Page 12 of Raised On It

“Is that right?”

Her eyes roll, and she shakes her head, but she does laugh.

I’ll take that as success.

“Thetownis the muse I was looking for.”

“Whatever you need to tell yourself.”

“Ugh. But seriously, when I met Katie, things just fell into place, and it’s as though it was meant to be. I already love it here. Everyone is so welcoming. The weather is a little warmer than I expected, but I think this is gonna be a great few months.”

“Well, my offer still stands if you’re looking for a tour guide.”

Unlike the first time I asked her, she doesn’t say no right away. I can tell she’s thinking it over by the way she chews on her bottom lip. Damn, she’s hotter than hell.

“Thanks again. It’s really nice of you to offer, but I think I’ll be okay.”

Rejected once again.

“Well, if you change your mind, just let me know.”

She nods and puts her earbuds back in, effectively ending our conversation.

She sits back in her chair, and when she realizes I’m not leaving simply because she’s dismissed me, she lifts her eyes and one eyebrow, asking what I’m still doing here.

We’re locked in on each other, neither of us wanting the moment to end, even if only one of us will admit it. When I see that sparkle light up her deep brown eyes again, I know this isn’t over.

She’ll change her mind.

Maybe not today, but eventually.

She knows it too.

She’s just not ready yet.

I’ll wait.

CHAPTER 4

Mason

“Katie, your place is just great. I cannot tell you how much I love it here. Thank you so much for trusting me to stay in your home.”

“Uh, what are you talking about? I would trade my tiny little house to live in your Manhattan skyrise any day! Your apartment is amazing. Thank you so much for agreeing to our little house swap!”

“Let’s just agree that both of our places are great, just different. I have a feeling I’ll be making some interior design changes once I get home. I had no clue that I needed more shabby chic throw pillows and blankets in my life, but I. So. Do!”

“Right? A girl can never have too many soft things. So, have you met many people yet?”

“As a matter of fact, I have.”

“Oh, do tell.”

“Well, Saturday night, I went to The Verdict, and you weren’t kidding, their burger is amazing!”

“Told you!”

“You were also right about Beau. He was really nice and made sure I knew he was there if I needed him.”