“Not just sisters. Cam is the same way.”
“I get it. Three younger siblings, remember?”
Unable to resist any longer, I lean forward and press my lips to hers. Lizzie’s mouth opens, her tongue darting out and colliding with my own. “How was your tour?” I murmur against her lips. “If we hurry back to your place, we have enough time for a massage before you have to head down to work.”
A burst of laughter seeps from her mouth as she smiles up at me. She slides her thumb over my lips, which are turned upward like her own. “I like seeing you smile so much.”
My heart is galloping in my chest. “I feel like I can finally smile when I’m around you.” The confession is deeper than itshould be, considering how new this whole thing is between us, but that doesn’t make it any less true.
“Come on,” she says, shifting to the side so she can open the passenger door. “I need to get ready for work.”
My eyebrows arch.
“After, big guy. Massages after.”
I’ve been sitting at the end of the bar, nursing a glass of Coke, for the better part of an hour. Watching her.
I need to head home, to finish laundry and pack for tomorrow morning.
But I can’t seem to get up off this barstool and leave.
That’s why I’m still sitting here when Cade comes strolling through the door. He throws a wave to some of the regulars at the other end and flashes a big grin at Lizzie while she mixes a rum and Coke before sliding onto the empty seat beside me. “I knew I’d find you here.”
“Excellent detective work, Sherlock,” I mutter, taking another sip of my Coke.
Just as I place it on the coaster, Cade reaches over and steals it, taking a drink. “Eww, there’s no liquor in this.”
“Some people act like respectful, responsible adults and don’t drink when they have to work the next day,” I state, even though I know that’s not my brother. He’s not a huge drinker, despite hanging out at this place off and on throughout the week. Frankly, he’s a social butterfly and comes up for the atmosphere and the fact he’s not at home, alone.
He scoffs at my comment. “Who are these people? Sounds boring,” he states as Lizzie walks up. “Hey, Lizzie Lou.”
“Hello, Cade. What can I getcha?”
“I’ll have what this party animal is having,” he says, flinging his thumb in my direction.
“Virgin Jack and Coke it is,” she replies with a grin before spinning around to retrieve the drink. As she’s scooping the ice into the glass, she asks, “No hot date tonight?”
“You know I’m a one-woman man, Lizzie,” my twin replies, waggling his eyebrows suggestively.
Lizzie snorts as she pours the Coke from the soda gun. “Whatever,” she sasses. “You couldn’t handle me.”
I keep my eyes forward, feeling my cheeks heat up in a blush. What the hell? I never blush. Of course, my brother notices right away and smacks me on the arm. “I don’t know about that, Lizzie Lou. Good thing my brother is the spittin’ image of me. We’re practically the same person.”
She chuckles and shakes her head. “You two may look alike, but you are as different as night and day.” Tapping the bar, she adds, “I’ll let you two catch up. Holler if you need anything.”
I watch her walk away, because I can’t seem to help myself.
Cade whistles. “Damn, you have it bad.” He takes a sip before adding, “Never thought I’d see the day.”
I know exactly what he’s talking about. “Me neither.”
After a beat, Cade asks, “Have you seen her?”
Keeping my eyes on the baseball game on TV, I confirm, “Here and there. Haven’t spoken.”
I don’t have to tell him how badly it hurt to see her. Living the life we were supposed to have. Together.
But looking back now, I don’t even really recognize that life or the person I shared it with. Hell, I don’t even recognize myself. A lot has changed since then, and it wasn’t until right now that I realize it’s changed for the better. I feel more settled, more content than ever before, and to be honest, I could not care less about looking over my shoulder or what people are saying about me.
