Allison’s words are thrilling and frightening at the same time.
I’m used to a little attention, but there ain’t nothing little about what’s happening right now. “Why the hell are these people trying to get in touch with me?”
Allison tilts her head to the side. “I guess Jenkins forgot to mention the most important news.”
I frown. “Which is?”
“Rhett Sullivan,Peoplemagazine voted you, ‘THE SEXIEST COWBOY ALIVE’”
My head jerks back. “You’re pulling my leg?”
“Not even a little bit.” She grins wide. “They liked everything about you, and created a special issue to celebrate the everyday American.”
“I’ll be damned.”
Chapter 29
Carina
Ishake my hips as I sing along to the song blaring from the speakers, stirring my sauce to the beat of the latest Top 20 of the Billboard Country hit.
I’ve been at it since seven this morning. Even though this is my day off, and I don’t have to show up at Happy Belly, I’ll still end up working until Rhett gets here at four.
So much to do. So little time.
I taste the sauce. “Hmmm, something is missing.” I walk to the fridge to grab more fresh thyme. “I might also need a little more red wine.” As I head to the pantry, my phone rings.
I drop the thyme on the counter and run to the kitchen table where I left my phone. I wipe my hands on my apron before grabbing it.
I freeze.
My stomach drops.
The phone rings again.
I hesitate for a few strained breaths.
With my heart still galloping, I answer. “Mom?”
“Of course, it’s me.”
She says that like she forgot how things ended between us the last time we saw each other.
She lets out an audible breath. “I know. It’s been a while.”
“It has.”
My heart is still beating so fast as I process things in my head.
“Am I catching you at a bad time, cupcake?”
“Give me a sec.”
“I’ll wait.”
I run to the stove and turn off the heat and rush back to the phone. “Okay, I can talk now.”
“How are you?”
