Page 44 of Charlie Takes a Chance

CHAPTER 17

Max

I can’t stop thinkingabout Charlie being home alone on the ranch when the plumbing crew comes.

I know she’s capable. I don’t doubt her. It’s when it’s strangers.

I text her as I turn down my parents’ long drive.

Max: Text me to let me know you’re okay.

Charlie: I’m okay! :)

Max: I meant once the plumbers come.

Charlie: okay, I will. Thanks.

I nod and set my phone on the dash.

It chimes right as I hit the cattle guard that keeps the cows from wandering into my mother’s yard.

I snatch my phone up and read the new text.

Charlie: Does this mean we’re texting buddies now?

I swerve to miss hitting the giant pothole that’s been part of the driveway since I was little. I loved riding my bike through it when I was young—especially if it was full of muddy water.

Max: Let’s not go too far with this.

I park my truck next to my dad’s.

Charlie: I said texting, not sexting.

I smile at that as I climb out of the truck.

Max: We’ll keep it PG.

Charlie: Are you capable of that?

Max: For now.

I can’t quite wipe the ridiculous grin off my face as I knock on the door twice and then step inside. The knock is more of an announcement that I’m home. My parents welcome me home at any time. Honestly, I think they’d be thrilled if I moved back home and used my old bunk bed again.

“Max!” Mom, with her wavy brown hair and familiar smile lines, rounds the corner from the kitchen and hurries over to hug and kiss me. “You look so good. And happy!” She exclaims.

I can see the relief on her face as she pats my arm and leans up to kiss my cheek again. “I’ve missed you, sweetie. It’s so good to see you smiling.”

The last time she saw me, I’d still been mad at my brother for going behind my back.

I’m not about to tell her what has me smiling so much right now. And that that thing has a name: Charlie Baxter.

“Hey there,” Dad says in his booming voice. He greets me with a big bear hug. We’re the same height, but he’s starting to walk slightly hunched. Years of hard work have started to take their toll on him even though he’s more fit than most men my age. “Good to see you, sport.”

“Hey, Dad,” I pat his shoulder as I step back and survey them. They’re looking at me tentatively. “Why are you looking at me like my dog died?”

Mom glances at Dad and then back to me. “We just—” She lowers her voice. “We want to know you’re okay. That the breakup was okay.”

“Mom, I’m fine.” And I’m beginning to think I am fine. I liked the idea of my ex-girlfriend more than I actually liked her—or even knew her. But her dating my brother at the same time? That told me everything I needed to know about her.

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