Exclusive Excerpt from Just A Year

by Jena Wade

“I want—” He started, then broke off. He moved away from me on the bed until we weren’t touching anymore. I missed him immediately. Felt empty without him close to me. “I wish you had talked with me about the job. I understand how important it is, but I didn’t realize we were going to be so far apart again.”

Damn it. “I know. I’m sorry. I had to make a decision and the company in Pittsburgh will look better on my resume. It’s only a four-hour drive. That’s nothing compared to the seven hours it takes to get here from home.” As if that helped.

Maddox sighed, his face reflecting a sadness I felt down to my core. “It’s only a year.” I took a deep breath. “You could always come there with me you know.”

His gaze shot to my face, and he narrowed his eyes. “No. I can’t. I like Milton. It’s my home. And, honestly, I don’t think your dad can run the store without me anymore.”

I startled at that. “What?”

“I’ve been taking over more and more of the responsibilities lately, and he’s been slowing down quite a bit. I think he might want to retire soon. We’ve talked about me buying into the store as a partner.”

Now my mind spun out of control, the conversation turn giving me whiplash. “He can’t retire. He—You—. Do you even want to own the store? I mean, you don’t seem like—” I stopped myself. If there was one thing I’d learned from Maddox in the past year, it’s that you don’t judge a book by its cover.

He shrugged. “Maybe. I like the hardware. I like helping people and being a part of the community. I’m good at the bookwork.”

I yawned. The day’s events finally catching up with me. I tried to stifle the yawn, so Maddox didn’t see. I failed. We needed to discuss this, but I wasn’t even sure how to begin. The information about my dad threw me for a loop, and I hadn’t quite landed yet.

Continue reading →