Page 31 of Your Last First Kiss
“Can Izzy stay with you for a bit?” Miller asks. “I’ll run Dillon over to the Westbrook place. Paisley’s probably fine, but we can pull out the generator for her.”
“Paisley?” Dillon asks. He frowns like he’s trying to place her name. Surely he doesn’t remember every detail that comes out of my mouth.
Miller raises his eyebrows with a smile to match, but suddenly extra tension is visible in his shoulders. He’s had a thing for Paisley since she moved into town. “She’s renting the Westbrook house.”
“Of course Izzy can stay. I got you,” I say.
“Got you too,” Miller replies.
It’s always been our thing. We’ve got each other even when it feels like we’re all alone.
“The yoga instructor,” Dillon says. “You took a class with her that made your legs shake for two days.” Miller and I both turn to him, but his eyes never leave mine. It’s like he’s cataloging my every reaction, and I’m not sure what to do with that. No one has ever paid this much attention to my feelings. He’s the only one who has even tried to look beneath my walls, and by the way he’s staring, I’d bet money he sees me to my core.
“Yeah, we better get moving. The storm isn’t going to let up anytime soon,” Miller says, forcing me to break the connection with Dillon.
“But where is he going to stay?” Landon asks from the table.
We all turn to look at my son, then follow his gaze out the window. The blanket of white makes it impossible to see very far.
“He can stay with us,” Miller says with a sigh.
“I’m sure I’ll be fine,” Dillon grumbles. “I’ll find a hotel or something.”
“There aren’t any hotels, motels, or Airbnbs anywhere you can get to in this storm,” I say. “Miller has a truck with four-wheel drive and a plow. It’s probably safer to let him drive you. By the time you get back from checking on Ashton’s place, the highways will be closed anyway.” To Miller, I say, “Izzy will be fine, and I’ll finish making dinner.”
Miller nods but glances between Dillon and me before speaking. “I was going to stop by Eddy’s to make sure they were all set, but I can do it after we make sure Paisley’s okay.”
I keep my face neutral. It’s an effort, to say the least. My ex-husband has turned my life into a nightmare, but Miller’s right to check on his new family. Eddy certainly doesn’t do it.
The frown on Dillon’s face has a nervous energy working its way up both my legs.
“Come on, Dill. I’m not that bad. And Tanks probably already has a waitlist for tow trucks. I’ll run you over and give you a tour on the way. You can pay for room and board by helping me make sure everyone’s settled for the storm.”
Freaking Miller. He has something planned. I can tell by his tone.
Dillon looks from Miller to me and back again before nodding.
“Miller is the unofficial mayor of Chance Lake,” I say, knowing he’ll put Dillon to work.
“We’re a tight-knit community. We care about our neighbors,” Miller explains.
“Especially Paisley,” Landon deadpans. Miller’s face turns red, but he ignores the comment.
“Izzy? You’re going to stay here for a bit, okay? I’ll be back after I check on a few things.”
His eight-year-old daughter gives a halfhearted wave from the couch where she’s watching Disney+ with Gage.
“I’ll talk to her,” I say gently. I know Miller is disappointed Izzy’s mother didn’t show up yesterday after a month-long plan with their little girl.
“Thanks, Pen.” He leans in for a hug, and that light rumbly sound comes from Dillon’s direction again. Miller’s shoulders bounce against me as he chuckles. “I got you,” he whispers.
“Got you, too,” I say.
Turning to Dillon, Miller pastes a pleasant smile in place.
These two will either love or hate each other.
“I think we should put your car in the TAC garage before it gets buried in snow and you block Penny’s driveway,” Miller says. “Then I’ll take you to Ashton’s. Guess we’ll have to stop by my place to get you some clothes too.”
