Big Love in a Small Town (Contemporary Romance) (6 page)

Maybe she should give him another chance. She’d already decided she had to close the door on Nate, and she did have a long history with Davis to consider. Of course, they’d had their issues, but all in all, he’d generally treated her right and always been there for her.

They had basically grown up together, and in that, they’d both made mistakes and grown from them. Everything that had gone wrong between them hadn’t been totally Davis’ fault. She knew there were certain things for which she had been to blame.

With a frustrated groan, Tessa poured herself a glass of wine and sat before her computer. It was best to channel all of her frustration and emotion into her characters. This situation would make for some really good writing. She’d think about what to do in the morning after a good night’s sleep. But for now, she was going to take full advantage of the emotions that would pour into the written word.

The next morning, Tessa woke from a troubled sleep, still unsure how to handle the situation with Davis. She’d continued to write well past midnight, and despite her determination not to think about Davis’ plea until the morning, she had laid awake for hours, tossing and turning as she replayed their conversation in her mind.

Should she give him another chance? Did he seriously want her to move to Nashville? And what about Nate? The man that, no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn’t fully remove from her heart or her mind.

Tessa tried to push past the thoughts of Nate. That ship had sailed, and she couldn’t base this decision on anything that had to do with him. Hadn’t she hoped and wished for Davis to do exactly what he was doing now? Begging for forgiveness and wanting to sweep her away to live happily ever after was actually even more wonderful than her romantic heart had ever hoped for.

But why wasn’t she more excited about it? Why hadn’t she thrilled at his words and jumped into his arms immediately?

Tessa rose from her still warm bed and shuffled to the shower. Today was going to be interesting. With little sleep, tons of work to do, a shift at The Grille and Davis complicating everything, she wasn’t necessarily sure she was ready for it.

When she arrived at work an hour later, a dozen creamy white roses in a beautiful vase were taking up a nice size portion of her desk. Tessa smiled – Davis sure was going all out in his attempt to rekindle their love.

She put her things down and poked around the lovely, expensive bouquet until she found the gold embossed card. It read:

Not one day has passed that you haven’t been on my mind. You have my heart.

Tessa pressed the unsigned note against her chest. What a sweet, thoughtful gesture! Maybe she could give Davis another chance after all. She leaned down and inhaled the sweet, heady scent of the roses. There was definitely something to be said about roses and romance.

She pulled her phone from her pocket, but decided against texting Davis to tell him thank you. It would be better to say the words in person. Tessa took a seat at her desk, her mood boosted by the lovely bouquet that would keep her company today.

As the work day came to a close, Tessa texted Davis a quick message asking him to come over to her house for coffee in a little while. He responded almost immediately that he would be there, and was excited to see her. Feelings of nostalgia washed over her as she recalled all of the wonderful times she and Davis had shared.

She frowned a little as a vision of slow dancing in her living room with Nate popped into her head. She was trying to remember the past with Davis. With a sigh, she feared it was inevitable. Tessa would never be able to put her short fling with Nate behind her.

If she was honest with herself, she’d felt more passion in those few weeks with Nate than the entire time she’d been with Davis. She just couldn’t make that a deciding factor in whether or not she was going to try with Davis again. After all, Nate was a gorgeous celebrity. Who wouldn’t have passion that surpassed all others with someone like that?

Memories flooded her mind, but not of Davis. Unbidden thoughts of kisses and candlelight, waffles and incognito set visits made her ache for Nate. This was so unfair! She had Davis holding his heart out in his hands, and all she wanted was Nate. Plain and simple.

Oh well, Tessa. You had better just go on and get over that really quick. Don’t miss out on what’s right in front of you,
she thought to herself.

On the walk home, she didn’t rush as usual. Instead, Tessa spent some time in reflection, thinking about the decision she had to make. By the time she’d reached her apartment, she knew what she was going to do.

***

When Davis rang her doorbell a couple of hours later, Tessa opened the door and beamed happily at him.

“Hello, Davis,” she greeted him warmly. His eyebrows rose in surprise.

“Hi there, Tessa,” he replied as he leaned in to give her a hug and a lingering kiss on the cheek.

“Do you want something to drink?” she asked, leading him inside.

“What are my options?”

“I have wine, tea and coffee.”

“Tea is fine – as long as it’s sweet,” he said, winking.

“Of course it’s sweet, we’re in the South,” she said with a playful pat on his arm. She’d forgotten how easily conversation flowed for them.

Davis took a seat on the sofa while Tessa poured glasses of sweet tea.

“Tessa, I think things are looking amazing for our future in Nashville. You are the epitome of a Southern belle, who happens to be an incredibly talented writer, and you know what I can do with a guitar. We’ll be the perfect songwriting pair,” he told her when she’d sat down beside him.

Tessa nearly spit out the tea she’d just sipped.

“Songwriting? Davis, I’ve never written a song. Ever. You know I don’t write songs.”

“Why can’t you? They’re a lot shorter than what you normally write.”

“Are you kidding me? There’s a certain musicality and rhythm that’s needed to write songs. I wish I had that, but I don’t.”

“Well, maybe with practice, it’ll come. Never mind that, let me just tell you how glad I am that you asked me over tonight,” he said, putting his arm around Tessa and scooting her closer to him.

“I thought I owed it to the two of us, and our history, to attempt reconciling, but I’ve got to be honest – I’m not ready to say, ‘Hey, my bags are packed,’ however, I am willing to try the long-distance thing,” she explained. Tessa didn’t want to beat around the bush any longer than necessary. She figured it was best to go ahead and shoot straight with Davis.

“Tessa, you know how I feel about long-distance relationships. They never end well. But, I want to be with you. What’s keeping you here?” Davis wasn’t happy. His brow was furrowed and he wore a pouty expression.

“This is my hometown. It’s familiar. I know people. And to be clear, I never said I wouldn’t move. If you would have asked me to go with you when you originally left, I would have gone and never looked back, but you didn’t.

“I think we need to see where this goes – I’m not sure if we even feel the same way about each other, and I’m not agreeing to move anywhere without being absolutely certain that you’re in it for the long haul.”

“I can’t believe you don’t think I’m willing to make a long-term commitment to you. Seven years, Tessa! We were together seven years!” Davis said heatedly.

“I know that, Davis. But in those seven years, you cheated on me twice and just two months ago, you broke up with me and moved in with your band, which included a very hot girl. So don’t go there and try to play that card,” Tessa said, her own cheeks flaming.

Davis inhaled sharply as he closed his eyes. “Okay, you’re right. Maybe I’m rushing things. I guess I figured I know now what it’s like to be without you, and I don’t ever want to go through that again.”

Tessa put her hand on top of his. “That’s very sweet. I appreciate your honesty – it means more than anything else. But, I’m still not moving to Nashville right now.”

“Okay, I understand. We can try the long-distance thing and see what happens,” he said with a reluctant but willing smile.

Tessa smiled in response. It was a start.

Davis leaned in to kiss her and Tessa tilted her chin to meet his lips. The kiss was nice and familiar, but it wasn’t anything like the hot sparks and burning fire she felt every time Nate kissed her.

Ugh! Get a grip, girl! Stop thinking about Nate. Just stop it!
She wasn’t sure whether she would ever be able to get Nate out of her mind. How could such a short, little fling leave such an enduring impact on her? However, even if it was frustrating, it did settle one order of business.

“Davis, I’m sorry,” Tessa whispered, pushing away from him.

“Sorry for what?” he asked, confused.

She didn’t know why she was so compelled to do what she was about to do. Wasn’t this exactly what she’d thought she’d wanted? For Davis to come waltzing back into her life, desperate for her, proclaiming his undying affection for her and her alone?

“I’m sorry, but this isn’t going to work. I just don’t feel the same way about you anymore,” she blurted out before she lost courage.

“What? Are you joking right now? If you are, I don’t think it’s very funny.”

“No, I’m serious. My feelings have changed. I’m sorry I led you on the past couple of days, but I was just trying to sort everything out. I’ve come to realize that we’re both different people that lead different lives.”

“But, we’ve got such a history–”

“Just stop right there,” she interrupted him, “I know we have a history, and you will always be a part of my story, but our history is just that – history. You only think that you want to be with me because I’m familiar. You know me and it’s a comfortable fit. But really think about it, Davis. If we truly were meant to be, would it have been so easy for you to cheat on me? Or leave me and go to Nashville?”

Davis was silent for a moment, contemplating her words. Tessa waited for him to respond with something – anything.

“As much as I hate to admit it, you’ve got a point. Although it’s a point that makes me feel pretty shitty. But don’t forget, Tess – you’re just as much a part of my story as I’m a part of yours. I’ll always love you, and you’ll always have a part of my heart,” he finally said. His voice rang true with emotion.

Tessa reached over and took his hand. “Right back at you, Davis. I will always love you, too,” she replied, holding back tears. It was the bittersweet, official end of Davis and Tessa. Although it was the right thing for both of them, it was still the heartbreaking end of an era.

“Friends?” he asked her.

“Always,” she replied.

After a long, unwavering embrace, Tessa showed Davis out for the very last time. “Oh, I forgot to tell you thank you for the lovely bouquet,” she said at the door.

“And I would say ‘you’re welcome’ if I had sent you flowers. You must have another admirer, Tess,” he replied with a shrug.

At her confused look, with a hint of sadness, he added, “Whoever he is, he’s one lucky guy if you decide to give him a chance. Hopefully he won’t blow it like I did.”

They lingered there for a moment longer, and when she said her last goodnight and closed the door behind him, Tessa leaned back against the heavy wood, letting the tears she’d bravely held back finally fall in abandon.