“I have to admit…this view isn’t half bad. It’s no Milan, but the stars out here are beautiful.” Hannah slapped at another mosquito on her arm. “I could live without these bloodsuckers, though.”

I smiled, refilling both of our glasses of wine as we sat on the steps of the front porch surrounded by citronella candles. The porch was my favorite part of the house. Especially now that it was looking like new thanks to both Tucker and Billy. The whole house was done and turned out beautifully. Tucker had the exterior repainted and some landscape added to the perimeter to freshen it up and add curb appeal.

I’d finally met Dan when he helped Tucker move back in key pieces of furniture to stage the place to sell. Everything was put back in place the day before Hannah’s arrival. The only things left to do was officially put it on the market and find new homes for Apollo and Dolly. Two things I was struggling to do. Two things I needed to do in the next week if I was leaving for Paris. I mean before. Before I left for Paris.

“Yeah. This place has its pros.” I took a sip.

“Like your cute contractor. When do I get to meet him?”

I shook my head lightly as I laughed. She’d been bringing up Tucker nonstop since arriving earlier this afternoon. Surprisingly, he hadn’t been around when she arrived or at all today. He knew she was coming to town. I wasn’t sure if he was avoiding meeting her or giving me some space to be with my friend. Knowing Tucker, it was the latter.

“Tomorrow night. We’re going to a friend of mine’s for a cookout.”

“My first country hoedown. I’m going to need a new pair a boots.”

“Cowboy boots we can find in town. Anything else, you’re out of luck.”

“Looks like we have a shopping trip planned for the morning then. I want to look the part for the party.”

I glanced over at my friend. There was no way she’d ever look the part, even in a pair of cowboy boots. Her refined, stylish appearance came easily for her and was a drastic contrast to our small town of residents. Most days I felt like a country bumpkin standing next to her.

The fact she arrived to town in her rented BMW convertible versus a sensible sedan or truck spoke volumes. A life of country living in a small town was something I could never see my friend adapting to.

She nudged her shoulder into mine after a few moments of comfortable silence. “How many times are you going to make me casually bring him up before you tell me what’s going on with you two?”

“How many times will I have to ignore you until you drop it?”

“I won’t be dropping it. I didn’t buy a ticket to come to Podunk, USA just because I like the taste of dirt in my mouth, mosquitos eating me alive, and the feel of sweaty armpits when the sun isn’t even out. I’m here to find out more about Mr. Country Charm. I told you I’d be the first to buy a ticket to meet the man who changed your mind about relationships.”

“Who says I’ve changed my mind?”

Her chin dropped to her chest, her eyes narrowing into slits. “You’re still here, Lottie.”

“I had to be here while work was being done on the house.” I gave her the excuse I’d been telling myself.

“No. You didn’t. You’re not fooling me. I know you. I also know as soon as you found a contractor and a realtor, you could have packed up and cleared out what you needed to, leaving them to do their work. You didn’t need to stay. So, why don’t you tell me why you did?”

I shrugged. Evading. Still.

“Fine”—she sighed—“say I believe you haven’t changed your mind…then you’re only prolonging this. Does he know you leave for Paris next week?”

I shook my head, taking another gulp of my wine, using it to drown the words on the tip of my tongue. The ones admitting maybe I didn’t want to go. The ones admitting maybe I wouldn’t.

“You are going to Paris, right?”

“Yes.”

She huffed her skepticism, shaking her head with an incredulous chuckle. “What I’m about to say, I’m only saying because I love you, Lottie, and I want the best for you…but you’re a complete and utter idiot.”

“Gee, thanks, Han.”

“Anytime.” She smiled irritatingly at me, clinking her glass against the one I held dangling between my knees.

* * *

We strolled down the sidewalks that created the town square around the courthouse of Billingsley, our lattes from Ida’s in hand. We went from shop to shop, satisfying Hannah’s curiosity before stopping in the local boutique that carried every pair of boots ever made. They had anything from a casual pair of work boots to your intricately stitched designer cowgirl boots made for flaunting around town. I had a few similar pairs still tucked away in my closet from my high school days. Now, so would Hannah. She walked out of the shop with three pairs for herself, insisting she was trying to support the local economy before the town ceased to exist.

Hannah stopped abruptly as we chatted on our way back to the car. She was no longer listening to what I was saying. Instead, she had her hands cupped around her face, pressed against the dirty glass of an abandoned shop.

“Han, what on earth are you doing?”

She straightened from peering in, inspecting the storefront before pointing to the sign hanging in the window. “Did you see this?”

I looked over at the sign that read “For Sale or Lease.”

“Yeah. So?” I shrugged, my eyebrows pinching together.

“So…have you seen the inside? It has tons of potential.”

“Potential for what?” I shifted my weight to one side, annoyed she wouldn’t just get to her point.

“Lottie. This town needs a shop that has some fashion sense. This would be the perfect space to open up a clothing boutique. You know…with clothing…that you can’t buy at the local supermarket.”

I shook my head at her absurdness. “Hannah, nobody in Billingsley cares about fashion or whether they picked their shirt up at the same store as their milk.”

“Maybe they do. Maybe they just don’t have any other option.”

“If that were the case, then someone in town would have already opened one.”

“Maybe that person has been too stubborn and hardheaded to see the possibility of one. Maybe that same person has been too busy running from their past. Running from something great with the potential of making them happy.”

“Maybe that person isn’t stubborn but realistic. Maybe that person knows it will just end up failing. And that seeing it fail, after all the hard work and heart they put into it would be devastating. Something they could never live with!” I fought back the unexpected tears through my heavy breathing.

Hannah’s face fell, her posture softening as she cautiously stepped closer, pulling me into a hug with the strength of a linebacker. Hannah wasn’t a hugger, which only made the act more effective. I relaxed into her hold, letting my deepest fear seep out through silent tears.

“Maybe,” she spoke softly through my hair as she held me, “that person needs to know whether they succeed or fail, the worst thing to do would be to never try. The feeling of regret is worse than the feeling of failure. There’s the opportunity for growth and recovery with failure. There’s nothing to gain from regret.”

I pulled away. “What if I don’t recover?”

“You’re strong, Lottie. You’ll always recover. Plus, you’re a fighter. I don’t even think failure is in your vocabulary. It’s annoying as hell to be your friend knowing that. Can’t you for once just suck at something?”

“I suck at relationships, apparently.”

“That doesn’t count. We both do. I need you to suck at something I’m good at, so I can feel better about myself.”

I choked on a laugh, wiping the tears from my face. “I missed you, Hannah.”

“Missed you too. Now come on. We have a square dance to get ready for.”

“You’re ridiculous.”

She linked arms with me, tugging me into step alongside her. “That’s why you love me.”

* * *

Tucker pulled his truck to a stop in the long line of vehicles parked in the field outside Leighton and Aaron’s barn. I gawked at the sight. There were more people than I expected for a cookout. Leighton had intentionally kept me in the dark about the size of her “little” gathering.

“I thought this was a cookout?” I looked over at Tucker, who didn’t look even slightly surprised by the turnout.

“It is.”

“No. This…” I pointed my thumb toward the barn that was filled with people and—is that a live band? “This is not a cookout. This is a small concert.”

Tucker chuckled, opening his door at the same time Hannah opened hers, both of them climbing out of the truck. The smell of the wood burning smokers wafted through the air. I took a deep inhale before following their lead.

“Smells like a cookout to me.” Hannah smiled, already scanning the jean-clad asses of the men who walked by her. A few of the single ones returned her blatant stares with their own appreciative smiles as they checked her out.

“Come on, babe. Aaron’s brisket is some of the best you’ll ever have.” Tucker rested his arm over my shoulders, guiding me toward the party with Hannah walking on the other side of me sporting a dress and her new boots.

Walking into the barn, I expected there to be a bouncer asking me for my ticket. Instead, we were greeted by Leighton with a wide grin on her face and a beer in her hand. She excused herself from the group she’d been talking to, meeting us at the door.

She hugged me and then Tucker, before turning to Hannah for an introduction. I introduced them both, and just as I hoped, they hit it off immediately. Billy found his way over to us next, his eyes scanning Hannah the way all men did as he approached. He gave her a sexy smile before looking at Tucker.

“Tucker.” He offered his hand.

Tucker nodded, some kind of understanding passing between them as they shook hands. “Billy, good to see you.”

Billy gave me a small smile and nod in greeting, which I refused to stand for. I stepped from Tucker’s arm, pulling my old friend into a hug, deciding Tucker would have to get over his jealousy issue when it came to Billy.

“Billy, this—” I stepped back from his arms to introduce him.

“Must be the friend from Seattle, Hannah, right?” He grinned, shaking her hand before I could finish.

“How did you know?” She smiled seductively back, the two of them holding hands and eye contact longer than necessary. “I thought I was doing a pretty good job at blending in.”

“I know every pretty face ’round here and yours isn’t one I’d forget. Besides, a face like yours, you’d never be able to blend in, no matter how hard you tried.”

I swore I was seeing things. There was no way Hannah was blushing. She was not a blusher. And she was definitely not one to be wooed into silence. The woman had heard every pickup line in the book and was rarely affected by any of them.

Leighton cleared her throat, knocking them both out of the trance they’d been in. “Billy, Aaron was looking for you earlier. He’s needing some help with slicing up the briskets.”

“Sure.” Billy nodded, his eyes barely flicking to his sister before landing back on Hannah. “I guess I’ll see ya ’round.”

“You can count on it.” Hannah winked.

“I’ll come help,” Tucker added, apparently looking to escape the estrogen he’d be left with if he stayed. He leaned down, kissing the top of my head. “Stay out of trouble while I’m gone.”

“I’ll do my best.” I grinned up at him.

Billy took a few steps back, giving Hannah another once-over before he and Tucker walked away.

“What do they put in the water here?” Hannah’s eyes stayed glued to Billy’s ass as he walked away with Tucker. “For the love of my vagina, I need to get me some of that. I’d definitely ride that cowboy.”

I raised an eyebrow.

“You know…only to save a horse,” she added nonchalantly.

“I didn’t know you were so concerned with animal welfare.”

“Oh, I am. I’m all about saving the horses. Yay, PETA!” She punched a fist in the air, exaggerating her feigned supportiveness.

“Okay…if I have to hear about you wanting to ‘ride’ my brother, I’m going to need another drink. Maybe something stronger than this beer. Who wants tequila?” Leighton asked.

Both mine and Hannah’s hands shot up in the air.

The three of us walked up to the bar. Hannah and I waited as Leighton fixed us each a tequila shot. I took the moment to look around at the glorified cookout she hosted.

Beyond the wide-open barn doors were numerous wooden picnic tables covered with checkered table cloths. They were set between the red barn and the homemade stage. The stage where they really did have an actual live band playing. Strings of lights crisscrossed above the tables, lighting everything up between the two focal points, including an area left open for dancing directly in front of the band. Buffet lines of food had been set up within the barn. Along with the self-serve bar we were currently standing at.

“All right, ladies.” Leighton turned, handing us each a plastic shot glass dressed with salt and a wedge of lime. “What shall we toast to?”

I lightly smacked Hannah, whose eyes were drifting away from us to a sea of cute, country boys heading outside the barn.

“What?” She smiled dreamily, having missed Leighton’s question.

“Toast. What are we toasting to?” I got her up to speed.

“I never thought I’d say this, but how about we toast to Wranglers and the sexy cowboys who wear them?” Hannah lifted her glass.

“Works for me.” Leighton raised her glass higher in the air near Hannah’s.

I laughed at my two friends, joining them. “To Wranglers and the men who wear them.”

We hit our plastic shooters together before downing the cold, distinct liquid. I bit into my lime, chasing the taste from my mouth.

Leighton handed us a couple of wine spritzers, leading us toward the rest of the party-goers who were mingling outside the barn. Tucker, Aaron, and Billy rejoined us and later so did Dan, Derek, and Jimmy with his wife.

Our group congregated around two picnic tables the guys had pulled together. We ate and drank as the sun set, occasionally joining in on the dancing. The atmosphere was lively and comfortable, reminding me of my younger days and the pasture parties we’d thrown as bored teenagers with little to do.

I did my best to keep Hannah included in the conversation as memories and inside jokes were shared. I didn’t have to entertain her for long. Billy had taken over, easily keeping her attention and allowing me to focus mine on Tucker.

I leaned into Tucker’s side, his strong arm still around my shoulders where it had been for most of the night, effectively staking his claim in case any man got the idea to talk to me. He intermittently squeezed me tighter as he continued to joke back and forth with his friends. I looked up at his handsome profile as his deep laugh vibrated through my body. His eyes were beaming with happiness when he glanced down at me, dropping a sweet kiss on my lips.

I noticed both of our drinks running low. Excusing myself, I stood from the table to retrieve us both another round.

“I’ll go with you,” Tucker offered, starting to stand.

I pushed down on his shoulder, keeping him seated. “Sit,” I demanded over the loud country music. “I got it.”

He hesitated for a split second before giving me his nod of agreement and returning to his conversation with his friends.

I started to walk away, when I heard my name being called. I glanced over my shoulder.

Derek was lightly jogging toward me. “Wait up. I’ll go with you.”

He reached my side, placing his hand at my back for me to lead the way. There was a line at the bar when we entered. I waited with Derek at my side, our silence awkward. He hadn’t talked to me much since his initial hello when they first showed up. I got the feeling he wasn’t too thrilled with me being here with Tucker. Not that I could blame him. He’d been Tucker’s best friend since I could remember, so it didn’t surprise me he’d be protective of his friend. It did hurt knowing he no longer approved of us being together like he once had.

“Tucker tells me you’re selling the farm.”

I nodded.

Our silence resumed. The line moved forward.

Not soon enough, it was our turn to grab our drinks. I snatched a beer from the ice for Tucker and a pre-made spritzer for myself. Derek was already waiting with his new beer to escort me back to our group.

A few feet from our destination, his hand gripped my forearm, stopping me. His eyes darted to Tucker, who hadn’t noticed our approach yet, then back to me.

“Look, Lottie…I don’t know what your intentions are with Tucker, but—”

“My intentions?” I forced a laugh, a little annoyed and nervous at the same time.

“Yeah.” He shifted uncomfortably. “I don’t know if you plan to stick around this time or leave town, but just do me a favor and don’t break him the way you did last time. I don’t want to see him go through that again. He was in a dark place for a long time. And he can’t go back there again. He has someone counting on him now.”

I grated my teeth together, my lips pressed tight, fighting back my anger and annoyance.

I understood Derek was just looking out for his best friend and Lily. Regardless, I didn’t think it was any of his business what happened with Tucker and me in the future. Or maybe I was hiding my guilt behind my anger. Either way, I wasn’t willing to have this conversation with Derek.

“I know, Derek.” I yanked my arm from his hand, marching quickly to Tucker.

I took a deep breath, plastering on a smile before making that final step into his view. From the worried look on Derek’s face, I think we both knew Tucker wouldn’t be thrilled with the warning Derek just gave me.

I stepped over the bench seat, resuming my position at Tucker’s side, under his arm.

“Thanks, babe.” Tucker kissed my cheek, taking the beer from my hand.

I smiled half-heartedly with Derek’s eyes still on me, his words stewing inside me. Tucker glanced back at me, studying me for a moment, likely feeling the tension I couldn’t seem to rid from my body.

“You okay?”

“Yep.” I took a big swallow of my drink, hoping it would loosen my muscles some.

“Lottie—”

“Oh! I love this song!” I lied, jumping to my feet. I had no idea what the song playing was. I’d take that little tidbit to my grave. Anything to get me out of answering the question in Tucker’s eyes. “Dance with me.”

He cracked a smile, my deception working. He took a quick swig of his beer before standing to usher me to the crowd of moving bodies.

He spun me, twirling me under his arm twice before bringing me back into his arms. Our feet fell into a two-step as Tucker guided me expertly around the dirt dance floor. It took me a minute to remember some of the moves we’d learned together. As I found my rhythm, they came back to me and the two of us moved seamlessly as he swung, spun, twisted, and dipped me.

We laughed as we continued to dance into the next song, both of us having fun and enjoying the upbeat tempo. By the third song, the music slowed. Tucker spun me one more time, colliding my small frame against his strong chest. He held me tight, his hand splayed firmly on my back, his other hand clasped with mine, sandwiched between our bodies.

“So, Florida Georgia Line, huh?” He smiled suspiciously down at me.

“What?”

“The band of your favorite song.”

“Oh, right. Yep. Love them,” I confirmed adamantly.

“That’s interesting, because they don’t sing that song.”

I turned my cheek to his chest, hiding the blush in them.

“What did Derek do?”

“Nothing. It’s not a big deal.”

“Lottie.” His warning was hard.

“He didn’t say anything wrong. Nothing that wasn’t true.”

“Then why were you upset?”

“Let it go, Tucker. Please. He’s just looking out for you. That’s all.”

“I’m sorry…” His arm tightened around me. “He should learn to mind his own business.” He pulled away, lifting my chin, forcing me to meet his eyes. “The only two people’s opinions that matter are yours and mine…and, well, Lily’s. But we already know she loves you.” His cheek twitched with a repressed smile.

I didn’t give him a response. I wasn’t sure I agreed. It seemed there were many opinions being dished out to me when it came to mine and Tucker’s relationship. All of them contradicting. All of them confusing me more.

I laid my head back on his chest, letting the music drown out my thoughts, his arms making everything else in the world fade into the background. If it were only just Tucker and me, then everything would be much simpler.

* * *

I searched for Hannah as Tucker and I said our goodbyes, the night coming to an end. She’d disappeared somewhere with Billy. I was about to try her cell when I heard her laugh. Billy had his arm around her shoulders, her hand connected to that arm as they whispered and giggled in each other’s ears, walking toward us.

“Hey. We’re taking off, you ready?” I asked her as they both came to a stop in front of us.

“Actually, you two go ahead. I’m sure Billy can take me home.”

“Of course,” Billy agreed immediately.

I looked between the two of them, latching onto Hannah’s free hand, pulling her away.

“Give us a minute. Girl talk,” I explained, leaving Hannah no choice in the matter as I dragged her off to the side. “You leave in the morning,” I accused.

“This is a fact. One I already knew. What’s your point?”

“Nothing. I just figured we’d be hanging out more tonight.”

“I figured you’d want to hang out with Tucker. Isn’t he kid free this evening?”

“Yeah. And you’re right. I’d like to, but I don’t want you to feel like I’m ditching you.”

“Technically, I’m ditching you.” She smirked.

I laughed. “Okay. If you’re sure.”

“Oh, I’m positive.” She grinned wickedly, winking at Billy over my shoulder. “As long as you’re okay with me defiling every surface in that pretty new house of yours.”

I ignored her last comment, not wanting to picture what Billy and she would likely be doing in my childhood home. “Will I see you in the morning?”

“Doubtful. My flight is early.”

“Okay.” I pulled her into a quick hug, one she would tolerate. “I’ll see you soon.”

“I hate to say this, but I really hope you don’t. You have something good here, Lottie.”

We both pulled away, our hands dropping to our sides, the guys rejoining us.

“Ready?” Tucker asked, his hand gripping mine.

“Yeah.” I gave Billy a hug goodbye as Tucker and Hannah exchanged farewells, her whispering something in his ear that brought a smile to his face.

I looked at them with a raised eyebrow, neither one of them willing to satisfy my curiosity.

* * *

I slipped out from under the sheets of Tucker’s bed, my bare feet touching the floor. I tiptoed out of the room, attempting to not wake him. I wanted to make him coffee and breakfast for once. I’d planned to tell him about Paris this morning. Talk to him about what was going through my head.

Last night, when we’d gotten to his house, I realized how much I wanted more evenings with him. More evenings with Lily. I wasn’t sure if it was possible. I wasn’t ready to give up my life in Seattle. But maybe somehow, we could figure something out.

I searched through his cabinets and fridge, pulling out what I needed to make pancakes and bacon. I set the coffee maker to brew. Tucker’s footsteps came up behind me. His arms wrapped around my waist as he pressed his lips against my temple.

“Good morning.”

“Morning.” I smiled, rotating to face him, linking my hands at his neck. “I was making myself at home in your kitchen. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all. Do you mind if I take a quick shower before breakfast?”

I shook my head, rising to my toes to kiss him. “I’ll have coffee for you when you get out.”

“Be careful. I might get used to this.” He swatted my ass as he walked away.

His words were innocent, not meant to spur any emotions. They did. They gave me hope.

I stirred the pancake batter, humming the tune of one of the catchy songs from the previous night.

There was a knock on the door.

I stopped, setting the bowl and whisk aside. I peeked down the hallway toward the bathroom, the sound of the shower still running. Contemplating ignoring the knock, I looked down at my attire. I wasn’t exactly dressed appropriately for answering the door to a stranger. Or worse to someone I actually knew.

There was another knock with a ring of the doorbell.

I sighed at how impatient some people could be. I tugged at the bottom hem of Tucker’s shirt I’d worn to bed as I walked. Unlocking the door with one hand, I flattened my hair with the other. I cracked the door slightly, poking my head through the opening.

My heart stopped. My blood ran cold. The woman standing in front of me caused bumps to prickle across my skin. I froze, unable to speak, only able to stare.

“Having fun whoring around with my fiancé, Lottie Dottie?”

My hand lost its grip on the doorknob, her words a painful stab to my gut—the way they always were.

“Abby?” My voice shook as I said her name, and I immediately hated myself for how weak it sounded.

“Surprised to see me? I’m sure as hell surprised to see you, especially standing in what will be my house with my future husband.”

“I-I don’t—” My brain couldn’t seem to catch up to the sight of Abby Taylor standing on the doorstep, claiming to be Tucker’s fiancée. I held my nauseous stomach as my shoulders hunched over.

“Did you pick up a stutter when you moved away? What’s wrong?” Her eyes widened with a practiced shock. “Don’t tell me he didn’t tell you about us?”

“Lottie, who is it?” Tucker’s deep voice came from behind me, his jeans pulled on, his chest bare, with his hair still damp from his shower.

I opened the door wider, unable to verbalize an answer to his question.

He stopped, his whole body visibly tensing. “What the hell are you doing here?” he growled.

My thoughts exactly. I shouldn’t be here. I needed to leave. I turned on my heels, pushing past Tucker to get to the bedroom for my clothes. Breakfast long forgotten.

“Fuck,” he cursed behind me. “Lottie!”

I ignored him, too confused by everything I’d just learned to speak to him. Too angry. Too hurt.

I was a fool thinking I could do this again. Thinking Tucker and I could actually have a future. We’d been lying to ourselves, to each other this whole time. It was my fault. I started this with the first lie I told him twelve years ago. Now it seemed that was all we did. Lie. Hurt. It was our inevitable ending.