Page 51 of All Our Secrets

It had been satisfying to give Steven a hard time about his exes being at our event. Not so much that following day because my own ex was there.

That was the problem with small towns and FCR. Once someone became a part of a something like our little group, they rarely left. Becky’s cousin was one of my pals from high school and a member of the gang. Of course she’d be there.

Worse was her eye-fucking me across the lawn. I wasn’t a nice guy, and I’d rarely given Becky the attention she deserved while we were dating. But inexplicably, she kept giving me that bright smile and tracking my movements. Why she still reached out was beyond me. She hadn’t dropped into my store in a while, thank fuck, but she still kept up her texts and calls. No matter how much I ignored them. I thought of my need to do the same fucking thing to Peyton, and a sharp pain hit me in the chest. I hoped Becky didn’t feel what I felt for Peyton. She was shooting stars from her eyes at someone that had laid his heart out at another’s feet years ago.

Devin and I tossed horseshoes as more people arrived. The event didn’t begin for another hour.

I didn’t mind playing these games at the fundraiser. I actually enjoyed winning. I’d teamed up with Devin this year. Until now, Theodore had always been my partner. Thoughts of my best friend had my mind wandering and my gaze drifting toward the cabin. Peyton and the little guy were inside with the other women. I hadn’t gotten the chance to speak to her, but I wouldn’t let the opportunity pass.

I spotted Becky walking up toward me and tensed. Her blue eyes tracked me as I scooped up the horseshoe.

“How have you been?”

At her question, Devin backed away. “I’m going to go grab a drink. Want one?”

I cut him down with a glare, and he smirked knowingly. He knew I’d rather swallow nails than be left alone with her. But he turned on his heel and sauntered off anyway.

Chapter Twenty-Two:

holler at King

Peyton

Devin stepped inside the cabin as I was placing the rolls in the oven. His grin stretched ear to ear, which could only mean one thing around these parts. He had juicy gossip. Sarah must have thought the same thing because, with my son in her arms, she questioned him, “What are you grinning about?”

Grabbing a stack of dirty dishes off the counter, I pressed my lips together to fight off a smile while I waited for his response.

“I left King alone with Becky. Maybe she can talk some sense into him.”

I froze, my stomach twisting in hundreds of knots. It was only when one of the dishes started to wobble in my hold that I tightened my grip.Jesus, Peyton.I nearly dropped everything as I spaced out.

“He’s not going to get back with her,” Sarah replied, and I quickly put the plates in the sink. “It’s been a year. If he had regrets, he would have done it already.”

Yeah, yeah.I agreed. When I realized that I was nodding, I stopped and peeked over my shoulder to make sure no one had noticed.

“Becky’s the best thing that’s ever happened to him,” her husband responded.

Walking away from the sink, I rubbed my temples as a sudden headache hit and a wave of exhaustion ran through me. Apparently, all I needed was to hear about Silas and his exchattingsomewhere to make me feel… drained.

I moved my hand, not paying attention to where I placed it, until scorching pain radiated against my palm.Crap.I hissed and yanked my hand off the stove.Ow. Ow. Ow.

Sarah rushed over. “Oh, heavens. You okay?”

I held my hand out, inspecting the reddened skin, and winced. It’s what I got for being distracted.

“I’m okay,” I mumbled. “Wasn’t paying attention.”

Sarah studied me, her eyes roving over my face like she was trying to figure something out. She stared long enough that my cheeks burned under her scrutiny.

Sarah looked at her husband briefly. “Holler at King.”

My heart raced, and I tried not to gape, but I must have failed miserably because her eyes brightened. Delight and maybe a hint of mischief curled her lips. Either seemed terrible for me.

“Why?” Devin questioned.

Yes,why?

“Because there might be some burn cream around this place somewhere. God knows you wouldn’t have a clue.”

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