Page 57 of Corrupt Idol

“That can’t be my baby girl,” he shouted.

She laughed and ran toward him. He caught her up in his arms as if she was still a little girl instead of a grown woman. She laughed as he spun her around and then gave her a bone cracking hug. She was passed from man to man and kissed bearded cheeks and even got some head noogies from the more reserved men.

They talked for an hour before they opened the truck and began to unload it. Thanks to Reese’s organizational skills, she knew exactly what she wanted in her bedroom and what could be left in the garage to be sorted later. With all the guys help it took less than an hour. Jesse and a friend returned the truck and trailer while she chatted with her uncle’s and eventually broke off from the others with Brody who had stayed by her side.

“How you been?” he asked as they settled on the rock wall under a tree.

“Crazy,” she said.

He nodded. “Your life’s been turned upside down. I’m sorry about you mom. She’s a good woman.”

She sighed as her chest tightened. “Yes, she is.”

“It’s a big deal, you moving home to be with her.”

“I wasn’t doing that great in Utah so it wasn’t a big deal to make the leap.”

“Still. You had a life there and it’s not easy to pick up and go. Family’s important.”

She touched his arm. “I’m sorry about your dad.”

He looked away. “Yeah.”

Her heart turned over. He couldn’t hide his pain. “You’re taking care of your siblings and your mom. That’s a heavy load, Brody.”

He shrugged. “That’s what you’re supposed to do.”

“Not everybody thinks that way.”

He looked back at her. Her heart skipped as his eyes moved over her face in a way that wasn’t brotherly.

“I’m glad you’re back, Violet.”

It was her turn to look away. Her dad leaned against one of the trucks, smiling and talking to his friends about the good old days. Same stories, but they never tired of rehashing them. “Me too. I haven’t seen these people in years.”

“Tragedies have a way of bringing people together.”

She wasn’t prepared for him to cup her chin and turn her face back to his. This was a bold move, considering her father was within hollering distance and there was a bunch of people around. Her eyes bugged as she stared at him.

He grinned. “Why do you look so shocked?”

“You…” Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her father looking in their direction. “My dad…”

“Your dad likes me.”

She jerked out of his hold. “I don’t know if he likes youthatmuch,” she lied. Dad had actually already given his blessing where Brody was concerned, but she wasn’t about to tell him that.

“He isn’t going in the house for his guns. I think I’m safe.”

“I wouldn’t chance it,” she said with mock severity.

His eyes held hers. “You’re worth the risk.”

“Brody…”

He held up a hand. “I’m not asking for anything, I’m just letting you know I’m available.”

“Available?” she echoed warily.

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