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“Em.” Savannah runs a hand through her hair, searching for the old me. “You can continue to take on the weight of life, but eventually, coming up for air won’t be an option until you choose to drop the load.”
“Well, aren’t you the wise old elf,” I mutter.
“I know you don’t want to dance again, but let’s deal with our problems together.” Savannah perks up with hernew ideaface. “We try to relieve our stress at a yoga class.” Her voice raises with excitement. “Oh! Kenzie from high school offers guided mediation sessions at my studio three times a week!”
“Okay, I’ll try something with you. But you book it and let me know when, okay?” I know wood chopping works for Ian, and alcohol shouldn’t be a continual crutch for me. And when she looks like that, wanting to help me, I can’t turn her down, even if I want to. “I need to get started on appetizers for Justin and Hallie’s party tonight.” My teeth pull at a piece of my lips, tearing it. I welcome the pained sting as it gets me out of my head.
“Perfect. I’m not going to let you drown, Emery.” Savannah smiles sweetly. “At least not while you’re in town under my watch.”
“I’ll be fine.” Lucky for me, I’ve always been a strong swimmer.
* * *
Glancing out the back window, I watched Ian’s crew pack up for the day. My appetizers enter the oven, giving me ten minutes to shower. The warm water trickles down my body, and I remember the pair of lips molding to mine rhythmically. This man is taking over my thoughts too much.
A beeping sound rings through the house, pulling me out of the trance. Did I really fantasize about us for that long? My hands shake, grabbing a towel in a rush. My phyllo dough appetizers will burn to a crisp. I run down the stairs, nearly tripping halfway down. Bolting into the kitchen, I grab the counter to stop short. My wet hair now cold and sticking to my back.
“Another minute and these would have been burnt to a crisp.” Ian removes the oven mitt as his eyes rest on my exposed legs.
“Well aware, Ian. Why do you think I ran down here in a towel?” I square my shoulders, slightly arching my back as my hair adds to my irritation. “You do realize I do this for a living.” I shiver, crossing my arms, which hikes the towel up a bit higher. “Why are you in my house?”
“Your aunt’s countertop is on back order for a few weeks. She was gone this morning when I wanted to ask how badly she wanted that specific one.” I know he is trying his best to keep his eyes on mine, but the tightness of his jaw shows his restraint to not look at my ass.
“She’s either helping Allison at the flower shop for Hallie’s wedding, or studying.” I want my eyes to stay forward, but they drift to the counter where I was held against the night before. “Thank you for saving my pastries.” With a deep breath, I turn to scurry out of the kitchen.
“Where are you going?”
“I’m not wearing this to the party.” What kind of question is that? My hand lifts to fiddle with the piece of towel tucked in at the top. Within seconds, he could have me naked and picking up right where we left off on the counter. “Want to follow me upstairs?” My tongue wets my lips as I openly eye-fuck him in his Carharts and the shirt his broad shoulders fills out so well.
“No.” Ian rests his eyes on my cleavage, and I can see him practically vibrating with how badly he wants me. It’s the same humming feeling of need I’m experiencing. He makes his way to the door and looks over his shoulder. “But my offer still stands, if you’re interested in more than just one night.”
With a huff, I stomp up the stairs a little too aggressively. I rip the tags off my new floral sundress, which all the bridesmaids are wearing to the party. I find my cowboy boots in the back of my closet, then finish getting ready. Grabbing my appetizers, I check the address before driving to Rhett’s.
“Emery!” Hallie comes running over before my car is even in park. “The photographer is waiting by the porch.” She talks too fast with her excitement. “I also cannot wait to taste what you made.”
Laughing with a nod, I roll up my window and take a deep breath before exiting my car. We grab the food, and I follow Hallie to the patio out back where tables and his outdoor kitchen are.
“Wow, this must be the main hub for you guys.” I take in beautiful landscaping and big deck.
“He enjoys hosting. The goats and cows are in the far field right now,” Hallie mentions as Rhett walks up with a smile.
“Emery, it’s been a few days.” He holds out his hand as it clasps around mine. This town seems to breed freaking giants and skipped over me.
“I vaguely remember you.” I smirk with a wink. Why am I being flirty? “Thanks for hosting all of us.”
“My pleasure.” One of his tattooed arms lifts above to adjust his backward cap. “Tyler has to drop his daughter off at his mom’s, so he’ll be a little late. Who else are we waiting for?”
“Savannah should be here any minute.” Hallie smiles, giddy. She doesn’t know about the breakup. Savannah most likely wouldn’t tell Hallie right now for fear of bringing down her special night.
As a black truck pulls up, a flustered Savannah hops out of the passenger seat, a familiar guy behind the wheel following her inside. He winks at Savannah before veering off toward the guys near the barbeque. She meets my wide, questioning eyes and shakes her head.
“That was so embarrassing.” Savannah smooths out her dress. “I’ve been so busy teaching dance, that I forgot to get gas. Again.” Her eyes swing toward the guy whose truck she was in. “I broke down just before I turned onto Rhett’s road. Thankfully, Tyler stopped because I didn’t have cell service.” Right, that’s his name. Tyler Dempsey. He graduated high school right before we entered freshman year.
“That was nice of him.” There’s a slight taunt in my voice.
“Iteachhis daughter ballet.” I get the memo loud and clear. “She is the cutest thing.”
“Being a single father must be difficult.” Hallie looks around, half distracted. “Great, everyone is here. Photo time!” she yells out.
