Ethan (Blackbeary Creek 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

realized where he was, Ethan broke their connection and looked at Graham.
    “I'm heading out to Hancock tonight,” Ethan said, “and I won’t be back until tomorrow afternoon.”
    “Hancock?” Graham asked. “Why?”
    “I’m meeting with the distributor of that new craft beer everyone loves,” Ethan said. “He’s flighty, and I’m going to try and smooth things over.”
    “Man, that sucks,” Graham said. “That’s a long drive; I hope it goes well.”
    “Yeah me too,” Ethan said. “See you guys tomorrow.”
    Ethan turned, walked out of the shop, got into his SUV, and drove away. He never looked back.
    Tegan watched the vehicle until it turned the corner and disappeared from her view, before turning back to Graham. Her friend’s unyielding stare startled her, and forced her to realize what she’d done.
    “Oh my God,” Graham barked, his voice echoing around the room. “What the hell was that?”
    “What?” she asked, feigning innocence.
    “Don’t even try it,” he whispered. “You like him.”
    “Don’t be ridiculous,” she said. “I do not.”
    She took another bite of the cinnamon roll, and hoped that he would drop the subject. She should've known better.
    “Yes, you do,” he pressed, “and not in a friendship kind of way. You like him , like him.”
    “Stop it,” she said. “You don't know what you're talking about.”
    “Oh, I think I do,” Graham said. “I can't believe it. I'm your best friend, and you never told me. How long?”
    “Shut up,” she begged.
    “How long?”
    She put her fork down, looked at him, and then sighed.
    “Forever,” she whispered. “I’ve loved him forever.”
    “I can’t believe you never told me.”
    “I’m sorry,” she admitted, “He obviously doesn’t feel the same, and I didn’t want anyone to know.”
    “You're not leaving because of a crappy date,” Graham said, serious. “You're leaving because of Ethan. What about Tristian? Does he know?”
    “I think he suspects, but he doesn't know for sure,” she said, “and he’s not going too. Look, I know it seems crazy but I've been planning this for a while. I doubt I'll ever find a mate, but I know you will. And so will Tristian…and so will Ethan. You and Tristian and I can handle, because that's the way it's supposed to be. You're all supposed to find mates, and live happily ever after, but watching Ethan with a mate… It’s just not something I’m strong enough to do.”
    “You’re really not going to tell him?” Graham asked.
    “No,” she said, “and neither are you. Promise me.”
    “But what if you're wrong,” Graham asked. “What if he does feel the same?”
    “He doesn't.”
    “How do you know?”
    “Graham, I've known him since I was born. As soon as I turned eighteen, and he saw that I couldn't shift, he stayed away. You don't do that if you love someone.”
    Graham sighed, and took the last bite of the cinnamon roll. Silence surrounded them, and she looked around the shop, knowing it would be her last visit for a long time.
    “I promise,” he agreed a couple minutes later. “When you leave?”
    “Tomorrow at noon,” she said. “I'm packing tonight.”
    “Do you need help?”
    “No,” she said. “The cabin is fully furnished, and I'm just taking my clothes and personal things. It should all fit into two suitcases, and if it doesn’t, there’s a couple of boxes in the basement. Besides, it's something I'd rather do alone.”
    “Okay,” he nodded. “Pack it all up tonight, but let us help you carry it to the car in the morning. Unless Tristian has other plans, we can all have breakfast together.”
    “He doesn’t,” she said, “and he'll do whatever I want. Breakfast sounds great. Tell everyone to come over at ten so you guys can get some sleep first. I’m sure he’ll tell Zach and Aiden tonight.”
    “Sounds like a plan,” he said solemnly.
     
    ***
     
    “Is that everything?” Tristian asked.
    Tegan glanced around the bedroom