“Yeah, but most of that is kitchen stuff and more clothes, décor, and some holiday stuff I have to figure out what in the world I’m going to do with,” I grumble, my head starting to swim a little. I have way too much stuff for a woman who downsized her living space.
“How long do you have the rental truck for?” Cade asks.
“Well, I was being really ambitious and hoping to have it emptied by the end of the weekend so I’m not charged another week’s use. I knew all the rooms wouldn’t be ready to put everything away, but I grossly misjudged the amount of stuff I had versus the space. I guess we could stack all the kitchen stuff in the living room,” I state, hating that thought. I really wanted to have the living room set up and livable without having to trip over mountains of boxes, but I guess that’s just not feasible.
“I have an idea,” Cade states, glancing over to Collin. Even though he doesn’t say a word, I swear I see something like communication pass between them. Honestly, it’s a little freaky, because Collin responds with a nod. “Okay, so I have a small trailer I’ll bring over. What you don’t have room for upstairs can be stored there until you’re ready to sort and whatnot. Then you’re not under any pressure or timeline.”
“I can’t do that,” I insist.
“Why not?” Collin asks.
“Because…that’s…it’s…” I take a deep, calming breath. “I don’t know.”
Cade grins from ear to ear. “Exactly. Plus, it’ll save you a few bucks from having to rent the truck another week.”
“I can pay you,” I blurt out, needing to feel like I’m contributing something.
“Fine. You can buy me a beer.”
I roll my eyes. “That’s not enough.”
His smile starts slow and lights up his entire face. “You can make me the guest of honor during little black dress night.”
I bark out a laugh and shake my head. “You’re incorrigible.”
“That I am, Miss Lizzie. That I am.”
“Are you sure there is nothing else you need tonight?” Collin asks, his seriousness so very different than his brother’s playfulness.
Looking at the remaining boxes, I shake my head. “No, I think that’s all for tonight.”
Collin flips off a small lantern my brothers had used on Sunday, bathing the small space in darkness. Reaching up, he grabs the pull strap and starts to lower the door on the back of the truck. I don’t miss the way his T-shirt rides up, exposing the hard planes of his muscular stomach. Even in the darkness, only illuminated by a security light on the back of the building, I can see the light smattering of dark blond hair below his bellybutton. The happy trail, as it’s so often called, that leads straight to…
“You’re drooling,” Cade mumbles near my ear, causing me to startle.
His laughter fills the space, causing his twin to turn around. “What?”
“Nothing!” I blurt out, praying Cade keeps his damn mouth shut and doesn’t mention the fact he clearly just busted me perving on his brother.
“Nothing,” Cade singsongs, unable to contain his smile. “All right, I’m outta here. I’ll bring the trailer over later this week and can help you get everything transferred over if needed.”
“Thank you,” I reply, my throat a little thick with emotion. I had plenty of family and friends back in Stewart Grove, but to already have found some so quickly after moving here feels pretty amazing. These people don’t know me, but they’re willing to help me.
This is what I love about a small town.
“Later,” Cade hollers to Collin, holding out his fist for a bump. Then, he disappears around the buildings to head home.
Turning my attention to Collin, I realize we’re standing outside in the cool night air. I open my mouth, prepared to invite him inside—for what, I’m not sure—but before I can, he says, “I should head home.”
I nod, knowing he’s right. “I really do appreciate your help. And for running to my rescue when you thought I was in trouble.”
He cracks a smile and walks toward me. His gait is strong, his gaze piercing with each step he takes. Reaching up, he brushes hair off my forehead and whispers, “Good night, Lizzie.”
“Night,” I reply, my pulse pounding in my ears.
I remain where I stand near the back entrance, watching as he heads the same way his brother went. Just when he reaches the corner, he stops and turns back. “Get inside.”
I lift my chin and sass, “You’re not the boss of me!”
