, and for the first time since meeting Killian, I realized I wanted to talk about my past with someone. Especially if it meant talking about it with Annabelle.

“Blake, where is your family?” she asked.

“Tranquil City,” I answered, my voice empty.

“Do they know you’re here?”

“Like I said before, I don’t think they’d care,” I said with a bitter laugh.

“Don’t say that. I’m sure that’s not true—”

“Blake Xavier Stone,” I said sullenly. “That’s my name. I’m the son of Miles and Julia Stone, the owners of Stone Financial Security Firm.”

I watched her for any sign of recognition. Stone Financial was a renowned financial investment firm. We had been thriving, building our clients’ wealth more than they could ever imagine, until about eight months ago when everything came crashing down.

Despite the fact that I was the CEO at the time, my family never publicly blamed me for the downfall. The keyword being publicly. My parents relocated shortly after, leaving little room for speculation about why they were distancing themselves. I wasn’t even sure they knew the truth.

“I heard the story,” she said, looking away sheepishly. “Blake, I’m sorry for what you’ve been through, but you shouldn’t blame yourself. No one could figure out what exactly went wrong.”

“I was the CEO. I should have prevented it. I should have been able to pass it on to the next generation. But I let it slip through my fingers a year after taking over,” I confessed, my voice and chest heavy with regret. “I destroyed our legacy. I understand why my family can’t stand to look at me.”

Annabelle pulled me into a hug. I slowly wrapped my arms around her, trying to let her embrace comfort me, but it couldn’t ease the guilt I felt inside.

I had let my family down. I had let our clients down. It was all my fault.