Page 37 of When Sparks Fly

“Good.” Sutton slides a hand onto my hip and leans down to kiss me. It’s warm, and tender, and brief. I think he’s going to leave it at that until he comes back in for a second kiss, and this one is everything.

His other hand presses against my neck, fingers tangling in my hair like an anchor. I grab the front of his shirt with both hands, pulling myself closer to him and his intoxicating warmth. Too soon, he pulls back.

“In case you change your mind about seeing me again,” he says.

I’m certain I can’t after that.

Chapter 16

Sutton

“Who was that?” Guaranteed, Nick has been dying to interrogate me about Maci since I introduced her. I barely make it back to the table before he asks.

“Maci. I introduced you.” I down the rest of my beer.

“That’s not what I asked and you know it.” He crosses his beefy arms. Even though we played baseball together, somehow he turned out looking more like a cage fighter.

“Don’t try to intimidate me. We both know you’re more golden retriever than bull.” I side-eye him. “My mom knew her grandmother who passed recently.”

His expectant face doesn’t change. When I offer nothing else, he prods me further. “Uh huh. And?”

“And I went over there to take my mom when she dropped food off. Tonight I happened to see some asshole making Maci uncomfortable and offered to dance with her.”

Nick’s eyes narrow. “You’re not telling me everything. But fine.”

Shrugging, I toss the bottles from the table into a trash can not far away. “I’m closing out my tab.”

“Alright, I’m headed out. Call me this week.” A teasing grin spreads across Nick’s face. “Unless you’re busy.”

“Yeah, I’m expecting several calves this week.”

His face falls when I don’t take the bait. “Fine. Keep it locked up. I know you’ll tell me when you’re ready.”

I only wave him off as I head to the bar.

When Sammi and I were teenagers, Mama would wait up for us, often sitting in her recliner with the reading lamp on, crocheting something. She always needed something to do with her hands. She’d kiss me on the cheek and head straight to bed, dropping whatever she was doing unless I had something to tell her.

Tonight, the glow of the reading lamp shines down the hallway from her chair and out the front window like a lighthouse beacon. It’s what draws me in before heading to my entrance.

“Mama? You good?” The front door closes with a snick and I make a point to soften my steps.

Her legs are curled up beneath her. “Of course, honey.” She gifts me a loving smile. “Did you have a nice time?”

I lean down and kiss the top of her head. She pats my arm.

“I did...” It’s an effort to keep the suspicion from my tone. Her question is subtle, but she’s eager to get some details. Her slippers tap softly as she follows me into the kitchen.

She leans her head against the doorframe. “Mmhmm.”

The night didn’t go as anticipated. What should’ve been a few drinks with my best friend turned into something far more significant. I down a glassof water and stare into the dark dining room. Visions of Maci wrapped in my arms fill my mind.

“Nick’s good?”

I blink. “Yeah.”She knows.

My eyes slide to her. She presses her lips together. Her expression is otherwise blank. Ironically, that’s what gives her away.

A silent shift is happening. Without question, my mom has always beenthe mostimportant woman to me. The most beautiful, inside and out. I’ve always envied the steadfast love she and my dad share.

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