Page 8 of Call It Home

“What are you doing in town at this time of day?” I paused, then leveled a glare at him. “These weren’t for some date you stood up, were they? Or who stood you up?”

Chases grinned. “Nope. And you know no one would stand up a catch like me.”

“Hmph.” I knew his boast wasn’t entirely untrue. Just as I also knew that any woman who set her sights on him was going to be disappointed.

There had only been one woman who’d ever held his eye for any length of time. Even I never knew exactly what happened between him and Anna, but his high school sweetheart surprised everyone—including my brother—when she married Mason Washington, a local rich boy who was currently one of our state senators bidding for a US congressional seat. I liked Anna, but I couldn’t understand what she saw in Mason other than his money and maybe her way out of her poor living conditions, thanks to her drunk father.

Chase followed me into the kitchen, where I grabbed a vase from a cabinet.

“I had dinner with Bristol and Reid,” he clarified, casually leaning against my island. “They were disappointed you didn’t come. Bristol tried to cover for you by saying she knew you’d been busy with the house and work, but you could have made time.”

I fussed with the flowers I had put in the vase, feigning extra interest in their arrangement because I knew he was trying to get a better read on me. I hadn’t told anyone about theRenovation Stationoffer, not even Chase, whom I rarely kept anything from. I was sure he’d sensed I was hiding something, and he’d come over to flush it out.

“I wanted to finish the house.” I beamed at him. “It’s done. Plus, I had some extra work I wanted to finish.”

It was true, but now I felt guilty for missing out on spending time with my little sister and her new family. Her stepdaughter-to-be was a spitfire I adored, and Reid was already like a second brother.

Chase’s forehead creased as he stared intently at me. “You’ve been working late a lot lately. And you seem more distracted, too. Is everything okay?”

“It’s fine. Besides, I wasn’t sure about Bristol’s ability to cook. Last time, I needed half a bottle of antacids.” Emalee was the chef in the family. Literally. The rest of us made do, especially me.

Chase chuckled good-naturedly, making his eyes crinkle at the corners. “Actually, her cooking has improved tremendously. She’s really mastering Grandma Bella’s recipes. She and Lexi are going through them one by one. They’re really bonding over learning to cook together. I think Em gives them a few pointers now and then, too.”

My mouth watered at the thought of Grandma Bella’s tasty pulled pork. Looking back, I realized it had been a while since I’d spent time at the old Victorian house, where Bristol now lived. My memories were bittersweet. After all, the house had been where we’d lived with our grandparents so our dad could travel the racing circuit without dragging us along as we grew older.

“I’ll be sure to not miss the next meal. I was even thinking I should host people here sometimes.”

“Sure,” Chase agreed. “And then we can redo your entire kitchen after the fire you’re likely to set.”

I glared at him. “Haha. Very funny. Just for that, you won’t be invited if I host dinner.”

He smirked, knowing I’d never actually do that. Plus, he wasn’t too far from the truth. I’d tried to bake cookies last Christmas, but no amount of decorating could cover the burnt taste.

“So, truth. Everything is okay?”

It was time to spill the beans. I’d never kept a secret from him this long before. “Actually, better than usual. You know that showRenovation Station?”

His brow furrowed.“The HRTV show?”

I nodded eagerly, no longer able to hide my excitement. “Yep. A few months ago, they weretaking applications for their next season. I was chosen for one of the teams!”

Chase’s eyes lit up. “No shit?”

I was still shaking my head when he picked me up and swung me around, making me giggle. “That’s incredible! I mean, it’s no surprise, but hot damn, Cammy, that’s fantastic.”

I was still laughing when he set me down. “I know, right?”

“Sterling Mill isn’t going to know how to handle having another celebrity. When did you find out?”

“Over Christmas. You’re the first person I’ve told. There’s still a lot to figure out.”

Chase beamed. “I’m really happy for you. Tell me more.”

I filled him in on the few details I knew, such as where and when and the prize money. “Other than that, we won’t find out more until we get there. We won’t know the judges or the actual project until we get there, and then we’re under a gag order until it airs.”

Chases nodded, then his lips twisted to one side. “So, wait. You said your ‘team’.”

I nodded slowly, knowing what question was coming next.

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