Page 65 of Playing it Country

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“Go with her.”

I open my mouth to speak and then slam it closed again because I must have misheard him.

But I didn’t mishear him and I don’t have to ask him to repeat it because the look on his face says he meant every word.

“How could you say that? My whole life is here—our family. Hank is about to be a dad for God’s sake. I can’t justleave. Hell, she hasn’t even seen the greenhouse yet.”

“Then ask her to stay.” He ignores the greenhouse comment like it doesn’t hold any weight, but that place is sacred. In fact, no girl outside of family has ever been in it, Isla excluded, but she turned out to be family anyway so it still holds true.

“I can’t do that.” He stares at me, and I can practically hear him counting backward from twenty because ten isn’t long enough.

“Listen, why you thought I had the answer is beyond me,”—he pauses—“but if you like her then give her a reason to stay. Show her you want something more than just fucking on every surface in the house.”

“We don’t—” Sorren kicks me under the table and I lean forward to rub my shin. “Ow, man, that hurt.”

“Knock it off.” He points a French fry at me. “Give her a reason to stay and get out of my booth.”

“Fine, fine. Hey, did you hear the girls did that sexy photo shoot thing?” I say even though I saw him at the bar with Hannah and my sister. “I heard Rhea did it too—think she’ll let Colt see them?”

“Out!” he snaps and the tick in his jaw is back. I’ve been wondering about those two, but it’s not like he’s overly chatty aboutanything.

Sliding out of the booth, I stand as Joe shoves a to-go box into my hands. “I didn’t order anything.”

“Your sister said she saw you drivin’ like a bat outta hell this way and knew she’d have to deal with that one.” Joe hitches her thumb toward Sorren who is actively trying not to be involved in this conversation.

“She’s the best,” I say reverently because my sister seriously kicks ass.

“Make sure you tell her that,” Joe says with a nod before disappearing back to the kitchen.

The sun is hot as I step out onto the sidewalk and peek at the ham club sandwich with extra bacon that Rhea ordered out of annoyance rather than love but will still taste just as delicious.

CASE: You’re the best sister EVER

RHEA: I’m your only sister

CASE: By blood

CASE: Saying you’re my best blood sister ever sounds weird