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“How did they meet?”
“At Wagon Wheel. She was new in town, and Hudson offered to show her around.”
“How thoughtful of him.”
Kyle chuckles. “Yeah. I’m positive there were ulterior motives.”
“You gonna pull the same move on Natasha?”
I regret the question as soon as it’s out of my mouth. And even more when it’s followed by a long pause.
“No,” Kyle finally answers. “I’m in no shape for a serious relationship.”
It’s the closest he’s come to mentioning what Mabel told me—he’s grieving.
Based on the way Natasha was looking at him, I’m pretty sure she’d be up for something more casual. For anything if he was involved.
But I shut my mouth and set my bowl on the porch floor, leaning back and resting my feet on the damp rail.
“Wanna play cards?”
I glance at Kyle. “I probably don’t know how to.”
“I’ll teach you.”
The swing shifts as he stands, then reappears a minute later with a pack of cards in one hand. I straighten, tucking my feet beneath my legs so I’m sitting like a little kid. Kyle attempts to explain the rules to me as he shuffles and deals, and then we start playing.
We argue throughout most of the game.
But it doesn’t feel mean or spiteful.
It’s kind of…fun.
CHAPTERSEVENTEEN
KYLE
Tommy shows up about an hour after Cal Hastings arrived with his roofing crew.
I’m busy clearing the final remnants of the old pile of shingles away but straighten when I see the familiar pickup coming up the driveway.
He parks by the barn and then hops out, walking over with his hands stuffed in his pockets.
“Hey, man,” Tommy greets.
“Hey. How’s it going?” I pull off my right glove and punch his shoulder.
“Feel like I should be asking you that.”
I raise one eyebrow. “Why’s that?”
“I dunno. Just wanted to make sure everything is okay.”
“I’m doing fine, Tommy. I’ve come back before.”
He nods. “Yeah, but this is the first time since…” Tommy’s voice trails off as he notices half the reason I’m standing out in the yard.
Piper headed out on a run right after brewing coffee this morning, saying she felt gross from all the pasta she ate last night. I refrained from telling her she looked perfect since I can’t seem to get compliments right around her.
