Page 44 of Hometown Touchdown
“I’m not,” I say brightly. “I’m enjoying my hot chocolate. And coloring. With sparkles.”
But the truth is, I can feel the twist in my chest. The slow, quiet ache that’s building beneath the casual words.
Knox dating someone else? Someone with no history, no baggage, no messy breakup in the rearview?
It’s fine. I shouldn’t have the privilege of being upset. I was the one who left. I was the one who said goodbye.
Evie leans her head on my arm. “Are you sad now?”
My heart stutters.
“No,” I whisper. “I’m just…allergic to pickles.”
Kinsey laughs. Kate raises a brow. I keep my smile in place and my heart locked tight.
Because if Knox Dalton is really ready to move on…I’m not sure what that makes me.
Gordy’s is different in the light of day, when I’m not testing my throwing arm and just stopping by for lunch. I can see the faded booths, laminated menus, and half the town crammed inside like it’s a citywide meeting. It’s peak lunch hour, and it’s just as busy as I remember it. I’ve barely made it through the door before I’m dodging a stroller, two retirees debating corn prices, and a teenager trying to balance three milkshakes on a tray. This wasn’t supposed to be an ordeal. I just wanted a burger. Something quick, quiet, and greasy enough to power me through an afternoon of reviewing HR files. No socializing. No small talk. Definitely no run-ins with anyone I used to know.
“Hey, Brynn,” Gordy calls from behind the counter, apron stained and face flushed. “It’ll be a couple minutes on that cheeseburger. Do you want the usual toppings?”
“Do I ever change?” I ask.
He laughs. “Nope. Predictable as ever.”
I lean against the wall near the pickup window, phone in hand, mind nowhere useful.
“Guess I should start ordering what you’re getting.”
I glance up, and the man beside me is…attractive. Tall, clean-cut, probably early thirties. He’s got a nice smile, just enough charm to be intriguing, but not so much that it feels like he’s trying too hard.
“Oh?” I ask, lips quirking. “Planning to copy me?”
He shrugs. “You look like you’ve got good taste. I’m new in town. Trying to get the lay of the land. Burgers and otherwise.”
He doesn’t wink, but it’s in his tone.
Brynn Marlow, historically, would shut this down. Politely. With a smile and an internal eye-roll.
But Brynn Marlow, who found out Knox Dalton is letting his mom play matchmaker with the entire county?
She decides maybe she’s allowed to flirt, too.
“Lay of the land, huh?” I say, glancing at him sideways. “Cedar Falls isn’t exactly wild terrain.”
He chuckles. “Still, a guy needs a good guide.”
I tilt my head. “You always hit on women in burger joints, or is this a special occasion?”
He grins. “Just when I see one worth hitting on.”
It feels good. Wrong. But good. Not like Knox. Nothing like him. But maybe that’s the point.
Gordy calls out, “Alright, Brynn. Cheeseburger with extra pickles!”
I grab the bag and nod at the man by my side. “Well, good luck on your Cedar Falls expedition.”
“Wait,” he says, stepping forward. “Can I—take you out sometime?”
