Page 17 of Playing it Country

“That’s never stopped me before.”

He doesn’t say anything and neither do I. This is probably the most sharing we’ve done in years, and it makes me both sad at the realization and hopeful that we’re finally getting him back.

The buzz of the oven timer has Briggs scrambling to put his stuff away as I grab the pizza and Sorren places cups and plates on the island.

Sitting at the table, I hold up my glass and the other two follow even if Sorren’s mouth is pressed into a line.

“To another great ‘Nephew Night’ and all the trouble we’re gonna get into.” Briggs whoops and we clink glasses.

Diving into my pizza, I try not to think about how much I miss having my brother here with me. The house is always so quiet, and the reprieve tonight is a balm on my soul.

“Any chance you wanna be my roommate?” I ask Sorren before taking a bite of my pizza.

Sorren stills, his glass halfway to his lips. “I appreciate the offer but I like my space.”

I nod because that’s the answer I expected but wanted to check just in case. Glancing at him over the table, I let myself really look at my friend and surrogate brother.

“You look good, man.”

“Do I look good?” Briggs asks around a mouthful of dinner, and Sorren chuckles.

“Yeah, big man, you always do.” The moment is broken, but one thing is abundantly clear—I need a roommate and I need one fast.

6

HANNAH

On Sunday morning, I put on my sneakers and stretch my arms over my head as I walk down the hall at my aunt and uncle’s house. It’s quiet; Uncle Marcus will be up with coffee ready by the time I get back from my run, but Aunt Holly will probably still be asleep after closing the restaurant last night.

The air is already hotter than I’m used to, but I love watching the sky transform from a sleepy mix of colors to the vibrant blue that almost looks fake through the lens of my camera.

The sky right now reminds me of a set of soulful eyes I wouldn’t mind getting lost in. Case’s body against mine while we danced the other night is something that gave me more than enough material for later in the darkness of my room. His movements were easy and confident and so damn sexy my panties were wet before the chorus even hit. I didn’t expect him.

I didn’t expect any of them, actually, but there’s something special about this town that makes me want to give staying a try. I shake my head because the thought of putting down roots has never crossed my mind before.

My feet pound against the pavement before turning onto the dirt roads that I’ve already come to love so much in Clementine Creek. It’s weird feeling like I’m home even if it’s temporary—everything in my life feels like it’s always been temporary.

This new job, if I get it, will be more of the same. I’ll be in one location for weeks or months depending on the assignment before I move on to something else. The uncomfortable feelings I’ve associated with being stationary for too long have somehow been replaced with the slight panic of having to pick up my life again so soon.

The run was supposed to help clear my mind, but despite the fresh air and sweat coating my skin, I feel as tangled as I did when my eyes opened this morning. Feeling defeated, I round the corner and head back for a cup of coffee and a shower.

The farmhouse is beautiful as it comes into view. The red siding and black shutters have my Aunt Holly’s name written all over them, but I absolutely love it. The big wraparound porch is done in a dark stain that makes the entire place look like something out of a magazine and also a place that beckons you to relax and kick your feet up for a while.

“Morning, kiddo,” my Uncle Marcus greets me as I huff and puff up the walkway. “Coffee’s ready and I set out a mug for you.”

“Thank you.”

“Are you settling in okay? We haven’t had a lot of time to catch up.” I nod as I stretch and then meet my uncle’s gaze.

“I think I needed this,” I say, choosing to focus on the positive, and wave my hand around. He smiles.

“This place is its ownvibeas you young people like to say.” I snicker.

“You’re not wrong, but when did you stop being young?”

He sighs. “Around the time that mix CDs stopped being cool.”

A laugh bursts out of me and he smiles.

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