Page 28 of No Place Like Home
“Shit, I’m sure that took a lot of doing.”
“You have no idea. But Terry’s staying clean and sober, keeping up with his AA meetings, and working the steps. Can’t complain.”
Trevor stood and put our bottles in the sink. That Summertime Lager had gone down like water.
“So, what’s your plan now that you’re a civilian?” Trevor asked.
“Going back to Texas the week after the wedding for the interview. I’m not sure what type of job I’m looking at, but if I could be home, it will be worth it.”
“It’ll be good. You’ve always been successful doing anything. Whether it’s helping people, saving the world, or being behind a desk. You’ll do great.” He slapped me on the shoulder. “If you want to stay here tonight. It’s fine with me. I’ll grab you a pillow and blanket.”
It didn’t take me long to decide. I took the pillow and blanket. His couch was just as comfortable as the one at Kora’s, and anything was better than going back to the house to face the emptiness and coldness of not being close to Summer.
Chapter 14
Summer
“Dammit,” I grumbled as I rolled over for what felt like the millionth time and checked my phone. Five a.m. Thank God it was finally morning. I threw my legs over the edge of the bed, brushed my hands roughly over my face, and stretched my exhausted body. Last night sucked. Memories of Rowan’s warm, luscious lips on mine kept haunting my dreams. I breathed heavily and pushed to my feet. I needed coffee—bad.
I trudged heavily out to the kitchen and pressed the button to get my cup of coffee brewing. The counter became my leaning post as I waited.
I glanced at the couch. No Rowan.
My heart fell in my chest, and I forced myself to hold my head up because it suddenly felt too heavy. What the hellwasthat last night? His lips. The way helookedat me. The blaze of heat and desire in his molten-chocolate eyes made him more irresistible than ever.
“What the fuck were you thinking, Summer?” I yelled at the empty house. “He’s Rowan, he’s not irresistible! He can’t be.”
Yeah, tell my body that. Just thinking about him—his touch, my arms around his neck, his hands in my hair as he devoured my lips—made my body quiver and tingle. “Holy . . . flying . . .fuck.”
The Keurig beeped its completion. Thank you, God. I fixed my coffee and trudged to the shower, glancing again at the empty couch. He hadn’t slept here last night. Of that, I was certain.
I froze. Where did he sleep, then? I hurried to the back door and yanked it open. It was a quiet, chilly, October morning—and his jeep wasn’t in the driveway. Where the hell did hegolast night?
A harsh rooster’s crow disturbed the peace just then, startling me. I looked to where it came from, only to see Big Red perched on the roof of my car.
“Get the fuck off my car, asshole.” I grabbed a rock from the ground and slung it at the rooster. He squawked and shit on my car before flying to the ground and strutting away.
“Stupid cock.”
He answered with another harsh, arrogant crow, and I slammed the door. “Fuck the shower. I need to get out of here.”
I brushed my teeth, threw on an oversized sweatshirt and yoga pants, and piled my hair on top of my head in a messy bun, then climbed in my car and drove.
Where to? I used to go to Kora’s when I felt alone, but I was already here. Alone. Because she was busy playing house with her fiancé. Besides, right now she would be getting ready for work. So would Darlene and Bryson. Darlene and Kora taught at the elementary, and Bryson at the high school. And that was the extent of my friend group. Shit, my life was pathetic.
I drove through town, still quiet for the most part except for the parking lots of Orlinda Valley Pharmacy and the grocery. Soonthe town would be bustling—well, bustling for the small town of Orlinda Valley.
The hair salon came into view. It was still early, and I’d done all my stocking and ordering yesterday, which didn’t leave a lot of extra work, but I supposed I could get some cleaning done before Diane and Kaye came in. With that decided, I parked and set to work distracting myself.
I had music playing on the speakers, the towels washed and folded, and the floors swept and mopped when the back door opened.
“Summer,” Kaye greeted me. “What are you doing here so early?”
I shrugged as I put the mop away, then walked into the kitchen. “I was up and didn’t feel like staying at home, so I came in early.”
“Well, it looks like you’ve been busy,” Diane said. “You must have been here a while.”
“Just long enough to wash and put away the towels and do the floors. I completed the inventory and ordering yesterday.”
