“What now?”
“I really think this is going to work. I just have a feeling.” Ronnie flashed him a sincere smile, one that slowed his erratic pulse, before she left.
“I hope you’re right.”
It was possible Hudson had never felt about another woman the way he felt about Reese Calloway. He doubted he ever would. But he didn’t want to keep living this way, waiting eagerly for her unexpected and quick visits like some doting fool. Dreaming about the next kiss the second she left town without any clue about when she might return.
Despite the risk, Hudson had to go all in.
If Reese didn’t feel the same by the time the week was over—if she couldn’t see making a life for her here in Starlight with him—he’d throw in the white flag once and for all.
Chapter 2
Reese
Reese Calloway stared at the oversized suitcase jammed inside the cramped trunk of her rental car, contemplating the best method to pull it out without landing herself squarely in a mud puddle. She never backed away from a challenge, and she wasn’t about to abandon this one for fear of getting dirty.
Or pulling a muscle.
The suitcase plastered with bright orangeheavystickers weighed half as much as Reese did. The airport scale confirmed it. She’d never been away from home for longer than a few days. With a whole week in front of her, she had to be prepared for every situation.
“Easy now,” she said to the suitcase, as if it were a wild animal that could be tamed. With an underhand grip, she curled both hands tightly around the top handle and gave it a few solid yanks. The top corner of the suitcase lifted a few inches until it wedged by its overstuffed belly.
Reese could wait for Ronnie to get home, but she wasn’t ready to admit defeat. She hadn’t climbed her way so quickly up the corporate ladder by giving up easily. Her persistence was one of the qualities her boss spoke of most highly when he offered her a dream promotion only yesterday.
Determination doubled, Reese reevaluated the challenge. She stretched her petite arms as far as they’d go, gripping the top and bottom handles. Bracing a foot against the bumper, she sucked in a breath. Half a second before she started to pull, a horn honked. It was only because of Reese’s fierce grip on her bag that she didn’t topple backward.
Ronnie waved from behind the wheel, parking on the opposite side of the driveway.
The sight of her best friend always made Reese ridiculously happy. They’d met as coworkers on the set of the reality TV showDesign of Your Dreamsand become quick friends. After a misunderstanding with an unappreciative boss got Ronnie fired, Reese, along with half the employees, walked out.
When Ronnie declared she was moving to Wyoming permanently, Reese had been tempted to follow her. They were a great team, and helping her best friend start her own business was tempting. Especially since Starlight had a way of charming anyone who visited, promising serenity and a slower pace.
But Reese couldn’t sit still, even on the best days.
She needed more than this quiet town had to offer. Her dreams were bigger than the expansive Wyoming sky.
“You made it!” Ronnie threw her arms around Reese’s neck and squeezed tight. The baby hormones had been making her bestie extra emotional and affectionate as of late, so Reese didn’t bother begging for air. “I swear you’re going to move here one day,” Ronnie added. “I know this town is growing on you.”
“You and I both know I’m too city for this place,” Reese said with a lighthearted laugh. Starlightdidfeel like a home away from home. Enough so that Reese had secretly considered purchasing a vacation home and on occasion even browsed online listings. But if she accepted the promotion she’d been working her tail off to get, she’d have even less time for long weekend visits than she already did.
When Ronnie loosened her vise-like grip, she nodded at the car. “That’s not your usual ride. No truck this time?”
Reese eyed the suitcase that had bested her so far, reassessing the situation for her next attempt. “Since I’m staying a whole week, it was more economical to go with the car. At least, that was my initial thought. Now I’m not so sure.” She didn’t want to ask for help, but she still needed a shower before their dinner reservation. “Think Colten can lend me a hand with this suitcase?”
“If he hasn’t come outside yet, it’s because Cami’s almost down for a nap. He wouldn’t interrupt that ritual unless the house was on fire.”
“No worries. I can figure it out,” Reese said, undeterred. “I just might have to unpack some of it first. That’ll do the trick, I’m sure of it.”
“About that.”
“Or I can get it after dinner. There’s no big rush.”
“I know I promised you a room,” Ronnie said, apology heavy in her eyes as she rubbed slow circles over her belly. “But Colten’s mom surprised us with a last-minute visit. She’s on her way from Denver right now. Going to stay a couple of weeks and help out with Cami. Since the other guest room is torn apart and being converted into a nursery . . .”
“I can get a hotel room,” Reese said with extra chipper in her tone. It wasn’t that the money was a problem, but she needed to upgrade her business wardrobe with one more suitable to a marketing director position. It wouldn’t be a cheap endeavor. “Let me give them a call—”
Ronnie swiped the cell from Reese’s palm before she could look up the number. “I’m not letting you stay at a hotel.”
