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“Vance said you were back in town. Here to stay this time?”
All work seemed to grind to a halt, and everyone in the room stared at her as if anticipating her answer. Now she understood what fireflies must feel like when little kids trapped them in jars so they could watch them helplessly flit around.
“Yes,” she said firmly as she stood a little straighter. She needed to make herself perfectly clear. She needed Vance’s family to know she wasn’t the coward she once was. If nothing else, her father’s strict upbringing had taught her to stand her ground. “I’ve moved my business here permanently. I have absolutely no intention of leaving.”
Sam’s gaze narrowed a second. She held her breath. When he gave her a sideways grin, Shayla about fainted dead away. One down, three more to go.
As another man stepped forward, a flirty grin on his face, Shayla thought maybe it was Brodix. He’d changed over the years, the way they all had. Brodix had gotten taller and broader than she’d remembered. His dark hair was neatly trimmed, and although he’d been working in dust, he looked freshly showered. His grin was every bit as wicked as always, she noticed too. That, at least, hadn’t changed.
“Brodix,” she said. “It’s nice to see you again.”
“Looking good, Shayla,” he said, as he opened his arms for a hug. Shayla was only too happy to step into them, relieved that at least he wasn’t shooting daggers at her.
When he released her, she said, “Thanks, you too.”
“You ever get tired of this lug”—he pointed a thumb in Vance’s direction—“just yell.”
“Lay off, Brodix,” Vance gritted out as he moved up next to Shayla and slung an arm around her neck. “Find your own redhead.”
Out of the corner of her eye, Shayla saw someone punch Brodix on the arm. When he moved to the side, she saw the twins, River and Reilly. They had shaggy black hair and the palest green eyes Shayla had ever seen. Sexy didn’t even begin to cover it. Boy, they’d sure grown up since she’d last seen them. Twelve years ago, the twins had been rather gangly, all long limbs and not a lot of meat. They’d definitely filled out since then. One of them smiled at her, but the other only stared, no expression at all to give away his feelings toward her. It was almost more disconcerting than Sam’s scowl. Was the animosity directed at her because of the way she’d broken up with Vance? Oh, man, probably. Shayla’s stomach did a free-fall when she realized that Vance’s family had every right to hate her for what she’d put Vance through.
Vance pointed to each of them in turn and said, “Reilly and River. And if you’re ever confused which is which, just know that River is a bit like Eeyore, walks around pouting all the time.”
“Not true,” he grumbled. “I smile plenty.”
“It’s like pulling teeth, and you know it,” a feminine voice from behind River said. When he stepped to the left, Shayla saw a tall, thin woman with dark hair up in a ponytail and white dust all over her face and clothes. She wore a mask over her mouth and nose, and Shayla wondered if she was sick or something.
She yanked the mask off and stepped forward. “Hi, I’m Jeannette,” she said as she held her hand out.
Shayla took her hand, surprised by the strength in the young, petite woman. “Shayla,” she said.
“Pleased to meet you, Shayla.” She brushed a hand over her face, and dust fell to the floor. “Don’t mind the mess. River’s been teaching me how to sand drywall.”
River chuckled and yanked on the woman’s ponytail. “I tried to tell you it was a messy job, but you wouldn’t listen.”
“Hey, men aren’t the only ones allowed to get a little dirty,” she said, bobbing her eyebrows.
Shayla heard Reilly snort. “I think you have more dust on you than the floor, sweets.”
As the three of them bantered back and forth, Vance leaned close and said, “Jeanette is a friend of the family. She and River have been pals for years.”
Shayla turned toward him and smiled. “You have a terrific family. You’re very lucky.” She heard the door open behind her, and she turned to see a slightly plump, grey-haired woman. Wanda, Shayla realized, and another woman who she didn’t recognize. Wanda’s companion was beautiful. She had long dark hair and the kind of curvy body Shayla only dreamed of having. In comparison, Shayla felt short and fat.
“Here comes the best of the lot,” Sam said as he closed the distance and pulled the dark-haired beauty in for a big bear hug. Soon the pair were kissing, and Shayla heard a few catcalls from Vance’s brothers. As they pulled apart, it was clear to Shayla they were deeply in love. She envied them right off. Would Vance ever look at her that way?
Earlier it’d been abundantly clear that Vance hadn’t been able to get enough of her body, but that was merely sexual desire and a seriously poor substitute for love. Would he ever see past the exterior? She wanted more than simple lust from Vance? Shayla’s heart sank at the idea he might not ever give it though.
Wanda spotted her, and her eyes rounded. “Shayla, dear, I had no idea you would be here.”
Shayla crossed the room and let Wanda pull her into her arms. “It’s wonderful to see you again, Wanda,” she said, meaning every word. She’d always considered Wanda a second mom when she and Vance had dated. Shayla had missed her nearly as much as Vance when her father had moved them away.
“You too, dear.” Shayla helped the older woman off with her coat. “Has Vance been treating you well?”
“Oh, yes.” Her face heated when she thought just how well Vance had treated her.
Vance tugged her into the crook of his arm. “We’ve been getting caught up. Haven’t we, Shay?”
His look was so devilish it was a wonder he wasn’t sporting horns. “Yes. We’ve had lots to catch up on.”
