“I’m going to miss having this body next to me tonight,” I whisper against her lips.
“You’re welcome in my bed anytime,” she smiles.
We walk out together. She heads into her place, and I climb into my truck. As I drive home, windows down, classic rock pouring through the speakers, my mind roars with emotion. I pull into my driveway, and Seth’s waiting for me with a sixpack beside him.
“Hey, man,” I say as I shut the truck door. “Waiting long?”
He holds up two empty beer bottles. “Sorry. I was with Rosalie and the kids.”
“I heard,” Seth smiles, and I roll my eyes.
“Ellen’s a gossip,” I mutter as I unlock the door. Hailey’s sitting on my couch. “So it wasn’t Ellen who squealed.”
I glare at Hailey, who just laughs.
“I couldn’t keep it to myself. Uncle Seth thinks you look great in a towel.”
“You took my picture? I was paying attention I didn’t even see you move.” I flop onto my recliner and pull off my steel toe boots. “Delete it,” I demand, rubbing my hands over my face. I feel suddenly tired.
“What happened?” Seth asks, handing me a beer.
I explain the talk with Lacy and then the one with Rosalie.
“She has a good perspective on things. What do you think?”
“I think I want to explore a relationship with her. I don’t want to live in the past. I just don’t know how not to.”
I stare at Seth, then Hailey.
Hailey leans forward, smiling. “I think you’re doing it. You’re opening yourself up to new things. You were whistling as you came down the stairs today. I’ve been the only kid in your orbitfor years, but you didn’t blink twice at having Drew help with the assessment. It’s usually me. Winnie told me you offered to help her rearrange her bedroom and even volunteered Uncle Seth for furniture building.”
“Is nothing secret in this town?” I grunt.
The doorbell rings, and I stiffen. Who the hell is here?
Hailey stands and stalks to the door. She swings it open and crosses her arms. “Who are you?”
“Does Chase Keaton live here?” Seth’s eyes widen like a cartoon character, which makes me snicker.
“Who are you?” Hailey repeats, slower this time, making me laugh.
“I’m Lacy Keaton, his sister,” Lacy answers with the same attitude.
Hailey looks her up and down. “You don’t look like you have a board stuck up your ass.”
I stand behind Hailey and cover her mouth with my hand. Lacy scoffs.
“What are you doing here?” I ask.
She stares at Hailey, and I move her aside to step into the doorway. A fancy rental car sits in my driveway.
“Staying in Casper?” I ask, since there’s only a dingy motel until I get the bed and breakfast up and running.
She nods. “Dad wouldn’t stop calling me, so my boss gave me time off to deal with the family drama. Can I come in to discuss things?”
I block the doorway as she tries to enter.
“I told you I’m out. It’s on you and Ward now. He still lives in the same house we grew up in. I’ve spent more than twenty years sacrificing everything for everyone, and I’m living in my selfish period. That means I’m dating and putting myself first. Ruth’s doing the same. Uncle Randy’s on his own too.”
