Page 52 of No Place Like Home
I kissed her again hard, demanding more. Our tongues danced together. My fingers grasped her hair and held on tight until she broke the kiss and let out a heavy puff of breath.
“I’m so glad I got that off my chest,” Summer said. “and I’d like nothing more than to strip you naked. Drag you to the bedroom. Suck that delicious cock of yours. But I’ve got to get to work. It’s a busy week. We have a wedding to prepare for.” She pushed me away gently. “I’ll see you later,” she said with a wicked grin.
She walked out the door and I adjusted my pants. She wasn’t the only one who had somewhere to go. I had a meeting with the bride, groom, and Susie. I was now running late, but sure as hell needed to hop in a cold shower first.
Chapter 23
Rowan
Ipulled to the side lot of Orlinda Valley Pharmacy and flew through the door. The pharmacy was a cozy little corner store that had been around since the start of Orlinda Valley, with what used to be called a soda fountain— but was now a small restaurant—in the rear. It had seen its share of history, growth, and face-lifts, but the owners still kept it going.
Over the years, they’d increased the food they offered. For breakfast, you could get the basic Southern comfort foods: eggs, sausage, biscuits, and bacon. They also had the best lunches around. Their hot dogs were to die for, served with milkshakes and fries.
When Kai saw me coming, he glanced pointedly at his wrist—even though he did not wear a watch. “Better late than never.”
“Yeah,” added Kora. “What held you up? It’s not like you to be late.”
Kai chuckled. “Or, better yet,whoheld you up?”
I glared at them both, refused to acknowledge their comments, and grabbed a menu as Mrs. Johnson, the owner of the pharmacy, approached the table.
“Well, Rowan, honey,” Mrs. Johnson said in her deep Southern drawl. “I heard you were home. How are you?”
I knew I should have come by to say hi to Nancy and Pat Johnson before this, but it had been a busy week and I’d been preoccupied.
I’d dated the Johnsons’ daughter, Melinda, briefly in high school. She was one of those cheerleaders that went really well with the captain of the football team. In a small-town like ours, people thought that type of couple was destined to get married right out of high school, but things didn't work out that way for us. She was now happily married to Robby, an old teammate of mine, and they had two children. They’d started dating right after I broke up with her. It was funny how life turned out sometimes.
“Hi, Mrs. Johnson,” I answered. “I’m doing great and I’m glad to be home. Not sure if I’ll be staying, because I have to head back to Texas soon for a job interview, but for now it’s all about the wedding.”
“I’m glad you made it. This is going to be a whole-town event— everyone's going. Even Melinda and Robby are going to be there. I’m sure they’d love to talk with you.”
I smiled wide and opened the menu I still clasped in my hands. Maybe she would take the hint and back off a little. “Of course, Mrs. Johnson. It would be great catching up with them, and I'm glad you're doing well.” She finally took my order and left us.
“How sweet,” Kora teased. “You get to see your old flameandyour teammate. I’m sure they will love to talk with you.” Kora laughed and I shot her a glare.
“Your old flame?” Kai asked. “I’d love to hear about this.”
Why couldn’t Kai drop it?
Kora jumped in with the explanation. “Mrs. Johnson’s daughter, Melinda, was the captain of the cheerleading squad and had it bad for Rowan.”
“From what I hear, everyone had it bad for the stud,” Kai said with a huge grin.
“Fuck you,” I muttered through gritted teeth.
“Anyway, they ended up dating, but he broke up with her, and she started dating Robby Hendrix, who was also on the team.” Kora continued her explanation of my high school love life until Mrs. Johnson finally arrived with the food.
“Here you go,” Mrs. Johnson said. More customers sat down then and needed her attention, so she couldn’t stay and chat with us and prolong my suffering. Thank God.
“I’m honored y’all feel it necessary to make me the topic of conversation,” I said, picking up my fork, “but it’s been a long morning and I’m starving. Can we please eat and get this meeting over with?”
They finally agreed and we ate in silence.
Once Kora was finished eating, she pushed her plate away and got out her notebook and a stack of manila folders. “Okay. Let’s do this.” She passed a folder to each of us, keeping one for herself.
“What doIneed this for?” Kai asked holding it up.
Kora held her hand palm-out in front of Kai. “Don’t ask questions. Just listen and follow directions.”
