AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Mike’s hands tightened around the steering wheel, harder and harder until his fingers ached. Why did it feel like he was going to stand before his maker and be judged? He didn’t owe anything to Ethan. Their friendship was nonexistent. This strange angst in his stomach shouldn’t even be happening.
Even as he reminded himself of this fact over and over, he still couldn’t shake the feeling that he was entering the lion’s den. There was still a very big part of him that cared what Ethan thought. That was the only reasonable explanation.
Rose didn’t wait for him after she parked. She headed straight for the front door. Mike watched her go, wondering what she would do if he just backed out of the driveway and headed home. She wouldn’t go after him. That would be ridiculous.
But tomorrow wouldn’t go over all that well, either.
He rested his forehead on his hands, which refused to release the steering wheel. He could do this. It would be worse if he didn’t. And if tonight didn’t work out, he would return to sleeping on the kitchen floor.
Mike lifted his head only to find that Rose had stopped at the top of the porch steps and was standing there, watching him. She didn’t look pleased. He sighed, shut off his engine, and climbed out of his truck.
Here went nothing.
“Hon, can you grab the lemonade from the fridge?”
“Sure. I just have to grab some napkins first.”
“Is Mike coming for dinner?”
“That’s what Rose said.”
Rose glanced in Mike’s direction, hovering while he removed his hat and his boots. Already, he could feel the tension in the air rising. Two female voices and Ethan’s floated through the house making it clear they were all fully aware of his attendance.
“It’s not too late to go home, is it?” he murmured.
Rose rolled her eyes. “You’re not going back to that place until it’s in better shape. It’s a total mess.”
“But it’s my mess. And I like that it’s mine.”
“Come on. It won’t be as bad as you think.”
Mike shook his head. “Oh, I know. It’s gonna be worse.”
“Mike—” she groaned.
“You didn’t hear the way Ethan talked to me at that party. I don’t think he would have let me come if it weren’t for you inviting me.” His eyes darted toward the kitchen. “And if your mother knew everything?—”
She turned and headed for the kitchen without waiting for him to finish what he was going to say, forcing him to hurry after her. And just like that, he jumped into that den he’d been so worried about.
All eyes turned on them, but Rose didn’t seem to notice. She took her seat and turned to who could only be Becca. “Smells like you outdid yourself.”
Becca grinned. “I might not be the best cook, but I can whip up a good lasagna.”
“It’s because you’re from Utah,” Ethan’s focus released Mike as he offered his two cents.
“We’re all from Utah.” Becca snickered, then her gaze drifted to Mike. “Except our guest, I suppose. You were born here, right?”
Mike nodded.
“Mike! I’m so glad you could join us. It’s been too long.” Mrs. Boone waved him over. “Come. Sit by me. I want to hear all about what you’re up to with that house of yours.”
Mike hesitated. Ethan’s piercing eyes drilled into him, unwavering and unreadable. Mike could practically hear the rattle of a venomous snake, warning him to keep his distance. Unfortunately, the expectant looks from the girls in the room made it clear he definitely couldn’t run. It was too late.
Angela Boone patted the chair beside her once more. “Come on, I don’t bite. With as much as I’ve heard about you over the years, you’re practically part of the family already.”
There was that word again—a word that should make him feel inadequate, but for some reason, it didn’t. Instead, the word stirred up a different kind of sensation within him, a longing of sorts. Mike dragged his eyes over to Rose, who was deep in the throes of a conversation with Becca. He didn’t dare meet Ethan’s gaze again. Already, he felt he was overstaying his welcome.
His feet could have weighed a hundred pounds each for how heavy they were as he made his way to his chair. But the moment he sat down, it felt like he could breathe just a little easier. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all. He picked up his fork and took a bite of the food that had been served to him, listening to the others give a summary of their day.
