Page 36 of Playing it Country

HANNAH: That sounds nothing like me

CASE: Just do it

HANNAH: (sticking tongue out emoji)

CASE: (kiss face emoji)

I putmy phone on the counter and walk to the end of the kitchen before stalking back and glaring at it. Socializing isn’t my thing andfriendsisn’t my thing but…

Refraining from stomping my foot like a petulant child, I pick up my phone and send a message I pray I won’t regret.

HANNAH: Hey…does anyone want to come over and hang out?

14

HANNAH

To my surprise, the girls descend on the house in record time. Snacks and drinks line the counter as I put out plates and glasses and napkins I grabbed at the store last week, because apparently Case thinks eating over the sink is a good substitute for needing such things.

”All right, ladies, I need your help,” Marlee says with a flourish of her hand as she sits and takes a sip of her drink. “My anniversary is comin’ up, and I want to do something special for Waylon.”

“I’m sure he’ll like anything you do for him,” Cheyenne says with so much sincerity my heart squeezes. She hugged me as soon as she walked in—they all did—and I’ve been instantly smitten with the natural beauty who is not as innocent as she seems.

“I know but,”—she pauses—“we thought we’d be pregnant by now.” She gives Isla a sympathetic look and Isla squeezes her hand. “And while I’ve been takin’ your advice, Fallon, and tryin’ not to worry, I admit we’re a little discouraged.”

Fallon places her hand over Marlee’s other one, and I watch as the three women share a look that’s far beyond any comprehension I have of female relationships.

“What about a boudoir shoot?” Isla suggests.

“Like when you pose naked?” Fallon wrinkles her nose. “I mean, Otto loves my body, but I don’t think I could ever do that.”

“You don’t have to be naked,” Isla says with a roll of her eyes as she takes a small bite of her cookie. “You do what you’re comfortable with.”

“It’s a great idea, but who would I get to do it? I wouldn’t be comfortable taking my clothes off for just anyone,” Marlee says, and Rhea grins.

“I’m sure my brother appreciates that.” Marlee throws her napkin at Rhea and the two burst into giggles.

Fallon’s head turns toward me with a raised brow.

“I could do it if you wanted me to,” I offer and then fight the urge to shrug it off when everyone turns to look at me.

“Would you really?”

I hold up my hands in defense. “Once again, I’m not crazy professional or anything but—”

“But the pictures you took for my engagement and wedding are stunning,” Fallon says adamantly and I blush.

“Thanks. I do love it—I just don’t get to do it as often as I’d like.”

“What if we all do it?” Isla says, and Rhea wrinkles her nose.

“Why would I do it? It’s not like I have anyone to give pictures like that to.”

Don’t engage. Don’t engage. Don’t—

“It’s more about embracing your beauty and strength. Sex appeal is one thing, but a woman’s ability to own her confidence is empowering on more than just a surface level.”

“Wow, she’s good,” Marlee whispers to Cheyenne and I cringe.

---