“I know you want me to feel like I fit in here, but I don’t think it’s necessary to force Rhett to spend time with me. Besides, Rhett and I have nothing in common. I don’t think we could spend a whole day together.” I still haven’t told her about the flood in the cottage. Telling her we are co-fostering a dog was plenty. I don’t want to hear how excited she’d be when she finds out I’mlivingwith Rhett.
“Come on! You guys have tons in common. I’m sure of it. Right, Jack?”
My dad glances up from his mug of coffee. “Oh yeah, tons.”
“Like what?”
“For starters, neither one of you grew up around here. He only came here four years ago. I’m sure Rhett can totally relate to you.” Mom turns to Dad again for help. “What else?”
“You’re both very hard workers,” Dad offers. “Rhett may not work in an office like you, but he works long hours, and his work can be very grueling.”
I nod, pursing my lips. I didn’t think they’d accept the challenge, and I don’t like where this is going.
“Oh, and?—"
“If I agree to hang out with Rhett for a day, will you stop trying to convince me he’s so great?”
“Absolutely! That’s a promise. Right, Jack?” Mom gives Dad a nudge in the side with her elbow.
Trying to hide a smile, he remarks, “I wouldn’t trust her as far as I could throw her, Ol. I say run. Run far away from here and save yourself. Your mom is never going to leave you alone about anything, ever.”
My mom’s mouth drops open, but she’s smiling as she swats his shoulder. “Jack!”
Watching the two of them tease one another makes my heart float. I miss this. It almost makes me angry with them for welcoming me back in with open arms after I’ve done so much to screw up their lives. I’m not worthy of their love.
“I’m only teasing, honey.” Dad wraps Mom in a hug.
She reciprocates but quickly turns back to me, as if she’s worried I’ll change my mind. “I’ll call Rhett right now.”
* * *
“I can’t believe you agreed to this,” I mutter as Rhett, Maverick, and I walk out to the truck.
“Why?” Rhett gives me a brief puzzled glance before opening the passenger side door and helping Maverick and me in.
“I know we are living together, but I still figured you wouldn’t jump on the opportunity to spend a whole day with me. The first time we were alone together, you yelled at me. The second time, I made you agree to co-owning a dog. Who knows what kind of trouble I could get you into next?”
His lips quirk the slightest bit, and he arches a brow. “See, I would be worried if I wasn’t in complete control right now.”
“What makes you think you’re the one in control?”
“For starters, you’re inmytown, andIget to plan the day. The ball’s in my court.” He shrugs casually before flipping the truck in reverse.
“Great, so we are going to spend all day chasing cattle on horseback? No offense, Rhett, but I don’t feel like smelling the way you do when you come home from work.” I plug my nose, earning me a frown, but I keep going. “Oh wait, you’re going to make me watch aFriendsmarathon, aren’t you? I’m sorry my mom forced you to hang out with me. I’ll do anything to make it up to you. Just please don’t make me watchFriends!”I grab his shoulder and lean into him, trying to emphasize the drama.
“Are you done?”
“I think I have one more in me.” I fluff my hair. “Pleasedon’t make me watchFriends! I can’t stand to watch that dreadful show!”
“Have you ever seen it?” he asks coolly.
“I’ve seen an episode or two. Ididgo to college.”
“An episode or two? That’s what’s wrong with you! Maybe wewillneed to cancel our plans today.”
I ignore the twitch of my heart at the thought of getting to lie in bed with Rhett watching TV all day.
“In all seriousness, what’s your plan for today? What kind of fun things could there possibly be to do around here?”
