Righting a Wrong (A Ripple Effect Romance Novella) by Rachael Anderson Page A

laughed and pushed him away. “Please. You’re hardly a project.”
    “I’m awkward, too skinny, and drive a baby blue mustang that is more rust than blue. I’m the guy in those movies who the beautiful, popular girl is challenged to fix.” He grinned. “So far, you’re failing.”
    He said it in a joking way, but there was a hint of honesty in his words, as though he actually believed it. Cambri wasn’t okay with that. Impulsively, she kissed his cheek. “I’d never want to change you. I think you’re perfect the way you are.”
    His gaze captured hers, and Cambri couldn’t look away. He moved closer, and she didn’t stop him. When she felt the warmth of his breath on her face and caught a whiff of mint, her heart pounded so hard she could feel the reverberations in her ears. She closed her eyes, his lips touched hers, and she—
    “Earth to Cambri,” Lydia cooed, waving a hand in front of Cambri’s face.
    Heat rushed to her face when she realized where her thoughts had headed—and right in front of Jace’s sister. “I’m sorry. You caught me off guard. I didn’t realize this was Jace’s place.”
    Lydia looked confused. “You’re not here to see him?”
    “I was just out taking a walk and somehow ended up here.”
    A perfectly shaped eyebrow rose, as though Lydia didn’t quite believe her. “Your dad’s house is over a mile from here.”
    “I know, but your grandpa came over tonight, and he and my dad started a game of chess. I didn’t really want to hang around, and a short walk wasn’t going to cut it.”
    Lydia laughed. “You sound like me on their fly tying nights. I always find an excuse to leave.”
    “Oh,” said Cambri. “Are you living with Grandpa Cal?” How like her friend to stay with him so he didn’t get lonely. Yet another example of loyalty in the Sutton family.
    Lydia’s gaze dropped to the ground, and she shuffled her feet as if embarrassed. “After Mom and Dad moved away, it made the most sense. Grandpa had someone to look after him and keep his fridge stocked, and I got free rent. I’m saving up for a place of my own one day, but for now, life is really … good.” The way she said it made it sound like she was trying to convince herself.
    Cambri placed her hand on her friend’s arm. “He’s lucky to have you.”
    “Thanks.” Lydia nodded toward the house. “I just dropped by to bring Jace some dinner. He met with a bunch of suppliers in Denver today and won’t be home until late. Knowing him, he hasn’t eaten much and will be starving by the time he gets back.”
    Oh, so that’s why Jace couldn’t make it to dinner. “That was nice of you.” Not that Cambri was surprised at all. That was the Sutton way—always thinking about each other and everyone else they happened to know. Once upon a time, Cambri had been the recipient of a lot of kindnesses like that, and her heart now ached with a sense of loss.
    Lydia shivered then cocked her head toward her car. “Want a ride back? It’s kind of cold out here.”
    “I think I’ll pass. I, uh … have some more thinking to do.” Cambri suddenly felt vulnerable and uncertain and needed to sort out her thoughts and find a way to regroup. As much as she’d love to catch up with Lydia, now wasn’t the time.
    Lydia nodded in understanding. “I’ll stop keeping you then. Just promise you won’t leave town until we have a chance to hang out. I want to hear all about what’s been going on with you.” She gave Cambri another quick hug. “It’s so great to see you.”
    “You too,” said Cambri. “I’ll call you.”
    “Okay.” The door shut, the engine rumbled, and Lydia waved goodbye as she pulled from the driveway. Cambri watched until her tail lights disappeared then she shoved her hands into her pockets and gave the house one last look. It was time to start back. Time to refocus her thoughts on the life she’d made for herself in North Carolina. But instead of turning away, her feet carried her