Page 17 of Dreaming About Forever

ALICIA

Alicia breathed in the warm woodsy scent of the stranger hugging her. It wasn’t the careful, light hugs people in the entertainment industry liked to share that were all for show. Her arms fit snugly around the woman, and she wanted to lean into the comfort.

Mrs. Taylor radiated excitement. The beige flannel shirt she wore contrasted with her dark hair and eyes. Her bright smile welcomed Alicia before speaking. She wanted to bottle up that happiness and be friends with Jordan’s mom.

Mom. The stab in her gut was raw again at the reminder of her parents’ recent betrayal.

“Mom, she might need some space,” Jordan said beside her.

Mrs. Taylor released her from the hug and dove straight for her son. “Jordan!”

Jordan stiffened as his mom’s arms wrapped around him, but he quickly relaxed and pulled her in with a little squeeze. “Hey, Mom.”

“There is plenty of space around here, and I’ll hug whoever I want,” his mom quipped.

Alicia swallowed. The sweet reunion pulled at her heartstrings. She missed her mom, but they hadn’t been close like Jordan and his mom, even before the theft.

A tall man stepped out onto the porch. His dark tan matched his chestnut cowboy hat. “Well, look what the cat dragged in.”

Jordan’s grin lifted on one side as he gave the man one of those manly pat-on-the-back hugs. “You still above ground, old man?”

“I figure I’ve got a few more good years in me. I haven’t gotten the chance to pester any grandkids yet, so I’m holding out for that.”

Jordan cleared his throat and gestured to his mom. “Miss Carver, this is Vicci Taylor. That pile of leather over there is Grant Taylor. Mom and Dad, this is Alicia Carver.”

Alicia waved. “It’s nice to meet you both.”

Vicci shimmied her shoulders. “We’re excited to have a celebrity in our home. It’s not much, but it suits us well.”

Alicia hadn’t paid much attention to the house yet. The hosts had captivated her attention. “I can’t wait to see it.”

Vicci wrapped an arm around Alicia’s shoulders. “Come on in! Let me show you around.”

“Mom. Space,” Jordan reminded her as he pulled her hefty suitcase from the trunk like it was as light as a feather.

“Hush back there. I’m talking to my house guest,” she shot back at him.

Alicia covered her mouth to stifle the chuckle. Jordan must have gotten his stoic demeanor from his dad.

Jordan grumbled behind her, and she fought the urge to look over her shoulder. Surely, his down-to-earth family would loosen him up a little.

Vicci led her inside and waved a hand around the room. “This is it. Feel free to wander around. Kitchen is over there. Back door is that way. Your room is upstairs, and the bathroom connects to it.”

“I’ll show you around,” Jordan said behind her. His deep voice reverberated in her bones.

The rumble of a truck drew her attention outside. A man wearing what seemed to be the official cowboy uniform stepped out of the truck and quickly bounded up onto the porch.

“That’s our other son, Clint,” Vicci said.

Jordan straightened his shoulders, drawing her attention. He lifted his chin as his brother flung open the screen door.

Clint pushed his hat off and revealed the same megawatt smile his mother wore. “Hello, Miss Carver.”

Alicia held out her hand. “You must be Clint.”

He took her hand and lifted it to his mouth, placing a soft kiss to the sensitive skin. “The one and only.”

If Jordan was the strong silent type, Clint must be the carefree flirt. He definitely knew how to welcome a guest just like his mom.

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