Page 50 of Playing it Country

He shakes his head, the movement casting shadows in the moonlight.

“I don’t think it’s cheesy that you want to show people the beautiful things you’ve seen and also to allow them a short escape from reality. I know reading has helped Sorren since he’s been back in Clementine Creek.”

I hum softly as he traces small circles on my back, and I prop my chin on my hand where it rests on his stomach so I can look at him.

“I’d have this event—like a girls’ night at the store and I’d call it ‘Books and Boudoir.’ Customers would come and have drinks—you know, liquid courage and all that. And I’d have appetizers and they’d get a coupon for purchasing books that night and they’d get a set time to have a couple of pictures taken.”

“That sounds like it would be amazing. I think you could totally make that happen if you wanted to.”

“Where? Here?”

“Why not?”

“Because this is still temporary and that traveling job is still a possibility and also,” I say to lighten the mood, “I honestly have no idea how to run a bookstore...” I can feel his heartbeat pounding in his chest.

“Does it have to be?” he asks carefully.

“Have to be what?”

“Temporary.”

“I’m not meant to stay in one place, Stud. I’m sure I’ll be getting the itch to go again once my aunt and uncle come back from their conference, and I should know by then if I got the job.”

Part of me hates having the job looming over my head—it’s something most people would sell an organ for, but right now it just feels likework.The other part still holds on to the feeling of holding my camera in my hands as my eyelids fall shut and the breeze blows around me.

So many hints of that feeling have come flooding back since I’ve been in Clementine Creek, and it makes me wonder if this is my something more or if it’s preparing me for my next big adventure.

“Well, if you ever change your mind, I know a bunch of people who’d be willing to make your bookstore dreams come true.”

Dreams.

Being a traveling photographer was supposed to be the dream, but right now I can’t remember if it was my dream or my parents’.

Sighing, I drag my fingertips over the outline of his abs and watch as the skin pebbles beneath my touch.

The idea of leaving has my heart beating uncomfortably in my chest. Seeing Case with Briggs today had my ovaries on the verge of exploding, and I’ve never even really considered having kids myself.

I don’t know what’s happening to me or what the future holds or if I’ve just been going through the motions. As if Case senses my discontent, he eases me onto my back and covers me with his body.

There’s no teasing as his mouth descends over mine and he parts my lips with his tongue. There’s so much to think about, but right now, I’ll revel in the feel of this man and this glorious distraction.

21

CASE

“Mornin’, Miss Thelma, you’re lookin’ lovely today.” She waves me off as she hustles across her front lawn to greet me.

“I know what you’re doin’, Case.” She smiles devilishly. “And I have to say I approve.”

Keeping my expression as neutral as possible, I ask the question I know I’m about to regret. “And what is that exactly?”

“All those videos of Sorren.” She winks and my stomach plummets faster than apple pie in a truck bed.

“Umm…” I’m usually a much better liar when the occasion calls for it, but of all people I thought might discover the account, Miss Thelma wasn’t in the top twenty.

Huge oversight.

My phone dings in my pocket as she puts her own in her gardening apron. “I just sent you a couple of the videos I have of him around town. Figured you might need a fresh perspective.”

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