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I should have known they’d whisper and stare.
I definitely should have stayed at home today.
“Come on,” Cortney says quietly.
I rub my shoulder against hers as I take the cat carrier from her and follow silently into the RV. The brief contact blooms comfort in my cold heart.
“We’ll be right back with Mister Fluffskateer, Stella.”
“You two take your time,” Stella calls after us.
“Oh, now she’s not in a hurry,” Cortney mutters, pulling out a pair of thick, black sleeves from a drawer. “Here. Put these on. They’ll protect your arms.”
My response is a cross between a snort and a scoff. I shake my head. “No.”
She thrusts the gloves at me. “Seriously. This cat isn’t known for being friendly like his owner. I don’t need you getting bit or injured.”
“I’ll just add the scar to the collection.”
Cortney slams down a small nail clipper before turning around to retrieve a towel. “Suit yourself,” she mutters beneath her breath.
“Ready?” I ask.
She confirms with a nod, and I release the catch on the carrier. The orange cat slowly vacates the confined space with a long stretch.
We set out at a crawling place. What seems to me like cutting one nail per minute. After the first foot is finished, Cortney breaks the silence.
“What brings you to the festival?”
“I’ve been helping Tony with his car for the race later.”
“I didn’t know you worked on cars.”
“It’s recent. I picked up some experience over the years. Tony gave me a job working at his shop. He needed another mechanic.”
Her head snaps up, bringing with it her gorgeous gaze. Our eyes lock while she works out what she wants to say next.
“Does that mean you’ll be staying in town for a while?”
I lick my lips while staring at hers. “That’s the plan.”
“I—”
The door flies open, startling us both from whispered words and secret admissions.
“I’ve brought sisters and sweets!” A voice rings out as two girls file into the RV. “Oh. Sorry. I didn’t know anyone else was here.”
A red hue colors Cortney’s cheeks. “A client stopped by with a bit of a time crunch, and Spencer was around to help.”
The blonde cocks her head to the side. “Spencer? Spencer Stone, right?”
“That’d be me.”
“I’m Bree.” She moves around us with a slight bounce to her step. “You’ll have to forgive me for not remembering. I know Silas and Sutton, but I left town for ten years and the rest was sort of forgotten.”
I chuckle dryly at her description. If only she knew how accurate it was.
Silas and Sutton are the beloved brothers in this town, rivaling the Powell siblings and their dog sanctuary. With both of them in law enforcement, the town practically bows in their presence.
