Worth the Risk Read Free

almost hear the questions racing through her head.
    Damn, she was beautiful . The grown-up Molly stole his breath. Ash-blonde hair, cut in a fashionable style, fell in gentle waves around her shoulders. Standing in a campground, surrounded by trees, even dressed in shorts, a T-shirt, and runners, she projected an impression of understated sophistication. It was as natural to her as breathing.
    She stood a solid eight to ten inches shorter than him. He remembered teasing her about her height every time he bent down to kiss her. God, he missed kissing her. He curved his lips into a smile as his gaze wandered over the rest of her. Still slender and toned, she had the strength of an athlete and the grace of a dancer. He had been so hot for her back then, certain their love would last forever.
    He didn’t know if anyone knew why he and Molly had broken up. Hell, he didn’t even know why it happened. One minute they were getting ready to graduate from university and start their lives together and the next she was telling him she wanted to be on her own. Well, he’d granted her wish. He’d left without saying good-bye and hadn’t seen her or any of the rest of his family or friends since. Nobody understood how much her rejection had hurt him back then. Nor was he ready to admit the real reason he’d come back home now.
    He shook his head to dislodge the memory. In the past, every time he’d thought about that day, his blood would boil. But now the anger wouldn’t come. In its place he discovered disappointment, and something else…resignation maybe? What changed? Over the years he’d had relationships with other women, though not one of them evolved beyond casual dating.
    Maybe time had simply worked its magic. His hurt outweighed the anger. He also still had—and would always have—feelings for her.
    Did she think about him? Feel anything for him? Was she even available? For all he knew she was happy, married, with a couple of kids. She deserved that. He tried to ignore the knot in his stomach. But the mere idea of another man’s child growing in her belly pissed him off.
    Damn it. He was entitled to answers. If she had moved on, fine, he would be gracious and back away—he hadn’t come home to interfere. But, if she hadn’t, then perhaps a possibility existed for them to…what? To be friends? To start over?
    “I can’t believe it’s you, man. It’s great to see you.” Sam’s deep voice penetrated his thoughts.
    Tanner reached out to shake his hand, while he enticed Olivia to step closer for a hug. “Look at you two. I heard you finally got married last year. Sorry I couldn’t make it back for the wedding. My parents said you looked stunning, Liv.”
    The petit brunette blushed, sidled next to her husband, and circled his waist with her arm. “Not to worry; we have lots of pictures. Are you in town for a while?”
    “Yeah, I’m—”
    “Hey, guys.” Brad smiled at the crowd. “Why don’t we let the man step away from car? Help us get our tent pitched, and then we’ll let him fill us in on what he’s been up to over a beer. I don’t know about the rest of you, but it’s been a long week for me and I’d love to sit down, put my feet up, and get this long weekend started.”
    Thankful for the slight reprieve, Tanner helped Brad unload their gear. Soon enough, he’d have to face Molly and the inquisition.
     

Chapter Two
     
     
    Ten years. Molly stood rooted to the ground as her friends welcomed Tanner back, looking away each time his glance clashed with hers. Oh, God. Should she stay, get it over with, or run and hide? Was he home to stay or was he visiting? She knew his parents didn’t see him as often as they’d like. He’d fled to Vancouver, and as far as she knew, he’d never been back, forcing them to travel west to see their son. Tanner had left their apartment late that night and never returned. He didn’t even show up for graduation.
    Molly had stayed in Ottawa. She liked living in