Grounded for Love: A Reunion Romance Novella by Rebecca Talley Page A

her stomach. It is. What is he doing here? The blood rushed to her head, making her feel faint. She didn’t know what to do or say .
    “Serena?” Graham moved closer to her, obviously surprised to see her. “I didn’t expect—”
    “Graham?” Her mind tried to process what her eyes were seeing.
    “Can we go outside?”
    Her feet were cemented in place. Why was Graham in Durango? He was the very last person she ever expected to see again, especially here.
    “I need to talk to you,” Graham said.
    “Hey, there you are,” Colby said as he stepped around Graham. “I just ran into Juliet Campo and Karen Stein outside. Remember them?”
    “Uh, yeah.” Serena tried to make her mouth form more words, but nothing came.
    Graham looked between Colby and Serena then stuck his hand out to Colby. “Hi, I’m Graham McAllister.”
    “Colby Whigton.”
    Colby took Serena by the hand. “We can catch the Winter Follies if we hurry. A couple of my friends are performing in it.”
    “Oh.” Serena didn’t know what to do.
    “Well, I don’t want to keep you,” Graham said. “I hear this is a great place to eat.”
    “One of the best,” Colby said. “Try the Durango Burger.”
    “Thanks. You two have fun.” With that, Graham walked away and disappeared into the restaurant.
    “Seems like a nice guy.”
    Serena nodded, feeling dazed.
    When they got outside, Serena said, “I don’t want to be the worst, but could I take a rain check? I think I need to get home and check on my dad.”
    “Yeah. Definitely.” Colby tried to mask his disappointment.
    They drove back to Serena’s house, all the while her mind spinning in a million directions. What was she supposed to do? She liked Colby and they had fun together, but Graham was in Durango. Did this mean he’d forgiven her? Why else would he be here? How did he know she was at that restaurant?
    But maybe it had nothing to do with her, and she was being presumptuous. Maybe he was in Durango for another reason and it was merely a coincidence they were in the same place at the same time. Again.
    Colby walked her to the door. Before he could even say anything, she said, “Thanks for taking me to the Snow Festival and for a delicious dinner. It was fun.”
    “Can I call you tomorrow?”
    Serena smiled, trying to think what to say. Colby was a nice guy, but if she was being completely honest, there was no future for them, especially if Graham was back in the picture. And while that was a giant if , the chance was better now than ever. “You are a great guy.”
    Colby stepped back.
    “I mean it.” She tried to sound upbeat. “You are a lot of fun. It’s me. I’m…” How could she explain it?
    “No, I get it.” He shrugged. “No worries. I had a good time with you. It was great catching up.”
    “Thanks.” Colby was making it too easy on her, which made her feel even worse. Why did she keep hurting men that didn’t deserve it? Colby really was a good man. Just not the one for her.
    As Colby left, he said over his shoulder, “Go find that guy in the restaurant.”
    Serena was stunned. Colby must’ve sensed there was something between her and Graham.
    She watched Colby drive away then she began pacing the living room while her heart hammered against her ribs.
    What should I do?
     

 
    Graham sat at the table trying to figure out what he wanted to eat. Noting looked appealing, because the truth was, he’d lost his appetite as soon as he saw Serena with that guy.
    I am such a fool. I drove almost four hours to see her and she was with someone else. Obviously, she’s moved on and so should I.
    He pulled out his phone and found Dana’s number. He stared at it for a few minutes. He could make it up to Dana, and together they could try again. He set the phone down and stared out the window at nothing in particular.
    In his mind, this had gone a lot better with Serena.
    “Can I take your order?” a woman with dark eyes and a bright smile asked.
    “Any