Page 41 of Rhett

“Just once. Dad brought me about a year and a half ago. I already knew I was in love, but I fell in love even more. I feel like I belong there.”

“Then I bet you do,” Rhett answers her. “What do you like about it?”

Something in his question makes my breath hitch. I don’t know what it is about the words, or…maybe I do. It’s the fact that he’s interested in her, that he wants to know about her, that he cares.

“I love the diversity. That there are so many different people in one place, and that many of the people are there for that reason. While some enjoy the solitude of a smaller town, I take comfort in the thought of being around so many people. There’s a security in that for me. Does that make sense?”

Rhett nods. “It does. I think you might know yourself better than anyone I’ve ever met,” he replies, and my damn heart skips a beat.

She beams. “Dad says that too.”

I clear my throat, trying not to sound too emotional. “It’s true.”

“Your dad is smart. I think he gets it from you.” Rhett takes a bite of his food. “I assume fashion has to do with your interest in the city as well?”

“Oh God yes!” Meadow begins to ramble about clothes and events, and Rhett takes in every word. I don’t think fashion is something he’s the least bit interested in for himself, but he cares because she does. And Rhett seems the type who wants to know everything about everything, like the more he can fill his head with knowledge, the less he has to worry about intrusive thoughts.

No idea why I believe myself an expert on all things Rhett all of a sudden, but I’m a pretty good judge of character. And clearly, I’ve fixated on him.

The three of us talk long after the meal is over. It’s about seven when Meadow says, “I’ll do the dishes, and then I’m going upstairs to sew.”

“You can go ahead. I’ll take care of the kitchen,” I tell her, which I’m absolutely only saying because Rhett is here. We have a system, and tonight is her dish night.

“Well, I’m not gonna argue with that.” Meadow grins, and I chuckle. “Night, Dad.” She gives me a hug, and I kiss her temple. “Good night, Rhett. Thanks for today. I had fun. I hope you come over again.”

“I had fun too,” Rhett tells her.

We’re quiet until I hear her door close upstairs.

“I can help clean up the kitchen,” Rhett offers.

“No worries. It can wait until later.”

He turns to me, dark eyes holding mine. “I know it sounds weird, but it’ll stress me out if we don’t clean up the mess. Unless you’re just ready for me to go. Shit. I didn’t think about that. I can head out, but I’d really like to help with the dishes first.” He begins to stand, and I reach over, put my hand on top of his. Rhett lowers himself back to the seat.

“I don’t want you to go. I’d like it if you stayed a while.Afterwe do the dishes, of course,” I say playfully, so I don’t sound too intense. Jesus, what is it about him that makes everything feel so much…more?

Rhett looks down at our hands. I don’t know if I should move mine or not, but then he pulls his gaze away from where we’re touching and back to my eyes. “I’d like that…to stay.”

“Good.” I smile, all nerves and excitement, and wondering what in the hell I’m doing, but knowing I’ll stay the path.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Rhett

Iliked thefeel of Tripp’s hand on mine. That’s what I keep thinking about as we stand at the counter together, rinsing off dishes and putting them in the dishwasher.

I liked it.

I liked it.

I liked it.

The touch was so simple. I don’t know that there was anything specific to like, or why I did, or why I’m thinking about it. Why each time his warm, strong arm brushes against mine, goose bumps run the length of my body.

The feeling is completely foreign to me, not just because it’s with a man, but because I don’t typically feel that way at all, about anyone. Male or female. Not even my ex-wife.

“What’s your favorite Italian food?” Tripp asks.

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