Page 17 of Love Somebody Like You

“Please, come on in. I want to hear all about it. I’ll make coffee or hot chocolate. I’m sure you all need something to warm you up.”

Please, Mum, no.

But her mother wasn’t looking at her. She was looking at the Reillys, as if Lexi’s wishes didn’t count.

“I’m afraid I can’t stay,” Jackson said. “Early morning duties at the ranch. Would love to though another time. I’ve always been curious about this place.”

“You’re welcome any time,” Mum said warmly. “Isn’t he, Lexi?”

She coughed. “Excuse me?” Was her mother seriously trying to fix her up with a married man? Wow. No words.

“And you too, of course, Ellie,” Mum continued. “I appreciate you looking after poor Lexi here.”

Like Lexi wasn’t several years older than Ellie.

“I hope you’ll visit us at the ranch soon,” Ellie said. “I think it’ll be fun.”

Good thing she thought that. Trying to stay away from Jackson felt like it’d be torture. The hope in Ellie’s eyes drew Lexi’s smile wider than she wanted. “Thanks.”

“Have a good sleep, Lexi,” Jackson said. “You’ve earned it.”

“You too.” She pressed her lips up into a small smile and quickly looked away.

“Thanks again for dropping her home.” Mum wrapped her arm around Lexi’s shoulders. “Drive safe now.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Jackson said. “Bye Lexi.”

Why did her heart throb at how he said her name? It wasn’t like he said it any different to other people. “Bye.” She smile-grimaced at Ellie. “Thanks again, Ellie.”

Ellie’s brow had a crease, and she moved close, forcing Mum to drop her arm as she took Lexi in a hug. “I don’t know what Jackson has done to make you mad, but I hope you’ll forgive him,” she murmured. “I want us to be friends.”

Lexi closed her eyes, hoping to hide the sudden rush of moisture. She drew in a deep breath through a clogged nose. “Sorry, I’m just tired. That’s all.”

“Good. Because I could really do with some girl company sometimes. My mom isn’t always well.”

Compassion surged. Perhaps she could consider this for Ellie’s sake. “Maybe we could catch up for a coffee in town sometime.” Town would be safe.

“Yeah, that could be good. But the offer to visit the ranch is always there. I think you’d have fun. There aren’t too many ranches in Australia, right?”

“Not near the beach where I lived,” Lexi admitted.

Ellie grinned. “Great! Well, I should get your number and—oh, you can’t do that at the moment, can you?”

“Not until I get a new phone.”

“Well, maybe I’ll see you at church. You could visit us after church for lunch. That’d be good, wouldn’t it?”

She swallowed. “Sure.” Her voice sounded flatter than a squashed frog’s.

“And don’t worry about Jackson. I know he can be annoying at times. But I guess that’s what brothers are for. I should know.” She grimaced. “I’ve got four.”

“Four brothers?”

Ellie sighed and drew back, counting on her fingers. “Dermott, Mitchell, Jackson and Cooper.”

She blinked, and the world felt like it tipped on its axis. “Wait. Did you say Jackson is your brother?”

“Yeah. So please say you’ll come to lunch on Sunday?”

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