Page 58 of No Place Like Home
She lifted her head from my shoulder. “I’ve got to go.”
“Hey, are we good?” I asked.
She puffed out a breath and glanced at me. “Don’t start being weird, Rowan. I don’t do weird, and this”—she motioned between us with one hand— “I can’t do this if you get weird. So please think before you act.”
I laughed, even though I knew laughing at her pissed her off and she would storm away from me, just as she was doing now. I ran tocatch up and grabbed her hand, pulling her back. “Don’t walk away from me, and stop letting everything get to you.”
She squeezed my hand, gave me a smile, and said, “Don’t be one of those overbearing boyfriends who thinks every time their girlfriend is quiet something’s wrong.”
We walked hand-in-hand back to the pavilion. “That would be fine if I thought that was the case. Do me a favor, Summer.” I pulled her to a stop, and she turned to me. “Don’t block me out. If something’s bothering you, we need to talk about it.”
“Fine. We’ll talk about it when something bothers me. Now, though, I have to go.”
I pulled her in and gave her a quick, yet heated kiss. “I’m going to miss you tonight,” I whispered.
“Me too,” she answered.
“Can’t wait to see you in that sexy dress tomorrow.”
“Can’t wait to see you cleaned up and in that tux.”
“There you two are,” my mother said as she walked up. She glanced between us, her forehead creased in thought. “This isn’t a surprise. It’s about time you two acted on the sexual tension between you. There’s no way a man and woman could be . . .” she brushed her hands through the air. “Anyway, the bridegroom has to go. It’s almost midnight and he can’t see Kora until tomorrow.” She grabbed my arm and pulled me away. “You boys need to leave. Now.”
“Until tomorrow night, Summertime. Save me a dance.” I winked and let my mom pull me away.
Chapter 26
Summer
“I’ve got to tell him.” It was early Saturday morning. I’d woken at five, made coffee, and was outside watching the breathtaking sunrise over the hills at the ranch as I sat at a stone table just outside the pool area.
It was going to be a busy day, and I needed time to think. I’d hardly slept last night, despite the comfiness of the bed. The secret I’d kept to myself for so many years was eating away at me. Why had I never said a word to Darlene and Kora? Hell, why hadn’t I ever said anything to Rowan? They should all know. But, as always, I chose to bear this cross alone, without the support of my amazing friend group.
“Hey, I thought I’d find you out here when I saw the coffee pot already on.” Darlene sat at the table next to me. “What’s going on, Summer? You were really quiet last night. Were you missing Rowan?”
I shot her a look that I hoped she’d take asshut up, I’m enjoying the quiet, but I couldn’t be that lucky.
“Sorry,” she added. “Just making an observation. You did get up early.”
I shook my head. “Just couldn’t sleep. Your snoring kept me awake.”
She nudged into me. “I don’t snore.”
“How do you know?” I tilted my head up at her. “You were asleep.”
“True.”
She finally stopped talking, and we both sat and enjoyed the view.
“Hey, y’all.” Kora joined us and wrapped her arms around our shoulders. “Can you believe it’s my wedding day?”
I knew it was her special day and all, but her voice was annoyingly bubbly. “Kor, it’s too early for your happiness,” I muttered. “Please bring it down a notch.” I pulled away from the weight of her arm on my shoulder.
She joined us at the table. “I guess you having daily orgasms isn’t helping with your attitude, Summer,” Kora said.
“Nope. It’s not helping at all,” Darlene agreed. “Maybe Rowan’s not good in bed.”
I chuckled. “Trust me, he’s just fine.”
