Page 2 of Pure Bred

I kiss him once more, savoring the moment before reluctantly pulling away and getting into the car.

As my mom navigates us down the driveway, I twist in my seat, waving at Logan until he disappears from view.

Turning back around, I absently finger the silver pendant hanging from my neck. Excitement and nerves battle in my stomach as we head toward the airport. In just a few hours, I’ll be in LA, auditioning for my shot at stardom.

But a part of me is already counting down the hours until I can come home and tell Logan all about it.

2

SIERRA

PRESENT DAY

Ipress my forehead against the cool window, watching as familiar landscapes unfold beneath me. A patchwork of autumn colors blankets the Montana countryside. My heart swells with both nostalgia and anticipation as Eagle Falls comes into view.

The jet touches down with a gentle bump. I gather my things, offering a warm smile to the flight attendant. “Thanks for everything, Mia. I really appreciate it.”

“Our pleasure, Miss Adams. Enjoy your stay.”

Outside, the crisp fall air nips at my cheeks. I inhale deeply, savoring the scent of pine and woodsmoke. It’s a far cry from the recycled air of concert venues and TV studios.

The keys to my rental Jeep jingle in my hand as I approach the vehicle. I heave my suitcase into the back and then slide into the driver’s seat and start off on my journey home.

As I drive the familiar roads, I recall my tense conversation with my manager, Camille, about taking a month-long break. Despite her initial frustration, I’d insisted it was necessary to avoidburning out. Twelve years of non-stop touring, recording, and public appearances have taken their toll. Everyone views me as America’s Sweetheart, but I don’t recognize myself anymore.

I’m not sure a month will be enough to find myself again, but between my packed schedule and contractual obligations, it will have to be.

I roll down the window, letting the cool autumn air rush over me. It brings with it the scent of fallen leaves and distant bonfires.

For the first time in years, I feel like I can breathe.

As I round a bend in the road, I realize a weight is gone from my shoulders. For the next month, there will be no cameras, no screaming fans, no relentless schedule.

Just me, trying to remember who I used to be before the world knew my name.

A few minutes later, I pull up to my parents’ house, the sight of my childhood home warming my heart. I take in the sight of the autumn leaves framing my parents’ cozy two-story home, and the porch swing gently swaying in the breeze. My parents burst out of the front door before I can even get out of the Jeep.

“Sierra!” my mom exclaims, wrapping me in a tight hug. “Oh, honey, we’ve missed you so much.”

My dad joins in, his strong arms enveloping us both. “Welcome home, sweetheart.”

My chest swells with warmth. “I’ve missed you guys, too.”

After a flurry of hugs and kisses, my parents step back to give me some room. “Why don’t you take a few minutes to settle in? We’ve got your old room all ready for you.”

I nod gratefully and take my luggage into the house. Stepping into my old bedroom, which is now their guest room, I’m hit with a wave of nostalgia. The walls are a different color now, but the memories remain.

I let out a slow breath, remembering all the time I spent in here belting out songs into my hairbrush, daydreaming of performing on stage. A bittersweet smile tugs at my lips.

Then another memory surfaces—this time of Logan and myself sprawled on the bed, laughing as we wrote a cheesy love song. His fingers clumsily strummed my guitar while I scribbled down increasingly ridiculous lyrics.

My heart aches at the thought of him. We tried to stay in touch after I left, but life got in the way.

God, I’ve missed him.

The sound of the front door slamming shut jolts me from my thoughts. My brother’s voice booms through the house. “All right. Where’s the pop princess?”

I laugh as I head downstairs.

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