Hope Falls: Sparks Fly (Kindle Worlds Novella) by Jennifer Miller (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sparks Fly – A Novella

By Jennifer Miller

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also by Jennifer Miller

 

 

 

Deadly Sins Series

 

 

Pretty Little Lies Series

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dedication

To Jake, because sparks always fly when I’m with you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

Title

Also by Jennifer Miller

Dedication

 

1. OH HENRY
2. THAT ASS THOUGH
3. BARBIE
4. LET’S EAT
5. BIG BROTHER FAIL
6. BUT FIRST, COFFEE
7. A NICE SURPRISE
8. TOLD YA, SUCKER!
9. MOVIES & MOVES
10. LET’S RIDE
11. SAY WHAT NOW?
12. C’EST LA VIE
13. NEW FRIENDS

 

Also by Jennifer Miller

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter One

 

Britt

 

 

 

 

Why I decided a road trip to Hope Falls would be a great idea when I hate driving long distances alone, I have no idea.  Road trips are supposed to involve more than one person.  Like, two girlfriends headed on an adventure, or new lovers being spontaneous and getting away for the weekend.  Instead, I’m a single girl with currently zero friends headed out of town to visit her brother.  And not because we have some great escapade planned, although he’s going to take some time off to spend with me, but because I needed to get away for a little while and since I haven’t seen him in far too long, he offered me a place to go that I could actually afford.  Free seemed like a good idea.  

Maybe I’m wrong, but I believe when people think of their hairdresser they probably picture someone that’s social and has a lot of friends.  Perhaps it’s due to all of the clients they interact with on a daily basis.  They’re kind of like bartenders in a way, people tell them their life stories, vomit their emotional garbage, all while the hair stylist carries on conversation the entire time while making people look beautiful.  Such is my life anyway.  But once they leave, I don’t speak to them again until they return and I certainly don’t share their stories.   And since I talk to people all day, every day, by the end of the day I’m just talked out and perhaps that’s why I suck so hard at making friends; I’m socialized out.  When the day is over, I just want to go home.  I’m ready for some quiet time to myself.  Maybe I just haven’t met the right friend yet and that’s the issue or part of it, I’m not sure.

I thought moving and living in LA would be super cool. I envisioned being in the hustle and bustle amid celebrities surrounded by and interacting with people all the time, but in truth, all I am is really lonely.  Sure, I encounter a lot of people; a lot of people caught up in their own lives.  And the crowds only seem to highlight my aloneness.  Celebrity sightings, shopping and being a foodie is no fun when you don’t have anyone to share it with.  I think that’s why I decided to use up some of the vacation time I had and that a road trip was in order because I want to go talk to someone that actually cares about me and what I have to say. 

Tired of my morose thoughts, I flip on the radio and sing along to a Graffiti song that’s playing on the radio.  I’m feeling itchy and jumpy.  I’ve been in the car for longer than anticipated, having gone through an area of road construction, and knowing I’m close to the town just outside of Hope Falls is making me impatient.  I just want to get there already.  The thought has barely left my mind when I become aware that something is not quite right.

It starts as a little jerk, then a louder, strange noise.  Before I know it, I’m cursing profanities because my car is spewing white smoke from the front and making a noise that sounds an awful lot like it’s dying. 

“No, no, no, no, no,” I plead.  “Come on baby boy.  Don’t be like all the other men in my life.  Your only job was getting me to my brother’s place.  That’s it.”  When it shudders hard and emits a hissing sound that sounds like a sigh, I curse. “Of course.  Just like any other guy after being ridden hard – you take a freaking nap.”

Having pulled over to the side of the road, I get out of the car and take a long look up and down the road before walking around my car in a circle.  I’ve only been out of the car two minutes and sweat is already starting to gather on my upper lip.  The road is deserted.  It feels like I’m in the middle of nowhere, but I know that the closest town is fifteen miles away.  With a sigh I get back into my car turn the ignition and watch the little indicator on the dash that’s telling me he’s getting hotter by the second.  Thankful my phone battery is full and I have a strong signal. I contemplate calling my brother for help, but then change my mind.  He’s a cop, and while I know he would send the cavalry in a second, I don’t want to bother him, nor do I want that to be the first impression this little sister gives anyone from his work.  His poor sister can’t even make it to his damn house without help.  I grimace at myself and criticize my thinking.  It’s likely that no one would even think that, let alone say it, but it’s my insecurity never the less and I’m not doing it.  Instead, I use my phone and quickly look up the closest mechanic and give them a call.

Tapping my foot impatiently while the phone rings, I reach forward and pop the hood of my car, rolling my eyes when another waive of white smoke billows out.  “Stupid asshole,” I curse at my car.

“Excuse me?” A deep voice questions on the other end.

“Oh, god, I’m sorry.  I was cursing at my car, not you.”  The deep voice chuckles on the other end and I smile.  “Which I’m sure you can figure out is why I’m calling.”

“Car trouble?” he asks and I can practically see his smile on the other end of the line through his tone.

“Yes.  In fact, I’m about fifteen miles outside of Hope Falls and I could use a tow.  My car just died and given the smoke he emitted, he’s not going to start again.”

“He?”

“Yep.  His name is Henry.  And right now, Henry and I aren’t on speaking terms, so if you could send someone out to tow and pick me up, I’d really appreciate it.”

“I can do that,” he promises and asks what road and mile marker I’m on.  I give him the information and he promises to be there as soon as possible before hanging up.

Full on sweating now, I take a drink from my hydro flask.  I never go anywhere without it.  I get out of the car again; it’s hot out, but not as hot as my car is going to be soon.  Looking down at myself, I contemplate if I should take my blouse off since I have a camisole on underneath or not.  When the wind blows in my face and it feels more like a blow dryer set on high heat than anything remotely refreshing, I don’t hesitate.  I pull my shirt over my head and look down at myself once more and shrug.  I’m showing a little more boob than I would normally, but I don’t care.  I don’t know the guy on the way, and other than hopefully fixing my car, I’ll never see him again.

Moving to the front of my car now, I pop the hood and put the stand in place propping it open.  Then I stand and stare, totally at a loss.  Perhaps I should have taken that car first aid course after all.  Shrugging, I pull my phone out of my pocket and look through social media for a while, then enter Henry’s symptoms to see if the internet provides any potential cause or cure.  After a few minutes of reading, I’ve concluded that maybe this could be nothing more than a fluid needing topped off.  Pocketing my phone again, I pop my trunk and take out the jug of water I keep there. Then, I get into my glove compartment and verify the location of both the radiator cap and wiper fluid in the manual, Back under the hood, I open the caps, careful not to burn myself by steam, and fill it with water before recapping the jug and trying to start my car once more.  Nothing happens.  I replace the jug of water, then lean back against my car and become thankful once more when I finally see a truck, that looks specifically like a tow truck, headed in my direction.

As it gets closer and I see Miracle Auto Service and Towing written on the side, I thank the stars.  I’m ready to get out of this heat and on my way.  I can feel the crabbiness entering my body bit by bit.  This heat is going to make me bitchy.              When Mr. Mechanic finally pulls up next to me and his window rolls down inch by inch, my brows rise.  Well, at least he’s a looker.  That will help this be a little less painful.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Two

 

Landon

 

 

Today must be my lucky day.  When I get a good look at the woman waiting with her car, I stare longer than is appropriate.  She’s wearing shorts that are so short they have to be illegal and a tank top that’s ridiculously tight.  It isn’t hiding any of her… uh…assets. 

“Hi there, ma’am,” I talk to her out the window I roll down and giver her a nod of my head.

She waves, “Hi.  Thank god you’re here.  It seemed like it took you forever; this damn heat is unbearable.  You wouldn’t happen to have any water would you?”

Reaching between the seats, I take a bottle of water out of the cooler I keep there then hop down from the truck and hand it to her.  “Here you go.”

She smiles gratefully and wastes no time unscrewing the cap and taking several gulps before she closes it and then runs the bottle over her chest.  She sighs deeply and drops her head back.  I can’t help but follow the path the lines of water make as they drip down her chest and disappear under the fabric. 

“Thanks for the water.  It’s so hot that when the wind blows, it feels like I stuck my head in the oven.  Or that someone has the hair dryer on high heat and is blowing it in my face.”

“This heat wave we’re having is a brutal one, thought they say it’s supposed to cool down a bit tomorrow,” I tell her before I finally jerk my eyes away to focus on her car.  “So, what seems to be the problem?”

“Hell if I know.  All I know about cars is how to drive them,” she looks sheepish by her confession and then grimaces.  “Guess that’s not something I’m supposed to say to a mechanic is it?”

“Why would you say that?” I ask her.

“My daddy always told me that you can’t trust two people in this world - lawyers and mechanics.  Seems you’re one of the two.”

“I’ll have to disagree with your father.”

“So, you’re saying you won’t milk me for all I’m worth?”  She pauses.  Is it my imagination or did she look me up and down when she said that?  “Now that you know that I don’t know anything about cars?”

“No.  Of course not,” I tell her as I determine that she’s not the only one this heat is getting to.  “That’s not how I run my business.”

“Your business?” she asks as she walks to her car.  Before I can respond, she distracts me by leaning over the hood of her car.  I clear my throat.

“Yep.  It’s my towing and car service business.”

She ignores this and tells me, “I checked to make sure the fluids were topped off and they’re fine.  I at least know how to do that much,” she says with a laugh.  I barely hear her.  When she leaned over, all I could see was the apple shape of her ass.  It makes me want to do wicked things to her bent over the car like that.   She turns and catches me staring.

“Somehow I don’t think looking at my ass is going to make my car run again,” she says saucily while crossing her arms over her chest.

Well, I guess I was able to hold onto my business persona for all of what…ten minutes?  “I don’t know, darlin’.  I’m thinking you could get an awful lot of things running with your ass in that position.”  Her mouth falls open in surprise, but is that humor I see flashing in her eyes at my smirk?  “Besides, no offense, but you’re the one that stuck it in the air like that,” I tell her honestly and she makes a noise I can’t define.

“Just check the car,” she tells me bossily and I almost laugh.  She’s the one that started it.

I approach the car and she moves out of the way so I can look under the hood.  “It may be as simple as the car battery, but I suggest we tow it to my shop because if that’s the problem, even if I jump you, it could break down again later.”

“Don’t you mean if you give my car battery a jump?”

“That too.”

She sighs, “I knew this wouldn’t be simple.  Fuck you, Henry!” She yells and gives her car the middle finger.  I almost laugh but somehow I’m afraid of what she might do to me if I dare so I keep my mouth shut and bite my lip.  Hard.  “Alright, let’s do this then.  I’ve got somewhere to be.” She walks to the back of her car and opens the door and pulls out her purse and a bag. 

“Here,” I tell her opening up the passenger door to my truck.  “Have a seat in the air conditioning while I get the car on the tow.”  She gets inside and I get a nice look at that ass again as she steps up into the big tow truck.  When she’s seated, I shut the door and move to the driver’s side and work to get the truck turned around and backed up into her car as close as possible.  After fifteen minutes or so, I’ve got ‘Henry’ loaded up and ready to go.  When I get back in the car, I’m sweating from the heat and exertion and I grab water from the cooler and take several gulps.  When I look at her, I see she’s staring at my bare chest.  I took my shirt off as I was walking back to the truck and used it as a rag to wipe off my sweat.  Her eyes take a moment to focus back on my face.  When she does, she clears her throat loudly.  “I think you’re right,” I tell her.  “A hair dryer is a good description.”  She nods and I put the truck in drive and get moving on our way back to my shop.  Why is it that while she thinks I’m the one that could take her for all she’s worth, I have a feeling that it’s going to be the other way around?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Three

 

Britt

 

 

He looks like a young Brad Pitt – from the Legends of the Fall stage, not Thelma & Louise.  But with shorter hair like in Fight Club.  Not that I’m a Brad Pitt fan.  Anymore.  Ugh.  Seriously, his stomach and chest is ripped.  How the hell does a mechanic look like that?  Aren’t they supposed to be kind of greasy and… I don’t know…pudgy?  Oh god, I’m being stereotypical – it’s just that I find him…disarming.  The faster I get my car in and out of there, the better.

“So, where are you coming from?” he asks me conversationally.

“Los Angeles,” I tell him shortly.  I’m sitting as close to the door as possible, which is stupid considering how big this cab is and that I was just blatantly flirting with him.  What the hell is wrong with me?

“What brings you to Hope Falls?”

“Family.”

“Are you going to be here long?”

“Just a few days,” which brings me to another thought.  “I hope that my car won’t take longer than that, or I’m screwed.  I have to get back to LA to work.”

“What do you do for a living?”

“I’m a hair stylist,” I tell him.  As the air conditioning blows a long lock of hair into his eyes I smirk, “When was your last hair cut?”

He grabs the back of his neck and shakes his head, “Too long.  I’m due.”

“Definitely,” I tell him smartly.

“Maybe you can take care of it.  I’ll take the cost out of your bill,” he says with a smile.

“Sorry,” I wiggle my fingers, “these hands are on vacation.”

“Aw, too bad, but probably for the best.  My mama always told me that you can’t trust hair stylists or writers.”

“She did not.”

“Yes she did.  Hair stylists can make you look funny.  And how can you trust writers when they can’t even spell?”

“Can’t spell?” He’s not making any sense.

“No.  Why do you think they have editors?  Plus, you have to be careful what you say around them.  One day you’re just living your life and the next you become the muse to their next story because your life or event inspires them.”

“Sounds like you know an awful lot about writing.  For a mechanic I mean,” I tell him my eyes tracking everything we drive past now that we’ve made our way into town.

“Yeah, my sister’s a writer,” he looks at me and smiles.  “I’m still mad at her for including some of my embarrassing learning experiences and life choices as jokes in her work.”

“I see,” I tell him then smile widely.  “And her name is?”

“Nice try.  I’m not telling you anything.  Her punishment is that I don’t tell anyone about her books.  She’s a pain in my ass.  Do you have any brothers or sisters?” he asks.

“Yes.  A brother.”

“Oh yeah?  Is he the family you’re here to visit?”

Before I can answer, we pull through a gate and up to a building with a four car garage bearing a large sign overhead that says, ‘Miracle Auto Service and Towing.’  He swings the truck to the side and when he gets out of the truck motions to another mechanic to come handle the car.

He opens the door for me and offers his hand to help me down.  “Thank you,” I say kindly as I take his warm hand in my own and step down.  After he pulls away I feel a tingle on the inside of my palm. 

“Follow me, I’ll show you to the waiting area.  You can have a seat while we check out your car and see what’s going on.  Okay?”

“Alright,” I follow him and when we swing through the door the cool air greets us.  I sigh at the feeling of it on my skin.

“There’s water, coffee, a soda and snack machine.  Help yourself.  I’ll be back shortly.”

“Thanks,” I tell him as he disappears.  Sitting down I look around the room.  There’s a coffee table in front of all the chairs bearing several car magazines and newspapers, and framed pictures of various cars.  A photograph draws my attention and I walk over and peer at it.  Smiling back at me is a younger Mr. Mechanic - and a woman that looks like his mother on one side given the resemblance and his father on another.  There’s also a young girl that must be the distrusting writer.  They all have their arms draped around each other’s backs and are smiling into the camera.  I can’t help but smile at the photo.  This place must be a family owned business and for some reason that makes me feel a little better about trusting Mr. Mechanic to not rip me off.

Sitting back in my chair, I lean my head back on the wall behind me and close my eyes.  I’m eager now to get to my brother’s place.  He’s close.  Once I hit this town, Hope Falls is just fifteen minutes away, the next town over.  Plus, I’m starving.  Closing my eyes, I picture the fun Brady and I will have together the next few days.  It’s been a while since I’ve seen him and I’m eager for some advice and companionship that my big brother provides.  I consider calling him and letting him know I’ll be late, but know he’d insist on coming to get me, so I refrain.

I’m startled when the door swings open interrupting my thoughts.  Opening my eyes, Mr. Mechanic stands there wiping his now greasy hands on a rag. I bet getting that out from underneath his fingernails is a bitch.  “Well I have some good news and some bad news, which would you like first?”

“I’ll go with the good news.”

“It’s not the battery, which I figured given the smoke you said…uh Henry…emitted, but I still checked it just in case.” he says.

“Well that’s good, right?”

“Yes, and here’s some more good news.  The problem is your radiator, it has a hole in it, which is easily replaceable.”

“Great,” I tell him.  “So… what’s the problem?”

“The bad news is that I don’t have a radiator for your car’s make and model.  The computer tells me that the dealership in the next town has one, but I’ll need to keep your car here at least through tomorrow to get it done.  Also, you’re looking at about eight hundred bucks for the part and labor to repair it.” 

“What?  Are you kidding me?” I ask in shock and surprise.  “My car is only five years old.  How is this a problem already? Seriously?  Eight hundred dollars?   This is because I told you I don’t know anything about cars isn’t it?  You’re totally running a racket here aren’t you?  I will report your ass to the Better Business Bureau, Mr. Mechanic!  I actually believed you wouldn’t scam me, especially when I saw the sweet picture you have posted in your lobby here.  I bet that’s why it’s here isn’t it?  Is this even you and your family?  You just want to make people think you’re a nice little mechanic until you ream them up the ass with the cost of doing business with you!”

“Whoa.  Are you done?” he asks me, arms across his chest and a look of surprise on his face. 

“I don’t know,” I tell him still catching my breath from my outburst.  I take a few more breaths, and swipe at the hair that’s fallen into my face.  “Alright, I’m done.”

He takes a print out from his hand and shows me where he’s printed out the bill estimate.  Most of the cost is due to the part, he’s hardly charging me much for labor at all.  Therefore, most of the fee is out of his hands and that totally makes me an ass.  Whatever, not like I’m going to admit that to him.  Instead I sigh dramatically, “How long until it’s done?”

“Two days tops.”

“Two days?” I whine.

“I have a few other cars ahead of you that have to take priority, but I’ll get to yours as soon as I can,” he says exasperated.

“Fine.  I guess I don’t really have a choice.” 

“Alright, I need some information from you first.”

“Okay,” I tell him.

“May I have your driver’s license?”

I fish it out of my wallet and hand it over, my mind reeling from the unexpected expense that’s going to make things a little tight.  I’ll be able to transfer money from my savings, but that’s going to drain it quite a bit.

I practically cleared out my account when I moved to L.A. and used most of my funds getting my new place and setting up my business.  Perhaps I’m going to need to look for a roommate after all.

“Your name is Brittney Larson?” he asks me, his brows high.

“Yep.”  He smirks, “Something funny about that?” I ask in annoyance.

He clears his throat, “No.  You just don’t look like a Brittney.”

He makes no sense.  “Seriously?  I have blonde hair, blue eyes, a great tan and a banging body.  Remind you of anyone?”

“I’m guessing most of the women in LA?” he asks and I roll my eyes.

“Whatever,” I tell him.

“Wait! I’ve got it,” he says.  “Is it Barbie?”

“Are we done now?” I ask. 

“I just need a phone number,” he says pen poised.  I rattle it off and he writes it down.  “Okay, I’ll call you when your car is ready.  In the mean time, did you need me to give you a ride somewhere?  You mentioned you have somewhere to be.”

“No, I’ve got the app on my phone for a car service.  I’ll use it.”

“Really, it’s not a problem.”

“I’ve already imposed on you for a rescue and a ride here, I’m good.”

“Alright,” he smiles.  “But if you change your mind… I’m available…for a ride.”

“You wish,” I throw over my shoulder and he laughs.  Turning away from him, I tap the information needed into my phone.  I suppose I can’t be mad given I started the flirting, and I’m not mad at him, not really.  I’m just pissed about my freaking car.  He’s left the waiting room, and ten minutes later, my ride shows up.  Grabbing my bag and purse, I get into the car and tell the driver where to go, never seeing Mr. Mechanic again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Four

 

Landon

 

 

Watching Brittney get into the car to leave I shake my head.  She’s something else.  From the moment I saw her waiting by her car I knew she would be.  Head held high, chin jutting, flirty smile and legs for days the girl is a looker.  And sassy and infuriating and annoying and many more adjectives I haven’t thought of yet.  Returning to work, she runs through my mind for the rest of the day.  When five o’clock comes, I’m more than ready to close up, anxious to get home and in the shower.  I have some paperwork to do tonight and I really want to eat something.  It was too busy to have much more than a granola bar and apple on the run today.  Not exactly enough. 

Taking over this business from my dad has been an unexpected journey.  Truth is, it wasn’t what I wanted at all.  Although since I can remember, it’s been expected that I would take over as soon as I could so my dad could retire and travel with my mom and the business could still thrive.  It does well, even given its small town location, it’s the only car place in town, the next one in Hope Falls, but sometimes I get business referred to me from there and I send it back as needed.  It’s a fine living, a good living even; I’m just not passionate about it.  However, I’m not sure what would make me feel differently.  At least…I haven’t figured it out yet.  If I do, I’m not sure it matters much anyway.  I don’t know if my dad would ever forgive me if I chose to sell it, so that’s never been more than a passing thought.

Saying good night to my employees, I close and lock all the garages, the office and then I take off.  I work in Spring Valley, but I live in Hope Falls.  It’s a great town I think to myself as I begin the drive down the main road of the town, aptly named Main Street.  I drive slowly as I pass the businesses that are the heart of the town.  Sue Ann’s Café is one of my favorite places to catch a bite.  When I pass Lone Pine Lanes I wonder when the last time is I enjoyed a simple game of bowling, and when I pass Hope Falls Twin Cinemas, I think it’s been far too long since I’ve gone to see a movie.  In fact, the only place I go frequently, even though I drive past here every single day, is Brewed Awakenings.  Vivien and Audrey know me on sight and immediately get my order to me without me having to tell them what it is.  The whole town is kind and a great place to live, I’ve just been thinking a lot about the chance of finding someone and being able to settle down.  I thought that was a possibility, until recently, and now I guess I’m just questioning everything.

Turning left when I reach the end of Main St., it’s only a few more miles to my apartment building.  Happy to be home, when I pull into the parking area, I’m already thinking about what I’m going to make myself for dinner.  I’m barely in the door when I hear talking and laughter.  I think about quietly making my way to my room, but know that a confrontation is inevitable, so I close the door loudly and wait for my roommate to yell for me.  I don’t have to wait long.

“Landon, come here!”

It’s a small apartment, so even if I walk slowly it won’t take me many steps to get to the kitchen where I can tell they are.  I hesitate in the doorway, take a deep breath and briefly wonder what smells so good, and then move down the hall.  When I turn the corner and stand in the threshold, I’m facing my roommate who’s sitting at the table.  He smiles at me and says, “Landon, hey, I’d like you to meet my sister.  Britt,” he says as she pushes back her chair and stands before turning to face me, “This is my roommate and best friend, Landon.”

Brittney, or Britt apparently, freezes when she sees me.  Her mouth drops so wide, it’s almost comical and she begins sputtering and looking from Brady to me, and back again.

“Mr. Mechanic?  Wh-wh-what are you doing here?” She asks me with a point of her finger.  “Are you stalking me?” Now it’s my mouth that falls open in surprise.  Is she serious?  He just told her who I am.  “You know him?” she asks her brother now.

Brady looks between us and raises his brows, “I guess the question is how do you two know each other?”

“We met today,” I tell him.  “When her car broke down and I had to tow her to my shop.  My last name is Miracle,” I add.

“Your car broke down?  Why didn’t you tell me that when you got here?” Brady asks Britt. 

“I was excited to see you, we got to talking and I just didn’t get to it.”

“What’s wrong with her car?” Brady asks no one in particular.

“The radiator.”

“Shit,” Brady says.

“Yeah.  Tough luck,” I agree.  “But an easy fix.”

“So wait, he lives here?” Britt asks.

“Does it normally take her a really long time to process things?  Is she mentally challenged?  And speaking of her, has she always been so overly argumentative or what?”

“Excuse me?” Britt asks indignantly.

Brady laughs, “Not normally, not that I know of and perhaps,” he replies answering all three questions.  “What did you do to her?”             

I hold up my hands in a gesture that says surrender, “I didn’t do anything to her.  I told her how much her car was going to cost to be fixed and she lost it.”

Brady’s brows furrow and Britt’s face flushes.  Realizing my mistake at spilling her business I feel uncomfortable.  “No worries, I can help you out if you need it,” Brady says to Britt.

She gives me a death glare that Brady can’t see since he’s still behind her before she turns to face him.  “No, it’s okay.  I’m fine.  It was just unexpected, that’s for sure.”

Finished with this conversation, I open the refrigerator and look inside, “I’m starving,” I say to no one – just a statement.

“Well you’re just in time.  Britt made her famous baked chicken and rice with some rolls.  Eat with us,” Brady says.

“I didn’t make enough for him too,” Britt says.

Brady laughs, “You made a huge dish!”

“Yeah, but I’m sure he won’t like it.”

Closing the refrigerator, I turn to look at them.  Brady is smiling and Britt…well she kind of looks like she wants to kill me, so of course I choose to smile and nod.  “Sounds great!”

“Fine,” she says with a sigh throwing up her arms in the air.  She moves past me, and as she slides past, I realize for the first time how small our kitchen is.  “Excuse me,” she says as she grabs oven mitts and needs me to move so she can open the oven. 

Glancing at the table, I see that it’s clear, so I grab plates, glasses, napkins and silverware and set the table while she gets out the food.  When she places the chicken and rice on the table, she smiles.  “Alright, help yourselves.  I’m not serving you too.”  She moves to grab the rolls next and Brady immediately begins scooping food onto his plate, which tells me it must be really good.  My stomach growls in anticipation.

“So, Britt,” Brady begins when she returns to the table and sits down.  “I have some good news and some bad news,” he says after he chews a mouthful of chicken and rice, “which do you want first?”

A laugh pops out before I can stop it, but Britt throws her hands up again, “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Five

 

Britt

 

 

What are the chances that the mechanic I used today would be my brother’s roommate?  It figures.  I mean really, why should I be surprised?  These are the kinds of things that happen in my life.  Not that seeing him again is a bad thing necessarily, I mean he is nice to look at - it’s just unexpected.  Maybe I’m just feeling embarrassed after my severe mood swings with him earlier. 

Brady waits for me to answer his question, and Landon just shoves food in his face.  His brows raise and he looks at me, mouth full, and gives me a thumbs up.  I barely keep myself from laughing.  Who knows when the last time is they’ve had a good home cooked meal, or if they ever do.  I know Brady sure as hell doesn’t know how to cook many things.

“What’s the bad news?” I ask automatically wanting the worst news first and then hope to be somewhat mollified by the good news.
“I have to work tomorrow,” he says mouth full of food.

I put down my fork, “Seriously?  Why?  You told me that you were going to take some time off when I was here.”

“I know, and I did.  It’s just that I put in my request for the time it was approved but then yesterday one of the guys had emergency surgery and there really isn’t anyone to cover his shifts.  I can’t leave them short staffed.  So I said I’d do it.  ”

“Is the crime that bad here in Hope Falls?” I ask sarcastically because I’m feeling irritated.

“That’s not the point and you know it.”

“I know, it’s just I don’t see you often.  I was looking forward to spending some time together. 

“I know and we will.  That’s the good news.  He wasn’t scheduled one of the days you’re here, so I won’t be tied up the whole time.”

“Great,” I mumble.  I know I should be grateful and really any time we get at all is worth it, it’s just not what I was expecting.

“I could hang out with you tomorrow,” Landon says catching me completely off guard.

“Excuse me?” I ask looking his way and see he’s returning my stare.

He leans closer to my face and repeats slowly, “I said, I can hang out with you tomorrow.”  He’s an ass, and I kind of like it.  He’s amusing.

“You?” I ask with a disgusted tone.

“Sure.  I’d be happy to hang out and show you the town.  I was just thinking on my way home that it’s been a while since I’ve actually gone out and enjoyed some leisure time doing some things I enjoy.”

“Don’t you have cars to work on tomorrow?  In particular my car?”

“Well I have employees, a couple of which you saw, that help with those things.  So, I’m all yours tomorrow.  I could use a day of fun.”

“You sure you don’t mind taking care of my little sis?” Brady asks.

“I don’t need taken care of,” I intercede not caring for Brady’s words which only makes him laugh.

“Just warning you, she can be a handful,” he adds and I give him a look that could kill.

Landon laughs, “I can handle her, don’t worry.  Question is, can she handle me?”

Looking at Landon, there’s laughter in the lines around his mouth, and when he’s amused I notice his eyes crinkle in the corners.  He’s being playful, and I glance at Brady who seems oblivious.  Rolling my eyes I tell him, “Bring it on.” 

Landon laughs and immediately stands after taking his last bite of dinner.  “Alright then, I have some business to work on tonight and a couple calls to make for activities I have in mind tomorrow.”  He brings his plate to the sink, rinses the dish and places it in the dishwasher.  I admit it; I’m impressed.

When he leaves the room I stare down Brady until he looks at me in confusion, “What?”

“Pawning me off on your roommate so you don’t feel guilty?  Seriously?  I could have spent the day by myself, it’s fine,” although just saying that makes me feel bad.  I didn’t come here to spend more time by myself.  I came here to spend time with my brother.

“Well I didn’t want you to spend time alone,” he says as if reading my mind, “plus Landon is a good guy.  I know you’ll be in good hands.”

It’s his hands that I’m worried about, but of course I don’t say that.  My brother and I clean the kitchen together and then spend some time catching up.  He tells me some stories about crazy arrests he’s made and I tell him about dye jobs gone wrong and the latest celebrities I’ve seen in L.A.  We talk about our parents, retired and still living in Colorado while we laugh about how much they hate that we moved away but we know they are secretly loving retirement and being able to come and see us whenever they’d like.

The time goes quickly and before I know it I’ve slept restfully on the pull out sofa in the living room of their small apartment and am ready to go the next morning when Landon walks out into the kitchen ready as well.  It’s going to be a warm day but he’s sporting jeans and a t-shirt while I’ve got a sundress on. When he sees me he stops, “Did you bring jeans and sneakers by chance?”

“Yes, but-”

“Can you change and then bring along your dress in case you want to change later?  Or we can always come back to change – whatever we feel like.”

“Okay,” I say slowly.  “Why? What will we be doing?”

“You’ll see,” he smiles.

I nod and take some things from my suitcase and go to the bathroom to change.  Brady already left for work with a quick wave and a kiss on my cheek earlier.  As I change I feel apprehensive about what I’m getting into today, but do my best to shake it off.  I’m here to relax, have a good time, and to be social for god sakes.  I need it.  So, I promise myself to let go, and have fun. 

Walking out of the bathroom, I turn to Landon.  “Okay,” I gesture my jeans, sneakers and blue shirt I’m sporting, “this work?”

“Yep.  That’ll do,” he says with a large smile.

“Then let’s go,” I tell him.

“Do you like coffee?” he asks.

“Do I ever,” I nod and he laughs at the look he sees on my face.

“Alright, first stop is Brewed Awakenings.  Let’s go!”

With a smile, he walks to the door, opens it and gestures for me to proceed .  Taking a deep breath, I return his smile and walk out of the apartment to start our day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Six

 

Landon

 

 

No one should look that good in simple jeans and a t-shirt, but she wears them well.  I keep having to make myself look away from her, to act natural and seem uninterested, but I’d like nothing more than to kick it up a notch and charm her.  I know it’s smarter to follow her lead.  The last thing I want is to overstep, have her get upset and complain to Brady.  That would suck.

Pulling up to Brewed Awakenings, I park and we walk inside.  Britt smiles behind the two women behind the counter when we walk into the place. 

“Hi Vivien and Audrey,” I greet the sisters that run the place.

“Hey there, Landon.  Do you want your regular today?”

“You know it,” I tell Vivien. 

“And what about you, doll?” Audrey asks Britt kindly.

“I’ll take a medium café mocha, please.  No whip cream.”

“You got it.”

We aren’t waiting long before they hand us our drinks.  Curiously, both of them look between the two of us and I know they are wondering who Britt is.  Clearing my throat I announce, “This is Britt Larson, Brady’s sister.  She’s here visiting.”

“Nice to meet you,” they both say kindly, and I pay for our coffees.

“Enjoy your visit, now,” Audrey says with a smile as we take our coffees and leave.  “See you soon,” Vivien says to me and I smile and nod.

“Thanks for the coffee,” Britt says as soon as we’re outside again.  “You come here often, huh?”

“Yeah, every morning usually,” I admit. 

“What’s the regular?” she asks gesturing to my coffee.

“Oh, nothing special.  A regular coffee with a splash of cream, sugar and a shot of espresso.”

“Ah,” she says taking a sip of her own drink. “Mm, good,” she says and I watch intently as she licks her lips.  She notices and looks away but not before I see her lips curve into a smile.  Maybe today will be more fun than I was hoping. 

When we get back into my truck, we begin the quick drive to our destination.  I called a friend of mine that owes me a favor.  I worked on his car a while back and gave him a good deal.  He said whenever I wanted to use their place to give them a call, they’d give me a deal.  So I did.  I hope she won’t mind what I’ve got planned.  I just figured it would be something different.

“You didn’t have to spend time with me today because you felt sorry for me.  I would have been fine on my own.  It sucks Brady has to work, but it is what it is,” she shrugs.

At a stoplight I look at her and wait for her eyes to connect with mine, “I’m not spending time with you because I feel sorry for you.  I’m spending time with you because I want to.  I meant what I said, I haven’t taken time for myself in a long time.  And I rather enjoy the fact that I’ll be spending today with company, so I should be thanking you.  Okay?”

She holds my stare for a moment as if she’s waiting for something to tell her that I’m not being truthful, but I wait it out and she nods and simply says, “Okay.”

When we arrive to our destination, she reads the sign as we pull in, “Mountain Ridge Outdoor Adventures?”

“Yep,” I respond but offer nothing else.

“What will we be doing here?”

“You’ll see.” 

Once we park, I remove a backpack from the backseat and sling it over my shoulder before we walk into the main office.  I smile immediately when I see my friend, Justin Barnes, behind the counter.  “Justin, hi,” I shake his hand and he smiles widely.

“Good to see you, Landon.  How’s the car fixin’ business going?”

“It’s been good.  Busy.  That’s why I’m enjoying a much needed day off.”

“I have to admit I didn’t think you’d ever take me up on my offer,” he says with a laugh.  A door behind the counter swings open and Amanda, Justin’s significant other joins us.

“Landon, hi.  Good to see you,” she says kindly.

“Thanks, Amanda.  You too.  Let me introduce you both to Brady Larson’s sister, Britt.  She’s in town visiting him, but he has to work today so I stepped in.  Although the benefit is mine because I get the pleasure of her company.”

I laugh when she rolls her eyes, “He’s just being kind.  Hi, it’s nice to meet you both,” Britt says kindly.

“You as well.  Amanda is going to take you two out to the barn, we’ve got everything ready to go for you,” Justin says kindly.

“Great.  We’re ready,” I say and follow Amanda out of the building. 

“To the barn?” Britt whispers to me, eyes wide with a mixture of uncertainty and curiosity.  “Are we going to milk cows or slop hogs?”  I just laugh, and follow Amanda knowing as soon as we step inside, it’s going to be very obvious what we’re doing.

“You ready?” I ask her before we walk inside.

“How can I even answer that question honestly?” she says with a laugh.

“Good point,” I respond and walk inside, knowing she’ll follow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Seven

 

Britt

 

 

When we step inside the barn, tied to a post and clearly waiting for us are two beautiful Quarter Horses.  One is chestnut, the other black, and they stand tall and majestic.  “They’re gorgeous,” I breathe taking in their stature and beauty.  The chestnut horse bobs its head as if it’s agreeing with my sentiment.

“Thank you,” Amanda says with a smile as she strokes the nose of the black horse.  “This is Disco, and the other is Hip Hop.”  When I laugh she rolls her eyes and says, “Justin thinks he’s funny.”

Approaching Disco, I stoke her nose as well and look at Landon excitedly, “We’re going to ride?”

“We sure are,” he says and shows me the pack attached to Hip Hop, “and we’ll have a picnic too.”

“Sounds wonderful.  It’s been a while since I’ve ridden.”

“You’ve ridden before?” he inquires but answers his own question with a nod and says, “That’s good.”

“Yes, I love it.”

“Good,” he says.  “Normally we would have a guide, but Justin and Amanda are letting us follow the trail on our own. Only stipulation is that we need to be back in a few hours.  Sound good?”

“That sounds great.  Thank you so much,” I tell Amanda unable to take my eyes from Disco. 

“You’re welcome.  Landon knows the path and how to reach us if there’s a problem, he’s done this plenty of times.”

“It’s true.  It’s just been a while.”

“Have a great ride, and I’ll see you when you return,” Amanda says and with a smile, she leaves.

“I’m surprised she’s letting us take them on our own.”

“I’ve known Justin and Amanda for a long time.  Plus, it doesn’t hurt to be best friends with a local cop,” he smiles widely.  “Alright, enough chit chat, let’s get going.  You need help getting up?”

“No!” I state indignantly and after I unclasped Disco’s lead and grasped the reins from the post, I move to her side, pat her and murmur, “Alright girl, I’m going to get on up, okay?”  I lift my foot high and place it in the stirrup, hold onto the saddle horn and lift.  And come right back down on my foot.  “Well crap,” I say.  I hear Landon’s chuckle.  “Alright, I may need some help getting up,” I admit reluctantly. I grab the saddle horn again and lift, but this time, I feel a hand on my butt that keeps me steady while I swing my other leg over the saddle.  When I’m seated, I turn to Landon and lift my brows, “Thanks.”  He’s sporting a wide smile.

“My pleasure,” he says.

“Yeah, you’re welcome,” I say saucily.

He laughs and moves to Hip Hop and I admire the way he swings himself neatly into the saddle.  Taking Hip Hop’s reins, he turns to me, “Alright, let’s go!”

He starts us off on a walk out of the barn, through the farm area and toward the wooded area.  There are signs posted telling us exactly where the entrance is.  As we pass through the entrance it’s as if we enter a new world.  Lush, green, trees and foliage surround us and the view is breathtaking.  Our horses follow each other along the narrow trail easily and it’s apparent they’ve walked this trail many times.  Conversation is difficult since we aren’t side by side, so I use the time to enjoy the sun on my skin and the smell of nature in my nose.  I’m wearing a big smile, and I can’t help but pat Disco from time to time telling her what a good girl she is.

We walk for an hour before we enter a large clearing.  There are trees all around the clearing encircling us, and flowers blooming throughout.  A post and large trough of water is here as well, and when Landon walks his horse up to it, I follow.  We dismount and tie the horses in place and watch for a moment while they begin to drink.  Landon gets in his pack and pulls some things out.  “Come on,” he says and I make my way to him very aware of how funny I’m walking.

“I have to look ridiculous,” I tell him knowing full well I’m waddling a bit.

“I wasn’t going to say a word.”

“Such a gentleman.”

I’m surprised when Landon unfolds a blanket and lays it on the ground and from his backpack removes a small cooler.  Inside he pulls out crackers, cheese, a fruit spread, grapes, nuts, and some bottles of water. 

“Wow,” I tell him checking out the spread.  He’s even got small plates and napkins and a small knife to spread the Brie and fruit spread onto our cracker. “You thought of everything.”

“I tried,” he says.

“I’ll admit it, I’m impressed.  How do you not have a girlfriend?  I mean, I guess I’m assuming you don’t… because you’re spending time with me… but I guess I don’t really know…” I’m rambling.  Like an idiot. 

“Why?  You interested?”

“Ha. Ha.”

He laughs, “I don’t have a girlfriend, and you’re right.  It’s a shocker, cuz I’m a catch.”

I laugh again and it feels good.  We eat the breakfast he’s packed for us and for a while are quiet, just enjoying our surroundings and the peace that comes with it.

“So, why don’t you have a girlfriend, Landon Miracle?” I ask nosily.

“I did, but since we broke up I’ve decided to enjoy the single life for a bit.”

“Ah, gotcha.”

“And you?  Are you single Brittney Larson?” he copies me and uses my first and last name.

“Oh you know… it depends on the day of the week.  I too am a hot commodity,” he smiles and I do too.  “Really, I date around from time to time but nothing serious,” I shrug.  “Haven’t found anyone worth being serious with.”

He nods and asks, “Do you like being a hair stylist?”

“I do,” I admit.  “Although I know it’s not what my parents preferred me to do with my life.”

“What do you mean?”

“I was in college for a little while.  I wanted to be a marine biologist.”

“Wow, that’s a big difference from a hair stylist.”

“That it is.  I enjoyed science and figured majoring in science in college would be no big deal.  Once I started though, I realized my heart wasn’t in it at all.  I wasn’t passionate about it, it didn’t make me feel good about myself.  I’ve always enjoyed hair, makeup, nails and that kind of thing which I know is as completely opposite a direction as one can go.  I dropped out of college and went to beauty school.  I love it, I really do.”

“What do you love about it?”

“I love the fact that I make other women feel beautiful.  A lot of times women come in and confess that they don’t love the way they look.  Sometimes it’s because they have the wrong cut for their face shape, or just need a boost to their self-confidence.  They put their trust in my hands, and the look on their faces when they see themselves in the mirror for the first time…that’s my passion.  That’s what I love.”

“You love helping people feel good about themselves.”

I shrug, “Yeah, I do.”

“Why do you think your parents wouldn’t be proud of that?”

“Because their disappointment in my dropping out has outweighed their happiness in my success thus far.  A child knows when their parent is disappointed in them or wishes something better for them, you know?”

“I do,” Landon says softly.

“So I hide behind Brady.  I let him be the superstar.  He soaks it up,” I laugh but it sounds hollow.  I’ve never really spoken these thoughts aloud before and I’m not really sure why I am now.

“Well…you do have really great hair,” Landon says making me laugh.  “And you are a really great cook if last night’s dinner was any indication.”

“Why thank you,” I tell him and pop a grape in my mouth.   He smiles at me and I find that it makes me tremble somewhere deep inside.  His brown hair with natural golden highlights shines in the sun, his lashes are making shadows on his cheeks, the freckles across his nose and cheeks are boyishly charming and his hazel eyes with flecks of brown and gold sparkle.  He’s incredibly attractive, and my eyes keep bouncing from his face to his strong arms and tight chest under his shirt.  Feeling myself grow warm, I clear my throat.  “And what about you?  Is fixing cars your passion?”

He’s quiet for a moment and looks down at his plate.  When he looks back up at me he surprises me by shaking his head and telling me, “No.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Eight

 

Landon

 

 

“No?” she repeats and I shake my head.

“My dad owned the business before I took over, his father before him.  I’m the only son – it’s my sister and I.  It’s always been assumed that I would take over, and even though it wasn’t what I really wanted, I never said a word to anyone.”

“Not anyone?”

“Nope.  What would it serve?  All it would have done is disappoint my dad, upset my mother… I just did what was expected.  Got my business degree in college, then took over the business.  My dad stops in now and again, but mostly it’s just me and my crew.”

“What would you do with your life if you could choose anything?”

“Anything?”

“Yes, anything,” she smiles as she looks at me.

“You know, I have to be honest and tell you that I don’t know.  I’ve never really allowed myself to think about it except for rare moments.”

“Do you have a good relationship with your father?”

“I do, yes.  I mean, I guess I did kind of give them hell when I was in high school, but that was long ago.” 

“Gave them hell, how?”

“Oh, sneaking out, going cow tipping with friends, getting in trouble, drinking at parties, that kind of thing.”

“Cow tipping?” she asks curiously.

“You don’t know what that is?” I ask her laughing at the look on her face.

“Oh, no, I do.  I just didn’t think people actually did it.  Or certainly not in the last half century.”

I laugh and she smiles, and I find that I like the sight.  She looks beautiful.  The field at her back creates a pretty backdrop with the sun shining in her blonde hair, her eyes alight with mirth, her smile lights up her whole face and her laugh makes my heart pound faster.  “Oh people do it alright, and I did it plenty.”

“The poor cows,” she says and her bottom lip sticks out in a pout.

“Yeah it is kind of mean,” I agree with a laugh.

“Kind of?”

“Okay, really mean.  Sorry.”

“I just don’t think that’s good enough.  I mean, who wants to be friends with an animal abuser?”

I open my mouth then close it, then when she laughs, I laugh too relieved that she’s kidding.  “From this day forward any time I see a cow I shall personally apologize to it and the whole cow race for the disrespect I showed them all.”

She puts her finger on her chin like she’s thinking, “Hmm, well, I think that sounds good enough I suppose,” she agrees.

“Thank goodness.”  I begin packing up our trash and the food containers into my backpack once more.  “Ready?” I ask her.

“Ready,” she says and stands, and then helps me fold the blanket.  We get back on our horses and head back the way we came.  This time, she goes first, knowing that as long as she leads her horse to the path that it will know the rest of the way.  I must confess, I don’t mind the view.  Her hair bounces with each move the horse makes, her body doing a slow rock forward and back on her saddle.  When the horse trots her ass hits the saddle in a rhythm that makes my insides tighten and…other parts stiffen as well.

I need to stop these thoughts in their tracks.  Forget the fact that she doesn’t even live here, she’s also my best friend and roommate’s sister.  If there was ever a ‘Do Not Enter’ sign on anyone, it’s on her, that’s for damn sure.  Brady would probably kill me.  The only reason he let her come out with me today is because he trusts me, and I don’t want to betray that. 

When we reach the barn once again, a groomer is there and helps Britt get off of her horse.  When I get down as well he takes them away to remove their saddles and brush them down.  “Bye, Disco,” I hear Britt murmur to her horse as she gives it a rub and then watches her walk away.  Damn she’s adorable. 

“Ready?” I ask her.

“Okay,” she shrugs.

“Anything else you want to do today?  They also have zip lining, hiking, and kayaking if you’re interested.”

“I think I would prefer to do something else.  I love outdoor sports, but I’m already feeling kind of sweaty and sticky from horseback riding.”

“It is pretty warm today,” I agree.

“Yes, but it’s beautiful.”

“Yes it is,” I agree not talking about the weather at all.

Once we thank Amanda and Justin for the ride, Britt and I begin our way back to the apartment so we can change, but when we are on Main Street again, she surprises me when she exclaims, “Lone Pine Lanes?  I haven’t bowled since… I don’t even know when.  Maybe when I was in high school!  Want to go bowling?  Do they have pizza and beer too?  That would be awesome!”

“They do,” I tell her with a laugh.

“Perfect, let’s go.  It’s on me!  I mean…assuming you want to, but if not please tell me what better offer you’ve got, because bowling, pizza and beer should win every time.”

“No doubt,” I laugh and wonder where the hell this girl has been all my life.  “Sounds great.  I was just thinking the same thing the other day – that I haven’t been bowling in a long time.”

“Perfect.  Time to change that.”

I do a u-turn and make my way through the parking lot to find a spot.  Thoughts of changing clothes after our ride forgotten, we walk into the bowling alley and find that we practically have the place to ourselves.  Britt races ahead and buys us a game before I can beat her to it.  She obtains my shoe size by asking over her shoulder.  While she carries the shoes away from the counter and walks toward the assigned lane, I head to the bar area and order a couple beers on tap and a pizza.

Finished, I see that Britt is looking for a bowling ball, trying one and then another.  I place our drinks down, and then change my shoes before going to find my own ball.  “Well,” I begin as I set my ball down and then turn to the table to pick up my beer, “I’ve got some good news and bad news for you.”

I almost choke on the sip of beer I’m taking when she whips around immediately frowning at me placing her hands on her hips.  “Seriously?  Again?”

“You’re kinda cute when you’re pissed,” I tell her surprised I said that out loud.

She rolls her eyes, “That’s because this isn’t really pissed, this is irritated.  Spit it out.”

“Well, the good news is, I ordered us a pizza and got you a beer,” I tell her pointing at it and then watch as she takes a drink. 

“And the bad news?”

“The bad news is that I’m going to kick your ass,” I tell her gesturing to the bowling lanes.

“We’ll see about that,” she tells me then says, “You’re up first, Mr. Mechanic.”  I smirk when I see that’s how she typed my name into the computer.  When I see her name is entered as ‘Barbie,’ I laugh out loud.   

“Well Barbie, aren’t you kind!  Letting the gentleman bowl first?”

“Who says you’re a gentleman?  I just want a chance to check out my competition.”

“Ah,” I nod, “then watch closely.”

Grabbing my ball, I approach the line at the beginning of the lane, swing my arm back when I’m a few steps away from it, and let it roll.  I made sure to aim for my target the whole time, the center pin.  I hear a giggle behind me, which I ignore because I’m busy watching my ball.  Six pins get knocked down.  I turn to her, “Don’t worry, I’ll get the rest.”

She’s smirking, “Uh huh, ” she says defiantly.

I take another sip of my beer, and when my ball is returned I take another turn ready to claim my spare but watch as my ball goes into the gutter.  I return to my seat to a Britt that is smiling so wide her mouth looks like it’s going to split her face wide open at the corners of her mouth.

“I’ve uh, seen better,” she tells me and I force myself not to smile and cross my arms over my chest instead.

“Let’s see what you’ve got then,” I tell her and I’m not ashamed to admit I watch her ass the whole time.  It isn’t until she turns back around jumping up in the air yelling, “Told ya, sucker!” that I realize she just got a strike.  When I do, my mouth falls open in surprise.

“Seriously?”

“Beat that!” she yells at me and points.

“Wow, I’m seeing a whole different side of you.”

“Stop trying to stall.  Go on, I want to see you’re epic fail again.”

And fail I do.  I continue to completely suck each and every time.  I fail to get any strikes and manage only one spare.   The game goes quickly and when our pizza finally arrives, Britt eats hungrily before nearly skipping back to the counter to pay for another game, declaring ‘losers deserve another chance’. 

She wins the second game too, and I thoroughly enjoy myself.  When we’re walking to my truck after we’re finished, I look at her and smile wickedly.

“What?” she asks warily.

“Oh nothing, it’s just that I have good news and bad news again.”

“I find that this is getting old,” she says with irritation and a sigh, but the corner of her lips betrays her.  There’s a start of a smile there.

“The good news is that was the most fun I’ve had in a while.  Thank you for that.”

She looks at me out of the corner of her eye, “You’re welcome…and?”

“And… the bad news is… I totally let you win!”

She gasps, “You did not!” and we argue the whole way back to the apartment on whether or not that’s true.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Nine

 

Britt

 

 

The day today was a lot of fun; it’s true.  I wasn’t sure what to expect, but Landon really showed me a good time.  When we get back into the apartment we separate, each eager to shower and change.

While I wait for my turn in the shower, after telling Landon he should go first, I pull out my phone to see that Brady has left me a message.  Listening to it, I hear, “Hi, Britt, it’s me.  I’m so sorry, but I don’t know when I’m going to be home.  There was an accident outside of town that’s a fatality and I need to be there to help clear the scene and redirect traffic.  I’m so sorry,” he says again.  “My guess is it’s going to be a late night.  I’ll see you in the morning.  Love you.”

Sighing, I admit to feeling a little irritation at his unintentional abandonment.  I really want to spend time with him, but I had a good day today, a fun day, and perhaps relaxing and watching some TV or a movie would be the perfect ending to this day.  I’m happy that Brady went to the grocery store before I got here and bought some ingredients for things he likes that I enjoying cooking. Not wanting to spend lots of time in the kitchen, I assemble ingredients to make spaghetti and my homemade sauce for dinner.  Letting the sauce simmer on the stove for a while will make it taste great. 

I’m deep into the process when Landon comes into the kitchen.  I can smell the soap on his clean skin before I even see him and I shamelessly take a deep breath.  He smells of man and musk.  “I hope you like spaghetti, because it’s what I’m making for dinner.”

“I love it, but you didn’t have to cook.”

“I really enjoy it, I don’t mind.”  I watch him out of the corner of my eye as he goes to the refrigerator and removes a bottle of water.  He drinks deeply; his throat moving with each swallow.  Clearing my throat, I look away, “Brady called and left me a message when we were bowling…”

“Yeah, I checked my messages and I got one from him too.  Sounds like he’s going to have a late night.”

“It does,” I tell him.  “That’s okay.  I know he can’t help it and I don’t mind just chilling anyway.”

“We have a ton of movies, we can pick one out and watch it together.”

“Hmm, I don’t know…what kind of movies do you like?” I ask turning around to face him once I’ve finished with the sauce and place the lid on the pot.

“Horror.  Only horror movies.”

“Great!  Those are my favorites too,” I lie.

His mouth falls open, “I was only kidding.  I don’t really like horror movies, but I figured you would have to hate them?”

“Why?  Because I’m a girl?”

“Well…yeah.”

I laugh at the sheepish look on his face, “I was lying.  I hate them.  But I like most anything else.  Sci-fi, action, drama, comedy, rom-com, whatever.  Pick something out.  I’m going to go get in the shower really quick.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he says with a smile.

Fifteen minutes later I’m back in the living room having showered, changed and brushed my hair.  I yanked it up into a high bun not feeling like drying it.  “Wow,” Landon says when I reappear.

“What?”

“I don’t think I’ve ever known a woman to get ready - showered and changed that quickly before.”

“Well I’m not really ready, I didn’t do my hair or makeup.”

“I didn’t even notice,” he says and his comment makes something in my stomach flutter. He’s sitting on the couch, sprawled out in that way men do.  His arm is along the back of the couch, his legs wide open in front of him.  He looks comfortable and sexy as hell at the same time.  I want to go sit in the crook of his arm, more than anything, but instead, I turn and go into the kitchen taking down a wine glass and taking my favorite bottle of those available in the fridge. 

“Would you like a glass of wine?” I ask.

“Sure,” he says.

I pour us both a glass, return to the living room and hand his glass to him, then sit on the other end of the couch with my knees pulled up to my torso.  He watches me and I think he may say something, but instead he turns the movie on.  It’s a newer comedy that hasn’t been out on DVD long, one I haven’t seen yet.  We laugh hard at some parts and when our glasses of wine are empty, I refill them at some point bringing in the whole bottle.  I leave once and start boiling the water for the noodles and get them finished so when we’re ready, we can prepare a plate of food. 

Before I know it, the movie is over, the wine bottle is empty and I’m feeling a little drunk realizing I drank most of the bottle myself.  I hold it up and look at Landon and say, “Oops,” and laugh.

He smiles, “You hogged the whole thing,” he accuses.

“Yeah, I guess I did,” I admit.  “Hungry now?  The sauce should be done.”

“Sure,” he says. 

I stand from the couch and when I do, I feel a little dizzy and stumble slightly, Landon is there clutching my elbow and I giggle.  “Sorry, I’m kind of a light weight when it comes to drinking.  It’s been a while.”

“It’s okay.  Why don’t you sit down and I’ll get us each a plate, okay?”

“Okay, sounds good.”

I sit at the table and watch him as he gets plates out of the cupboard, forks and knives out of the drawer.  He fills our plates, sets them down and gets us napkins too.  I unabashedly watch each move he makes, enjoying the way his muscles move under his tight shirt, the way his ass looks in his loose sweats.  I wonder if he’s wearing boxers or briefs, and I also admit to myself that I’d like another look at the body he’s sporting under his clothes. 

When he sits, we begin eating and after he takes a bite, his eyes roll back in his head and he moans, “Wow, Britt.  This is so good.”  I can’t respond.  I’m wondering if he sounds like that when he’s having sex.  “Britt?”

“Uh, yeah?” I ask shaken out of my thoughts.

“I said, this is so good – thank you for making it.”

“You’re welcome.  We have to make sure we save some for Brady or he’ll kick our asses,” I tell him.

“No promises,” he winks and it makes me feel warm…all over.  I should not have drunk that much, it’s seriously wreaking havoc on my brain and body.

When we finish our dinner, chatting about mundane things throughout, he takes both of our plates and cleans up.  It happens when I stand to bring my wine glass to the sink.  I turn, and he’s right behind me, his hands go on my shoulders and his face leans toward mine.  I watch its descent and feel my head raise in anticipation.  I think his lips are going to meet mine, but they don’t.  Instead, they land on my cheek.  He presses them there and they make my cheek feel hot, like it’s on fire from his touch.  When he pulls away, I swear time slows down, his skin sliding against my own, the smell of him invading my nose.  He’s close when he says, “Thank you for today.  I had a really great time.”

We stare at each other for a beat, and then another.  I don’t know who moves first, him, or me.  But before I can think twice, my lips are on his, his tongue is in my mouth, I’m moaning, and he’s lifting me onto the counter.  I open my legs inviting his body closer, and he steps into the space and kisses me harder, faster.  His hands find their way up the back of my shirt, while mine do the same to the front of his.  Oh yes, god yes.  I want to see him again, so I rip his shirt over his head, take a moment to devour the sight, then pull his head back to mine again. 

Somehow he’s able to think rationally and pulls away.  “Wait… wait… should we do this?”

“What?” I ask still in a lust filled haze.

“Never mind, god yes we should do this,” he says and his mouth is on mine again and this time, he breaks away to take off my shirt.  I thank Victoria’s Secret right there and then when he looks at my lace covered breasts like they are the hottest things he’s ever seen.

This time, it’s me that pulls away, “Wait,” I say, but he’s too busy running his mouth down my neck and collar bone.  I groan.  He pulls away.

“What?” he asks.

“Nothing, nothing at all,” I tell him. 

He grins and pulls me closer, then lifts me up.  I wrap my legs around his waist and he walks down the hallway and into his bedroom.  I briefly notice some details of his personal space, but getting acquainted with his bed monopolizes my thoughts.

He sets me down and then stares at me for a moment.  I know a question is coming before it does, “Are you sure?”

“Are you?”

Slowly, he nods, “Yes.”

“Me too.”

Then, he strips, and I do as well, and the next thing I know his skin is sliding against mine.  I can feel all of him.  His mouth is on mine again; he kisses his way down my body until he’s between my thighs.  He looks up at me and winks before he buries his head between them.  Pressing my head back into the pillow, I groan, and my hands tighten into fists.  He works me into a frenzy and when I can’t take anymore and come, he helps me ride the feeling out until I’m practically jelly on the bed.  He moves up my body, a cocky smile on his lips.  Reaching in his bedside drawer, I see a flash of a foil package before I hear one torn open.  Moments later, he’s in position and pushes in, and in, and in.  When he’s moving, we each moan and mutter under our breaths.  He’s a quiet lover, as am I.  We each use our bodies to speak instead of our mouths.  When he leans his head down and takes my nipple in his mouth, I shudder, then push him onto his back and straddle is hips.  I look down at him and grin.

“What?” he asks me with a smile as his eyes devour my body.

“I had a dirty thought.”

“Oh, do tell.”

“Just thinking I’ll put that horseback riding I did today to use once again.”

He laughs, but it cuts off as soon as my hips begin to move.  I’m going to give him quite a ride.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Ten

 

Landon

 

 

I watch her as her body moves and think I would never tire of the sight of her.  All day I’ve been imagining what she looks like naked; the actual view is a sight to behold.  As she works magic with her hips, I hold on as long as I can until I see her orgasm again, and then I follow right behind. 

Quickly disposing of the condom, I move back to my bed and lie beside her.  She turns her head to me and winks, “Not bad, Mr. Mechanic.”  I laugh hard and loud.

“I agree,” I tell her pushing the strands of hair clinging to her cheek off of her face.

“Your bed is comfortable.”

“I think so too.”

“It’s been a long time since I’ve done that,” she says.

“Had sex?”

“No.  I mean it’s been a long time since I’ve had sex on the first date.” 

“You just couldn’t resist me.”

“Oh gag.  That’s what I get for opening my mouth.”

“Well, I’m certainly not judging you by any means.”

“Well I was sure as hell judging you.”

“And?”

She shrugs, “Like I said, not bad.”

Laughing, I kiss her on the shoulder.  “Guess I need to step up my game.  Right now.”

“Right now?”

In response I begin trailing my fingers over her arm and then her breast.  She smiles.  Then I push her shoulder down and sprawl her out on the bed once more.  “Prepare yourself, ma’am.  I need to check under the hood.  Again.”

She laughs at my stupid joke, but this time it’s her laugh that cuts off at the first hard lick of my tongue.

 

**

 

When Britt leaves my room, the space feels empty in a way it never has before.  Odd, I think.  The smell of her is still on my sheets, strawberries and vanilla.  I hear Brady come home at some point, but I don’t leave my room again until the morning.  When I do, I’m surprised to find that Brady and Britt are both already up and dressed. 

“Good morning,” I mumble still feeling sleepy.

“Mornin’,” Brady says.

“Hi,” Britt says quietly.

“What are you two up to?” I ask and feel guilty because part of me wishes Brady was called into work again so I can spend more time with Britt.

“I’m taking Britt out for breakfast and who knows what else.  I’m just glad to spend some time together,” Brady says.  Well, so much for wishful thinking.

He walks out of the room and I turn to Britt, “Hey,” I say with a smile.

“Hi,” she says again.

“You okay?” I ask her.

“Yes.  You?” she asks with a smile.

“Yeah, fine.”

“Good.  I’ll see you later?” she asks.

“Definitely.  I’m going to run into work and see how your car is coming along.”

“Sounds good.”

“You ready?” Brady asks walking back into the room.

“Yep,” Britt says and moves away from me to go out the door with Brady.

He looks at me curiously for a moment then leaves calling out, “See ya,” before I can say a word.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Eleven

 

Britt

 

Brady and I are sitting in Sue Ann’s Café and he has already spoken to no less than five people.  It’s clear that people here like him, respect him, and I can tell he enjoys the feeling.  It’s in the way his chin lifts when he speaks to them, the smile on his face, the satisfaction in his eyes.  This has definitely become his home and he’s happy.  I’m glad.

After we order and get our drinks, he looks at me, “So, did you and Landon have a good time last night?”

I’m glad I didn’t have water or anything in my mouth when he asked that question.  “Yeah, it was great, actually.”  I find myself smiling and begin telling Brady everything we did together yesterday.  I realize that I go on for a while, not stopping until our food is delivered to our table.  I shut my mouth immediately realizing I’m gushing which is not like me at all.

Brady has a concerned look on his face.  I know him, and I know he wants to say something, so I wait it out.  “It isn’t a good idea for you to fall for Landon.”

“What?  Fall for him?  Don’t be ridiculous.”

“I know you, Britt.  It’s all over your face even though you’re trying like hell not to show it.  You’re taken with him.  It’s obvious.”

“I do like him, but so what?  Maybe if I lived here…”

“But you don’t.  And long distance relationships don’t work.”

“Brady, what the hell is your problem?  I’m an adult.  If Landon and I decide that we want to try a long distance relationship that would be our business.”

“So you do like him,” he accuses and I stay silent, taking additional bites of my food.  But I’m mad so I’m shoving it in my mouth with ridiculous speed.  “I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“I’m a grown ass woman, you can’t prevent that kind of stuff, big brother.  Sorry.”

“Britt-” he begins then stops and runs his hand through his hair in frustration, “Landon just got out of a long-term relationship,” he says and that stops me.  My eyes swing up to his and I even stop chewing.

“What?”

“He was with a woman for a long time – Stephanie - they were even engaged to be married.  They only broke up about a month ago.”

“A month ago?” I ask feeling sickness coil in my belly.

“Yeah.  They were together in high school and everyone thought they were going to be married.  It was a big deal around town when they broke up.”

“What happened?”

He shrugs, “I’m not sure other than they just grew apart, and he says that she wasn’t the one.  They stayed together because it became easy, but it wasn’t right.  So they broke up.  It wasn’t an easy break up either.”  When he gets a look at my face he sighs, “I’m only telling you this because I don’t want you to get hurt.  Anyone he’s with after Stephanie would just be a rebound and I don’t want that for you.”

Placing my fork down next to my plate, I realize I’ve lost my appetite.  Before I can make any kind of comment, Brady’s phone rings.  He grabs it, “Larson,” he answers.  He listens for a minute and then his eyes find mine.  Sighing he speaks into the phone again, “Alright.  I need to get home and change first, give me half hour or so.”  My heart sinks.  “I’m so sorry, Britt.  I need to go back into work.”

“Do you ever get time off, Brady?  What the hell?”

“I’m really sorry.  Things are just crazy right now.”

“It’s okay, I know you can’t help it, but as soon as my car is done, I’m going to go ahead and head home.”

“What?  Why?”

“I was leaving the day after tomorrow anyway, and Brady, you’re busy.” He starts to protest and I hold up my hand, “No, it’s okay.  I’m not mad.  I get it.  This is your life, it’s busy, but it’s great.  You’re happy here, I can tell.”  He nods and smiles.  “We’ll schedule something again when you can take time off and we can go somewhere fun like to the beach or something.  Okay?”

“Okay, if you’re sure,” he says.

“I am.”

His phone rings again and he looks at me, “Speaking of the devil,” he answers it again, “Larson.  We were just talking about that.  Great.  Can you do me a favor and bring it back to my place right now?  Is that a problem for you?  Perfect.  Okay, see you at the apartment.”

“Your car is done, Landon is driving it back to our place.”

“But that will leave him without a car.”

“No big deal, he can ride with me to the station and then I’ll take him back there really quick.”

He knows that I could take him too since I’ll be going that way, and I’m grateful that he understands that I don’t want to do that.  “Okay.  Oh, but I need to pay him.”

“No you don’t.  It’s taken care of.”

“What?  What do you mean?”

“I mean, I took care of it.”

“Brady, no.  I don’t need you to do that.”

“Let your big brother take care of you sometimes, Britt, okay?  I know you don’t need me in other ways anymore, but that was something I could do, wanted to do, alright?”

“Okay, Brady.  Thank you.”

He pays our bill and leads me out to his car and hugs me when we get to the passenger door.  “I’m really sorry that this has turned out to be a shitty visit.”

“It wasn’t all bad.  I just miss you, that’s all.  Maybe you can come out my way or we can pick a destination and plan something adventurous, or the beach like I said before.  We need to get you away from this town and its distractions, deal?”

He smiles, “Deal.”

As soon as we get back to the apartment, I go to my suitcase and quickly pack my things.  I decide to change out of the sundress I put on this morning into comfy clothes for the drive home and then I hunt down a piece of paper and a pen from Brady’s room and scribble out a note.  When I’m finished, I go back out into the living room and put my discarded sundress into my bag.  I’m zipping it closed when Landon walks in the door.  He looks from my bag, to me, and back again in confusion.

“What’s going on?” he asks.

“I’m going back home today.”

His face falls, “Why?  I thought you still had a couple more days.”

“Well, Brady got called back into work and I’ve decided that this just isn’t a great time for a visit.  He’s busy, and we decided to reschedule.”

He walks to me, smiles gently, and touches my shoulder, “I’m happy to spend the rest of your remaining time with you.  In fact, I would love to.  There are some things I’d like to talk to you about-”

“You ready?” Brady asks as he walks back into the room and Landon takes an inconspicuous step away from me.

“Yes,” I tell him not looking at Landon, but I can feel his reaction.

Brady walks to me and hugs me again, “I love you, little sis.  And again, I’m sorry,” he looks me in the eyes, “For everything.”  And I know that he’s not just talking about being called back into work, but really he shouldn’t be.  Yes, I really like Landon, and maybe for a passing minute or a few more I had thoughts of attempting a long distance thing or something, but I realize that was stupid.  He’s likely right; it probably wouldn’t work.  The attraction I’m feeling and the need and want to be close to him will fade with distance.  Reflecting on how I felt when I arrived, I decide to look at this fling as a great confidence booster – and a delightful if unexpected escapade.

“I love you, too,” I tell Brady.  “Don’t be sorry.”

Landon looks at me helplessly, but I don’t care, I hug him right in front of Brady.  “It was great to meet you, Landon.  Thank you for fixing my car and picking me up when it broke down.  You will always be my hero.  I was melting out there,” I tell him forcing bravado I don’t feel.

He squeezes me, too tight, and I know he’s confused and hesitant to let go.  I pull away and smile at both of them.  Brady’s not stupid, he knows what’s going on and he’s helping me make a clean escape.  I reach out to shake Landon’s hand.  He looks confused for a moment until he feels the paper in my hand and then takes it from me.  He smiles and I look away.

“Bye,” I tell them both and then walk out the door and don’t look back – even when I know they’re both at the door watching me drive away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Twelve

 

Landon

 

 

As soon as she’s gone, Brady leaves to change and I immediately open the note she’s left behind.  I feel a weight in my gut and wish more than anything that I could run after her.  Opening the paper, I read quickly, hoping she’s wanting me to meet her somewhere.

 

Dear Landon,

 

What can I say about yesterday?  It was unexpected and a hell of a lot of fun.  I think that’s the thing that will stand out to me when I look back – the fun.  I haven’t had fun like that in a long time, so thank you for that.  I’m sure you’re confused right now.  I know I left quickly – but Brady told me… about Stephanie.  He told me that you only broke up about a month ago and I realize that anything we could potentially have together is more than likely a rebound relationship for you.  So, how can I make this clear?  You’re great in the sack, and a few more rounds would have been great, but I don’t do rebound relationships.  They’re messy and drama that I don’t need or want in my life.  And how awkward would it be if I ended up having to hire a hit man to take you out?  I mean, Brady would have to arrest his own sister!  Yeah, no thanks. 

So, how about this, someday when you have Stephanie out of your system, you’ve found your passion in life and find yourself in LA, look me up.  Otherwise, don’t call me.  Don’t be angry, and if you are…well c’est la vie.

 

Sayonara,

Britt

 

 

I refold the letter and part of me wants to go beat the shit out of Brady.  Part of me wants to steal his car and race after her, but I know the end result would only be the same.

Brady approaches me hesitantly and I stare him down.  “I want to kick your ass right now.”

“I know.”

“Why did you tell her about Stephanie?”

“You know why, Landon.  She’s my sister.”

With a sigh, I nod, “Yeah, I get it.  I do.  But I’m going to hate you for a while.  I like her, Brady.  I really like her.”

“Well, it seems to me then that you have some things to take care of.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” I tell him.

“You ready?” he asks.

“Yeah, just give me one sec.”

I go into my room for a minute and despite what she said, try to all her anyway.  I have her number in my phone from when she gave it to me at the shop.  It goes to voicemail and I’m not surprised.  Feeling defeated, I leave her letter on my desk.  Walking back to the door I stop, glance at the bed, and feel like an ass.  I walk to the bed, pick up the pillow and take a deep breath.  “I’ll see you again, Britt.  You can count on it.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Thirteen

 

Britt

 

It’s been a long day at work.  I had the worst client today that wanted “the perfect shade of red,” for her hair color.  She started out as a blonde, and I warned her that the color she chose would be much more vibrant on top of blonde than the picture she showed me and that she may want to pick a couple shades darker, but she insisted anyway.  And as expected it was not at all what she wanted.  I worked on her for hours in between my other clients.  The whole salon cheered when she walked out the door, all of them feeling my pain.

Driving down the street I happen to see a bar called The Hook with a sign out front saying it’s karaoke night.  That makes me laugh; who does karaoke anymore?  I think a drink is in order.

It’s only been a few days since I left Brady’s house and Landon is not at all out of my system yet.  Apparently I’m not out of his either.  Despite my request he’s tried to call me a few times, but he never leaves a message.  It seems strange to miss someone I had only just met.  I didn’t even have him in my life for more than a matter of hours.  But, as soon as I saw him, sparks flew, and I suppose the rest was inevitable.  It may be dumb, but…it is what it is.

Parking, I make my way inside the bar and find that I like the cozy feel of the place.  There’s a stage on one end and a microphone and a DJ next to it, clearly getting ready for the singing.  Tables and chairs are set up throughout the place and a bar is on the far side of the room.  There are waitresses that man the tables, but I find a seat at the bar and sit down.  “Hi, what can I get ya?”

I look up to find a pretty brunette with eyes just as dark smiling at me.  “A man that doesn’t have issues?”

She smiles, “Sorry, we don’t serve that here.”

Sighing dramatically makes her laugh.  “Fine, then I guess I’ll take a whiskey neat instead, please.”

“You got it.”

When she gives it to me, I slam it down fast then ask for another.  She raises a brow and pours as directed.  “Call me crazy but I suspect you’re having guy trouble?”

“You have no idea.  Guy trouble, a bad day, a bad week – all of it.”

“Sounds like I’ll need to keep the whiskey coming.”

“Yep.  What’s your name?” I ask curiously. 

“Sailor.”

“Hi, Sailor, I’m Britt.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” she says and sets the bottle aside and places her elbows on the bar and leans forward.  “Why don’t you tell me all about it?”

“I bet you say that to all the patrons.  How much in tips do you make from that line?”

She laughs, “Actually, not many,” she admits and somehow I believe her.

With a sigh, I begin, “So, I was driving to my brother’s house because I needed a little vacation….”

 

 

 

 

 

Catch up with Sailor and Britt in Broken Melody

July 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also by Jennifer Miller

 

 

 

Deadly Sins Series

 

 

Pretty Little Lies Series

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information about Jennifer Miller, please visit www.jennifermillerwrites.com