Page 88 of Forever in the Country

39

RHEA

“Wanted” by Jessie James blares through the speakers of the bakery. It’s just me this time of night and this song speaks to my soul. I’m much less coordinated than Ms. James as I stir the melted chocolate and dip the strawberry before placing it on the tray.

My hips shimmy and rock to the beat—the lyrics taking me to a completely unprofessional place as I imagine Sorren’s hands and lips on my body.

God, that man.

Goose bumps break out all over my body at the thought of him, my heart rate kicking up a notch. He’s sexier than any man has the right to be and downright sinful both in and out of bed.

He’d gone to see Mama this morning, and I’d heard from him only briefly, when he warned me to watch out for Miss Thelma and whatever hell she was about to rain down on his parents.

A string of text messages had been sent out to all the business owners in town. I hadn’t been old enough to be a part ofOperation Darlingat its inception, as Mama and Miss Thelma were calling it, but having a shop now, I’d been dialed in.

Tomorrow, we’d be on the lookout for them, and the first sighting of Vivian and Michael would result in closed signs on all the businesses—making sure they knew we’d closed just for them.

Ideas had been flying nonstop since then, and word had already traveled to Blackstone Falls. Colt texted me to say they would be refused at The Iron Cask, and other local businesses were rallying for the cause.

My phone pings with an incoming text and I glance at the screen.

GWEN: The painters arrived today at their hotel so they’re going to have to relocate

MISS THELMA: Word has it all the local accommodations have no vacancy

MISS THELMA: (angel emoji) (devil emoji)

HANNAH: They saw Case and Otto outside the bookstore today and crossed to the other side of the street

MAMA: I’m so proud

JOE: I got rid of them once today when they tried to come in for lunch

MAMA: Good work y’all! We have tomorrow all set and then we’ll move into stage two.

MISS THELMA: Roger that Big Mama

MAMA: For the last time we do not have call signs (facepalm emoji)

MAMA: Besides your feline names got out of hand

HANNAH: Ooo this sounds fun!

MAMA: Do not encourage her…

MISS THELMA: I still like Feline Fatale

JOE: It’s clever, I’ll give you that. But you’re not callin’ me Smokin’ Hoe

MISS THELMA: Y’all are no fun

I can’t helpthe unladylike snort that leaves me because these women areeverythingI love about living here. They’re loyal and fierce as hell and honestly, I can’t wait for tomorrow. Sorren and Marlee’s parents are awful and deserve whatever Clementine Creek—and Blackstone Falls—are about to send their way.

As I turn back to the bowl in front of me, my mind automatically drifts to Sorren and the fact that we’ve barely spoken today. Normally, it would make me unsettled, but I know that today was hard for him and even though I don’t love it—I know he needs space.

The man just better find his way back to me before I have to pull a stunt like he did in the parking lot of The Iron Cask. We’re finally figuring out how to do this together, but he still needs to show me he’s done running.

Still dancing to the music, I place the last strawberry down on the tray and turn to set it in the rack, nearly jumping out of my skin in the process.

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