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“I imagine people would come forward if this was a regular thing. The guy was from out of town.” I’m starting to realize it’s no longer just the surrounding townspeople who are attending the bar at night.
“Small-town growth is hit or miss. See?” Running my hand over my face, I sigh. “Emery’s well-being was at stake.”
“Hallie has this big dream that you’ll be able to bring Emery’s emotions out while she’s in town.”
“You and Hallie talk about me and Emery too much.”
“Hallie just wants the best for everyone.” I can almost hear Justin smile with his endearment toward her.
“Emery has to want to help herself too. We can’t force her.” My heart pinches. I had made her a priority years ago and she took off. “I’ll always be there for Emery, but she’s also only in town for a few more weeks.”
He chuckles, as I hear Hallie call him in the background. “It’s cute how enamored you still are with her, even though she’s trying to stay off your radar.”
“Fuck off.” I hop out of my truck and Rhett pulls into the drive.
"You’ve been grouchy and stressed lately. Maybe you need to get laid and release some tension.” Justin laughs. He has a point. “Or continue depriving yourself.”
“I could have any girl in my bed tonight if I wanted.”
“Yeah, but not the chick you want,” Justin taunts. “You gonna keep her as a what if or make a big move?”
“Timing, man. Emery is resilient, yet delicate. If it’s meant to be...” I hear Hallie in the distance again.
“I’ll call you later. I’m needed for wedding duties,” Justin mentions, too cheery, and I end the call with a smile, but it’s only half happy. Emery and I would have been great. Knowing her engagement was called off due to cheating, I imagine another wall has been built. She deserves to be loved. Cared for. I want someone to own my heart––herto be exact.
I haven’t seen Emery in three days. My stomach turns at the thought of what would have happened had I stopped for gas, like I planned to on the way to the bar. At the sight of the scumbag’s hands on her, it took every ounce of my control to not smash his skull continuously into the mirror.
Running my hands down my face, I push the memory aside for now.
“Our team should be here in a few minutes.” Rhett walks around where the den and outdoor kitchen will go. “I’ve got good news and bad news.”
“End on a positive note.”
“Bad news, Quinn’s favorite countertop is on backorder for a month or so,” Rhett continues. “Good news is, there is a similar one if she doesn’t want to wait.”
“How is that a pressing issue?” Annoyance fills me. “That’s a last-minute detail, man.”
“I’m going insane about the final designs. The hospital wing we worked on was basic enough with the blueprints and following the color theme, but our new contract for the downtown apartment building is stressing me out.” Rhett usually isn't easily overwhelmed. He balances our job and farm life. This must really be weighing him down.
“Right, an apartment building downtown by the lake will attract more people moving here,” I complain; I can’t help it. “Meaning more traffic. And less of the quiet small-town feeling.”
“Beechwood Falls isn’t going to become a mini city, Ian.” He’s probably right. “Not everyone likes having to do yard work and owning a house. Apartments free up time.” Which is why the lack of apartments has kept people away.
“I posted an ad the other day, looking for an interior designer willing to relocate to a small town. We will see what happens, but we may need to sweeten the deal,” I tell him. “Offer first month accommodations or something.” Rhett snaps his fingers, remembering something.
“Plus, the lake house Mrs. Webber wants to renovate for tourists.” He readjusts his backwards hat like he usually does when anxious. “She wants the interior theme to be woodland chic, but not nursery-like. Whatever the fuck that means.”
“We’ll work through this.” I set my hand on his shoulder for a brief squeeze. “Let’s get together with the guys at your place tonight for a drink. I’ll bring steaks for everyone.”
“Y’all can help me get the goats in the new field too.”
“Will do.” I smirk. Rhett has a small farm as well as our business. Goats, cattle, and chickens are his specialty, but his goats seem to be more like pets since only a few of them are for milking.
Finishing out the workday, exhausted as usual, I run home to shower, then pick up the steaks on the way to Rhett’s. My phone dings just before I turn onto the dirt road leading up to his place. I pull over, not recognizing the number and knowing cell service will be spotty up his road. Which is another reason why his little bachelor loft on top of his garage has been difficult to rent out. But also, he is so damn picky about who comes around his property.
Unknown: I need to return your sweats.
I pause, wondering if this is a joke, or if Emery went out of the way to get my number.
