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“So much for nondisclosures; this will hang over the company while I’m gone as reporters push for more information.” I snatch the remote off the table and click the soapbox off. “Alright, that’s enough of that tonight.”
My father was an attorney, and there’s been nothing else I’ve wanted to do since I was ten years old; I’m not sure what I’ll do without him in my life. I’ve had several failed relationships; sometimes, finding the right person for this life is hard. Having someone that understands the demands of this job isn’t easy.
“Whatever, it’s too late to overthink every part of my life. Especially when I have such a long drive ahead of me to do it.” I freeze mid-stride at my words. “Damn, it’s not like thirty-five is old, and I’ll never find someone. It’s as if I’m putting myself in the eternally single category.”
“Alright, enough of this bullshit.” I slam back my drink and toss the bottle. “It’s time for a shower and some sleep; that’s enough of this sad-sack shit. I need a clear head for tomorrow.”
I tossed and turned most of the night; there was so much on my mind I just couldn’t sleep. So, I decided to get up and get on the road a few hours earlier than I had planned.
After eleven hours and hundreds of miles, I spot the ocean in the distance. Something catches my attention just ahead on the right; it’s that big green sign announcing I’ve finally arrived, and a smile spreads across my face.
“Cherry Grove,” My chest tightens. “I’m home.”
I left this slice of heaven disguised as a beach when I was eighteen. I’ve only come home to say goodbye to my parents for a few days. Honestly, I don’t think I could’ve stayed longer during those times.
“I should’ve visited them more, given them a grandchild or something to have looked forward to besides waiting for me to call once a week to check in.” I shudder inwardly at the thought.
My next exit is coming up; I flip on my signal and switch lanes. Slowly, I take the right lane toward the end of an era. As an only child and attorney, I knew I would be tasked with this part of my parents' lives, but it didn’t mean I had to like it.
“There it is.” I think as the beach air hits me full force as I make my way down the Coastal Highway. Route Seventeen has long been the first sign that I’m home, and just as I begin to take in the Carolina blue skies, another road sign draws my attention. It’s the street to my parent's house, reminding me why I’m back.
“Damn.” My stomach churns as an overwhelming sadness comes over me. “So much for thinking I could oversee this on my own.”
Turning the signal light on, I pull into the driveway, stopping in front of the house. There’s a garage, but I had the cleaners store personal items in it for me to go through before tossing anything.
“Maybe I’m being sentimental, but this place looks amazing.” A warm feeling spreads through my chest as I stare at my childhood home. I drag in a deep breath, expelling it as my lips tremble.
I knock the kickstand down, climb off my ride, and stretch. As I reach my hand into my pocket, it dawns on me what I need to do first. “Shit. Keys.”
I sent them to Raith, so the crew I hired could get in to renovate the house. I’m hoping it’ll sell faster with the new work; mom kept the place nice when she was alive, but dad had let it go once she was gone.
Raith’s parents lived next door, but they recently sold their house. Right now, I hate the thought of making small talk with someone I don’t know, but I need to run over and grab my keys.
“Taylor! Get back here, son!” A woman yells before I can see where it’s coming from. I freeze as I watch a gorgeous honey brown-haired woman running out from between the houses, chasing what I imagine is a child because I can’t see a thing over the hedges except for her fisting her towel.
Chapter 1
Hunter
After getting the twins to sleep, I debate between a nap for myself or a shower. I never imagined choosing between a shower and sleeping in all my teenage dreams.
“This is payback for all those times I snuck outta the house and stayed out all night. You’d think I’d be trained for this, but alas,” I lift my arm to sniff my pit, to help decide what’s more important. “my ass is dragging, and it stinks.”
I walk into the bathroom and stare at myself in the mirror. “You love your family, loathe your sorry-deadbeat ex, and you’re still a badass woman.”
Now that my pep talk is out of the way, I strip and climb into the shower before my kids decide there’s a different agenda. Don’t get me wrong, I love my babies, but today, I long for adventure and to feel sexy again.
“Instead, I’m washing the two-day-old stench from my body and praying I get time to read AJ Renee’s “Not Playing Fair.” Which should curl my toes and offer plenty of me time with my favorite moving toy.
I lay my head against the shower walls, letting the hot water run over my head. It feels like a little piece of heaven as it runs over me. Even before Steve walked away, I never had time to do this. He was too good to change a diaper or watch the twins long enough for me to shower.
“You don’t have time for a breakdown, girl; push it back and finish your shower,” I mutter as my tears mix in with the water. As hard as I try, the tears fall faster, mixing in with the water running over my face.
It’s not long before I pull myself together and get through my shower. I admit, washing my hair feels better than crying it out; it’s a small win for today.
No sooner do I get my body lathered up good than I hear the worst thing known to a mother needing five minutes to herself. No, not her kids but the phone. “Dear God, please don’t be my mother.”
I scramble for my cell, holding my breath that it doesn’t wake my babies. I’m tangled in the shower curtain, pushing the phone out of my reach. “I might have to hurt whoever’s calling if they don’t hang up soon.”
