AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Brex, this is not your fault.”
“Please come home. Why don’t you want to come home?”
Steel-blue eyes flashed in my vision and I shook my head, wishing the image would go with it. “I feel good here. And I made a commitment to not only Rhyett but Brinleigh. The shop is doing well—really well, actually—and I’m expanding onto the patio for the rare occasions the weather cooperates, and I’ve already made friends.”
“It’syou. You’ll always make friends.”
She had a point. “That’snotthe point. I like it here. I mean—it’s wet and gray, and quiet, and we currently have more pollen than air particles, but it’s beautiful and I’ve been dying to explore for years and—”
“Okay, okay,” she put her hand up as she continued, “I relent. But what are you doing when Jameson is out fishing?”
“Elora, Broderick, the twins, and Max are all hanging around. Like I said, you made sure I wasn’t alone.”
Features softening, morphing into something between relief and warm, gooey heart eyes, she nodded. “Rhyett did, at least.”
“I wouldn’t have him without you, so it’s still your doing.”
Her little giggle wasn’t enough to keep my attention from drifting over the boats bobbing softly in their slips. They were unusually quiet today, not a single Rhodes in sight. They must be up at the Main House. Sighing, hating how deeply disappointed I was, I headed back for the Grizzly Grind.
“So?” Brexley said, her voice simmering with anticipation. “What did grumpierClark Kentdo next?”
Jameson
Elora
Noel, Max, and I are heading down to the Birch Barrel
Axel
Save me a spot
Leighton
Nachos?
Elora
Yes, and obviously.
Kaia
Hell yes, I have got to get out of this house. I’m losing my mind.
Alessandra
Say less. Omw!
Elora
James?
With a heavy sigh,I lifted my eyes up to the snow-capped mountains beyond the channel. It didn’t matter how many years the green rolling hills, towering peaks, or low ceilings of fog surrounded me. It was always like a deep breath.Home. This place would always be home.
I could see the Birch Barrel—Rhyett’s bar—from my spot across the docks. My neighbor, Mrs. Anderson, needed a few more tools before her sink would drain properly again, and I’d just stepped out of Tommy’s hardware when my pocket started buzzing me to death. And fuck me, the idea of a night out wasn’t half bad.
Noel. Noel, in low light, with pleasant music in the air…
Stupid? Absolutely. But I’d never cared much for flaunting high intelligence when a good time hung in the balance. Plus, a follow-up for that damn kiss was long overdue.
