Page 27 of Playing it Country

HAYDEN: PRIVATE MESSAGE

EVERETT: Like they don’t know what we do

SORREN: Well that escalated quickly

HANK: Something sure did

CASE: I was not sucking face at your wedding—we kissed a couple times

CASE: We’re casually dating while she’s in Clementine Creek

OTTO: So the usual then

WAYLON: That sounds terrible

CASE: Not the usual. Not terrible. Just enjoying each other’s company until she leaves

SORREN: Anyone want to take bets on who catches feelings first?

CASE: Ouch

HANK: I’m in—I’ll text you

WAYLON: Definitely in

HAYDEN: Me too!

CASE: I hate all of you

CASE: Also you all better be available to paint

Despite theirgrumbling and my annoyance with the bet on my fake love life, all the guys showed up at the house on Wednesday to paint. Fallon texted me earlier to say that she was sending Otto because he kept asking her what to pack for their honeymoon and following her around the house.

I reminded her that she’d promised to endure that forever, and she replied with a middle finger emoji. Seriously love my sister-in-law.

Otto showed up with a pout, and I threw the drop cloths at him and sent him to cover the furniture I’d already moved away from the walls.

“It’s weird being in here and knowin’ it’s not mine.”

“It’s weird not having you here.”

“Aww, you do miss me.”

“Well, considering we’ve literally never been apart since birth—yeah, I do miss you. The house is quiet and it’s weird.” I shrug as my brother turns to look at me.

“Is it weird to say it’s been an adjustment not living here? Obviously I love Fallon and Briggs more than life itself, but the difference between staying there and moving in completely was a bigger change than I expected.”

“Makes us sound really codependent.”

“That’s because you are,” Waylon says as he walks in the room behind us with the painting supplies I had in the kitchen.

“I can’t even deny it,” Otto agrees. “Although I think I’m driving Fallon crazy.”

“Also not surprising,” Hank says as he walks in and immediately makes the room feel smaller.

“I’m here!” Hayden announces as Everett moves to stand next to him in the doorway. “I brought the help,” he adds and then squeaks as Everett pinches his side.

“Sorren coming?” Waylon asks.

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