In the truck, Greyson’s all business. But then he looks over at me and quietly says, “Gluten-free strikes again.”
I chuckle softly.
I wonder what he’d think if I told him I kissed Carli. Not that I’m going to tell him. I’m not.
Back at the station, I’m grabbing a drink from the fridge when my phone pings with a text notification.
I pull it from my pocket.
McKenna. My face lights up with a smile. It’s been good having her home. Not to mention the fact that when she’s around, Carli’s at the house more often. Increased time with Carli might be a problem, considering I should not be thinking about her as anything other than my sister’s best friend or my best friend’s little sister—let alone kissing her. But it’s a problem I’d rather have than not.
McKenna: Hey! I couldn’t wait. While you were on shift, I told the fam my news.
Cody: What news?
She’s already engaged. Is she moving?
McKenna: I’m getting married!
Cody: I know. Also, they know.
McKenna: LOL. No! I’m getting married here. At the ranch. Westley has a break in filming. It’s so short we can’t really do much, but he suggested we go ahead and have a simple ceremony at the ranch and I thought it was an awesome idea.
Cody:Don’t you think all his ideas are awesome?
McKenna: He’s awesome.
She’s so gone for this guy. I should have some sort of protective instinct that flares up, but he’s a good man. And he’s good for my sister.
Cody: Congratulations! Let me know what you need. I’m there.
McKenna: Darn straight you are. You’re going to be a groomsman.
I take a seat at the kitchen table, cracking the top on my protein drink.
Cody: And Carli will be your maid of honor?
I’m pushing it, asking about her.
McKenna: Of course. She’s been my bestie since we met.
Cody: Splashing in the stock tank when you were toddlers?
I chuckle to myself. That’s the oldest photo Mom has of Carli and McKenna—the two of them in a galvanized drinking trough in their little swimsuits and pigtails. It’s on the wall of the hallway leading to the bedrooms in the main house. One more reason I should keep my hands—and my lips—to myself where Carli’s concerned. Our families are woven together tighter than cloth in a braided rag rug. Everything we do will impact everyone.
My stomach sinks as the thought settles in. I’ll be the man who ruined lifelong friendships by crossing the line with the girl next door.
Leave it to me to fall for the one woman who’s intimately intertwined with my family.
“Anyone up for lunch at the bakery?” Dustin shouts into the kitchen where we’re all on our laptops or phones.
“I’m down,” Grey says.
“I could eat,” I say. “Why not?”
“Patrick?” Dustin asks.
“Sure. Let me text Daisy. Maybe she can get away and meet us there.”
