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Iwake the next morning after a restless night. Despite the late finish, I’d struggled to find sleep, only dropping off when it started to get light. Stretching my arms above my head with a yawn, I sit up and reach for my phone on the nightstand. I press the home button and frown when the time comes into view.
“Shit! I’m going to be late,” I mutter to myself.
I’ve overslept. I’m not surprised. My body clock is all over the place, and I can’t remember the last time I had a decent night’s sleep. My mind just won’t switch off. Maybe Wyatt was right at the wedding when he said I needed to get laid. Something’s got to give because burying my head in the sand and ignoring everyone isn’t pulling me out of the hole I’m in. I’m not big on one-night stands, but I’ve had a few. The bar is an easy place to pick up women. There are always new faces passing through. Maybe I just need to lose myself in someone for a while and try to feel something for someone else.
I drag my tired body out of bed and into the bathroom. Everyone’s meeting at my parents’ place at one, and it’s already past twelve thirty. I’m going to be late. I shower in record time and throw on some jeans and a shirt, rolling the sleeves up. I push my feet into my boots and my stomach grumbles, reminding me I need food. I’ll have to wait until lunch now. I’ll be even later if I stop to grab breakfast.
I push down the nerves that bubble up as I ride the elevator to the parking garage. It’s ridiculous to feel apprehensive about spending time with my family, and I hate that I feel this way. I want more than anything to go back to a time when I didn’t have feelings for Sophie. I know I’m going to see her and Cade today. Ihaveto get over this. Ihaveto get over her.
CHAPTERTWO
Taylor
“Are you sure it’s okay? Thanksgiving is for families. I feel like I’m intruding.”
Paisley rolls her eyes. “Nash, will you tell her?”
He chuckles and leans down to fix Max’s leash. “It’s more than okay, Taylor. My mom made me promise to bring you, so if you don’t come, I’m going to be in trouble.”
My eyes widen in surprise. “She did? But we’ve only met once.”
“You must have made a lasting impression. As soon as she found out you’d moved from Pittsburgh and were staying with us, she told me I had to bring you over for Thanksgiving.”
“See? I told you! Now get dressed,” Paisley says, gently pushing me toward the stairs.
When I reach the bottom step, I turn and pull her into a hug. “Thank you,” I whisper, holding her tight. “You too, Nash,” I say over Paisley’s shoulder. “I know me staying here isn’t ideal. I still can’t believe my rental fell through. I promise I’ll find somewhere else as soon as I can.”
“You can stay here as long as you need to, Taylor. I’m just sorry you’re on the sofa,” Nash says.
I smile. “Thank you. The sofa’s actually pretty comfy. I just worry I’m invading your space.”
“You’re not.”
“I’m so happy you’re in Hope Creek,” Paisley says, hugging me back.
I step out of her embrace. “I’m happy I’m here too.”
After my mom died, there was nothing left for me in Pittsburgh, and when I saw how happy Paisley was, I thought maybe I could make a new life for myself here too. Although Paisley isn’t family, she’s the closest I’ve got, and it made sense to relocate here. A change is exactly what I need.
“You’re going to love it in Hope Creek, Tay.”
“I hope so,” I whisper, smiling before I turn and climb the stairs.
I’m not exactly living the dream right now. Instead, I’m living out of a suitcase in Nash and Paisley’s bathroom and sleeping on their sofa. I had a rental set up before I left Pittsburgh, but the owner fell ill the week before I was due to relocate and pulled out. As hard as I tried, I couldn’t find anywhere else that I could afford. I’d already given notice on my apartment in Pittsburgh, and Nash and Paisley insisted I still come, offering me their sofa until I could find somewhere else. What little stuff I brought with me is currently cluttering up Nash’s garage, and I know I need to find somewhere quickly so I can get out of their way. As much as they insist it’s fine I stay here, I know they don’t have the space.
Twenty minutes later, Nash parks in his parents’ driveway. As I climb out of his truck, I look up at the impressive house in front of me. Nerves bubble to the surface as I wait for Paisley and Nash. Despite Nash insisting I’m welcome, I still feel like I shouldn’t be here.
“Looks like everyone’s here except Seb,” Paisley says as she passes me, chasing an excited Max into the house. Nash chuckles as he follows her.
“You coming?” he asks over his shoulder.
I take a deep breath and nod before climbing the porch steps and following him into the house. I can hear voices and laughter, and the smell of something incredible invades my senses as we head to the kitchen.
“Paisley, Nash,” Mrs. Brookes says as we walk in. She hugs both of them before leaning down to fuss Max. Her eyes go past Nash to me, and she smiles. “Taylor, it’s so good to see you again.”
“You too, Mrs. Brookes. Happy Thanksgiving, and thank you for inviting me today.”
“You’re always welcome here, sweetheart, and please, call me Tessa.”
