Nate doesn’t push, but I can see his single nod.It’s one I’ve seen before when he thinks I’m full of shit.
Even if I am full of shit, I’m sure the attraction will fade because that’s all it is.I just need to keep telling myself that.
Chapter 14
Regan
Istepoutofthe car and head up the long driveway to the King estate.The triple-story mansion rises ahead like something out of a magazine, with red bricks, manicured trees, and a green lawn.I run my hand along the smooth banister as I climb the steps to the front door and press the bell.
I’m expecting staff.Maybe the same housekeeper in her crisp whites.
Instead, the door swings open, and Scarlet appears, her smile so wide it nearly knocks the tired right out of me.“I knew it was you.”She steps into the doorway and pulls me into a hug.
I didn’t realize how much I missed this, missed her.Friends back in the city are fine.Some are even great.But none of them feel like home the way she does.
Scarlet pulls it back with a grin, gesturing to me.“Come on in.”
The floors are the same wood from when we were kids, but newly polished, the grain glossy and golden in the soft lighting.The house smells like fresh lilies and high-end candles.Framed prints line the walls now, floral arrangements tucked in the corner, soft light spilling through high windows.The whole house feels like Somer, Scarlet's mother, put love into it.
I follow her through the open-plan living area, trailing her toward the back.
“Can I get you a drink?”Scarlet asks as she glances over her shoulder.
“Sure,” I say, already loosening up.“What are you having?”
She lifts a bottle from the counter and winks.“Wine.Obviously.”
I grin.“Then pour me one too.Wine sounds perfect.”
She’s already reaching for a second glass when her mom appears from the hallway.
“Oh my goodness!”Somer beams, eyes lighting up.“Look at you.It’s so nice to see you.”
I don’t hesitate.I step into her arms, letting her wrap me up in the kind of maternal hug that makes my throat tighten.It hits me then that I haven’t called my own mom today, and guilt twists in my stomach.I’ll have to do that first thing tomorrow.
When we pull apart, Somer runs her hands gently over my arms, still beaming.Her eyes are kind, bright, identical to Scarlet’s, and they search mine with open affection.“You’re just as beautiful as ever.”
I chuckle, shaking my head.“Thank you.”
“Any lucky man?”
“No, nothing’s changed there.”
She tsks playfully.“That’s okay.You’re still young.”
“I’m just focused on work right now,” I say honestly.“It’s been… a bit of an adjustment being back.”
Somer nods in understanding.“I bet.”
Scarlet hands me the wine.
“Mom, want one too?”
“I’ve got mine somewhere…” Somer glances around, then waves a hand.“But yes, I’ll take a fresh glass.”
Scarlet vanishes toward the bar with a small laugh, and Somer turns her attention back to me.“So.How’s it been?Since you came back?”
I take a sip of wine, letting the cool, citrusy taste from the Chardonnay fill my mouth before answering.“It was hard at first.I won’t lie.”I glance toward the patio doors, where the garden is shining in evening glow.“But today was… better.I helped Dad clean out the spare bedroom.It was actually kind of nice.”
