Page 21 of Complete Me
“Of course I do. What gives you the impression that I don’t?”
“My brothers,” I answer like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. Is he well?
“They mentioned something about staying away from you, and I’ll be honest with you, I don’t want to ruffle feathers; I really want to work at the distillery. But you’re gorgeous, Kinsey, and funny, and I’d like to get to know you better.”
I’m not sure how to take his words. Is he saying that I’m worth putting up with my brothers’ shit to take that chance on me? Or is he saying we would need to keep it a secret? Deeply rooted insecurities rise to the surface, and I’m unsure what to do. As if he can tell, Finn speaks up, trying to save the conversation.
“How about he gives you his number, and if you decide you want to take him up on it, you can give him a call?”
I smile at Finn, appreciating him jumping in.
“That works. I’d like that.”
We part ways, and even though I’m cautious, it felt good to be asked out. Trey is good-looking, but I’m not overly attracted to him, and I definitely am not jumping for joy that he works at the distillery for my brothers. I love them so much, and they really are the best humans, but they really lack boundaries. I suppose we all do, though. We’re all too close for our own good.
I walk up Main Street, enjoying the sun on my skin, and decide to stop by Bean Haven to see my sister-in-law, Hannah. She owns Bean Haven, Aspen Ridge’s only coffee shop and bakery. I swear, she was born with coffee and sugar flowing through her veins. She creates the most amazing baked goods, and her salted caramel lattes are to die for.
As I approach the door, I see my oldest brother trying to get Ms. Nettie’s pint-size dog to release his pant leg. Hannah’s grandmother looks up at Sawyer like she’s annoyed by his presence, which I find hilarious. Her dog, Winnie, is the sweetest thing, but for some reason, she hates my brother.
“Hi, Ms. Nettie, my brother bothering you?” I greet as I crouch down and pet Winnie, her tiny teeth releasing the torn fabric of Sawyer’s slacks, causing me to chuckle.
“He’s a nuisance. Always getting Winnie riled up.”
“That thing is a nuisance, Ms. Nettie. Minnie needs to be kept on a leash.”
“Sawyer Hayes, you know her name is Winnie. Do not test me, boy.” Her threat doesn’t go unnoticed by either of us, Sawyer’s spine stiffening as he glares down at the little old lady. I have to bite my lip to keep from losing it. Ms. Nettie is a firecracker of a woman, always saying what’s on her mind and not afraid of anything.
Sawyer doesn’t say anything as he whips open the door and steps inside. I give Ms. Nettie a sympathetic look, putting Winnie back in her lap and following meathead number one into Bean Haven. The cool air blasts me, goosebumps break out on my arms, and I’m so thankful for those pasties. Hannah keeps it way cooler in here than Barrel House.
“Shouldn’t you be at work? You said you couldn’t hang with me.”
“That was yesterday. Ivy’s craving apple cinnamon muffins.”
“Tell me you didn’t knock up my sister already, Sawyer. She just had Grace.”
“Not yet, but as soon as her doctor says that it’s safe, I will be.”
“Jesus. You could, I don’t know, wait a few years?”
Sawyer looks down at me like I’m crazy before shaking his head no. “What can I say? I like her pregnant, body growing with my child.”
“You’re lucky she loves it just as much, or you’d be shit out of luck.”
Hannah serves us our drinks and hands Sawyer a dozen freaking apple cinnamon muffins for Ivy. He’s so good about spoiling her. After a decade apart and thinking she was gone from his life forever, I know he’s making up for lost time.
Once I’m home, I fall against my bed and let the quiet surround me, my mind drifting to Trey’s offer to take me to dinner. I haven’t bothered trying to date in so long. My last boyfriend was my sophomore year in college, and he was more interested in screwing the girls at one of the sororities then he was hanging out with me. Dinner wouldn’t hurt, right? It’s just dinner. He was cute. It’s not like I have anything else to do this summer, plus, it would be good for me. I’m starting this new life, and that includes dating.
Grabbing my phone, I click on new message and find Trey’s recently programmed number to send him a text. This could be good.
Me: Hey, Trey. It’s Kinsey. It was nice meeting you. I had fun at lunch with you two. If you’re still up for it, I’d like to take you up on dinner.
His reply comes immediately.
Trey: Hey, Kinsey. So glad you reached out. I enjoyed meeting you, too. How about dinner, just as friends?
My heart sinks, and I roll my eyes with a huff.
Me: Of course, definitely.
