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The twins exchange one of those looks that always used to drive me crazy. A silent conversation I’m not privy to.

“Heard you’re back for good,” Jax says, ignoring my question. He searches my face. “Is that true?”

I exhale. Fucking gossip. “Can’t a girl come home without everyone in the world knowing about it?”

“It’s Big Ridge,” they say in unison, then glance at each other with matching smirks.

The three of us stand in awkward silence for a touch too long. I’m acutely aware of how they’ve both filled out. They were always strong, but now they’re solid. There’s a ruggedness to them too, a confidence that’s magnetic. And dangerous if the tremble in my heart is any indication.

“Well, I should finish my run,” I say finally, fiddling with my earbuds. It’s not the same as before. It’s been years. I’m different. Besides, I can’t afford the type of trouble they’re offering.

Brax takes a half-step forward. “Cal—” When I back up, he pauses and clears his throat. “It’s good to have you back.”

“Is it?” The question slips out before I can stop it.

Another loaded glance between them. Jax rubs the back of his neck. “Big Ridge hasn’t been the same without you.”

Something warm and unexpected blooms in my chest. I quickly stomp it out. That’s what got me in deep shit last time.

“Well, it was nice seeing you.” I dismiss them with a wave before I embarrass myself.

They hesitate, then nod, climbing back into the truck. But before Brax closes his door, he calls out, “Do you want to get a drink sometime?”

“Maybe.” There’s no way in hell.

He squints in challenge, as if he can hear my real answer. “See you around, Callie.”

Why does that almost sound like a threat?

I watch them drive away, dust settling in their wake. As the truck disappears around the bend, I realize I’m clutching my earbuds so hard my knuckles are white.

So much for avoiding them. Even with tourist season in swing, the main part of town is home to only seven thousand people. Running into them was inevitable. But seeing them again, feeling that old pull? That’s going to be a problem if I don’t get a hold of myself.

I slip my earbuds back in and crank the volume, trying to drown out the thoughts of blue eyes and matching grins that have no business making my pulse race after all this time.

Ten minutes later, as I round the curve back toward the house, I’ve come to a decision. Big Ridge may be small, but I’m going to find a way to exist here without the Williams brothers consuming my thoughts.

The only trouble is, even as I think it, I know it’s a lie.

Chapter Four

KNOX

Someone kicks my boot. I scowl at the nut I’m tightening and set my tool aside, using the heel of my foot to roll myself out from under the pretty 1970 Camaro I’ve been working on and glare up at whoever decided it was a good idea to interrupt me.

My twin brothers Brax and Jax gaze down at me. The glare doesn’t work on them. Never has, never will.

“What?”

“Hi, Knox. How are you? Oh me? I’m great, thanks for asking.” Brax carries a conversation on his own. Jax fights a grin that reminds me of our father.

Rolling my eyes, I sit on the creeper and rub a cramp out of my hand. “Is this why you interrupted me?” The sounds of Roger’s impact wrench fills the space between us. The shop is busy today. The last thing I need is the twins coming around stirring up chaos.

“I’m trying to remember a time when you weren’t grumpy.” Jax tips his head to the side and looks at me in the way only three people ever could. Brax, Jax, and the other. . .

“Callie Mae is back,” Brax says, voice straining over her name like it pains him to say it.

Me? I’m not sure I feel much of anything anymore. It’s better this way. “Cool.”