Page 9 of Coming Home

He combed his fingers into his hair. “And you’d talk about taking over the clinic someday.” The gaze he skimmed down her body was heated, as if filled with memories. “Although, I see you have opted tonotgo with his signature bow tie.”

“Yeah,” she said, trying to stamp out the breathiness in her voice.

A tingle pulsed along her skin at his proximity. Duncan, the first boy she’d really kissed. The teen she’d called boyfriend for almost two years. The person she’d lost her virginity to.

He’s no boy, though.That muscular frame, full lips, spicy male scent, and corded forearms were so unlike the unsure lanky teen she’d dated. Had he somehow gotten taller?

“I heard you’re living with your brother,” he said.

“Not with him. I’m staying at his former Airbnb. It’s on his property but my own place. It’s a converted barn space.Trescute and trendy. I’m lucky he’s letting me stay there.”

“Nice. I’d love to see it sometime.” His deep timbre almost rumbled.

Heat snaked up her spine. “Umm…there are pictures online if you look up the Little Red Barn in Perry.” She tugged at the hem of her too-short dress.Why are you being awkward? He’s seen you naked before.She pulled on the fabric harder, wishing she’d worn something longer.

Nodding, he slipped his hands into the pockets of his dark denim jeans and rocked on his feet. “Not surprised he’s letting you stay there. Your brother was always overprotective. He probably likes that he can keep an eye on you. I bet he’s staring at us right now.” With a playful arch of his right brow, he leaned around her toward the other side of the room where the wedding party sat.

She twisted her head, following his gaze. Sure enough, there was Clayton'; his brow puckered and gray eyes fixed on them.

“He is, isn’t he?”

Nat nodded. “Yup.”

“He never liked me.” Light laughter rolled through him. With a cheeky grin, he raised his hand and waved. “Hi, Clayton!”

Wide-mouthed, she grabbed his hand and yanked it back down. “Don’t poke the bear.”

“Should I poke you instead?” He gently tapped her upper arm.

Something buzzed across her skin and for the first time all night, and she beamed an honest-to-goddess actual smile. No tightness. No guarded firm lines. No almost reaching her eyes. It was unbridled and so delicious.

“Do you have the same number?” he asked.

“I do.”

“Me too.”

“Nat.” Noah appeared, placing his hand on the small of her back.

What is he…The touch melted her ability to think and caused her already-heated skin to become molten.

“It looks like it’s a madhouse. I came to get Elle and your drinks since it’s taking so long.” Noah motioned to Todd. “Two Doc Owens, please.”

“Yeah, yeah. Keep your crown on, Prince Charming,” Todd snarked, pulling a couple pint glasses down from the iron wagon wheel shelf hung above the bar.

He just shrugged at Todd before facing Duncan.

“Noah.” Duncan greeted, amusement sparking in his eyes.

“Duncan,” Noah returned the greeting while something besides amusement darkened his eyes.

Nat cocked a brow at the standoff between the two men, like gladiators meeting center ring. No doubt Noah came over on Clayton’s behalf. He always did this. People assumed Clayton followed Noah around, but it was quite the opposite. Noah often played guard dog to, or for, Clayton. As the younger sister, she’d borne the brunt of this her entire life. If it wasn’t one of them, it was the other.

“Well, I should get going. Natalie, it was wonderful seeing you.” Duncan leaned in, giving her another hug. “Call me. I’d love to get together and catch up.”

“Sure,” she said as he ended their hug and turned for the door.

“I bet he’d like tocatch up,” Noah added an almost sneered emphasis as Duncan walked out the front door.

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