Page 107 of Someone to Have
“I’m not playing anything,” I tell him and give his chest a little shove for good measure.
I push past him, suddenly desperate for fresh air. My pulse pounds in my ears as I step into the hallway, but all I hear is the fading footsteps of the man who saw me—before I let him think I didn’t see him in return.
35
ERIC
Am I rage remodeling?
Maybe. The energy that has propelled me for the past week might not be healthy, but at least it means I’m getting a shit ton done. I wish my sister’s new house had some walls to knock out, because I could get after it with a sledgehammer. I know she wants to handle some of the smaller projects on her own when she gets here, but I don’t want her to feel overwhelmed. She’ll have enough to deal with—starting over, finding a job, and managing her life sober. I want her to spend that time finding her footing. It’s important that she feels at home in Skylark, the same way I do.
But home or not, I’ll fly back to Munich after I get her and Rhett settled.
So what if this town feels like home? Staying for more than just them, building something that would last in this place, was a stupid pipe dream.
Wishing and hoping are for little girls. I’m a grown fucking man who should know better.
My Tinkerbell—no, I need to stop thinking of her like that. She’s not my anything. I thought I saw something in her eyes whenshe thanked me for the pixie dust. It felta hell of a lot like longing—the same thing I’m sure she sees in my eyes when I look at her.
Then her clueless family started in on all that Tank talk. As if I give a shit what she looked like as a toddler.
Except I can imagine a little girl with Taylor’s sparkling eyes toddling across the room, into my arms, and?—
Why in the holy hell am I thinking about kids? I didn’t even think I liked them.
But she changed everything. With her pure heart, that adorable awkwardness, and the way she shows up and does the thing even when she’s terrified—she changed me.
If I were going to choose a bucket list challenge, it would be believing I’m capable of being the man Taylor deserves at her side.
Not that it matters. Not after seeing Limpdick kissing her like she belongs to him. My bodyregistered the betrayal before my brain did. All I could hear was my own heartbeat screaming no because I stupidly want her to belong to me.
But she doesn’t.
That might be a hard lesson, but I’m not a complete idiot. This dog can learn new tricks. I’ve been reminded, once again, why I don’t get my heart involved. Growing up with a mother addicted to loser men as much as alcohol should have taught me that love never ends well.
I don’t expect the knock at the door, but I figure it’s someone from the neighborhood stopping by to introduce themselves. I’ve seen enough signs and banners promoting Skylark’s reputation as one of the happiest towns in America, but they should also add friendliest to the list.
A cold front rolled into town earlier this week, the arctic air like a slap to the face every time I walk outside. Despite the frigid temps, at least four neighbors from the houses surrounding this one have already stopped by. It’s either friendly or nosy—I can’t quite decide which—but they all seem happy that the new owner is working on improving it inside and out.
Nobody seems bothered when I explain that my sister had a few things from her old life to tie up before she could move, and that I’m helping her in the interim. Or maybe these people are like the families who took care of me in high school and college: they know the story doesn’t quite ring true, but are too polite to mention it, at least to my face.
Another knock sounds, and I realize I’ve been standing here, lost in my own thoughts, paint roller in my hand.
“Dude, come on. It’s colder than a witch’s tit out here,” Toby hollers.
I walk across the room to open the door.
“I brought lunch,” he says, holding a brown bag that smells like heaven. “Meatball hoagies. Best in the state.”
I haven’t seen him since the night of the play. He’s always busy balancing the fire station, work for his dad and coaching. I’ve buried myself in work and reno, doing my level best to forget the image of Taylor with someone else’s mouth on hers. I’ve relied on older players to drive Rhett to and from practice since I’ve been in no shape to help with the team. Apparently, my absence hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“We need you back on the job, man. As good as you are with a hockey stick, I think your real gift might be with a saw and chisel. I checked out your millwork on the Elmwood Court kitchen reno.It’s a damn work of art, and the clients are thrilled.”
“That’s good, and I appreciate you guys giving me the opportunity, but you know I’m heading back to Munich once Jen is settled.”
My contract’s waiting. My gear is in storage. The coaching staff have been checking in on the regular. But the idea of going back to my old life? The one that doesn’t include Tinkerbell’s sweet smile. It feels strangely empty.
Toby glances around the room like he’s sizing up more than just my skill with a paint roller. “Yeah, about that. I don’t understand why you’re leaving when you’re in love with my sister.”
