Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 80304 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 402(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80304 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 402(@200wpm)___ 321(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
CHAPTER
NINE
Rushton
“Where are the twins?” I ask my dad. They’re almost always here early. Being the last to move out, they still spend a lot of time at our parents’ place, and that includes arriving early for Sunday dinner.
“They’re picking someone up for me,” Mom answers for him.
“Who?” I glance around the room, and everyone is here except for my two little brothers.
Before Mom gets the chance to reply, the front door opens. “Momma, we’re home,” Maverick calls out. A smile lights up her face, and if I didn’t know she did that each time any of her sons walks through that front door, I might be jealous. Maverick and Merrick are her last babies to fly from the nest. I know that’s been hard for her. She spent her entire adult life raising nine rowdy boys, only to be suddenly alone, just her and my dad. They deserve this time together, but I know they miss having a house full of kids.
Curiosity is getting the best of me, so I stand and move to the entryway to see who our guest is today. I’m usually not this nosy, and I can’t think of one single reason why I care who the twins picked up, but there’s something propelling me to investigate, so that’s what I do.
“Kitchen’s through there,” Merrick says as I round the corner and freeze in my steps.
“Crosby?” I ask, confused.
She gives me a shy smile. “Hey, Rushton.”
“You’re mom’s guest?” I ask her.
“I am. I hope that’s okay. She didn’t really give me a choice last night.”
Maverick walks past me and checks his shoulder into mine. “Be nice,” he says, which is strange coming from Maverick. Since when does my little brother lecture anyone?
“You good?” Merrick asks her.
“I’m good. Thank you, Merrick.”
He grins down at her. “That didn’t take long. You and Kens both learn fast.” He gives her a one-armed hug that I don’t particularly care for and walks past me down the hall.
“It’s good to see you,” I say, taking a few steps toward her.
“You too.”
“So, how was last night?” I purposely didn’t go to Declan’s with the rest of them last night. I knew from Sterling that Alyssa picked her up and was taking her home.
“It was fun.” Her eyes light up.
“How did you end up with my brothers?”
“We’re neighbors.”
It takes my brain a few seconds to process what she’s just told me. “What? Neighbors?”
“Yep. We found out yesterday.”
“You live next door to Alyssa’s old place?”
“Yeah, well, Maverick and Merrick’s place, now, right?”
“They’re renting it from them.” I don’t know why I’m fixating on the fact that they don’t own the house.
“I’m renting too. At least for the next year.”
“What happens after a year?” I want any tiny sliver of insight into her life that she’ll give me.
“I only signed a one-year contract. If they don’t re-sign me, I’ll be moving to wherever I can find a job.”
Why does the thought of her leaving town cause a stirring in the pit of my stomach? “You’ll get hired,” I assure her. I know Mom has a couple of close friends on the school board, so I can have her put in a good word for her.
“I hope so. This town is growing on me.”
“Just the town?” I ask, stepping into her personal space. We’re now standing toe-to-toe, and her head is tilted back, staring up at me.
“I’ve met some good people.”
“That’s all you’re going to give me, isn’t it?” I ask her, laughing.
“Yep.” She grins.
“Come on, gorgeous.” I offer her my arm, pretending to be the perfect gentleman when what I really want to do is press her up against the wall and kiss the breath from her lungs. Instead, I bury the need to feel her lips against mine and escort her into the kitchen, where my entire family turns to look at us as we enter.
“Crosby.” Mom’s beaming smile is infectious. “I’m so glad you made it. I hope my sons didn’t drive like maniacs.”
“Thank you for having me. No, Merrick drove safely.”
“I think you’ve met everyone, but we’ll go through it again, just in case.” Mom pulls Crosby to the other side of the room, which means she no longer has her arm linked with mine. Disappointment washes over me, followed by confusion. I don’t know what the hell is wrong with me. Is it the chase? The fact that this woman keeps turning me down at every turn? Whatever the reason, I need to shake out of this.
“Now, let’s eat.” Mom claps her hands, and we all form a line around the island and wait our turn to fill our plates.
“You know, Raymond, I was thinking that we’re going to need to expand this dining room,” Mom says. “Our family is growing.”
“Mom, this table is already massive,” Maverick chimes in.
“I know, but once you all bring me home a new daughter and eventually grandkids, I’m going to need more room.”