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high heels and big deals good girls don't come last written by Jennifer Young Blood narrated by Lori West chapter 1 Presley the worse you feel the higher the heels in other words just because you're swimming in molasses doesn't mean that you can't look good while doing it Southern girl 101 a can of hairspray a tube of lipstick and a syrupy smile can do wonders in just about any given situation notice I said just about any given situation if you happen to find yourself in one of those double decker Dill pickled doozies that Blindside the best of us from time to time be sure and throw bless your heart into the conversation that's sure to disarm your adversary faster than the those four buckets of KFC that disappeared at the Madison family reunion last summer maybe it's because I'm 5' 3 in tall okay if I'm telling the honest to goodness truth I'm 52 and a half but what's the harm in rounding up mathematicians do it all the time where was I oh yes I'm one of those odd people who actually enjoy wearing heels my brother Donnie says the doc should have made it official and attached heels to my feet at Birth he thinks he's freaking hilarious but I've got news for him that would have been fine and dandy with me between my big hair and heels I can almost pass for tall well tallish I'm sad to say that not even my Mount Everest tall heels can keep my nerves from jumping like a gang of frogs trying to escape a Hot Tin bucket did I mention that the bucket's not just hot it's about to burst into flames or maybe it's my face that's 2° away from igniting I've been dreaming of this moment since I was old enough to hold a guitar and yet this meeting is turning out nothing like I imagined my dream has been gutted leaving me with only the rotting carcass okay that's a little over the top a more apt description is that I'm being presented with the double fudge chocolate cake that I've been salivating over for eons I know every swirl of the frosting every sprinkle I take a bite only to discover that the baker used salt instead of sugar and I'm supposed to just gobble it down with a polite smile pretending that it's not making me want to gag I turned to Walden whose smile is so wooden that I swear he must be a cousin to Pinocchio do something I mutter Alden is not only my manager but also my boyfriend he of all people should have my best interest at heart but no he's too Starry Eyed to see the big picture here too busy dreaming about the big fat deal that Goldfield record label is offering heck I want the deal too I've worked hard to get my music noticed but I don't want to sell my soul to the death to climb the ladder to start him Alden I say in exasperation he shoots me a look that says piped down before glancing across the conference room table at lovey Barnes the president of Goldfield records she's flanked on both sides by an arsenal of lawyers in their tailored suits with bad haircuts Good Golly Miss Molly do they all use the same Barber oh and another thing who in their right mind names their kid lovey the name obviously Jinx the woman because nothing about lovey Barnes is remotely lovable with her Plain Jane clothes and Perpetual scowl she's tougher than cold Taffy lovey lifts an eyebrow her voice laced with impatience what's it going to be she looks from me to Alden the moment of truth is here I can hear the Jeopardy music ch diing in my head trust me I've heard it enough times to know the tune it's Grandma maisy's favorite show if she were here right now she'd say I told you that your internal fascination with music was going to lead you down a slippery slope that'll take you straight to the den of the devil more like a pit of vipers I Look to Alden for help since his voice box seems to have left his throat it's up to me to speak up please know that I consider it a great honor to be selected by Goldfield to perform at the Christmas festival I throw in a syrupy smile for good measure lovey doesn't so much as blink her scowl remains impervious as Stone a part of me can't believe this is happening little old Presley Madison from Willow Alabama is playing in the big leagues the lineup of artists set to perform at the country Prime Christmas f Festival reads like a list of who's who in country music royalty and Goldfield records wants me to perform right before Headliners heartley Reigns and cash Romeo take the stage there must be some way to convince lovey Barnes and her lackes that I need to perform my way I clear my throat before plowing forward I don't feel comfortable with the direction that the stylist is taken with my wardrobe nor do I feel comfortable with the song that's an understatement when I first learned of the opportunity to perform at the festival I was beyond ecstatic my feet were so light it's a wonder that I didn't Sprout wings and fly right up to the Pearly Gates then when lovey's personal assistant put me in touch with my stylist Frederick Fran ferin or some odd ball name that I can't pronounce and I saw the sketches for my costume I was FL just as I was picking myself up off the ground from that setback the label sent over the song I'm supposed to sing I crashed back down to earth in a fiery ball of flames before dissolving into a puddle of Tears a hard Amusement flashes across lovey's face as she homes in on Alden you assured me that Presley would have no problem going along with the express conditions set by the label my jaw hits the floor faster than a block of concrete hurled from a secondstory window I whirl around to Alden what what promises did you make alden's face burns more Crimson than a stadium of diard Alabama fans Dawning their colors at the opening game of the season he places a hand on my arm calm down babe he utters in a low tone I've got this when he throws lovey an apologetic look I about lose it my words fly out like darts really that's not how it looks from where I'm sitting he starts to say something else but I hold up a finger don't my anger crowds out my inner obligation to be congenial which has been bred into me since birth by my grandma who believes that Southern Grace dictates that a woman must be polite at all costs I turn to lovey there has obviously been some sort of misunderstanding I've built my brand around empowering girls and women to develop themselves intellectually emotionally and even spiritually I point to the center of the table if I go on stage wearing some outfit that doesn't cover as much as that stack of Post-it notes could and sing some trashy song then I'll send the wrong message to my fans not to mention that I'll turn into a snow cone Nashville is freaking cold in December the festival is in an arena so it may not be that cold but it still seems odd to wear something skimpy to a Christmas festival back to my brand I shouldn't have to explain the situation to lovey Barnes it's her job to be in the know I'm not sure how I expect lovey to react but when she SM MKS my claws come out so fast that I could give Wolverine a run for his money you are familiar with my brand right the suit sitting to the right of lovey opens his eyes wide and then sniggers she shoots him a look that could kill before aiming her devil Fork at me don't presume to teach me about the industry I'm giving you the chance of a lifetime you should be kissing my feet not questioning my methods first of all I don't intend to kiss anyone's feet least of all this horrible woman she probably has some sort of fungus brought on by her rotten attitude my brain rolls and thrashes like a boat caught in a patch of rough water trying to figure out how to salvage this deal I've always prided myself on being good with people but I've got nothing here I try to clear the tickle in my throat delicately but it comes out sounding like a dry heave I think you're misunderstanding this situation lovey continues her silky voice slithering around me like an anaconda this is not a negotiation her eyes flash with a ruthlessness that curdles my blood you will either take this deal or you won't if you choose not not to heed the direction offered by our experts then it's your loss A Hard smile wraps her lips trust me when I say that there are plenty of other people who would welcome the chance to perform at the Christmas festival and then sign a deal with us this is a nightmare I don't want to lose this deal but how can I throw away everything that I've built I can't plain and simple after all is said and done I have to be able to look at myself in the mirror maybe Grandma Ma's right I should be more like my little sister summer and pick a safe respectable career like nuren I'm the oldest Madison sibling summer is a nurse and Donnie is a student at Auburn University I was supposed to set the example not become the flunky in the family the wannabe country music star whose dream is just imploded I scoot my chair back with a loud scrape Alden clutches my arm preventing me from rising to my feet how much time do we have to make a decision he blurts lovey Chuckles how does two minutes sound I really don't like this woman a shaky laugh Falls from alden's lips come on lovey be reasonable please the desperation in alden's voice churns my gut I can't stand watching him growel to this Viper good grief Alden where's your dignity let's go I mutter okay loveby says you've got until next Thursday at noon what the heck just happened for a second I wonder if I heard her correctly she's given me a whole week to decide that seems seems pretty generous coming from such a Cutthroat especially when you consider that the festival is in 2 weeks if I decline the offer that means my replacement will only have a week to prepare maybe lovey is so certain that I'll take the offer that she's not worried about a replacement she probably thinks that anyone in their right mind would take the offer am I a nut for questioning lovey's methods should I just conform to her requirements no my conscience shouts I have to stand up for my beliefs otherwise what good am I thank you Alden exalts we really appreciate everything you're doing to make this possible he looks at me as if expecting me to back him up a weak thanks is the best I can offer Alden stands and pulls me to my feet he practically drags me out of the room what was that I fume the minute we step into the Hall not here he growls his face turning a shade darker than my fuchsia eyes Shadow seriously he's acting put out I'm the one who was thrown under the bus we March to the elevator and he Jabs the button to go down the elevator doors open and we step inside I wait until the doors close before giving into the h anger bubbling like a volcano in my chest I get up in his face what in the heck was that the words burn acid through my throat how could you agree to those absurd terms tears rushed to my eyes before we went in to meet with lovey we went over our plan I thought you were on my side have you gone Bonkers he hisses as he reaches around me to push the button from the first floor you're throwing away the chance of a lifetime over ply details my eyes bug ply I can't let that horrible woman and her staff destroy everything I've worked so hard to build weave built he cuts in the muscles in his jaw flick before he shakes his head in disgust do you know the links I went through to even get you this opportunity my hand goes to my hip what lengths Alden was scanted on the details surrounding this little opportunity it's not even worth going into he mutters you wouldn't appreciate it he throws me a withering look before pushing both hands through his hair your ridiculous moral idealism is going to be the death of me time for you to grow up he snaps and figure out what's actually important I rock back stunned hurt batters my insides like a wrecking ball my voice sounds small in my own ears ridiculous moral idealism I feared for some time that Alden and I might be going in different directions but I was too chicken to bring it out in the open because a part of me is still holding out hope that our relationship might have a chance two years ago when we first met he was upstanding and principled on our second date we attended church together he was clean cut then with short hair that emphasized his prominent cheekbones his black hair is longer now floppy on top in a Shaggy Chic style that's the latest rage among musicians several weeks ago he got his ear pierced I'm not so sure about how I feel about my boyfriend sporting a diamond stud but but whatever it's alden's ear the problem with alden's new look is that it's a stark reminder that I'm not sure if I know him anymore stupid me I thought I'd found my night and shineing armor and that we could Forge our Dream together but the music business has changed Alden made him hard I don't know when it happened but our personal relationship took a backseat to the business I can't remember the last time Alden and I went on a date took a walk together or simply talked about something other than music the elevator doors open to a group of people tears press against my eyes as I blink them back and swallow down my emotion I need to get out of this place so I can think my heels tap out a fast beat against the polished Stone of the cavernous foyer as I make a beine for the double glass doors Alden rushes to catch up with me I step outside welcoming the crisp air that cools my scalen hot cheeks I thought I could hold back the tears but one escapes and rolls down my cheek I don't even bother wiping it away Alden catches hold of my arm and forces me to face him you've got to fix this his expression is a combination of sheer panic and gritty determination he points toward the doors we need to go back in there this minute and tell lovey that you changed your mind an incredulous cackle rips through my throat I don't think so I narrow my eyes the fact that you don't see a problem with me lowering my standards to suit the whims of that Viper tells me that you and I have nothing left to talk about I jerk my arm out of his grasp and stomp away a screaming headache pass so fiercely across the bridge of my nose that it's making me dizzy the wind picks up tearing through my clothes I hug my arms wishing I would have thought to bring a coat I get to the street that runs in front of the building before I realize that I don't have a way to get home I rode with Alden should I call an Uber I don't have the app on my phone I guess I'll have to go back into the building and ask the receptionist to call me a cal I turn back around just as Alden jogs up to me quit being a drama queen I March pasted him toward the building thank goodness he sigh you've come to your senses he quickens his Pace to stay in step with me as he talks with his hands okay here's how we'll handle this you'll apologize to lovey and tell her how much you appreciate her giving you a shot his voice hardens from now on if she says jump you say how high I clench my teeth is Alden really this dense I thought he believed in me that we shared a common goal but obviously not I'm not apologizing you dope I'm going back inside to call a cab his face Falls before he lets out a string of expletives don't be ridiculous I'll give you a ride home we need to talk about this I'm done talking I rage as I charge back into the building chapter 2 bow four ball Corner Pocket a cocky grin slides over my lips as I wink watch and learn grasshopper Willard smirks making this moment even more delicious he's one of those hot shot cops who thinks he's John Wayne will is always shooting off at the mouth bragging to his buddies on the force that he can best the firefighters I'm about to mop the floor with him and he knows it eightball is my game I've only been beaten a handful of times and it's not going to be today the great news is that a couple of Willard's buddies are here to see his defeat they were talking trash earlier about how Willard was going to school me big time after I systematically sank several balls they went comically quiet show these coppers how it's done my buddy Jasper grunts a fellow firefighter Jasper needs this win as much as I do our last shift was brutal two teenage guys were in a head-on collision with 67-year-old Bob Winters both drivers were killed on impact and the teenage in the passenger seat is in intensive care we were the First Responders and saw Things That No human ey should ever have to be hold this one is personal Bob was my high school science teacher his wife Cindy serves on the church choir committee with my mom I know Bob's Kids Jasper had Bob for science too like me he came here to Clyde Sports Grill to blow off some steam while we don't don't talk about the tough stuff we go through it eats away at us I can see the strain on Jasper's expression along with the feverish glint in his eyes a dead giveaway that he's trying too hard to have a good time I'm sure if I could see myself I would be a mirror image the Christmas music playing in the background is a cruel joke life goes on like normal for everybody else while Cindy and and her kids are devastated I know that God has a plan but right now that plan stinks I turn my thoughts to the pool table when I make this shot I'll be too away from winning the game I push all thoughts of work aside and focus on the game as I ease into position eye in the ball the path to Victory is straight and sure or maybe not the instant the tip of my dick hits the Q ball someone grabs my waist I jump and the movement sends the ball skittering in the wrong direction hi you handsome I've been looking all over for you a silky voice says I swear under my breath as the unthinkable happens the Q ball rolls smack dab into the eightball sinking it into a side pocket what was that Jasper explodes Willard pumps a victory fist into the air his police buddies give each other high fives hey up fire boy Willard taunts with a glib grin I clenched my fist wishing I could punch a hole through the wall dang it terara couldn't you have waited a couple seconds before launching your attack oops sorry her face turns fire engine red as she offers a sheepish grin your boy would have lost anyhow Willard smirks you keep telling yourself that donut boy Willard gives me the stink eye he hates it when I Raz him about the 10 or so extra pounds that he's packed on the last year a triumphant smile fills Willard's fleshy face I'll take my money now I reach in my back pocket retrieve my wallet and SLA two $20 bills into his palm nice doing business with you fire boy Willard Winks as he and his buddies Lumber off to the bar to get another round of beers Tara gives me a puppy dog look I've missed you you were supposed to call me I can't believe I had to track you down I'm starting to feel like I'm invisible only to a blind man I say easily mostly because I know know it's what she wants to hear sure enough she lights up brighter than the Christmas tree in the corner and slips her arm through mine see why I love this guy she Chatters to Jasper I cringe at the word love and it must have Shone on my face because a Sly grin Crooks Jasper's lips I'll leave you two love birds alone the neck of my shirt suddenly becomes two sizes is too small as I pull at it n man don't leave I'm good for a couple more rounds of pool tera's easy on the eyes but I have no intention of settling down anytime soon she's been getting way too clingy lately maybe it's time to cut her loose at any rate I've got too much crap rolling around in my head tonight to give Tera the attention she craves Tara's face Falls don't say that I'm starving let's go grab a pizza at Life by the slice or something at the drive-in my phone rings Saved by the Bell extricating my arm from Tara's vice grip I pull my phone from my pocket and look at the screen it's pen I announced before answering hey Sis hey where are you I'm at Clyde's playing pool what's up you were supposed to come for dinner tonight mom made mushroom burger we're all waiting for you by we pin means mom her and Memphis my eyes go round I thought that was tomorrow night nope she Snips it's tonight I'm sorry I groan I got my days mixed up I rub a hand over my forehead feeling like a louse it's been one of those days my brain has been on autopilot all day her voice rings with sympathy I know I heard about Bob Winters I'm sorry thanks I mumble as a fist grips my stomach I just feel sorry for Cindy and Bob's kids me too she says quietly it's crazy how fast things can change for good and for bad amen I shoot back with conviction Penn knows that better than anybody she went through a rough patch with her two time and ex-husband Tim Norwood just thinking about that scum bag makes my blood boil the only thing that keeps me from beating him to a pulp is knowing that pen has found someone a thousand times better than Tim I wasn't too sure about Memphis at first but he's the real deal it's good to see pen happy a few beats of Silence pass before her voice lils up you can still come we'll wait for you I really wanted to hang out here long enough to at least redeem myself maybe win the next two games and earn my money back however anything is better than taking terara to dinner tera's fun to be around why did she have to go and ruin everything by trying to stake a claim on me all right sis I'll head that way I can feel Tera watching me like a hawk eyeing in her prey be careful can you believe it's snowing according to the forecast we're supposed to get a couple inches my eyes round seriously we don't get much snow in lower Alabama in fact I think the last time it snowed I was in junior high I'm sure the roads are slick watch out her voice is coated with enough apprehension that I can tell she's still thinking about what happened to Bob we'll do oh I almost forgot to ask did terara find you yep I say in a neutral tone throwing Tera a glance she gives me an adoring smile flaming frog legs she's not going to take it well when I break things off heck fire dag Nation what am I saying Tara and I aren't even a couple we've gone out on a handful of dates but I haven't made her any sort of commitment she knows my reputation with women I date a lot it's what I do pen trills out a wicked laugh you'd better watch that one she's itching to get her hooks into you she's probably picking out wedding invitations haha I say dry okay I'm officially getting freaked out here poor terara pen sings You batted those baby blue eyes and turned her to Mush the poor girl didn't stand a chance I guess Miss Cloud was right you really are Finger Licking Good Penn jeers I Bunch my brows seriously Miss Cloud was my high school English teacher she told pen about a conversation where she overheard some girls saying I was Finger Licking Good pen has never let me live it down it's getting deep in here I grunt it gives me the willies that my sister is talking about my sex appeal of course Penn knows that which is why she's doing it you know pen taunts one of these days you're going to have to settle down she rolls out a wicked giggle the Love Bug is going to bite you hard big brother and I can't wait to see it nah why limit myself to a single flavor of ice cream when I can enjoy all the flavors she scoffs Are you seriously comparing women to ice cream a corner of my lips tuck I like ice cream obviously she Chimes Terra pulls on my arm let's get something to eat I'm hungry Jeepers has her voice always been this whiny hang on I'm on the phone with my sister a ginormous smile fills Tara's face tell pen I said hello she holds up a finger oh and my sister and her family are coming home for Christmas I told them they should stay at the bed and breakfast Prim Rose Place is so adorable I give Tara a nod before turning my back to her since when did Tara and Pen become BFFs if Tara's sister wants to book a room she can do it online like everybody else and leave me out of it okay I'm being crabby but I don't take kindly to tera's attempts to ingratiate herself into my life through my sister I don't intend to get caught in Tera snare she'd better shop Elsewhere for a husband Penn's voice interrupts my thoughts you know what all this is about right huh mom's freaking out that you're turning 30 I roll my eyes tell me something I don't know my birthday is next Monday 12 days before Christmas Mom has been acting like I'm a ticking time bomb as if finding a woman will somehow set me on the straight and narrow you're enjoying this a little too much I smirk she exhales a long sigh I suppose I am mom's worried that you're going to end up potbellied and alone should I get you a fish to keep you company considering my work schedule no thanks the poor thing would starve I work 24 hours on and 48 hours off you know what's happening here don't you mom's coming down on you and you're ready to run for the hills basically now that you're married mom's turning her Focus to me you're right she taunts the focus is on you now About Time Lucky me I Grumble Pen's just glad that she's happily married and no longer in the hot seat I rub my neck feeling like a turkey on a chopping block I hear talking in the background okay I'll tell him Pen's voice loses volume as she pulls her mouth away from the phone hey mom says to hurry up she says straight into the phone her tone is several volumes too loud instinctively I tuck my head into my neck take it down a notch before you burst my eardrum she clucks her tongue so sensitive the food's getting cold she adds y'all don't wait for me go ahead you sure yeah it may take me a little while to get there be that way pen heaves out a dramatic sigh but I can tell she doesn't care what time I get there she just enjoys yanking my chain be safe she warns again we'll do I clip as I end the call and shove my phone back into my pocket Terra shoots me an exasperated look can we please go and eat now my w how about that I have somewhere I need to be a family thing teror doesn't skip a beat I'll go with you she offers sweetly not this time she gives me such a crestfallen look that I fear she'll dissolve into a blob of mascara on the spot jam and Jupiter I hate it when women cry I look past terara to where Jasper is chatting up a couple of women who are pawing all over him maybe Jasper can take you to get something to eat Jasper's not a fan of Tera he says she's way too high maintenance for him I used to argue differently but I'm having to revise my opinion I don't want Jasper she sulks I want you I hear movement from behind the instant before someone grabs my arm the hair on the back of my neck Rises with the knowledge of impending trouble I whirl around to face Randall Clark he gets up in my face throwing around a few Choice words that I don't care to remember or repeat who do you think you are Randall works at the chemical plant as a forklift operator he's 4 in shorter than me and built like a refrigerator he's balding has a short beard and enough tattoos to cover a small country What's your problem every muscle in my body tenses as I jut out my chin Randall may think he's tough but I'm tougher and I never run away from a fight rage flares hot and Furious in Randall's eyes don't pretend that you don't know what this is about I look him in the eye my words coming out through clenched teeth enlighten me it won't do me any good to get in a brawl with Randall As A Firefighter I'm supposed to be an upstanding citizen put on a good face for the town smile wave and conform to all the political mumbo jumbo that the Town Council dreams of I'm not that worried about what the Town Council thinks it's cap that I worry about he'll go nuts if he gets wind of an altercation it won't sit well with the fire chief or the mayor either still when some lug nut brings a fight to your door there's only one thing you can do fight tooth and nail I'll either go out in a blaze of glory or down hard like a block of concrete maybe I should be thanking Randall Clark for giving me a way to vent my frustration don't play dumb with me you've been getting handsy with Misty i bark out a startled laugh mist rutage poor sap I pity any man who would get tangled up with that she devil he grinds a meaty fist into the palm of his hand so you admit it I'll bet he packs a powerful punch Randall may have me on strength but I'm faster and more agile I guess I'm about to find out if those boxing techniques Memphis has been teaching me really work my muscles pulled tot getting ready to act what's this about Tara interrupts in a panicky tone she touches my arm B please tell me it's not true step back terara I urge giving her a gentle shove the last thing I want is for her to get caught in the crossfire this thing's going to get ugly fast of course it's true r Randall Roars Misty told me all about how you came on to her a hard Amusement overtakes me don't blow your cork big guy I my head like I'm perplexed Misty told you I came on to her I'm not sure if I should be amused or ticked sure did he asserts indignantly like he's defending Misty's honor that's a laugh laugh last week here in this very establishment I was sitting at the bar and shooting the bull with a few of my buddies before I even realized what was happening Misty skulked up from behind and threw her arms around my neck she weeded my head around pressed her mouth to mine and stuck her tongue so far down my throat that I could swear she was trying to lick my tonsils I about gagged I Square my shoulders whatever Misty told you is a lie see this is all a big mistake terara interjects with a shaky laugh of relief You're darn tooting it's a mistake I fire back keeping my gaze fixed on Randall I never came on to Misty I pause hating to say the next part Randall may be built like a brick house but he has the brain of a baboon the poor poor guy's a sucker Misty leads him around by the nose I almost feel sorry for the sap this may sting a bit dude I'm sorry to have to tell you this but she came on to me and I turned her down that's a gross understatement Misty's one of those girls who keeps Randle on the hook while looking for the next best thing she enjoys advertising her assets with low cut tight shirts that would be hard pressed to fit a toddler probably because she gets a kick out of Randall going berserk thinking everyone's looking at her I know exactly what this is retaliation plain and simple Misty's trying to get back at me for turning her down flat Randall swears before charging fists flying I managed to block a couple of punches but then he lands one to my jaw pain zigzags through me as I stagger back trying to regain my bearings getting hit by a sledgehammer would hurt less out of the corner of my eye I see a blur as Jasper charges forward and socks Randall hard in the jaw sending him sprawling backwards into the people sitting behind him watch it h guy grumbles Willard and his cop buddies step in and break up the fight I'll kill you Randall Roars at me as Willard holds him back that's enough Willard cautions his voice holds the Ironclad authority of his position as a police officer he looks Randall in the eye we've got two options here a I can haul your butt to jail B you turn around and go home I'd advise you to go with option b Jasper snears he flicks his hand making me wonder if it's sprained Willard's face is scalding red his chest heaving up and down finally his jaw relaxes a fraction as he gives a short nod go on Willard orders shoving him in the chest get out of here and don't come back Goat Boy Jasper yells Goat Boy Willard asks dubiously as Randall stalks out Jasper grunts Randall's never been the sharpest tool in the shed when we were kids he used to put on a motorcycle helmet and have a button contest with his pet goat sure enough Willard asks wide eyed he looks at me for affirmation it's true I answer when I said that Randall has the brain of a baboom that was too generous of a description it's more like he has a brain the size of a pee Willard turns to me shaking his head man you're going to have to quit chasing skirts if I hadn't been here that lug head would have killed you I was holding my own I argue right Willard says dryly my eyebrow slides up I'll admit I might be guilty of chasing skirts but I wasn't chasing that particular skirt my J eyes throbbing something fierce i' touch it winon if you're not careful somebody's going to rearrange that pretty face Willard taunts I think I might have broke my hand Jasper laments guilt squashes me flatter than a bug caught under a boot ah man I'm sorry he flicks his hand again it's not your fault that Randall's a doofus I knew way back in elementary school that he had a few loose screws when he put on his mama's girdle and pretended to be a gladiator a choral slurps through my throat especially when I see the horrified look on Willard's face I'm glad I missed that one Willard asserts be very glad Jasper says in all seriousness there are some things a person should never have ingrained in in their head amen I pipe in thinking of Bob terara steps up her lower lip trembling is it true I have no idea what she's talking about what have you been running after other women her expression is wounded distraught I'm done tiptoeing around this subject like it or not tera's going to get it straight from the horse's mouth right here and right now what do you want me to say I'm so dang weary not physically but mentally and emotionally I don't want to have this conversation tonight but Tera leaves me no choice you're a nice girl and we've had fun together but we're not a couple tears fill her eyes as her chin Quivers but but I thought you cared we were going to spend Christmas together we were that's news to me Willard and Jasper share an amused look this is a train wreck Tera must be delusional how she could think that the two of us have a future is beyond me she's been backing the wrong racehorse you pack a mean punch for a fireman Willard says adire IR inly to Jasper yeah and I've got the injury to prove it Jasper flexes his hand i'm relieved to see that Jasper can at least move his hand but it's starting to swell you should put some ice on that I suggest Willard gives Jasper a swift pad on the back how about a drink on me Dwayne can round you up some ice Dwayne is the bartender Willard throws me a Surly wink we'll give lover boy here some space to work out his Affairs Jasper Chuckles sounds good see you around short fuse I give him a nod thanks man for your help it was no big deal Jasper says offhandedly as he and Willard head for the bar I hate it when my buddies call me short fuse so I have a temper big deal I thought I did a decent job of keeping myself under wraps despite the fact that Randall was acting like a raving lunatic H how could you do this to me Tera stammers I thought you cared this is getting ridiculous don't make this any harder than it is my voice is flat and devoid of emotion a dead giveaway that I'm done with this song and dance you know the story of the boy and the snake you knew what I was before you picked me up yes she screeches getting up in my face I know exactly what you are A Low Down scum sucking pus pocket putrid Pig her little hissy fit does the trick of Shifting the balance of the universe back into its proper position tera's rage I can handle much more more than her weeping I see her hand go flying the instant before it connects with my face in a loud whack talk about adding insult to injury she got me in the exact same spot that Randall punched me I hate you she cries storming off clapping breaks out from behind me hey Primrose a guy jeers maybe I should teach you a thing or too about women not bothering to turn around to see who made the jab I simply wave a hand in disgust and utter a flat haa I purposefully wait a good five minutes or more before leaving the grill to avoid running into Terror on my way out snow is coming down hard in big puffy flakes I guess the forecaster got it right for once the cold is refreshing helping to cool the hot thoughts swirling in my brain I wish I hadn't told pen I'd go over to Mom's tonight all I want to do is go home prop my feet up and forget this day ever happened chapter 3 Presley seriously I tighten my grip on the steering wheel and glare at the snowflakes hitting the windshield like meteorites the movement is dizzying I blink several times shifting my focus past the snow into the road it's super slick my tires feel like they're barely making traction with the asphalt just my luck I can't remember the last time it snowed it would pick today of all days when I'm driving home I've been on the road for over six hours my shoulders ache from tension and I have to pee so badly that I wonder if my bladder will explode the good news is that I'm almost home I passed the town limits of comfort several minutes ago Comfort is only 10 minutes from my tiny community of Willow people think Comfort is small but it's a metropolis compared to Willow we have a four-way stop and a convenience store we used used to have a grocery store but it closed down when I was a teenager I went to high school in comfort and feel like it's as much my hometown as Willow I drive down Main Street blanketed in snow The Shops look even quainter than usual each lamp post is adorned with an outline of a Christmas icon covered in Tinsel one has a Christmas tree another a bell another a candy cane Angel and so on when I was a kid I loved coming into Comfort to see the decorations I pass Abigail's Bakery which is managed by my first cousin ski there's a green and white striped awning over the front door Ski's mom and my dad are siblings to hear my dad tell it skate has been doing a fabulous job of managing the bakery ever since the owner Abigail retired the bakery looks like a postcard a Christmas tree sits in the center of the front window twinkling merry gold lights even though the bakery is closed the interior is lit enough for me to see several pastel colored ice cream parlor chairs and tables spotted around the space the oldfashioned bakery cases are a nice touch my phone buzzes I pick it up from the console to look at the screen it's Alden again I growl he's called called so many times since I got on the road that I've lost count I toss my phone back down I have no intention of talking to him tonight after that horrible meeting this morning with lovey Barnes I took a cab to my apartment threw some clothes in a suitcase and took off for home I was supposed to work tonight at the musked Dine Cafe but I called my boss Steve and begged off I told him that I needed to take a week off for personal reasons he wasn't too happy about me leaving him in the Lurch but when I broke into tears he agreed to give me some time off I'm one of Steve's most loyal employees I can't count the number of times I've agreed to fill in for people who couldn't come in the least Steve can do is give me a few days off I didn't tell my parents I was coming home they won't mind me surprising them mom will ask all sorts of questions ones that I don't care to answer right now I've been replaying the meeting in my head over and over wondering if there was something I could have done to change lovey's mind it seems so unfair that I would be given the chance of a lifetime only to have the rug pulled out from under me I need space to clear my head I need advice from someone I can trust should I just wear the skimp outfit and sing the Trashy song I've worked so hard for this and don't want to spend the rest of my life waiting tables and doing the occasional performance at the muscadine Cafe along with the scores of other amateurs hoping to get discovered if I tell Mom what's going on she'll insist that I turn down the opportunity I'm not ready to walk away from my dream and yet if I start out compromising my values where will that leave me furthermore what kind of deal does lovey want me to sign one where I'll sing more trashy songs I want to maintain control over my work is it so bad to want to hold on to what I've worked so hard to build why can't Alden see where I'm coming from God I'm sick and tired of the hot turmoil boiling in my head my phone rings again stop calling me I fume as I reach for my phone my spirits lift when I see the name I slide my finger over the screen to answer skate Hey Hey cuz how's it going good I lie knowing that ski doesn't want to hear my problems I just drove by the bakery it looks great what she exclaims you're in town yep I'm driving through Comfort now how long have you been here I just got in or rather I'm getting here now you shouldn't be out on the roads the snow is coming down hard tell me something I don't know I say dry skate is right the roads are getting scarily bad I've had to slow down to 30 m an hour how long are you here I chew the inside of my cheek I'm not sure at least least a week that's great she booms you've got to stay through next Saturday what's going on next Saturday she giggles nervously don't be mad my tense mad about what you know the catering job I've been dying to get for the clayborn's Christmas party the one at the Country Club I Read All About It On Nelly Kinsey's blog according to her it's supposed to be the event of the season that's the one ski Chimes doy is giving me the job fantastic I say With all sincerity it's nice to see Skate coming into her own she has worked hard to get where she is cooking is her passion just as music is mine I'm glad fate is smiling on one of us I swallow the lump in my throat realizing it's not help healthy to keep wallowing in self-pity come next Thursday at noon I'll give lovey my final answer and we'll have to somehow find a way to live with the consequences of whatever I decide either way I'll come out losing there's only one catch a sense of weariness overtakes me what is that I kind of told doy that you'd perform what I explode my mind racing I have a long history with the Clayborn Wade Clayborn in particular we were an item in high school he broke my heart when he went away to college I'm way over that now but I have zero desire to sing at his party doy is a big fan of your music I scrunch my nose really that's shocking doy wasn't overly fond of me when Wade and I dated I'm surprised she would listen to my music while I'm steadily building a following I'm not a household name by any stretch of the imagination in fact growing up I went by my middle name Jean so when people hear Presley Madison they might not even realize it's me maybe she likes you better than you think Dy told me I could have the job if you performed we're a package deal please do this one Teensy thing for me catering this party will be a feather in my cap I've been trying to talk Abigail into selling me the bakery but I need more income to do that if I could get several jobs the caliber of the clayborn's party then it'll really help not only is SK my cousin but also one of my closest friends she knows that I have a strong sense of loyalty to her still I don't want to perform at that wretched party ask me to do something else like bake a thousand batches of brownies you bake police hey I know how to bake remember those Rock cookies you brought to the band banquet that was eons ago the recipe called for bacon soda I didn't have any so I left it out figuring that a Ply half teaspoon of something couldn't be that big of a deal yeah I was wrong like ski said they were rocks and she's never let me live it down have you kept up with weight not really I know he has a veterinary clinic in Mobile there was a time when I stalked Wade on social media hungry for any tidbit of information about him however that was a long time ago and a sad satellite office in comfort really I had no idea Ski's voice hardens you'll never believe who he's dating who I drive past the sign letting me know that I'm leaving the town limits of comfort next stop home I can't wait to curl up in my old bed I'll spend the next couple of days catching up on reading and gorging myself on chocolate more than anything I'm craving relaxation and being home where I can be plain old Jean Madison and not have to think about lovey barns skimpy outfits or trashy music chocolate is the cure for all my ills Colette Williams she spats she tried to get her hooks into Gavin mallister but now that he's off the market she's setting her sights on Wade This is n the first time that ski has brought up the topic of Wade even back in high school I suspected that ski had a crush on him although to Ski's credit she never acted on her feelings for fear of hurting me Ski's reaction to Wade dating Colette seems a bit extreme maybe ski still has a thing for weight good for ski maybe she'll have better luck with Wade than I did as for Colette we've never been close but I don't don't have anything against her sure she's a spoiled Diva but she's never done anything to me personally ski despises Colette because her close friend Albany Featherstone McAllister now despises Colette Gavin and Albany are married I remind ski and Albany is expecting a baby don't you think it's time to move on and let bygones be bygones skate Chuckles dryly before her voice takes on The Sassy tone of one who's setting me straight you wouldn't say that if you could hear all the garbage Colette has been saying about you the breath whooshes out of my lungs what has she been saying just like that I'm drawn into the fry of small town drama it's high school all over again that way dumped you she says you're a wannabe singer who never amount to anything it's crazy how fast and hot anger surges through my veins are you serious as a heart attack Wade did dump me but that's beside the point Wade hurt me bad there was a time when I didn't know how I could possibly go on however I took that angst and channeled it into my music as it turns out a broken heart is a boon to a songwriter if anything I should be thanking Wade my thoughts ping to Colette I've never done anything to Colette Williams why would she have it in for me Colette is a jealous-hearted monster that's why she Clips she hates to see you off in Nashville living your dream while she's stuck in Comfort okay so someone in Comfort has been following my career I don't know if I should be kicked or flattered my brain tries to look at this analytically how did you know that Colette has been talking trash about me it's a small town and I manage a bakery people talk Colette is saying that you're a fraud she claims that you aren't actually Dayton Alden halol what I blust her that's absurd how does Colette even know about Alden Betty Sue told me that Trinity said that Colette followed him way back in the day when he was doing his music before Alden became my manager he tried to break into the music industry however he never had any success so he turned his sides to managing a hard laugh scratches my throat you know what I don't give a flying flip what Colette Williams says or thinks she's small potatoes you got that right right ski punches out you should bring Alden with you to the party that'll shut Colette up I roll my eyes I never said I was going to the party please SK begs I need this job you know how much I hate performing in front of people that I know I've never understood that you're a singer performing should be as easy for you as breathing it is when I'm prle mad here I'm foury Jean with frizzy hair pimples and braces look you're not the only one who had stuff to overcome look at me I have a lot to be desired a choral gurgles in my throat don't you mean that you lack a lot to be desired oh yeah lack a lot to be desired for the record you were super popular in high school skate has always been tight with her group of friends Penelope Primrose Albany Featherstone and Blakeley Donaldson I suppose I was a tad jealous of ski and her friends back in the day I was a gr younger and was so painfully awkward that I didn't have any close friends only ski popularity is a fleeting thing SK Chimes I suppose you're right I concede her voice goes is pleading come on cuz I really need your help here as much as I don't want to perform at the clayborn's party ski knows I'll do it for her which is why she already told doy Clayborn that it was a done deal fine I huff I'll sing at the stupid party yikes I can almost feel pimples popping over my face I run my tongue over my teeth reminding myself that I no longer wear braces my glasses have been replaced by contacts thank you very much and I finally learned how to tame my red Friz Jean Madison has forever been replaced by the new and improved Presley Madison thank you you're the best my eyes widen wait a minute I didn't bring my guitar don't you have an extra one lying around your parents' house don't try denying it because I know you do ski knows me too well yes I have an extra I say doly good it's all settled she trills out a wicked giggle when Colette sees you and Alden together she'll soil her socks a semi amused grin pulls at my lips you mean soil her pants you know what I meant ski answers in mild annoyance I do skate is as lovable as she is scatterbrain she often misuses words and mixes up phrases my expression goes sour don't get your hopes up about Alden and me what do you mean things are rocky between us right now don't say that skate groans you have to show up with Alden otherwise Colette will claim she's right she says that you're still pining away for weight that's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard it sounds like Colette needs more to keep her busy you should patch things up with Alden and bring him that's the quickest way to put Colette in her place I don't care what Colette thinks that may be true but I don't like the idea of Wade thinking I'm still carrying a torch for him this thing between Alden and me is not going to resolve itself quickly do you want to talk about it not really I retort she doesn't skip a beat okay then I'll fix you up with someone else no thanks the last time you tried to fix me up it ended disastrously that's not fair I can't help it that b was a jerk I narrow my eyes a big jerk way before Wade Clayborn came into the picture I had a huge crush on Bo Primrose since ski was good friends with his sister Penelope I asked ski to talk to Bo see if he would take me to the sweetheart dance to my surprise and Delight Bo agreed I was in the eighth grade and felt like I had scored a huge victory at having Bo a junior take me to the dance my mom took me to mobile to buy a new dress for the occasion I went to the beauty salon to get my hair and nails done I spent the day primping and fantasizing about dancing with Bo an hour before Bo was supposed to pick me up he sent a text saying that his cat had died and he couldn't take me to the dance later I found out that he took Cynthia be to the dance instead I've detested Bo Primrose ever since I heard through the grapevine that he's a player with a long line of girlfriends some people never grow up we need to find you a fake boyfriend for the holidays skate is adoringly naive I think you've been watching too much Hallmark probably she giggles come on let me fix you up with someone her voice shoots up several notches I've got the perfect person in mind Huck Cooper he runs an insurance agency a few doors down from the bakery he's single what does he look like her long pause speaks volumes that bad huh he's not too terrible to look at laughter gurgles in my throat not too terrible you don't sound convincing I have no intention of going to the party with some insurance person but I appreciate the laughter at the very least talking to skate has helped to take my mind off my problems hu's a little soft in the center I burst out laughing you mean soft in the middle as in he has a flat tire yeah but just a little one more like a tricycle Tire thanks for the offer but I think I'll go It Alone she lets out a long sigh I sure wish you'd work things out with Alden it would be nice to see Colette get put in her place I'm not going to waste my energy worrying about what Colette Williams says or does that's probably smart skate says but I can tell that she doesn't agree crumb she groans what's wrong the power just went out my car lurches causing my heart to gallop into my throat the tires regain traction as fast as they lost it a headyy relief pummels over me I swallow hard tamping down the Panic that threatens to overtake me I should probably let you go the roads are getting really bad concern sounds in skat's voice are you okay my stomach balls into a hard knot yeah so far I've had to slow down to a crawl it has been a while since I've passed another car people in these parts aren't used to the snow and ice okay I'll let you go call me when you make it home I will I say as I get off the phone the second I put the phone down I hit a patch of black ice and gasp as the car skied kids my life flashes before my eyes as I slide into the oncoming Lane I'm totally helpless gripping the steering wheel so hard that my Knuckles hurt even though it's only a couple of seconds before the tires reconnect with the asphalt I feel like it took forever to get the car under control thankfully I maneuver over into the correct Lane thank goodness there aren't many people out tonight otherwise I would have slam slammed into another car I'm sitting on the edge of the seat my spine ram rod straight my neck and shoulders feel bruised like someone has been using them for a punching bag I've never been so ready to get home I offer a prayer asking for help my eyes strain to see past the swirling snow it's a white out my pulse spikes as I approach the bridge that goes over cross Water Creek bridges are always worse than the roads in icy weather I slow down to 15 M an hour inching my way forward the bridge is as slick as glass I follow the tracks in the snow left by other vehicles hoping the melted area will provide more traction what I wouldn't give right now for a snow plow and salt on the road headlights come at me from the opposite direction of all the times to pass another car I hold my breath clutching the steering wheel while trying to stay in my Lane after what seems like an eternity the car Putters on past and I make it to the other side of the bridge my heart drops through my rib cage at the sight of the Hill leading down from the bridge tears rush to my eyes good grief this is stressful to think I wanted to come home so I could clear my head and rest and now I'm in a worse State than ever I have no choice but to keep going even though everything in me is repelled by the thought of going down that wretched Hill slowing down to five miles an hour I start down it all is good for a few seconds as soon as I relax a smidgen everything goes Haywire a suffocating Terror crowds the edges of of my brain when the wheels lose traction I'm sliding out of control a scream wrenches my throat as I fly off the road and slam into a tree chapter 4 bow the snow bomb in the windshield reminds me of a baseball pitcher throwing a series of strikes across home plate Bam Bam Bam the wipers are doing their best to Wick it away but they're fighting a losing battle this is the mother of all storms bag the idea of going to Mom's for dinner I need to go home I reach for my phone and call pen hey I begin when she answers the roads are bad I should probably head home a tight string of tension pulls through her voice good idea bro the power's out Memphis and I are going to stay here with Mom tonight to make sure she has everything she needs also we don't want to venture out on the roads smart idea what about the folks staying at your BNB I called Kathy they've lost power too but she seems to have everything under control all the guests are okay she gave them emergency candles the generator will keep the fridge going so the food won't spoil I'm glad you listened to me and hired Kathy to manage the BNB yep it was all you bro pen Jesus never mind that Memphis stayed after me for months to hire Kathy well I'm just glad you had the good sense to listen to your brother and husband me too she acquiesces I guess y'all men folk do know a thing or two after all haa I quipped dry pen was working herself to death to run her bed and breakfast it's nice to see her taking time off to have dinner with Mom she and Memphis are going to Texas next month to visit memphis's family pen could have never taken a week-long trip to another state without a manager how far are you from home a couple miles Penn's voice crackles with apprehension let me know when you get there we'll do I say ending the call I'm glad Penn and Memphis are with mom while mom is fiercely independent it's not easy for her to manage the fibromy Penn often accuses me of trying to play her dad yeah I know I come across as overprotective the role of dad was thrust upon me when our dad abandoned the family when I was a kid according to Penn I have some underlying issues about dad leaving that prevent me from making a lifelong commitment to one particular girl maybe that's true I'm no psychologist I'm doing what every other person's trying to do survive the only way I know how there are times when I cross the line like when I marched over and socked Memphis in the jaw because I thought he was picking on pen a right grin tugs at my lips I got what I deserved Memphis kicked my butt it was the start of a beautiful friendship how could I not respect a man who can hold his own also it helps that he's crazy about my little sister I've never seen pen so happy Memphis is a hero in my book it's Eerie being out on the road alone I feel like I'm in some blizzard Time Warp my truck is four-wheel drive which helps tremendously still I'm ready to get home I slow down my Pace as I approach crosswater Creek I'm not looking forward to going over the bridge sucking in a Resolute breath I tighten my hold on the steering wheel and proceed forward I'm impressed with how well my truck Handles in the snow the truck slides a few times but nothing too major going down the hill will be the true test here goes nothing I say aloud as I start down it the truck SK skids going sideways as a few Choice words fly from my lips wildly I turn the steering wheel trying to regain control of the truck but all I'm doing is fishtailing no it's worse the truck goes sideways as I slide all the way down to the bottom of the hill luckily I managed to stay on the road when my truck comes to a stop I suck in a breath of relief thanking my lucky stars that I didn't end up in the ditch my body is shaky from the adrenaline I forced my body and mind into action realizing it's not good to be a Sitting Duck at the bottom of a hill I turned the wheel and punched the gas my truck reacts the tires connecting with the road just as I get the truck into the correct Lane I notice the tracks in the snow going off the side of the road my blood runs cold when I spot the car the front of it is mangled and buted up against a massive tree is someone still in the car my brain races into action as I pull the truck over to the side of the road but not too far onto the shoulder I don't want to get mired and in a snow drift I jump out and run to the car thinking of Bob I can see the shadow of someone inside slumped against the steering wheel my first thought is please let the driver's door be unlocked to my relief it is I open the door to find a woman I do a quick scan there's no one else in the car but her the passengers side airbag deployed but not the driver are you okay she groaned in response that's a good sign let's get you out of here carefully I pull her back from the steering wheel reach around her torso and unlock the seat belt thankfully the woman was wearing a seat belt when she hit the tree or this situation could have been much much worse she moves her head from side to side groaning again I place my arms around her and pull her out of the car thankfully she's feather light after carrying her a safe distance from the vehicle I place her on the snowy ground to take an assessment of her injuries fat snowflakes are still slipping from the sky hitting me in Cold Pops I can't think about that right now I need to focus on helping the woman she has a cut above her eye that's bleeding but she seems to be otherwise okay at least from what I can tell my attention is drawn to her flaming red curls SPL out across the blanket of white snow the snowflakes Landing Softly on her hair give her an ethereal quality she must be from out of town otherwise I'd know her she's way too pretty not to notice I glan at her hand no weding ring flaming frog legs am I so pathetic that I'm checking out some poor woman who had a car accident maybe I do need to stop chasing skirts her eyelashes flutter like delicate butterfly wings trying to take flight as she tries to sit up my things careful I warn placing a hand on her shoulder to keep her still I need to call for help as soon as the words leave my mouth my brain ticks through the list of the crew that's on call tonight there's no way that Pope and his men can get a fire engine across the bridge and down the hill still I need to call this in I've got a first aid kit in the truck but it would be nice to have access to all my equipment I reached for my phone only to realize that I left it in the truck the woman sits up and touches her forehead my head she complains relief swells through me it's good that she's coherent you took a nasty hit you might have a concussion it's better if you remain still no she protests trying to St stand I help her to her feet she takes a step and staggers I catch hold of her arm to steady her easy Shivers run through me it's biting cold out here the falling snow insulates the surroundings in Stillness we might be the only two people on the planet I have to get my things out of the car it's probably better to stay away I glance at the car the entire front is crushed I'd hate for the thing to catch on fire while we're near it that could escalate the situation to something uncontrollable I need my purse my phone and my suitcase she insists as she pulls away from my grasp and trudges in that direction holding her hand over the cut over her eye there's enough pale light for me to see the glimmer of the snowflakes in her hair her curls bounc jauntily on her slender shoulders with her every step as if having a mind of their own my eyes trace the graceful cut of her figure lingering on her slim waist and the gentle swaying of her hips I give myself a hard mental slap snap out of it man geez Louise I'm pathetic that's not wise I call after her my words getting snatched by the swirling snow she keeps right on going I swear under my breath stupid woman she leaves me no choice but to go and help I rushed to her side my feet Sinking Deep into the snow with every step here let me I reach in through the driver's side and grab her purse trying to be as quick about the process as possible get my phone she directs where is it I grumble the console I grabbed the phone urgency pumps through me let's get away from the car my suitcas is in the trunk seriously I mutter her voice trembles I need my stuff fine I hand her the purse and phone how do I open the trunk the lever at the bottom of the seat I Yank on it and the lid to the trunk pops open I rush around and Hate out the large heavy lacquer red suitcase what have you got in this thing bricks will you get my computer bag to yes ma'am I clip sarcastically is there anything else you need maybe your bed turned down or chocolate mints on your pillow the woman's fairing well enough to bark orders thanks for all your help she says sheepishly making me regret being so ornery let's go I pick up the suitcase and walk quickly to get a safe distance away she follows behind I don't stop until we reach my truck only then do I put her suitcase and computer bag down she has pulled her purse strap over her shoulder she's still touching the cut over her eye I glance up at the sky the snowflakes have become swarming cold bees I should give you bandaged up and call this in thanks for rescuing me no problem it's what I do I open the door to get my phone out of my truck only to discover that there's no service the sail Tower must be down is your phone working my hair is soing wet from the snow I'm cold to the Bone I can only imagine how she must be feeling she pulls her phone from her purse and glances at the the screen no service she announces glumly sail tow down I repeat it's at that moment when she looks at me as if seeing me for the first time you she utters I search her face dang she's easy on the eyes with those delicate features and full perfectly formed lips her man of curly hair Halo her heart-shaped face it's cute how her nose tips up on the end giving her a girlish quality do we know each other I search my brain coming up empty no way have we met before I would remember a woman who looked like this and yet she obviously knows me a cryptic smile tugs at her cinnamon lips as she throws me a challenging look how's your cat cat cat I asked dubiously I don't have a cat exactly she punches out like I've been tried and pronounced guilty she's ready to haul my butt to jail and throw away the key and I'm not even sure what the charges are I just saved her life she should be thanking me right now okay that's extreme yes I helped her but her life wasn't in jeopardy her car is still intact at least the section where she was sitting obviously the car is not going to catch fire as I had feared her cut appears minor she probably would have been okay without my help but she would have been dang cold spending all night in her car the wind picks up as she suppresses a shiver her teeth chattering my paramedic brain takes over let's get you into the truck and out of the cold I need to bandage your cut good idea she pulls her hand away from her wound her fingertips are red but the cut seems to have stopped bleeding I place her suitcase into the back of the pickup truck before opening the passenger door and helping her in her hair swooshes giving me a tantalizing whiff of fruity shampoo I place the computer bag at her feet I figure you might want this in the front you're such a Gent gentleman she says in a gooey sweet voice thanks I frown why do I get the feeling that wasn't a compliment she takes in a breath like she's trying to reconcile something within herself despite our sorted history I really do appreciate your help it's freezing out here freezing right that's cold for shut the door you idiot I close the door and go around to the driver's side sorted history she does know me how could I not remember her I rub my hand back and forth over my hair to remove the snow and dust my jacket off before sliding behind the wheel I turn on the engine and blast the heat she's hugging her arms in an attempt to ward off the cold I only live a couple miles from here here I suggest we go there and wait out the storm her eyes widen in concern even if I could call 911 it's doubtful that anyone could get out here on a positive note I happen to be a paramedic she crinkles her brows I thought you were a firefighter I blink stunned that she knows what I'd do for a living yeah a firefighter who has paramedic training I guess it's good that you were the one who happened to rescue me Shadows pass over her expression I was petrified she murmurs as she glances at her car I managed to cross the bridge but when I went down the hill her voice dribbles off as she shakes her head I just went flying into the tree I totally understand where you're coming from my truck's fourwh drive and I slid all the way down the hill if anyone had been coming in the other direction an image of Bob flashes through my mind why did he have to die the next second an immense feeling of gratitude fills my chest I'm so glad that this mystery woman is okay I'm grateful that I'm okay now I need to get us both to the safety of my house without further incident do you think my cars total probably she lets out a long breath I'm afraid you're right okay time for the million dooll question she turns to me her expression quizzical what's that what's your name soft laughter issues from her lips you truly don't remember me no I don't what sorted history do we have if you think long and hard I'm sure you'll remember she says slightly a corner of my mouth lifts in a partial grin this woman intrigues me I can't remember the last time I was intrigued it's kind of fun okay I'm game I'll ask you a series of questions that you have to answer I catch eyes with her is that fair she Chuckles since when have you ever played Fair B she adds softly the heat that zaps through my veins has nothing to do with the warm air flowing from the vents you do know me yep she Snips lifting her chin I know you well something akin to resentment flashes in her eyes eyes maybe we should get out of the storm before continuing with our little game I give her a long look trying to figure out what it is about her that I find so fascinating sure she's beautiful but lots of women are maybe I feel some sort of responsibility since I rescued her yeah that's probably it I'm sure my interest in her will wne once the newness of tonight EV an Fates pen says I have this innate need to be the hero I suppose I do pen claims that's why I became a firefighter I don't know about that but whatever as you wish an amused smile curves her lips a reference to The Princess Bride surprised laughter pushes through my lips I was referring to The Princess Bride kudo to her for picking up on it don't flatter yourself princess I wink she just Chuckles shaking her head same old bow I really wish I could remember how the two of us know each other for now I'll have to put my curiosity on the back burner time to get us to safety hang on to your girdle this might be a dicey ride girdle huh we modern gals like to call it spanks don't worry short fuse I'll be sure to hold on to everything I've got my jaw drops you know my nickname a little birdie mentioned it she's witty I like that here we go I say as I pull out onto the road chapter five Presley home sweet home Bo announces as we pull into his driveway snow is still coming down in a solid block of white this has to be a record I don't think we've ever gotten this much snow in Comfort or Willow I breathe a huge sigh of relief that was the longest two miles of my life amen he says heartily we lurched and slid all over the road all the while a prayer for help kept running through my mind a few times I was sure we would end up nose first in a ditch but B managed to keep us moving forward he's an excellent driver for which I'm immensely grateful I don't know which hurts worse The Cut Above my eye or the overall pounding against my skull brought on by a massive headache what a day this has been I can't believe that Bo of all people was the one to rescue me I'm getting a kick out of yanking his chain he has no idea who I am normally we'd go in through the garage but the door won't open from the outside without power Bo explains ah I didn't even think about that we get out of the truck I grab my purse and computer bag as Bo gets my suitcase snow pelts us as we duck our heads and make our way to the front porch B unlocks the door I knock the snow off my tennis shoes and dust myself off B does the same and then we Step Inside after the warmth of the truck it feels ice cold I glance around at the dark room not sure what to do with myself I'll go round up a flashlight and some candles bow motions to the couch have a seat thanks I shuffle over and sit down on the leather sofa removing my purse and placing my computer bag at my feet it's a good thing I didn't tell my parents I was coming for a visit they'd be worried sick if they knew everything that was happening G I've got to figure out what to do about my car I'll start by calling the insurance company tomorrow my stomach g growls reminding me that I haven't eaten anything since lunch so much for sleeping in my warm familiar bed tonight a beam of light wands across the room as B steps into view he moves over and places a candle on the coffee table he strikes a match and lights the candle my attention is drawn to the gentle flicker of the flame as it works to recede the darkness are you doing okay Bo asks I am I assert with more confidence than I feel a part of me is still reeling from the terror of the accident not to mention that I'm here alone with my childhood crush it doesn't help that he's the picture of masculinity with his live athletic body and those penetrating blue eyes if they look this blue in dim light I can only imagine how Vivid they are in regular light no wonder Bo has a steady stream of women flocking to him I need to keep reminding myself that B's a player for him I'm just another pretty face or Conquest poor Alden he can't hold a candle to B Primrose I guess it's time for me to face the fact that Alden and I are through that doesn't mean he can't still be my manager of course everything hinges on me throwing my morals out the window anger surges through me I want to rant and rail at the utter unfairness of the situation maybe this is a test to see if I'll cave Under Pressure how many times have I snubbed my nose at other artists who sold out shame on me for being a self-righteous prude I've sat in my Ivory Tower thinking how I would never sell my soul for fame and fortune and yet the lore of Fame is intoxicating I crave success so badly I can taste it today at the meeting my resolve to hold my ground was firm now that I'm exhausted and traumatized my willpower is waning it's a good thing I don't have to give my decision at this very moment I don't want to think about Alden or music tonight what I'd really like are a couple of I profen and some food I need to clean and bandage your cut but first I want to build a fire Shivers run through me a fire sounds good I survey the room stopping on the fireplace to the right of the couch I feel pressure against my bladder that's right before I was dying to go to the bathroom the trauma of the accident must have suppressed the urge it's now back with the Vengeance do you mind if I use your restroom sure it's down the hall first door on the right here take the flashlight don't you need it to build a fire he flashes a crooked grin that causes my heart to skip a beat nah I'll be fine I've got skills attraction stirs ribbons of warmth through my stomach as we share a Look Good Golly Miss Molly I can almost forget that I have a headache did I say I needed food who needs food at a time like this does B feel the same electric charge that shoots through me every time our eyes lock I sure hope he feels something surely this can't all be one-sided okay thanks I say neutrally it's hard to remain unaffected by B when he's being so kind and attentive I don't want to even think about what sort of State I'd be in right now if Bo hadn't rescued me I owe him a lot maybe it's time to bury the hatchet and stop harboring resentment over something that happened when I was in junior high as he hands me the flashlight his hand brushes against mine Rippling tingles over my skin I pad across the wood floor down the hall into the bathroom I turn on the water surprised to find it hot then something I once read resurfaces in my brain hot water can remain in the tank for a day or so depending on how well the tank is insulated I wash my hands quickly so I don't waste any more hot water than absolutely necessary it's a relief to get the dried blood off my fingertips I stare into the mirror taking note of my reflection God the cut over my eye looks bad I hope it doesn't leave a scar my hair has gone Frizzy from the snow light from the flashlight plays tricks on my face making me look like a phantom my skin is as pale as Alabaster my prominent cheekbones look almost gaunt and my eyes are dark pools that sink into nothingness I look like the vampire Victoria from Twilight if there was ever a time when I wished I could fix my hair and apply some makeup it's now where are my hairspray and lipstick when I need them I want Bo to regret blowing me off for the sweetheart dance I want him to look at me and all my Grandeur and Ru the day he messed with Presley Jean Madison with me looking all Haggard and vampirish he'll probably be glad that he took Cynthia be to the dance instead of me it was Junior High I remind myself get over it aside from my music I enjoyed dabbling in interior design I wish I could get a better feel for the style of Bose's house is it rugged and manly like him I shine the flashlight around the bathroom is plain Jane with chocolate covered towels a western style painting of wild horses on the open Prairie hangs over the toilet yep typical rugged and manly when I go back into the living room I find Bo crouched beside the fireplace he's nursing a small fire that's licking up kindlin stacked in a teepe formation I trace the outline of his broad powerful shoulders his dark hair is messy on top even the way his hair Feathers Against his neck is attractive I go back over and sit down watching as the liquid Flames rise higher B places on a couple of logs before dusting his hands on his jeans and rising to his feet I guess I can turn this off now I click the off switch on the flashlight and place it on the coffee table it's amazing how quickly the living room has turned cozy now that a fire is going let's take a look at your cut the thought of B being close to me and touching my skin s sends my heart into a wild skitter sure I say casually where in the heck is this crazy attraction coming from maybe everything is heightened due to the accident and extreme circumstances after all it's not every day that I crash into a tree and find myself holed up in a snowstorm with a hunky firefighter who happens to be my former Crush do I need to keep reminding myself that I'm a grown woman now and not that frizzy-haired pimply-faced sap that was googly eyed over hot shot bow Primrose z dam it heing the pseudo swear word raises a high pitched giggle in my throat what's wrong the events of the night are getting to me no make that the events of the day my tolerance bucket is filled to the brim I forgot to get the emergency kid out of the truck I looked toward the nearby window the blinds prevent me from seeing out but I imagine it's still snowing like crazy I can get it I offer not wanting to cause him any more trouble I can thank my grandma for that Southern bell sentiment my hair could be on fire and I'm still supposed to maintain my composure and ask with a cultured excuse me sir would you happen to have a glass of water to squelch these pesky Flames that seem to be taking over my hair heaven forbid if we cause anyone a smidgen of discomfort that's the southern way a grin stretches over his lips as he motions to my shoes you'll break your neck getting down the front steps hey I'm wearing tennis shoes with heels he ches my eyebrow arching is there any other kind these shoes are so comfortable I could live in them he shakes his head chuckling evidently not hang tight I'll be right back he strides over and reaches for his jacket hanging on a rack beside the door he slips it on and opens the door a gust of wind slaps its way inside bringing whirling snowflakes chills rise over my flesh making me grateful I'm inside and sitting by a crackling fire as bad as tonight has been it could have been so much worse had B not come along he goes out closing the door behind him I take this time to survey the living room no surprise there's a big flat screen directly across from the sofa a recliner sits beside the couch angled toward the TV I can imagine Bo lounging back and watching a game there's a large abstract painting of horses on one wall I'm not into horses but it's kind of cool the painting on the adjacent wall is of a cowboy on his horse a burnt red and black southwestern style rug covers the wood floor bow is obviously into Western Decor the place could certainly use a woman's touch not that I'm volunteering mind you just making an observation there's no Christmas tree sadly I have a small tree in my apartment it might seem strange to put up a tree for just me but I love Christmas and all the festivities that go along with it I take my tree decorating seriously my mom and sister tease me by saying I'm a regular Martha Stewart this year I switched out the ribbon on my tree to Black and White Checks I added a coordinating Christmas ribbon that has blacks red and a thin strand of gold I love how it turned out the only person I had to show my handiwork to was Alden he was complimentary about it but I could tell he couldn't care less one of the reasons I love coming home for Christmas is so I can go to all the events in Comfort I have such fond memories of attending the Christmas Pageant and parade I looked up Nelly Kinsey's blog to see all the events that are taking place this year the tree lighting of the giant evergreen beside the courthouse was the 1st of December There's A Christmas Carol singal a gingerbread house contest and a cookie exchange hosted by Bose's sister Penelope at her bed and breakfast the library is doing readings of Christmas stories to the kids and there are pictures with Santa the spirit of Christmas Lives large in comfort and I love it Nelly Kinsey's blog tends to be gone opy but I read it frequently so I can keep up with the happenings and comfort the event Nelly has been touting the most is the clayborn's Christmas party at the Country Club I still can't believe I agreed to sing skate skate what have you gotten me into my mutter speaking of singing in one corner of the room there's a guitar resting in a stand does Bo play the guitar my headache has a bit but I could still use some ibuprofen I'm sure Bo has some in his emergency kit the door opens blowing frigid wind clear over to where I'm sitting I rub my arms suppressing a shiver Bo removes his jacket hangs it on the rack and then locks the door heightening the sense of intimacy this whole situation is surreal I'm spending the night at BO Prim Rose's house the goofy school girl inside me does a little squeal he removes his boots and places them beside the door I look down at my shoes guilt spritzing through me would you like for me to take my shoes off stupid me I didn't even think about tracking snow in I look at the floor and rug no visible tracks thankfully at least I had the presence of mine to knock the snow off my shoes before coming inside nah he says with a grin I don't want to be the one who Parts the girl from her heels that's very kind of you sir I say my tone playfully sassy me and my heels are like this I hold up crossed fingers I don't doubt it he comes over sits down beside me unzips the emergency kit and spreads it over his lap I peer into it you got any ibuprofen I'd love to get rid of this headache we'll get to that first I need to check your eyes to make sure they're dilating correctly let me get my pen light he rummages through the items here it is he places the kid on the coffee table and scoots closer to me my traitorous cells come alive dancing and sizzling like they scor the shoe sale of the decade did I mention that I've always been a sucker for shoes oh yeah a few times more proof that I'm losing it tonight evidently shoes aren't my only Indulgence I'm a sucker for cocky fireman too I can't help but look at B's firm well-proportioned lips wondering how they would taste the flickering light from the candle emphasizes the clean line of his strong jaw there's a hint of a dimple in the center of his chin his nose is slightly crooked like it might have been broken a few times my gaze travels up taking note of his prominent brow Ridge that imbus him with a sense of strength I once read an article that listed stereotypical features that make men look more masculine and attractive bow has them all pronounced brows High forehead square jaw his piercing blue eyes are the icing on the cake is it just me or is the very air crackling with electricity ha poor choice of words no electricity tonight but rather a pulsing energy that whooshes through my veins like a blowtorch he leans close causing my breath to Hitch a wicked glint dances in his eyes don't worry I won't won't take unfair advantage of you I blink several times as he continues I could never kiss a woman without at least getting her name first a startled chortle pushes through my throat my voice pitches squeaky high do you actually think I would let you kiss me I'm pleased with how outraged I sound of course I would let him kiss me but thank goodness he doesn't know that contrary to what you think Mr fingerlicking good I happen to be immune to your charms unlike 99% of the female population in Comfort deep mellow laughter rumbles in his throat zipping his atams Apple up and down I guess you told me he purses his lips thoughtfully H you've elevated my status I would have estimated ated only 60% of the female population of Comfort to be under my spell I can't help but chuckle haha I say sarcastically Amusement lights up his eyes by the way you're giving yourself away Mystery Woman how's that the force pinging between us is nearly palpable a gcha grin spreads over his lips the finger licking good reference links you to comfort High School I feel my eyes widen my loose tongue is getting the best of me not that I'm trying all that hard to keep my identity a secret mostly I just enjoy Rising him it feels good to get the upper hand on Bo Primrose I can tell that he's intrigued with me I like capturing his attention is that a bad thing not necessarily so long as I can keep the situation straight in my head Bo Primrose plays women I can't make the mistake of thinking that there's any real intent behind his alluring charm and Charisma we went to the same high school he furrows his brows in consternation I can't believe I don't remember you but it'll come he tips his temple with his finger tip and Winks steel trap uhhuh I draw obviously I throw him a challenging look my name is so you're from Comfort not exactly but you went to comfort High School I nod in the affirmative then you must live near Comfort a smug smile pulls at his lips Ah that's it I can see it in your face let's see he Muses that means you must be either from Willow or Clearwater Springs he Waggles his eyebrows am I right his humor is infectious spreading a grin over my lips which is it Willow or clear water clear water B wrong answer the Beautiful Mystery Woman from Willow he utters giving me a smoldering look he just called me beautiful my face glows hot the moment turns deliciously slow as he peers deeply into my eyes my breath comes faster as my heart pounds in syn he's going to kiss me right here right now will it be as good as I imagine probably not but at least I will have assuaged my childhood infatuation the real deal is Never As Good As the fantasy right right my brain answers instinctively I lean closer and part my lips in anticipation he's so close I can feel the tickle of his warm breath on my skin I want the kiss so badly I can taste it it disappointment settles over me when he draws back scrunching his nose not going to do it do what I asked myff that he's toying with me his eyes Zing with mirth since you won't tell me your name I guess any amount of kissing is off the table I arch an eyebrow who said anything about kissing I harumph lucky for me he'll never know how dangerously close I came to blurting out not only my name but my social security number weight height and every other tidbit of information about me that might increase my chances of getting that kiss he Winks just testing the waters his expression turns innocent I know I don't stand a chance with someone like you someone like me was is that a compliment Haha I've got your number buddy and for the record flattery will get you nowhere he laughs I figured as much he pauses studying me are you married no engaged nope involved with anyone it's complicated I hedge thinking of Alden here with B all golden lovey Barnes and my moral dilemma with my music seem like problems from a distant world he shakes his head always is what about you are you involved with anyone I brace myself as I wait for the answer wait a minute here why do I care if he's involved no time for that he answers easily let me guess your dating so many women that you need a spreadsheet to keep track of them all something like that he says conversationally like he's not the least bit bothered by my Jabs I jut out my chin meeting his arresting eyes why does he have to be so handsome I can hardly form a clear thought here back to the kissing you certainly have a high opinion of yourself if you think that I would let you kiss me just because you happen to rescue me his eyes widen before he Chuckles in amusement and here I thought you were going to kiss me my mortification must have Shone on my face because he laughs no no I punch out I'm glad we got that settled clearly he's mocking me but not in a mean-spirited way he lets out a long sigh since you are 100% off limits I'd better get to work he flicks on the pen light and shines it into my eyes your pupils are dilating correctly he assesses good one less thing for me to worry about his tone turns professional are you dizzy over you yes no I'm not dizzy good he says like he's checking off boxes from a list do you feel nauseated just hungry I reply in a matter of fact sing song tone this earns me a lopsided grin he's so dang cute that I can't help but grin like a goofball we'll have to remedy that he responds but first let's get you bandaged up my eyes widen thinking of him touching me yes I'm a sap as far as he's concerned he's merely helping an injured person something he does on a regular basis this is all me I need to get over the school girl crush yes he likes to flirt but he does so for sheer Sport and he's quite good at it he frowns what's wrong nothing my face Burns hotter than a bag of Red Hots I'm just glad he's not a mind reader otherwise I wouldn't be able to pull off the girl couldn't care less for sad he picks up a small square envelope and rips open the Top This Might Sting a bit he warns as he removes the antiseptic wipe and begins blotting my cut ouch I win drawing back that's an understatement smooth laughter ripples from his lips don't be a baby he teases directing his attention to the cut his touch is gentle and proficient as he examines it do you think I need stitches I don't want to come out of this looking like Frankenstein's sister I think you mean Frankenstein's monsters sister I grin oh yeah now I'm the one mixing words no chance of that happening he assures me with a chuckle the cuts not very deep I'll put a butterfly bandage on it that should do the trick I'll check it again tomorrow to make sure it's closing up if not I can stitch it you can do that sure piece of cake he applies the bandage all done he announces a few minutes later as he begins placing supplies back into his cake it can I get some ibuprofen the headache is still there although not nearly as persistent as it was earlier bow is a good distraction yep forgot about that he rifles through his stash and pulls out a square package that looks similar to the one that contained the antiseptic wipe he hands it to me thanks I'll get you some water for the capsules he wads up the trash in his fist and stands also I need to get you something to eat I wouldn't want you to starve to death he jokes would you like some help it's the least I can do after all you've done for me he his head like my words are a revelation I guess I have helped you he draws don't let it go to your head I Harum I wouldn't dream of it he quips eyes twinkling I do kind of like the idea of you being in debt to me let's see what favor can I call in from the woman from Willow whose Name Escapes me I shake my head grinning I'm not sure how I feel about this debt thing don't worry I won't call in any debts tonight his gaze lingers on my lips ribboning warmth through my stomach I'll save up for for the big one I see how you are it's fun bantering with bow he sizes me up the important question here is can you cook a little what about you actually I'm a good cook but I don't want to brag he scoffs can I cook of course I'm a firefighter I didn't realize cooking was a requirement for fighting fires I I Rise to my feet my legs are stiff from weariness I'll probably be sore tomorrow from the impact of hitting the tree no but the skill comes in handy when I'm living at the firehouse ah makes sense what's your work schedule like 2448 seeing my dubious expression he goes on to expound 24 hours on and 48 hours off it's a good thing I caught you on your day off must be fate we share a look that tingles my senses emotions grab the candle would you I apologize in advance for the state of the kitchen I'm remodeling so you're a handyman too impressive I try he says offhandedly it's something I'd ship away at during my time off eventually everything will get done I meant what I said said it's impressive that b is so industrious I pick up the fat candle and cradle it in my hands as I follow behind him to the kitchen to my utter embarrassment my stomach growls I heard that P shimes better feed that grizzly bear before it starts chowing on your intestines I roll my eyes you certainly have a way with words yep I'm a regular Shakespeare Shakespeare no Casanova yes my mind inserts chapter six bow I'm quite proud of my Ingenuity we roasted hot dogs over the fire I even heated up a pot of canned chili now that my stomach is full and the food has been put away I can wind down and start to relax my job is sore from Randall's headit but the Pain's not too bad more of a minor nuisance I glanced sideways at Willow as I've dubbed her she's sitting on the couch with her feet propped up on the coffee table her attention riveted on the crackling fire she almost seems mesmerized by the Flames probably because she's exhausted I should probably show her to the guest room so she can retire for the evening but I'm not ready to say good night to her yet she has my curiosity roused I want to learn everything about her I still can't get over her heeled Converse tennis shoes her long red curls are gorgeous as are her big brown eyes I admire her spunk and how she doesn't mind putting me in my place I was teasing her about the kissing because I was sorely tempted to kiss her I would have gotten a Hardy slap to the face but but it would have been worth it I pull the lever on the recliner to raise the leg rest I stretch out my legs as I throw her a sideways glance time for more questions a smile tips her lips as she pulls her attention from the fire and angles to face me okay we'll play it like this you ask me a question and then I get to ask you a question she removes her feet from the coffee table and shifts to find a comfortable spot before tucking a leg underneath her fair enough I'll start I'm moisten my lips as I collect my thoughts where were you headed tonight when you had the accident home to visit my parents in Willow she nods where do you live now she holds up a finger nope it's my turn Okay hold that thought she keeps me on my toes I like that why haven't you put up a Christmas tree a choral tickles my throat you can ask me anything and that's what you choose yeah I want to know are you anti- Christmas she tucks a curl behind her ear I wouldn't mind running my fingers through those curls to see if they feel as soft as they look I real I with a start that she's waiting for me to answer better get my head out of the clouds nope not at all I just haven't gotten around to the tree Sheen lifts an eyebrow do you even have a tree that's two questions I remind her you got two she says with a note of Repro I told you I was going home to Willow okay Willow don't get your drawers in a wad I'll answer your question no I don't have an artificial tree I've got a whole selection of Evergreens in the woods behind the house that I could cut down if I wanted the bottom line is that I don't have the time nor the patience to fool with a tree the look of disappointment on her beautiful face is endearing if I want to enjoy a Christmas tree I just go to Pence she put up a enough trees to cover Comfort three times over you're just an old Scrooge she shines grinning Penn's my sister I add she owns a bed and breakfast I know pen my jaw goes slack you do I shift in my recliner to sit up straight my mind working to assemble all the bits of information she has divulged I speak aloud reciting what I know you're from Willow we went to the same high school I give way to the grin pulling at the corners of my mouth there's some sort of sorted history between us and you have a thing for cats she bursts out laughing actually I'm more of a dog person okay my turn to ask another question what sort of sorted history is there between us it's cute how fast her eyes pop open wide even in the dim light and I can tell that her face is cherry red this must be a doozy that's not fair she protests oh yes I counter leaning forward a question is a question no holds B she folds her arms over her chest giving me a petulant look that does strange things to my insights when terara was acting all pouty it tromped on my last nerve but with Willow it's different why that is I have no earthly idea okay she pouts I'll give you a few Clues and let you figure it out using that steel trap there's a soft taunt in her voice you ready this ought to be good lay it on me Willow a bemused smile curves her lips Willow why do you keep calling me that I have to call you something and since you won't tell me your name I spread my hands I guess I could call you red or carrots she makes a face not on your life I can almost see steam coming from her ears it giv gives me a dart of pleasure to know that I can get a rise out of her I paddle my hand lay it on me give me the clues tonight has been good for my soul helping me sort through the despondency brought on by Bob's death she looks thoughtful okay here goes the sweetheart dance a text the death of your cat I run the words through my head for the life of me I can't figure this thing out I give her a search and look did we go out on a date it's strange to even ask the question because if we had I'm sure I would remember she Wags a finger that's another question she says lightly but her eyes hold a peculiar hardness letting me know there's some angst there sorted business that's what she said I've offended her somehow she leans forward eyeing me time for me to ask a question she fires out the words how many various girls do you go out with in a given month I squirm in my seat trying to figure out how to navigate around this one this is worse than tiptoeing around a landmine Define go out with she gives me a cheeky grin is it more than 10 20 clearly I've done something to offend you I tug on my shirt is it just me or is that fire getting too hot relief scatters through me when she laughs sorry I don't mean to put you on the spot you're free to date whomever you please I I come back with a tur thanks for giving me your permission you're welcome she nods regally okay I continue to be impressed by her wittiness time to move on to the next topic so I can get off the hot seat what do you do for a living you never answered my question how many different girls do you date in a given month she's not given up it depends on the month my shrug adopted an analytical tone you see I have them fill out an application if everything checks out then we go out for coffee if that goes well then we graduate up to dinner she scoffs but I Can Tell She's amused give me an average number I meet her gaze what do you care she juts out her chin I don't particularly just curious she begins twirling a finger around her hair I do a quick estimate on average I go on dates with three to five different girls a month how many guys do you date just one a curious stab of jealousy goes through me ah this is where it gets complicated huh huh earlier when I asked if you were involved with anyone you said it was complicated oh yeah her expression hardens it is I'm a good listener if you'd like to share that's not necessarily true normally I don't have much patience with listening to the travails of the opposite sex for some reason I can't explain I could spend all night long listening to Willow she lets out a long sigh as several Expressions I can't pinpoint flit over her face I'm surprised by how interested I am in what she has to say I want to get to know this woman find out what makes her tick she turns to the fire and stares into it her voice takes on a distant quality have you ever wanted something so desperately that you worked night and day to get it she Chuckles humorlessly and then when you do finally get the prize you wonder if the cost is too high there's a vulnerability about her that makes me want to protect her from whatever cost is too high I'm tempted to press her for more information so I can piece together the puzzle but I sense that I need to remain silent so she can have space to work through whatever is bothering her a long silence stretches between us finally she turns back toward me I'm sorry she offers an apologetic smile tinged with sadness I don't want to burden you with my problems sometimes it helps to get it out especially when talking to someone who doesn't have a dog in the fight she nods and for an instant I think she's going to tell me more instead she motions to the guitar do you play not well but I'm working on it my brother-in-law is teaching me Pan's husband yes he used to be a professional musician oh wow I didn't realize do you play She flashes the tiniest hint of a smile a little something about the way she answers makes me think she's holding out on me I study her silent willing her to tell me the truth a little a lot she admits music is my life that's impressive she Trails both hands through the sides of her hair try telling my parents that they wish I was more responsible like summer and Donnie summer Donnie from Willow I recogn nize those names are you talking about summer and Donnie Madison she fast blinks several times letting me know I'm on the right track understanding dings in my brain no it couldn't be she looks so different now but it has to be her red hair glasses she probably wears contacts now I snap my fingers you're Jean Madison of course why could I not see it before the awkward girl not only grew up but transitioned into Jessica rabbit's hot twin sister I remember hearing that Jean was pursuing a music career but I didn't think twice about it she was so unassuming back then so shy and mousy the type to get lost in a crowd my my things have certainly changed ding ding we have a winner it's Presley Jean Madison thank you very much nowadays I go by Presley my misspent youth slams me with the force of a freight train oh man no wonder you hate me I rub a hand across my jaw and winse at the soreness that text I sent about my cat dying greasy gravy this is awkward now you know our sorted history her eyes spark I was devastated especially when I learned that you took Cynthia be to the dance she clucks her tongue you have no idea the lengths I went to for that dance I went to Mobile and got a new dress I got my hair and nails done what can I say I'm a scumbag no wonder she was busting my chops about dating scores of women I search her face would it help to say that I'm sorry I can't remember the last time I apologized to a woman and the crazy part is that I mean it truly what the heck is happening to me am I going soft if I'm not careful I'm going to end up going over to the pink side gorging myself on gourmet ice cream and watching chick flicks no sir that ain't happening no way no how she studies me for a long moment before the edges of her eyes and mouth soften we were kids it's in the past besides you more than made up for it tonight when you rescued me she Twirls her hand to Encompass the room you brought me to your home bandaged my w wound she touches her head fed me chili dogs she's probably thinking she needs an Alka szer right about now to temper the chili but it's too much of a lady to admit it she gives me an appreciative look thank you it's the least I can do my Grimace after what I did if there's ever anything else I can do to make it up to you please let me know I'm sure I'll think of something a faint Amusement simmers in her eyes we share a long look man I want to kiss her right now I break The Connection by looking away to Squatch the Temptation my next words leave my lips before my brain can process them tell me about Mr complicated Al in halt she spouts my jaw drops the country music singer former country music singer he's my manager how in the heck am I supposed to compete with that the fact that I even want to jolts me to the core I'm Mr cool I never let my guard down around the opposite sex they chase me not the other way around I know that sounds cocky but it's how it is Penn claims I keep my distance out of self Reser obervation maybe I do it's certainly not a crime to play the field it's all I can do to keep my voice neutral so you and Alden halt is it serious she pushes out a long sigh it was she pauses now I'm not sure what to think my career has gotten in the way of our relationship do you care about him of course she says like it's a statement of fact Alden and I have a long history together I'll always care about him I swallow my disappointment I hope it'll work out for you the words come out sounding forced in my own ears I can only imagine how they sound de Pressly thanks she clasps her hands tightly in her lap as she looks at the candle which has melted down to a stub it's getting late do you mind if I get some rest no not at all I'm sad that the conversation is coming to an end but she's right it is getting late she glances toward the window do you think the storm will clear tomorrow I hope so maybe the power will get restored maybe I don't mind being snow snowed in with Presley I run her name through my brain it's Sleek sophisticated I like it it suits her I hope we get Sal service back soon she grimaces my mom will freak out if she can't get in touch with me she stifles a yawn with the back of her hand it has been a long day I want so badly to ask her more about her music and the high cost she has to pay but now is not the time she's obviously tired and doesn't want to talk about it I lower the footrest on the recliner and rise to my feet you can stay in the guest room I'll help you get your luggage into the room thanks she also stands even with her heels she doesn't even come to my chin I like how petite she is her voice rings with sincerity as she meets my gaze I hope you know how much I appreciate all that you've done for me tonight her voice hitches if you hadn't come along when you did her words dribble off as she compresses her lips I'm glad it worked out God put you in my path recognition lights her eyes the Four Feathers yep I'm impressed with her knowledge of movies it seems that we have something in common let's get you settled into your room she nods as she bends down to retrieve her purse you know she says almost shyly if you do decide to get a Christmas tree I could help you decorate it my eyes widen you do that for me I'm touched by her generosity of course she smiles I can't have you going all Scrooge on me we share a long look that gets my blood pumping faster she must be somewhat attracted to me I can feel it or maybe I just want there to be something between us you know what I might just take you up on that Willow anything to have an excuse to spend more time with her did I just think that I can't believe I'm willing to decorate a tree just to be with her what's the world coming to she throws me a glowing smile that sends my heart soaring I go over and get her luggage feeling like I've scored a huge victory at having crossed paths with her tonight this way Willow is it bad for me to pray for snow I can't think of a better scenario than to get stuck here with pressure Presley tomorrow chapter 7 Presley the next morning I awake to the persistent ringing of my phone I groan as I turn Burying my head into the pillow a few seconds later my brain wakes up for me to recollect the events from the night before my phone is ringing that must mean that the cell tower has been repaired I sit up rubbing my eyes in an attempt to clear the cobwebs of sleep from my mind I reach for my phone resting on the nightstand by this time it has stopped ringing I glance at the screen and go buge eyed it's 8:45 a.m. I've overslept I sit up in the bed and glance around the room more Western Decor a smile tips my lips why am I not surprised I look at the screen on my phone the missed call was from Mom she's probably wondering why she didn't hear from me yesterday we normally talk at least once a day I missed a call from ski and a text asking me if I got home okay a giggle slurps through my insides skate will have an outof body experience when she finds out that Bo rescued me and that I'm at his house I scroll through my phone realizing that I missed five calls from Alden and two texts I glance at the texts the last one says quit being so stubborn we need to talk about this you can't ignore me forever W bet I fume frustration rushing back with a vengeance I send a text to skate telling her that all is well and that I'll call later my phone rings again it's Mom I slide my finger across the screen to answer hello Jean how are you doing her voice sounds breathless sorry I couldn't call you last night my cell phone wasn't working even though I go by Presley now my family still calls me Jean no worries you wouldn't believe the storm we've had I haven't seen this much snow since I was a kid we lost power last night but it came on in the wi hours of the morning I glance around the bedroom is the power on here also if so that means I can fix my hair I push back the covers pad across the carpet and flip on the light it works yay is it snowing in Nashville I'm not sure what do you mean are you not at home not exactly I have one of those overprotective moms who likes to know where I am 247 I keep reminding her that I'm an adult but it hasn't sunk in yet where are you in Comfort what she exclaims I wanted to surprise you and Dad by coming home for a visit but I got caught in the storm and had an accident oh no don't worry I answered quickly I'm fine thank heavens she sigh in relief my car on the other hand is probably total I hit some black ice going down the hill from crosswater bridge and slammed into a tree oh my goodness she stammers you could have been killed I'm fine Mom I just have a minor cut over my eye her voice trembles why didn't you call the storm knocked out the Tower I didn't have service either and even if I could have called your phone wasn't working remember that's right she concedes where are you do you remember Bo Primrose Fern son the firefighter yeah he came along shortly after I had the accident and rescued me thank the good Lord above that you're okay yes I feel like I was being watch watched over Bo took me to his house where I spent the night what what she blusters her voice goes shrill you spent the night with Bo Primrose what will people think I roll my eyes it was perfectly innocent mom I slept in his guest bedroom B doesn't exactly have the best reputation with the women she says testily he was a perfect gentleman you need to come home immediately she snaps as soon as the roads clear I'll get Bo to take me home I frown I need to call the insurance company to figure out what to do about my car they'll probably want you to get a police report probably her voice lurches were there any other cars involved nope just me I'm so glad you're you're okay she says again her voice cracks I can't believe you were out in the storm I know of all the times for me to come home I haven't decided yet if I'll tell Mom about my big decision mom will bulk at the idea of me putting on a skimpy outfit and singing a trashy song at a music festival so I already know where she stands on the situation I guess yes I want to make my own decision it's something that I'll have to live with for the rest of my life am I strong enough to walk away from a record deal I'm as bad as a dog chasing its tail I'm going in circles ending up at the same spot where I started I have no idea what I'm going to do I guess a part of me keeps hoping for a miracle that will fix everything where is my fairy godmother when I need her oh yeah that's right I don't have one summer was working a shift at the hospital when the storm hit she's still there Greg's going to go pick her up in his truck when the road's clear Greg is Summer's husband he's a good guy they've been married for a year at 24 years old summer already has a career a do and husband and a dog not just any dog but a Great Dane I'm 27 and I'm nowhere near having my life figured out in many ways I feel like summer is the oldest sibling I want to be just like her when I grow up not really I could never be a nurse blood and gore make me woozy please be safe Mom admonishes tell Bo to drive slow and to be aware of other crazy drivers out there I I will I assure her grinning a little mom can be super bossy I get it though she's worried about me I'm just glad she cares I'll see you this afternoon I take it dad is home oh yeah the plant is closed due to the snow dad's a production manager at the chemical plant located on the outskirts of comfort mom has never worked outside the home which is another reason why she's so con concerned about the comings and goings of her children she doesn't have a lot to keep her mind occupied in all fairness to Mom she was the coolest ever always baking cookies and running the car pool my friends envied me because my mom was always there and she has always cared I'll see you in a while Mom promises see you then love you love you too as I end the call my phone dings letting me know I have another text it's from Alden we need to talk would you please respond I put my phone down on the nightstand no chance of that today I see I'll talk to Alden when I'm good and ready not a moment sooner I go over to the window and lift the slats of the blinds my breath hitches in admiration it's a winter wonderland and I didn't realize Bo's house backed up to a creek it's sunny and no longer snowing the scene is picturesque with the puffy snow Banks artfully framing the gentle curves of the flowing water B was right he could have his pick of Evergreens their rich green needles are a nice contrast to the glittering snow I step away from the window my mind moving to practical matters should I get ready before venturing out there's a small round mirror on one of the walls I go over to it and look at my reflection yikes yes I'm getting ready first my hair is all over the place and there are dark circles beneath my eyes I didn't do a great job of removing my makeup bits of mascara are caked on my eyelashes and there are smears beneath my eyes I have 30-day continuous wear contacts but I normally take them out at night to give my eyes a break last night however I left them in because I didn't want to try and find my contact case and bottle of solution in the dark my cut doesn't look as swollen and the Butterfly bandage looks good to me then again what do I know I'll have to get B to check it to make sure the wound is closing up properly I wish there was a bathroom directly off the bedroom I'll have to venture out of the bedroom to get ready I wet the tip of my finger with saliva and try to remove as much of the mascara beneath my eyes as I can I comb my fingers through the tangles trying to smooth my hair unfortunately it's a lost cause without my products blow dryer and curling iron I'm Medusa I turn my suitcase on its side and unzip it after Gathering some clothes hairstyling products in my makeup bag I open the door and peer out no sign of bow the bathroom is just across the hall holding my things like a football against my chest I make a run for it relieved when I get inside and close the door there's a folded towel washcloth and a bar of soap still in the package resting on the vanity I'm touched by Bose's consideration he's certainly making me feel at home I grin thinking of our conversation last night Bo was shocked when he realized who I am he seemed sincere in his apology I guess it's time to officially close the books on the gosh awful sweetheart dance I came super close to unburdening my heart to Bo last night regarding the Dilemma over my music career would Bo react the same as Alden would he tell me I'm a fool for holding to my values would he tell me to just do the silly performance and wear whatever outfit they give me somehow I don't think so B seems like a standup guy I wonder why he hasn't settled down any woman in her right mind would be ecstatic to have him maybe he hasn't found the right one or maybe he has a fear of commitment my stomach tight if B does fear commitment then I certainly don't need to get my hopes up what am I thinking I know better than to fall for Bo Primrose I'm supposed to be immune from his charms get a grip I warn myself I have no interest in BO Primrose I say under my breath even as the words leave my lips I'm unable to squelch the anticipation that spritzes through my veins wondering what the day will hold butterflies parade the perimeter of my stomach as I step into the kitchen Bo is standing by the stove his back to me the aromatic scent of bacon waffs through the air my stomach growls momentarily crowding out the butterflies good grief as hungry as I've been the past couple of days you'd think I haven't eaten in a week people often say that stress kills the appetite however the opposite is true for me stress is making me famished I better keep myself reeled in or else I'll gain 10bs through this ordeal and won't be able to fit into that skimpy outfit should I decide to go through with lovey barnes's ridiculous mandate for the performance my gaze runs the length of Bose's muscular well proportioned body taken in the defined outlines of his broad shoulders and tapered waist his posture is erect movements graceful he looks terrific in a charcoal gray shirt and pair of faded jeans heat balloons over my cheeks and I have to fight the urge to fan myself that's the problem with being a redhead I blush easily bow must sense my presence because he turns a casual smile drifting over his lips morning morning I repeat hoping that he won't notice my beat red face he looks me up and down with such open admiration that my temperature shoots up even more you clean up good thanks I murmur can I just say that it feels dang good to have Bo look at at me this way what I would have given for him to Simply acknowledge me when I was in junior high I wasted way too much time daydreaming about Bo Primrose back in the day I guess a girl never truly gets over her first crush in my eyes Bo will always be Larger than Life Bo turns his attention back to the stove something smells good I say as I cross the room to stand beside it him the trick is to pretend that being here with B is everyday business that's kind of hard to do when his presence looms so large simply standing beside him titillates my senses I direct my attention to the scrambled eggs he's making in an attempt to calm my pounding heart wow I'm impressed you've prepared a full spread he a grin don't speak too soon you haven't tasted it yet I hope you're okay with toast I draw back the corners of my lips drooping what I say in mock disappointment no biscuits or gravy I'm afraid I've never been the biscuit making type he replies with a dead pan expression a giggle rises in my throat toast will have to do he turns off the heat and slides the skillet of eggs to the the back burner after wiping his hands on the dish towel draped over the handle of the stove he turns to me a faint trace of amusement flicking through his electric blue eyes can you make biscuits my hand goes to my hip of course can't all Alabama girls make biscuits a corner of his mouth lifts in a grin you'd be surprised but no they can't I guess you would know I retort you're the expert on Alabama girls his eyes widen ouch another jab about my dating a playful smile tips his lips as he leans into my personal space if I didn't know better I'd say you were jealous an incredulous choral rises in my throat seriously his closeness sends all rational thoughts flying out the window what would he do if I flung my arms around his neck and laid a big long kiss on him you know Willow he draws if you want to go on a date all you have to do is ask my tongue nearly chokes off my windpipe as I gurgle out a laugh don't flatter yourself his liquid blue eyes are so vivid so mesmerizing I could fall into them and lose myself in their depths he looks at my lips now that I know your name we can put kissing back on the table he murmurs I blink several times as I step back I I'm not sure that's a good idea the attraction is nearly overwhelming igniting every cell in my body but I'll be danged if I let him know that you're such a flirt my teas swatting his arm Good Golly his arms are muscular I felt like I was touching a rock that's what they tell me he replies easily and then turns his attention back to the stove I'm sure they do I reply saucily rather than denying it he throws me a Cavalier grin I hope you're hungry starving good what can I do to help would you mind sitting the table sure I reply glad that he gave me a job so that I can keep my brain occupied otherwise I'll end up making a fool out of myself with a ruul grin he motions to the stack of plates in the cupboard I don't have to tell you where everything is because you can see it all yep the missing doors make it easier to find everything that's one benefit of having the door doors refurbished are you painting them the cabinets are currently dark walnut I am the cabinet shop can't get the doors back to me until mid January I figure after Christmas I'll decide on a color I motioned to the countertops that are not only dated but also stained in several spots something to match the Harvest Gold a grin stretches over his lips yeah you like them I do I answer keeping a straight face in fact I think my grandma has countertops just like them warm laughter flows from his lips good one he appraises I think this countertop was installed in the' 70s probably what are you putting in quartz Coran Granite I'm thinking of leaving the countertops my eyes round really oops I hope I haven't insulted him as if on Q my cheeks grow warm he wiggles his eyebrows you're blushing again I touched my cheeks moaning it sucks to be a redhead his eyes move over my hair I don't know about that I think your hair is spectacular for a second I wonder if he's teasing but no he's sincere a nervous laugh escapes my lips thanks I'm flattered probably too much so a few beats of Silence pass before it registers in my brain that I'm standing like a goober replaying his compliment when I'm supposed to be sitting the table I force my feet into action as I go over and grab two plates he opens the oven door and removes a cookie sheet of sizzling bacon after getting the plates and glasses on the table I glance around where's the silverware in the drawer to the left of the dishwasher bow reaches for a plate and places a paper towel over it then he uses a spatula to rake the bacon onto the plate there's juice and milk in the fridge right that's my cue to get the items I go to the fridge and open it struck by how neat and orderly everything is after the food is all on the table we sit down this looks delicious thank you he gives me a nod acknowledging my compliment next time you can make biscuits and gravy deal I say as we share a smile it's not lost on me that b is speaking in terms of next time I could get used to being here with him let's have a blessing on the food He suggests sure I say surprised B praise I had no idea there are more layers to him than I ever imagined I'm floored when he reaches across the table and grabs my hands tingles zip through my skin and my Telltale face does its thing he throws me a mischievous grin we always hold hands in my family it's tradition I swallow and Nod at the same time his touch is light yet thrilling warmth from his skin flows into mine pulsating dizzying Curren through my blood hold it together my brain warns we bow our heads as Bo offers a sincere prayer thanking God for the return of the electricity my heart goes gooey when he expresses thanks that I was kept safe from harm during my car accident he prays for the safety of his mom and Penelope and asks that the roads will clear so that I'll get home safely to my family a lump of emotion rises in my throat I was beginning to wonder if there were any truly good men left in this cold unfilling world bow is restoring my faith in humanity reminding me that it is possible to live a life for others rather than for personal gain amen he says hard hardly to end the prayer amen I Echo softly I assume that he'll release my hands but he holds on to them what I asked giving him a questioning look I really am glad that you're okay his eyes deepen with a flicker of what I can only discern as pain compassion Wells inside me what's wrong his jaw works and for an instant I fear that he won't open up but then he gives me a strange smile the day before yesterday I lost a friend in a car accident my heart lurches I'm so sorry I was one of the First Responders seeing the deep sadness etched on his expression brings moisture to my eyes I had no idea my voice dribbles off as silence stretches between us I've never been great at knowing what to say in difficult situations it's much easier for me to express my feelings through the lyrics of my songs everything in me wants to run around the table and fling my arms around him to offer Comfort who was it I ask he takes a deep breath as he releases my hands I feel the loss of him instantly do you remember Bob Winters my breath catches Mr Winters who taught science at Comfort high he nods Bob was 67 years old he survived by his wife Cindy his two sons and a daughter an iron fist clutches my stomach I had no idea I wasn't close to Mr Winters by any means but it's always tough to hear about the passing of someone you know suddenly I'm giv new insight into B and his work you see a lot of hard things in your profession I do he answers simply I can tell that he's not trying to Garner my sympathy but merely stating a fact a second later he pushes out a heavy breath I can almost see him bottling up his emotions as he throws me in apologetic smile I'm sorry I don't mean to be a downer he pauses in his head I don't know why I even told you that I'm not much for expressing my feelings me neither I admit wow B opened up to me this is huge he gives me a probing look tempered with compassion I gathered that last night I blink how so you mentioned the high prize that you've worked day and night to get but but you didn't divulge why that cost is too high my spine goes stiff as I meet his gaze no I suppose I didn't and for the record I said I wonder if the cost is too high in other words the jury is still out should I tell Bo my quandry he opened up to me maybe I should return the favor or maybe not I kind of like holding something back I can't let Bo think he's getting the upper hand here my mom often accuses me of being too stubborn for my own good she may be right but I'll still dig my feet in and hold my ground at least for now as if sensing my resistance B offers me a disarming smile fair enough he emotions should we eat before the food gets Stone Cold sounds good I reach for my my napkin and place it over my lap as we commence eating the eggs are light and fluffy the toast and bacon crisp it's cute to watch Bo digging into his food he eats with a heartiness that's so characteristic of a man's man I like how comfortable Bo is in his own skin unlike Alden who comes off as playing a part to fit in with his shaggy hair and earring I spoke to my buddy will who's a c as soon as the roads clear he'll go out and write up a report for the insurance company really quickly I chew and swallow my food so I'm not talking with my mouthful thanks of course gratitude blossoms in my chest Bo you've been so wonderful throughout this whole ordeal pulling me out of the car bandaging my wound I touch my cut which is still tender and sore I need to check that b says polishing off the last of his eggs he reaches for the knife resting beside the butter dish and spreads a generous layer of butter over his toast can you pass the gy sure I say sliding the jar of strawberry jam in his Direction I can't help but grin when he spoons out a large scoop and slathers it over the toast just as he's about to shove it into his mouth he pauses Mida giving me a quizzical look what do you like a little toast with your jam lyrical laughter rolls from his throat a man can never have too much Jam he takes a large bite M good he holds out the toast a devilish twinkle in his eyes want some I don't mind Sharon thanks my chuckle touching my stomach but but if I ate three pieces of toast and six slices of bacon it would leave its mark his eyebrows shed up in surprise you counted a crooked grin washes over his handsome face what are you the toast police more wretched heat flows into my cheeks I know he's joking but still I'm mortified why was I counting maybe because it's easier for me to focus on mundane things rather than dwelling on a disturbing fact that's staring me smack dab in the face I still have a huge crush on Bo Primrose except only this time my infatuation runs deeper in a mature adult way that's awful news because it means that if I don't nip this thing in the bud it's gonna come back to bite me hard this isn't some sweetheart dance but real life where the stakes are high and people get hurt by people I mean me I clear my throat to cover up the awkwardness you feel free to eat all the toast you want it certainly hasn't hurt you any the second the words leave my lips I cringe at the rate I'm blushing I'll combust into a ball of flames and lipstick Amusement simmers in Bose's eyes reminding me of sunlight skipping over a pristine pool of water why thank you Willow he Winks giving me a long thorough once over that simmers my blood you look pretty good yourself thanks great now he thinks I was fishing for a compliment after he finishes the toast he sits back in his seat so what now he drums his fingers on the table my heart drops is he getting tired of entertaining me probably he glances at the large window beside the table which offers a view of the front yard and Road the thick layer of glimmering snow covering the yard doesn't look like it's going away anytime soon but the snow on the road is slushy like root beer I think we'll be able to venture out a little after lunch he turns to me what do you think I trust your judgment he gives me a searching look his expression boyishly adorable good grief he looks so perfect that I half expect his sparkly white teeth to ding do you think you can put up with me for a few more hours I was wondering the same thing his response is immediate I figured as much laughed gurgles in my throat no I meant that I was wondering if you can put up with me the glimmer in his eyes lets me know that he's teasing I'm enjoying spending time with you my pulse jumps up several notches really I squeak yeah does that surprise you a little I answer honestly you weren't exactly keen on me when we were kids I scrunch my nose scratch that I'm not going to keep holding a past over your head he holds up a hand I'll admit I was a big fat jerk my grin tugs at my lips I don't know about big and fat but you were a jerk he folds his arms over his chest giving me a speculative look you know he Muses in my defense you didn't exactly look like you do now back in high school thank goodness for heels lipstick hair gel and contact lenses I joke oh no the change in you has nothing to do with gel or that other girly stuff is it bad that his words light me up like a Roman Candle I squirm in my seat and Tuck a curl behind my ear before lowering my eyes what is it about bow that makes me feel so dainty and feminine it's too bad you have a boyfriend hope percolates in my chest is he coming on to me it's all I can do to keep my voice neutral why is that energy whooshes through me yes I'm a sucker a cocky Reckless bad boy gives me a smidgen of attention and I turned to Mush Bo is a bad boy but he's also good good in the ways that count it really was much easier thinking of him as a stereotype now he's confusing the situation he fiddles with his napkin maybe we could go on a few dates see where the road takes us I'm sorely tempted so sorely tempted however I'm no idiot I know how this works if I fall at Bose's feet I'll just another one of the many I would I begin lightly pursing my lips like I'm considering his offer he arches an eyebrow but my voice goes sugary sweet but you've got all those other women filling the slots of your spreadsheet and I've got Alden to think about his face turns a shade darker alen huh the notion of B being jealous sends a swift Pang of satisfaction through me yep I chime a little too cheerfully you did say you care about him he pouts I do I say honestly but not in the way that it sounds Alden and I are through that's crystal clear to me now there's no way I could get so giddy over bow if I still harbored feelings for all en b presses his lips together in resolve all righty then I guess that settles it no dates disappointment pummels through me really I say weakly A sly smile tips his lips it's okay we can be Pals hang out together from time to time when you come home Pals huh two can play this game okay Pals it is it's his turn to look disappointed a second later his eyes Zing like he just had an idea so pal he draws remember how you said that you were in my debt yeah I say wearily I thought you were saving up for the big one he pumps his eyebrows oh this is the big one life is fun with B I can't help but grin I'm all ears I want you to sing for me my jaw drops to the floor what since music is your passion and I happen to have a guitar he spreads his hands I figure it's the least you can do since I saved your life and whatnot what not I haven't heard that expression in years a giggle ripples through my my throat I wouldn't exactly call it saving my life but you did save me from a long night in the cold he waves a hand eyes dancing with Amusement why split hairs saved your life saved you from a long cold night what's the difference he lowers his voice as he leans forward giving me a smoldering look hey maybe you can teach me a thing or two you know give me a few tips he makes a point of looking at my lips my hand goes up around my throat his cockiness is both maddening and intoxicating I know he's toying with me but he's so dang good at it everything in me wants to just give into his persuasion what about us being just Pals my face is shining like a neon sign and B's enjoying every minute I'm talking about the guitar Willow his expression goes all innocent as he wags a finger what Wicked thoughts are circling through your curly head haha I say dry I know exactly what you were getting at I lean forward enunciating every word quit being a Shameless flirt he clucks his tongue I can't help it you rise too easily to the bait this gets my guard back up I roll my eyes before leveling a glare let's get one thing straight Mr Casanova yes I had a crush on you in junior high but that was a long time ago I will not be another one of your conquests I Square my jaw like I said last night I'm immune to your charms so you'd better just cut your losses and move on to the next girl there it feels good to draw a line in the sand this way I'll lessen my chances of Crossing it my breath catches when he reaches for my hand and strokes his thumb over my skin in light circles that send delicious tingles down my spine I'm so so glad we got that settled he Winks as he releases my hand he scoots his chair back and stands would you mind helping me clean up pal he enunciates the word pal his blue eyes sparkling with mirth and then you can show me a thing or two his eyes hold mine in a caress on the guitar Shameless flirt I mutter shap in my head he just laughs chapter 8 Presley anyone looking at me now would never guess that I'm a professional musician the guitar feels like a foreign object in my jittery hands and my tongue hunkers heavy in my mouth like a bloated fish start anytime Bo encourages he's sitting beside me on the couch watching with eager eyes A prayer goes through my mind as I swallow trying to get a handle on my nerves performing is what I live for but the stakes seem so much higher now that Bo is watching I guess it's because I care what he thinks a hesitant laugh trembles from my lips you sure you don't just want to watch one of my videos on YouTube he may makes a face why would I want to watch a video when I've got the real deal right here with me I take a deep breath okay I launch into the intro of one of my most popular songs dare to be me I wince inwardly when I fumble a couple of the notes my voice sounds weak and a little off Pitch in my own ears as I start as the song progresses however the music takes hold and my voice gathers strength I become one with the music the conduit for something bigger and greater than me when I finish B gives me a smile so adoring and genuine that it glows Sunshine into the center of my heart that was fantastic thanks wow he utters you're one talented woman I feel a burst of pride Bo's opinion is coming to mean a great deal to me he rests the ankle of his gened leg on his thigh as he studies me what I ask with a half laugh growing uncomfortable under his scrutiny you won the prize but the cost is too high he Muses what does that mean I throw him a challenging look you don't give up do you he his eyes light with Amusement no not usually his straightforward answer makes me grin I place the guitar beside me on the couch before angling toward him I moisten my lips as I gather my thoughts I'm an independent unsigned artist meaning that I publish my own songs without a record label is that a good thing it gives me the freedom to write and sing what I want but the money's not great it has taken me a long time to build a following I work at the muscadine Cafe as a server to pay the bills he creases his brows that sounds familiar it's famous lots of musicians perform there hoping they'll get discovered as I told you last night Alden Holt is my manager and boyfriend he inserted with a slight bite yes that too maybe it's overkill for me to keep up the pretense that I have feelings for Alden but I don't want Bo to think I'm just going to fall at his feet because he's all that somehow Alden managed to work a deal with Goldfield records one of the big dogs in the industry they want me to perform at the country Prime Christmas festival in Nashville coming up on December 23rd I'm to go on just before the headliners heartley Reigns and cash Romeo B's eyes bug that's fantastic yeah I thought so too at first but there's a condition he frowns what sort of condition frustration mounts in my chest to the point where I feel like I'll explode the words fall from my mouth in a jumbled Heap the heada exac of the label wants me to wear a skimpy outfit and sing a trashy song if I do it she's guaranteeing me a record deal I narrow my eyes I have to give lovey Barnes my final answer by next Thursday B studies me with an intensity that burns right through me what are you going to do I rub a hand across my forehead I have no idea my entire platform is built around empowering girls and women to develop greater personal resilience and emotional strength my voice quivers with fervency spirituality is also very important to me I don't know where I would be without the guid and power of God In My Life the song you just sang speaks to those things it does I say with conviction I shake my head disgust sour in my stomach the whole thing is ludicrous anyone who took 2 minutes to familiarize themselves with my brand would see that and yet lovey Barnes wants to turn everything on its head B lowers his leg and leans forward what does Alden have to say about this he thinks I'm a blooming idiot for raising a fuss if I do the performance then I get a guaranteed deal my ticket to Fame and Fortune is set I finish bitterly I lean forward pressing my fingers against my temples this whole thing is so ridiculous a hard laugh rattles my throat if I were a better stronger person then I would walk away from the deal and never look back my eyes grow moist and yet here I sit questioning what I should do Bo gives me an astute look your feelings are understandable you've worked hard to get your shot I have worked hard a tear escapes a corner of my eye and slides down my cheek but yet I wouldn't be where I am without Heavenly blessings I push out a humorless laugh if my grandma Maisy knew I was even considering lowering my standards she'd give me the tongue lashing of the century she tell me that my music is going to lead me straight down the slippery slope to Hades grandma wishes I had chosen a more respectable career like my sister summer remind me of what summer does for a living she's a nurse and works at the hospital B tips his head thoughtfully what's your grandmother's last name Gardner she's my maternal grandmother hence the different last name his eyes pop an edge of excitement creeping into his voice was she by chance a fourth grade teacher sure was she retired from teaching the year before I went into fourth grade I shudder thank heavens the last thing I wanted was for grma Maisy to be my teacher I hear you she was my teacher really yeah she was something tough as nails but always harping on us to be polite that sounds about right I giggle Grandma Maisy is the quintessential Southern bell I don't think I've ever seen her without her makeup and hair impeccable B circles his head with his index finger she wore her hair in a tall beehive still does man she wears bright red lipstick yep I giggle that's grandma her lipstick is so bright it glows she had a purse shaped like a basket I nod she still has that purse wow he shakes his head grinning that's the beauty of living in a small town your grandma's tough he winces it might be better if you don't tell her that you know me Amusement trickles through me why is that I was a menace my rais an eyebrow was a menace a grin breaks over his face hey now he draws don't be rude I wouldn't dream of it I laugh I do have the distinguished honor of being the one who broke Mrs Gardner's paddle he grimaces or rather she broke the paddle across my rear end that's terrible I giggle his phone buzzes he leans back and Fishes it out out of his front pocket hello he answers there's a long pause as he listens to the person on the other end of the phone it's all good now that the power's back on how about you are you doing okay sure I can do that b looks at me as he speaks I'll see you soon love you he ends the call and puts the phone back into his pocket that was my mom and here I thought it was is one of your many admirers I tease he flashes a cheeky smile my mom is my biggest admirer as she should be hey would you mind if we make a couple stops before I take you home anticipation buzzes through me no not at all I'm in no hurry to part ways with b as a matter of fact the thought of no longer being around him fills me with a peculiar sad sadness this is nuts how could I be getting so emotionally attached to him so quickly this is dangerous territory all my selft talk about not falling for him has done me little good unfortunately awesome my mom wants me to stop by the grocery store and pick up some things are you okay if we drop them off to her before I take you home my eyes widen this is sudden I can't resist razing him a little what you're already bringing me home to meet your mom I cluck my tongue my my you do work fast surprised laughter rumbles in his throat I figure what can it hurt to introduce mom to my new pal a snigger escapes my lips good one I say appraisingly oh I almost forgot should I go ahead and call the insurance company yeah that's a good idea tell them the police will send a report as soon as they can get to the scene of the accident his eyes meet mine hey back to your music dilemma you're obviously good enough for a big record label to want to sign you that should give you the confidence to stand your ground if things don't work out with this company then there are surely others who would be interested in you my nibble on my bottom lip yeah theoretically but think of all the great musicians out there who Fade Into Obscurity a chance like this doesn't come along every day I pause trying to keep the tremble in my voice in check if I turn this down I could be closing the door on my career he presses his lips together you're in a tight spot no one can tell you what to do at the end of the day you're the one who has to make the decision and live with the consequences I say glumly that's right he nods a ghost of a smile tugs at his lips I wouldn't mind seeing you in the skimpy outfit as always heat torches my cheeks I groan do you enjoy tormenting me a little I'm caught off guard by the tenderness of his expression we share a long look and for a fraction of a second I think that Bo may have a serious side he may even be capable of having a meaningful relationship do I dare hope like I said I wouldn't necessarily mind the skimpy outfit especially on you I can tell there's more but he hesitates like he hates to say it but I prompt with a trace of impatience this is no time for diplomacy I need the cold unvarnished truth but the Trashy song would have to go I feel the hot sting of embarrassment I know I lament I'm a louse for even considering taking the deal my family would be humiliated if I go on stage and make a spectacle of myself I don't want to be an embarrassment to my grandma my parents and my siblings I didn't say that you didn't have to I suck in a short breath my brain trying to work through the problem I feel like someone has asked me to scale an impossibly high mountain while wearing a string bikini and no shoes the thing is I'm not naive enough to think that lovey Barnes and her posy will stop with just one song I grit my teeth they'll change the face of my brand before long I won't even recognize myself the real question here is can I live with myself if I sell out or conversely can I live with myself if I turn down the opportunity of a lifetime sympathy flicks over his expression you're probably right I keep going rounds with myself and ending up at the same spot where I started I ball my fist is it so wrong to want it all I ask mostly to myself feeling B's eyes on me I offer him an apologetic smile I don't expect you to have an answer I bark out a brittle laugh I certainly have no clue what to do well the good news is that you don't have to give your answer now you have a few more days to think it over that's true I have a few more days to torment myself he Chuckles in Amusement before scooting closer how about a distraction he utters heat stirs ribbons through my stomach my willpower is waning here my breath comes faster what kind of distraction do you have in mind would it really mess up some great Eternal plan if I could get that kiss I've been longing for ever since since Bo Primrose stepped back into my life yeah he'll probably smash my heart to Smither but at least he'll be a nice diversion from my other problems I lean closer parting my lips in anticipation I'm not a leap before you look sort of girl not by any stretch of the imagination I make plans for my plans color code my calendar heck I've even been known to alphabetize my and goods not really that would be extreme even for me the bottom line is that I'm tired of being prly Jean Madison and overthinking the situation I peer into his Liquid Blue Eyes thinking that he has to be the best looking man I've ever seen in real life a hot a rises in my throat and spreads over my lips my entire traitorous body longs to be in his arms I want to see if the real man can live up to my childhood fantasy he Trails the side of his finger down my cheek his touch is so feather light that it evokes tingles over my skin it's not just his touch that gets me but also the intense appreciation of his gaze he looks at me like I'm a Marvel I can almost believe that that I'm something of rare significance and that somehow some way I'll find a solution to my problems finally I can handle the suspense no longer what are you waiting for I whisper at that a faint grin touches his lips you sure I don't want to take unfair Advantage take away I murmur my heart thumping erratically against my chest eek did I really just say that I sound so desperate I moved to draw back but before I can so much as move a muscle his lips take mine with a force that sends fire licking down through my toes all I can think is wow as our mouths move together in a splendid dance of heat and passion he pulls me close his fingers going into my my hair a song breaks through the barriers of my heart singing a beautiful chorus that I never knew existed he kisses me long and hard as I melt against him giving myself fully and completely to the demands of his lips finally only the need to breathe prompts us to pull apart my brain tumbles and whirls trying to come to terms with my feelings I I know this might be everyday business for Bo but for me the kiss was more real and electrifying than any kiss I've ever had before it's sad really to be so Twitter pated by some guy who collects women like I collect shoes the carnival came to comfort when I was in high school I couldn't wait to get on the til a whirl the ride was as thrilling as I'd hoped but afterward I nearly barfed up a lung is that what will happen to me when whatever this thing is with bow runs its course I'll be stuck with the yucky after effects of my stupid broken heart while Bo moves on to the next gullible woman he searches my face in concern what's wrong he brushes a lock of my hair from my face with such tense eress that it rends my heart Why Can't This thing with B be real nothing I reply lightly I don't need to see my reflection to know that my true feelings are showing through the facade I've never been good at guarding my emotions good thing I'm not a poker player or I'd go broke quick I knew it he says flatly it was too soon regret flashes over over his face no it's not that tears press against my eyes no way can I let a single one fall the last thing I want is B feeling sorry for me I need to at least pretend like the kiss meant nothing to me I swallow hard to Tamp down my emotion as my brain scrambles to come up with an excuse It's Alden I blurt relief washes over me thank you Alden for providing the perfect cover I'm starting to hate that guy Bo mutters laughter circles my throat as my voice goes tauntingly soft Bo Primrose you're not jealous are you not hardly he scoffs a second later he takes in a breath okay no more kissing he looks longingly at my lip Rising more idiotic desire inside me good grief I'm a glutton for punishment I force a chuckle yeah we should probably keep things on the up and up he cups my cheek stroking his thumb over my skin too bad he says softly if things don't work out with Alden his touch feels so good so so incredibly intoxicating then what you'll add me to your spreadsheet a grin curves his lips something like that he lowers his hand hand me the guitar will you sure anything to divert my attention from that kiss I twist myself around and grab it as he places the guitar in his lap and positions his hands over the strings I I scoot back ever so subtly to put some much needed space between us his eyes twinkle as he Waggles his eyebrows you sure you're ready for this lay it on me I think I already did that he teases looking at my lips oops poor choice of words my face is probably as red as my hair I motion like I've got everything under control let's hear what you can do okay here goes nothing he begins strumming and belting out the lyrics to Oh My Darling Clementine his voice is twangy and Way Off Pitch I rock back holding up a hand stop I implore that's Dreadful like two cats brawling in a bathtub melodic laughter flows from his throat that bad huh he tips his head two cats brawling in a bathtub why would two cats be in a bathtub to begin with I place my hand over my mouth to stifle the snigger you're terrible I draw how am I supposed to resist this man he's funny charming and he doesn't take himself too seriously no wonder he has me swooning I can't remember the last time I've laughed so much he goes widey I know see how much I need your help no one can be that bad let me hear the real you color seeps into his cheeks ah now you're the one blushing his eyes round am not yes you are I taunt in a sing song voice let's hear it his phone rings again again he scrunches his nose I should probably get that ha I punch out you're just trying to get out of singing never he laughs he places the guitar beside him and pulls out his phone his eyes pop a little when he looks at the screen I lean over and peer at it a Firebolt of jealousy shooting through me it's a woman's name terara Swanson a a pained look overtakes Bo's expression as his eyes meet mine what's wrong don't make me answer that I blink not sure what to make of his reaction who is it my worst nightmare the phone keeps ringing I'm puzzled curious okay I guess you could just let it go to voicemail I could my mischievous twinkle sparkles in his eyes or you could answer it I rock back my voice shooting up why would I ever do that desperation seeps into his voice if terara realizes that I'm with someone else then she'll stop hounding me ah you need someone to beat the women off you I don't even try to hide the bite in my voice just the one the phone stops ringing as Bose sigh in relief disaster averted it went to voicemail laughter trickles through my lips surely a rough and tumble firefighter like you isn't afraid of a woman you don't know this woman she's persistent I search my memory the name Tara Swanson doesn't sound remotely familiar is Tara from Comfort she moved here from mobile a couple years ago ah that explains why her name doesn't sound familiar I cluck my tongue poor baby bless your heart it must be tough to be so handsome and to have all the women fawning over you his eyes light with a peculiar grin you think I'm handsome moderately I say offhandedly deep laughter rumbles in his throat ah I see how you are he leans closer his voice going soft how am I at kissing tingle Circle down my spine he's so dang cocky and so irresistible not bad chalk one up for me I'm proud of myself for being so cool he blinks a couple of times his face falling seriously it's cute to see his wounded Pride my voice goes musing as I my head I suppose in a small town like comfort you would be considered a hot commodity in some circles his eyes pop open as a choral rumbles in his throat ouch you're brutal I Pat his cheek someone has to keep you humble his gaze holds mine are you volunteering my heart starts to pound for what I utter to stick around and keep me humble a snarky smile pulls at my lips who needs a music career or any other life ambition I'll just stay here and keep you humble he adops a wounded expression hey now that's twisting the knife in deep you deserve it I chuckle and yes while I'm here I'll certainly keep you humble I have no doubt time slows as his eyes caress mine for an instant I'm Spellbound but then I managed to Rouse myself back to reality okay time to play a song for real this time my voice sounds falsely perky in my own ears I'm sure he can see right through me but I have to at least pretend to be in control of my emotions he assesses me before pressing his lips together nah I don't think so my jaw goes slack huh my Wicked glint dances in his eyes you already cut me down to size by insulting my manhood I don't think my fragile musician ego can handle performing for you if we keep this up I'll be a blubbering wreck laughter bubbles from my lips as I shake my head that sounds like a cop out to me he frowns hey no don't go insulting me with that copout terminology I'm a fireman not a cop I giggle shaking my head there's never a dull minute with you we share a smile the temptation to kiss him again is so strong that I can almost taste it he draws in a breath his voice going brisk with purpose should we get going sure disappointment darts through me I'm savoring every moment spent with bow and don't want it to come to an end he reaches for the guitar Rises to his feet strides over and places it in the stand he moves with the fluid easy Grace of an athlete I'm sure Bo's profession demands that he keep himself in good shape his very presence is so large and consuming that I almost feel as if he's sucking all the air from the room I also get to my feet I'll go and get my things he makes a point of trailing his Crystal eyes over me in a slow languid way that warms my blood what I asked with a shaky laugh as I hug my arms it's too bad that you have a boyfriend he murmurs giving me a wistful look it would have been nice I creased my brows sensing a trap what do you mean me and you Willow we could have really been something he pauses giving me a meaningful look if only Alden weren't in the way man oh man B is hard to resist he knows just what to say to make every woman fall madly in love with him you know I Muse dipping my head I don't think it's Alden that we have to worry about really a goofy grin waffles his lips his beautiful eyes light with such hope that I almost feel guilty for my next words almost nope I chime flashing him a aous smile it's terara and the rest of your posy that are getting in our way with that I turn and trapes out of the room chapter nine B I let out a low whistle as I turn into the parking lot of the Piggly Wiggly the long line of cars is moving so slow that I feel like we're in a funeral procession I figured the place would be busy but I didn't expect the whole town to be here I mutter Presley throws me a r grin you know how it is in Alabama we get two snowflakes and everybody runs out to buy bread and milk I chuckle it's so true what do you think my mom asked me to pick up she tips her head causing her long red curls to dip lower on her arm let me guess bread and milk she laughs Bingo moving at a snail's pace we turn down one of the lanes I don't think there's a single parking space left Presley points ahead there she says with enthusiasm as the car directly in front of us turns into the empty space I swear under my breath watch your language Presley censures what would your mom say oh she'd give me an earful that's for sure and so she should Presley sasses I can't help but grin at the prim and proper tone of Presley's voice when I was a kid mom used to wash my mouth out with Dial soap really Presley asks her eyes bugging true story I winse remembering that's stuff is nasty Presley's laughter flows out like delicate Bells filling the space between us I don't know what good deed I did before this life to earn the honor of being the one who happened to come along and rescue her from the storm but whatever I did I'm grateful she places a hand on my arm her touch is light and soothing take a deep breath she admir ises patience is the key here we'll eventually find a parking space her eyes spark with humor as she grins I'd hate to have to tell your mom that you've been cussing I throw her a sidelong glance would you do that write me out yes sir there'll be no cussing on my watch there's no doubt that Presley is a classic Beauty with her milk skin big brown eyes and that glorious man of red hair ever since I rescued her she's been consuming my thoughts I thought that if I kissed her I could get her out of my system but no such luck the kiss only wet my appetite for more we circle around and go down another Lane I've never had much patience when it comes to Pokey or inept drivers Presley sits up taller in her seat pointing that person is leaving pull up and put on your blinker I do as she directs it takes a century for the older woman in the car to back out the car behind us honks in irritation at being held up hold your horses buddy I growl glaring in the rear view mirror down boy Presley urges laughter in her voice finally my S eyes as we pull in I turn off the engine as my phone rings I retrieve it from the console and scowl let me guess Presley says tonelessly it's Tera my expression goes sour how' you guess I click the side button to silence it I should have silenced my phone before we got on the road this is the third time Tara has called since we left left the house Presley's eyes flash with frustration maybe you should answer it so she'll stop calling I let out a long breath you're probably right I slide my finger across the screen and put the phone to my ear hello B Tara's voice quivers as she starts weeping I I let Cleo out to do his business and now I can't find him I roll my eyes as I glance at Presley I'm sure he's fine Cleo is a Chihuahua terara thinks he's the greatest thing since sliced bread but the weener dog annoys the heck out of me I'm not a big fan of the small yappy dogs and Cleo is the loudest of them all I I've looked all over the neighborhood terara cries her voice breaks and then she sobs can you come and help me look for him please hang on a minute I pull the phone away from my ear tera's dog has gone missing she wants me to help look for him my stomach tenses realizing that this could royally backfire I hate to ask you this but would you mind if we stop by there before we go to my mom's house Presley starts blinking fast maybe you should go there alone after you drop me off no I counter I need want you there with me I give her a pleading look help a guy out here that's the problem I'm starting to feel like I need Presley and I don't need anyone a faint trace of amusement flicks through her eyes fine she Snips giving me a pointed look but you owe me my insides do a little victory dance I owe you big time I promise this is working out better than I could have ever planned if I take Presley with me to Tara's house then teror will get the hint that I'm involved with someone else I put the phone back to my ear I'll be there as soon as I can thank you terara breathes in relief hurry before she can say anything else I end the call I turned to Presley I'm so sorry about that tera's a lot Presley raises an eyebrow her voice going prickly I'll go but like you said you owe me big big time mister I nod duy noted dang Terra for calling and interrupting my time with Presley I don't like this funky tension that has crept between us we share a long look normally I'd say something cute to put her at ease but I'm not sure what the heck is happening here Presley and I have spent a large block of time together historically if I'd spent this much time with a woman I'd be ready to climb the walls however the moments I've spent with Presley have flown by at lightning speed all I can think is that I want to be with her more yes I could have taken her home before going to the store and dropping items off to Mom but I was looking for any excuse to keep Presley with me longer she's obviously not interested in dating me when I do drop her off I have no guarant that she'll ever agree to see me again why does she have to have a blasted boyfriend and how am I supposed to compete with that pretty boy musician the thought of Alden Holt with Presley makes my insides crawl the reason I didn't sing for her was because I don't want her to know how untalented I am she's a terrific singer her song had such depth and feeling that it nearly moved mov me to tears oh wow she would laugh if she could hear my thoughts she'd accuse me of being a sap Presley is so much more than a pretty face she has no idea how much it meant to me that she opened up about her career I can't imagine Presley dumbing herself or her music down to fit the demands of some record label exec however it's not my place to sway her in One Direction or another my attention is drawn to her Soulful eyes and the gold flecks that make them Shimmer I'm fascinated with how her eyes grow lighter when she laughs or teases me it's all I can do to refrain from caressing her cheek or trailing my fingers through the length of her curls I offer her a cheeky grin you ready to fight the crowd for milk and bread she gives me a begrudging smile and some of the tension dissolves she reaches for the door handle I point and say with a Stern don't you dare touch that door Missy a smile stretches over my lips my mom would tan my hide if she ever got wind me not opening a woman's door Sheen laughs I certainly wouldn't want to be the cause of your mom tanning Your Hide no you wouldn't I draw in a swift movement I get out of the truck a cold blast of wind nearly steals my breath as I trudge around to get Presley's door the sun has cleared snow and ice off the main roads but the parking lots are still covered with slush thank you kind sir she says with a playful grin as I open her door I reach for her hand to help her out a awareness buzzes through me when our skin touches Presley's face goes pink and she looks down her long lashes brushing against her cheeks do I dare hope that she feels a little something for me here let me keep you warm also I don't want you to fall in those healed tennis shoes I joke she juts her chin out in determination I have no problem navigating these heels I'm sure you don't I grin amused that she's so sassy I still can't get over the fact that she wears tennis shoes with heels talk about a girly girl I slide my arm around her waist and pull her close she's so petite her waist is so small that I could wrap my arm around it twice if it weren't for her big hair and heels she'd only come to my ch test I guess it's true what they say Dynamite comes in small packages the minute we step into the grocery store she wiggles out of my grasp thanks for the help she grins but I think I'm good now I'm here for you Willow I say easily we should probably get a buggy I turn to get one surprised to find only a handful left I grab the buggy and wheel it over to where Presley is standing the store is buzzing with people several of whom I recognize I smile and Nod at Curtis and Kelly Jones Mrs vanderhill who sings with my mom in the church choir is picking out apples she peers over her glasses I and Presley and me with interest on Instinct I step closer to Presley maybe there's some tiny part of me that wants people to think the two of us or a couple Presley is definitely out of my league but I've never been styed by a challenge after living in Nashville I had forgotten how stifling it can be to live in a small town she mutters her gaze scanning the people watching us I slide my arm around her slender shoulders and whisper in her ear just own it she flinches as she looks up at me I'm taking taken off guard by the fire that flashes in her eyes and have people think that I'm another one of your groupies no thanks she finishes tartly she begins walking quickly through the produce section forcing me to walk fast to catch up I grin a little at her jaunty step and the light bounce of her curls hey I begin with a playful draw as I catch up matching my pace to hers a feat that isn't easy considering that I'm pushing the buggy you're the famous musician I thought I was your groupy this earns me a slight smile haha she says dryly I like sparring with Presley she's all pickle juice and vinegar on the outside and gooey sweet on the inside why are you so testy all of a sudden she stops in her tracks and turns to face me um let me think she tips her head putting her finger on her chin maybe it's because we're going to one of your girlfriend's houses to look for her dog she throws me a frustrated look that pins me in place fitting me into an unfamiliar space something strange is happening here I'm feeling things I've never felt before her big brown eyes shoot daggers through my heart slaying me right there on the spot I can't believe the Renegade thoughts that are racing through my brain right now things like how I actually care that Presley is ticked I want to ease the crease from the center of her forehead what the Frankenstein Fest is happening here did little green microscopic aliens slip into my room last night and switch my brain with some other poor sap who lets a woman lead him around by the nose evidently because right now I would scale any wall or walk through fire for Presley Jean Madison she could command me with the slightest flick of her finger maybe these crazy thoughts are brought on by the freak snowstorm it rarely snows in comfort and when it does everything goes Haywire including me my brain fumbles for a comeback I thought you were a dog person that's beside the point she Snips where's the bread around here anyway my point behind her aisle 7 we move to go in that direction until a guy yells and stops us in our tracks hey Primrose who's your new lady friend I recognize the Deep bravado voice and know instantly that this isn't going to end well Presley's face turns blistering red and she looks like she could claw someone's eyes out what's Prim as a rose with a hose as a nose the guy continues with a hey hey laugh like he's quite proud of his moronic riddle oh handle this I say evenly as I turned toward the meat counter to face ma holder how you doing Mac I begin in a conversational tone Mac holder ogal everything that wears a skirt literally I once saw him checking out Mrs Sneed who was 60 years old and has a half dozen grandkids Mack is a muscled up steroid junkie who is dumber than dirt it's kind of hard to take offense to someone who doesn't have enough sense to get out of the rain Mac looks Presley up and down with bold admiration who's the fresh cut of meat Presley's eyes nearly bug out of her head fresh meat she seeds throwing ma a look that could kill ouch what happened to your head Presley touches her bandage nothing major just a little scratch what's your name darling Mack asks this is Presley Madison a wicked thought circles through my brain I've been handed the perfect opportunity here and I can't help but take it I slide my arm around Presley's waist and pull her close she goes stiff as a AB board but I pretend not to notice this is my girlfriend Presley coughs like she's trying to keep from choking you okay babe I asked with tender concern you're one lucky man Mac Hoots I wish I had me a strawberry tart Presley turns to me the edges of her eyes going hard is he for real he's a few french fries short of a Happy Meal if you get my drift I say quietly what kind of a person wears a wife beater shirt when it's 30s something degrees outside Presley asks when you get tired of old bo and kick him to the curb you should Mosey on over my direction Mac holds up his arms and flexes his biceps these guns have been known to keep more than one lady warm on a cold Winter's Night Presley sniggers I'll be sure to keep that in mind you do that honey he gives her a look coated with inuendo you won't be disappointed Mac looks longingly at Presley You're one looky guy Primrose I sure wish I had a fiance like her F fiance Presley sputters keep moving I Navigator toward Isle 7 and away from Mac see you Primrose Mac calls Merry Christmas to you enjoy your beautiful fiance fiance she growls seriously she throws me a heated look I shrug don't be mad at me I'm not the one who said it she scrunches her brows I'm going to set that idiot straight right here right now let it go I urge the guy's touched in the head his mama must have dropped him one too many times as a kid laughter slurps from Presley's lips Presley Jean Madison a female voice says from behind us Presley and I both turned to face Dy Clayborn you look great Donnie gushes as she steps forward and catches Presley in a tight hug Presley just stands there with her arms pinned to her sides like she's a tree a couple of seconds later doy pulls back but keeps her hold on Presley's arms she looks her up and down with a critical eye what happened to your your forehead just a minor scratch Presley answers lightly how are you honey her voice is buttery sweet but there's plenty of artificial sweetener dripping in doy is the quintessential social climber her bleached blonde hair is perfectly styled and she looks like she just stepped out of a makeup factory I can smell her perfume from where I'm standing her husband Cody is a saint to put up with the woman she's one of those high maintenance Divas whose life ambition is to squander her husband's money on the next lavish party good Presley answers offering a smile that looks a little strained around the edges Donnie releases Presley's arms before bringing her hands together I'm so excited about your upcoming performance it's going to be great wait I sure hope that thing on your head heals up before then you and me both Presley responds throwing me a look that says this woman is intolerable I couldn't agree more is Aiden Holt coming doy asks eagerly hearing the man's name knots my stomach doy looks at me as if noticing for the first time that I'm standing here the corners of her lips turned down did I hear someone say that y'all are engaged her tone has an incredulous Edge as she turns her attention to Presley Colette told me that you and Alden Holt were a thing you might have heard that Colette and Wade are dating she announces proudly I'm so glad that Wade Finally Found Someone worthy of him it's all I can do not to let laugh in Do's face if she thinks Colette Williams is a good catch then she's delusional of course birds of a feather flock together Do's expression turns Pious as she homes in on Presley I know it was a blow when Wade called things off I'm so glad to see that you've moved on for a second I wonder if I actually heard doy correctly yep I did the uncomfortable expression on Presley's face says it all wait and Pressley were an item Wade Clayborn seems like a decent guy despite his mom still I don't like the thought of him having any residual feelings for Presley or vice versa doy wags her finger from Presley to me don't keep me in suspense she gushed Es are y'all together her eyes simmer with interest nervous laughter skitters from pressley's throat as she glances at me her eyes say do something I step close to Presley and drape an arm around her shoulder we are together but we're keeping things on the down low I say in a quiet conspiratorial tone like doy and I are the best of friends so if you don't mind keeping it under wraps doy rocks back wow I had no idea she makes a zipping motion across her lips your secret safe with me her voice bubbles with enthusiasm I'm so glad we ran into each other triumphant laughter rumbles in her throat I guess Colette doesn't know as much as she thought she looks said Presley would you be a deer and call the club to make sure you have everything you need for the performance Presley nods all righty then Donnie chirps I'll see you next Saturday Tata she turns and floats away Presley whips around her eyes questioning engaged actually I didn't say that I said we're together I figured that was less fining than an engagement she shakes her head her expression stupified how in the world she blusters we just came in to get bread and milk her voice goes shrill and now we're engaged I frown why in the heck are you performing at doy clayborn's party she makes a face skate doy promised her the C job on the condition that I perform are you and skate close skate is one of Penelope's best friends Amusement streaks through Presley's eyes turning them a rich gold caramel skate and I are first cousins my jaw goes slack really yep her mom and my dad are siblings she gives me a superior look that bores holes right through me see how little you know about your fiance evidently I chuckle she shakes her head in disgust I can't believe you let doy Clayborn think we're engaged hey you could have jumped in any time to explain the situation I meet her gaze if I didn't know better I'd think you wanted Dy to believe we're engaged that's ridiculous she snaps her face turning bright red I raise an eyebrow really I saw your save me expression she just shakes her head and looks away I touch her arm if ddy Clayborn doesn't think you're worthy of her precious son then why is she so keen on getting you to perform her eyes narrow you know how people like doy are I'm probably the closest thing to a celebrity that she knows she only wants me to perform because it'll make her look good yep I'm sure you're right my voice hardens and for the record I don't know why anyone in their right mind would think that Colette Williams would be a better choice than you Wade Clayborn could only dream of earning the affection of a girl like you she blinks in genuine surprise th thanks she stammers it's the truth I'm coming to learn that one of Presley's charms is that she doesn't realize how extraordinary she is did I hear someone say engaged dimples pow sashs up wearing a ginormous grin dimples works at the Piggly Wiggly and never meets a stranger she smiles a lot showcasing her deep dimples hence the nickname she's in her mid-50s but dresses like she's 20s something her hair's so big that a flock of birds could nest in it every time I see her I have to make a conscious effort not to stare at the bright blue eyes Shadow smeared over her eyelids dimples is wearing large silver snowflake earrings and smacking on gum B Prim Rose I never thought I'd see the day when you would tie the knot she swats me on the arm oh sugar it'll be a sad day in comfort for all those women when you officially go off the market her eyes moved de Pressly as she gives her gum a go around who's the lucky lady who managed to snare you her eyes turned to saucers wow you're a looker no wonder bow fell for you honey are you okay what happened she points to Presley's bandage I'm sure Presley is getting tired of answering questions about her injury just a little scratch Presley says offhandedly dimples studies Presley wait a minute do I know you you sort of look familiar Presley puts a hand over her chest I'm Presley Madison she says woodenly dimples her head are you any kin to G and Joanne Madison they're my parents your jean dimples exclaims in recognition I am Presley admits oh sugar dimples Chuckles you're all grown up I didn't even recognize you she throws her arms around Presley giving her a tight hug look how pretty you are dimples says as she releases Presley she shakes her head back and forth a look of wonderment on her face wow this is fantastic she squeals her attention settles on me I'll bet your mama is thrilled Fern has been worried sick about you finding someone and settling down her beaming smile St stretches from ear to ear and now you have when's the big day Presley moistens her lips as she clasps her hands together tightly um the thing is we're not I cut in what she means to say is that we haven't set a date yet I throw Presley an adoring smile everything's still up in the air right now look how good the two of you look together dimples c a match made in heaven she looks at Presley I heard your performing at the clayborn's Christmas party that's the plan Presley answers I can feel the tension radiating off Presley she's definitely not happy about the mistaken engagement thing I probably shouldn't be either after all I'm the one whose mother will be devastated when she learns that it's all a ruse I'm off the night of the party and plan to come her eyes light up with an idea hey I should get a picture of y'all to send a Dixie she directs her words to Presley you remember my daughter I think so Presley says in a vague diplomatic tone that lets me know that she doesn't remember Dixie dimples rushes on Dixie and I were just talking about this guy the other day she touches my arm we were wondering if he was ever going to settle down Dixie won't believe it when I tell her B's engaged I'll have to send her a picture to prove it she retrieves her phone from the pocket of her work vest and motions y'all scoot together um I don't think this is a good idea Presley counters go ahead dimples orders shoeing with her hand I stepped close to Presley and slide my arm around her waist say cheese dimples prompts as she snaps the picture now kiss Presley's eyes pop as she throws me a look of sheer Panic my brain takes a quick assessment of the situation and decides that the best way to handle it is to plow straight through the center I turn press around to face me gather her in my arms and lay a big kiss on her she's stiff with shock her mouth unyielding as my lips move coaxingly against hers even with her being so obstinate I can't deny the spark of attraction that Flames between us evidently neither can she her lips soft and to Velvet as she kisses me back a pause breaks out around us as I and the kiss and pull back her eyes glow deep with an inner fire that fans something Savage and raw inside of me we share a look of understanding that goes deeper than any words could express in that moment I know for sure that there's definitely something between us I glance around my brain registering that a crowd has gathered people offer Hardy congratulations the men shake my hand with heavy pumps the women hug Presley and me more people snap pictures with their phones finally when the onlookers disperse Presley and I leave the buggy in the aisle and make our way over to the bread no surprise there aren't any loaves left so I opt for a couple bags of hamburger buns my thinking is that Mom can butter and toast them I have expect Presley to make some snide comment about the buns but she's in a days people stop us to say congratulations as we make our way over to the dairy section all the 2% 1% and skim milk are gone there's one gallon of whole milk left so I grabed that I turned to Presley do you think your folks need us to get anything she shakes her head as if in a fog I I'm not sure okay so it was a mistake to go along with the engagement misunderstanding I could have sworn that Presley wanted me to when we were talking to doy Clayborn did I misread the situation or is Presley sending me mixed signals I tighten my jaw let's go check out we pick our way through the tight clusters of people and get in line Gwen riddle is standing in the line next to us congratulations she chirps are y'all going to have a Christmas wedding that would be so romantic she gushes you look so different she says to Presley I can hardly believe you're Joann's little girl she shakes her head smiling in remembrance it seems like yesterday when she would bring you in to see Dr Bradley I thought you were the cutest thing ever with that big head of frizzy red hair and glasses Presley blinks you're Dr Bradley's nurse I am Gwen says proudly I've been working with Dr Bradley for Going on 30 years she zeros in on me I remember you too Bo Primrose and how it took Dr Bradley me and two other nurses to give you a shot in your bum a f Amusement twinkles in Presley's eyes he always has been a menace yes ma'am he has Gwen agrees all he needs is a good woman to keep him straight it looks like he finally got one Presley's cheeks stain Pink as she Ducks her head slightly I'm a lucky man I say as I step close to Presley and drape my arm around her shoulders Presley gives me a questioning look I just smile and try to tell her with my eyes that it'll all be okay it seems to take forever before we're finally through the checkout line and out the door as we go outside a blast of cold wind nearly knocks us over even though the sun is out it's frigid I help Presley into the truck and place the milk and buns behind her seat the second I get into the truck she whips around her eyes raging what in the devil was that all about chapter 10 Presley the Sheepish expression on B's handsome face sends my anger soaring to new heights you enjoyed that I hold up a finger don't try and deny it I can see it in your eyes take it easy Willow he turns on the engine and blasts the heat no I won't take it easy I roar after that little charade how long do you think it'll take before the entire town thinks we're engaged the muscles in his jaw flick I don't know why you're getting your drawers in such a wad it was a silly misunderstanding I was just having a little fun with it I grit my teeth at my expense it's not my fault that Max shouted out that we were engaged and then when we were talking to doy you gave me that look that said help I could only assume that you wanted me to go along with the deception a wall of Tears presses against my eyes it takes a superhuman effort to hold them back truth be known I did want Bo to go along with the charade I'm not so much mad at him as I'm mad at myself for one tiny moment when he kissed me I believed that it was real I swallow trying to keep the tremble out of my voice as I speak one day when I do get engaged I want it to be special I clamp my lips together a tear trailing down my cheek concern touches B's features as he brushes the tears away from my cheek with his thumb hey he begins softly I'm sorry I didn't mean to upset you look at me he implores I do as he requests he has no idea how hard it is for me to keep everything straight in my head especially when I'm staring into his electric blue eyes that are filled with such tenderness I loved how it felt to have B's protective arm around me in the store I loved how he claimed me as his with such an easy manner I know this is insane but when people offered their congratulations I felt a burst of Pride does that make me a pathetic wretch the edges of his lips brush with a trace of humor you have to admit it did give you a dart of vindication to put doy Clayborn in her place a partial smile tugs at my lips I don't have to admit anything his eyes widen ah I see how you are the block of tension in my stomach begins to dissolve okay I admit I might have felt a smidgen of satisfaction when doy learned that we're engaged when I realize what I've just said my cheeks torch with wretched heat my words tumble out I I mean that we're fake engaged shees it's suddenly so hot that I feel the need to take off my coat laughter zings in his eyes I knew what you meant he cups my jaw for the record I can't think of a better fake Fon than you I gurgle a giggle thanks I think Bo uses the term for the record a lot it's encouraging to think that I'm starting to pick up on his manner of speech he Strokes my skin Rippling maddening tingles through me about that kiss I tense what about it he wrinkles his nose it was a little abrupt his eyes move over my face like he soaking in every detail an ache of longing stirs warm ribbons through my stomach he leans closer causing his leather jacket to russle maybe we should try it again with no Spectators nah I don't think so I murmur but I'm Spellbound the cocky confidence that flashes in his eyes lets me know that he knows how gullible I am where he's concerned my body seems to have a mind of its own as I move closer to him hovering over the console his scent is as clean and fresh as it is masculine that's too bad he whispers his warm breath tickling my skin he Trails a finger down one of my curls maybe just one kiss I utter my lips parting in anticipation I have no idea where this thing with bow is headed in my naivity I thought I could rain it in but the more I try the stronger the attraction becomes his mouth moves against mine delicate as a whisper causing my breath to Hitch he kisses Me Slowly deliberately his lips taunting and teasing the ache inside me grows to a groan that rises from my throat I slide my fingers around his neck pressing into him I want more than his teasing I want him heart and soul I want to kiss him until this Fierce need for him subsides the ringing of his phone stops US short he stops the kiss with a sigh of frustration seriously he growls his hands moving to the collar of my coat I pull away from him shift back into my own seat and pull the seat belt over my shoulder my cells are still revved up from the kiss as I replay the burn of how his lips felt against mine hello he clips into the phone glancing at me he lowers it from his ear and puts it on speaker you low down slime ball i w woman shrieks how dare you get engaged you were supposed to marry me she lets loose a string of curse words that would make a gangster cringe my eyes widen as I look at Bo he lets the woman go on her tiate of screaming and crying for a few more seconds before interrupting what about Cleo do you still want me to help look for him for a second I'm not sure what B is talking about but then I remember that Cleo is Tara's dog ah so Tara is the one balling Bo out because she heard that he was engaged the fierce protectiveness that rises inside me takes me by surprise I don't like the way that horrible woman is talking to Bo my fiance sort of go this whole thing is confusing you stay away from from me and Cleo terara rages if I never see you again it'll be too soon I hope you have a rotten marriage the line goes dead Bo doesn't skip a beat and says in a Cavalier well that clears up our day I try to suppress a snigger but it bursts from my lips in a half snort half gulp that's all it takes for the damn to break I can't contain the Avalanche that peels out of me I laugh so hard that my shoulders shake and tears rush to my eyes B laughs too the sound is so full-hearted and deep it could only come from someone who lives completely in the moment when our mirth dies down Bo is the first to speak I've never been so glad to be engaged he throws me a boyish grin as he reaches from my hand and links his fingers through mine the gesture sends my heart racing I swallow you know we're not actually engaged right my voice sounds small in my own ears I can protest all I want but my actions clearly speak otherwise you he says simply I know his tone goes wistful a guy can dream he utters so softly that I'm not sure if he actually spoke the words or if I imagined them I replay Bo's words when he said that Wade Clayborn could only dream of earning the affection of a girl like me did he say that out of frustration to get back at doy or was he giv me a compliment Bo gives my hand a squeeze and then releases it as he pulls out of the the parking lot he turns on the radio and switches the channel to one playing Christmas music a few minutes later he begins singing along to Jingle Bell Rock when he's not being a goofball Bo has a surprisingly good voice as we get farther down the road I join in I don't know why I'm so surprised by how well our voices blend together we know how to generate the chemistry where the kisses are concerned my face goes flush just thinking about his lips on mine Good Golly Miss Molly it feels like it's a 100 degrees in here a string of Sweat Beads pops over my nose I'm still trying to process how it was that Bo and I went into the Piggly Wiggly to buy bread or hamburger buns and milk and came out engaged or at least fake engaged I steal a glance at him my gaze running along the lines of his chiseled Jaw desire swells inside me like a tidal wave I swallow trying to get a hold of my emotions even I in the dreamy Haze of my school girl crush realized that it would be disastrous to actually get engaged to a man that I haven't even been around for two whole days however I certainly wouldn't mind dating him or kissing him that is if he could put aside his womanizing ways and fly right do I dare hope that I could be the one who changes him dream on Presley Jean Madison because that's all this is a beautiful dream or fantasy that will most likely end the minute B drops you off at your parents house my phone rings my purse is resting at my feet I reach down to retrieve it skate is calling hello I answer as B turns down the music SK squeals what the heck you're engaged to B Primrose H how she sputters did this happen irritation broadcasts in her voice and why did I have to hear about it through Pam Crandle who read about it in Nelly Kinsey's blog have said there's a picture on the blog of you and B in a lip lock in the Piggly Wiggly a lip lock not a lip log I correct automatically a wave of dizziness rolls over me as I look at B what's wrong he asks in concern my throat constricts and it's all I can do to force the words from my mouth Nelly wrote about the engagement in her blog she put up the picture of us kissing his eyes fly open wide already yeah so it's true skate asks is Bo there with you yes I squeak we're driving to his mom's house now skat's voice goes High I know you said things were Rocky between you and Alden but that was fast suspicion coats her voice and Bo I thought you hated his guts because of what happened with the sweetheart dance and now you're engaged to him SK sk's voice is booming so loud she's almost yelling I moved the phone away from my ear to protect my eardrum have you gone Bonkers do we need to check you into one of those psycho treatment centers I chuckled dry do you mean a psychiatric Treatment Center yeah that's what I meant SK mumbles it probably wouldn't hurt after all what sane rational woman gets engaged to a man she hardly knows at the Piggly Wiggly in the bread aisle I cut my eyes at Bow hey he protests you've known me since you were in Junior High having a crush on you and really knowing you are two different things I retort huh skate asks do dubiously I don't get it sorry I wice I was talking to Bo my phone beeps letting me know I have another call coming in skate can I call you tonight I have another call coming in I should probably get it you said that you'd call last night and you never did you were too busy getting engaged to bow to think of your poor old cuss she suks I didn't have any sales service last night or I would have called okay she sigh I'll give you that one but don't forget to call me tonight I want to hear all about your engagement we'll do I say as I end the call I almost dread to see who's calling is it my mom or my sister summer have they read Nelly's blog if so I'm dead meat it's Alden calling I throw a GL at Bow before silencing the ringing I thought you were going to answer that nah I say easily I'll just let this one go to voicemail it's alen he surmises his voice hardening yes there he goes again coming across as jealous does that mean he's starting to care about me a little should I tell Bo the truth about Alden no my brain shouts things are confusing enough as it is with Bo if he realizes that I no longer have feelings for Alden then I'll be completely at Bo's Mercy I need Alden as a bargaining chip ew that sounds selfish I don't mean to be cold and unfeeling towards Alden it's just that the two of us have been so out of syn for such a long time that we might as well have been living on different planets oh and alden's kisses never L me on fire not once B tightens his hold on the steering wheel will it cause you problems with Alden if word of our engagement gets out probably I answer honestly that's too bad he throws me a wicked grin I can't help but chuckle don't pretend to be sorry that you're putting me in a hard spot with Alden and give his arm a playful shove watch it Willow P draws you'll cause us to wreck my eyes go round as I realize my foolishness we are on slick roads oops sorry I say sheepishly he Hoots at that gotcha you are a menace I cross my arms over my chest asked no wonder you don't want me to tell Grandma Maisie that I've been hanging out with you I guess that's one way to put it although other folks prefer to call our association an engagement an incredulous cackle rises in my throat yeah some meat counter guy with bricks for brains confuses the term boyfriend for a fiance and voila we're engaged back to Walden if I'm speaking plainly here I won't lose an ounce of sleep over him hearing the news of our engagement my eyebrow slides up you'd better start explaining any guy who expects you to sell out just so he can work a deal with a high futin record company doesn't deserve you my breath catches I certainly didn't anticipate Bose's comeback a lump forms my throat not just because of B's words but also because of their ferocity thanks I say quietly clasping my hands in my lap I mean that he says with conviction you deserve better the anger that sweeps over me comes out of nowhere I give Bo a hard look what do you consider to be better it's easy for him to sit there and say I deserve better when he's not offering an alternative yeah I'm a sap what I want is for him to offer himself as an option I've broken the cardinal rule I'm falling for the player stupid stupid stupid he blinks huh if alden's so wrong for me then who's Mr Right I pin him with a scorching look his face goes red and he squirms a little in his seat silence looms between us what's wrong Bo cat got your tongue now that my frustration has bubbled to the surface it's spewing like a Geer and I can no longer contain it I don't know why you're acting so Blas about our fake engagement it's bound to put a crimp in your dating habits now that I think about it B seems pleased as punch with people thinking the two of us are engaged why it did get him off the hot seat where Terror was concerned but there has to be more to it than that after all reason would dictate that Bo is used to dodging iate women that he's dumped the answer comes to me in a Flash as I remember something that dimple pow said I assembl the pieces your mother has been work worried that you won't find anyone to settle down with if she thinks you're engaged then it'll get you off the hook the busted look on B's face lets me know that I hit the nail on the head disappointment cloaks me in a heavy blanket as much as I'd like to think that b feels a little something for me the hard painful truth is that I just happened to be a helpless female who ended up in his path okay I need to look at this rationally is there a way to use the situation to my advantage I'm not sure how it could possibly benefit me to fake an engagement to a guy I'm developing real feelings for if only I had the willpower to nip this thing in the bud right this very minute the smart thing to do would be for us to cut ties and go our separate ways and yet I can't deny that being around bow makes me feel more alive and hopeful about the future than I've felt in a very long time maybe if I keep playing along then something will develop between us I Can Dream right I forc my voice to go contemplative now I'm getting the full picture you need me to go along with the ruse you would be doing me a huge favor he throws me a hopeful grin maybe we can keep the act up through Christmas or even New Year I'll owe you big time that would mean that we have to spend more time together to make the engagement seem plausible anticipation spritzes through me thank goodness Bo can't read my thoughts or he'd know how Twitter pated I am over him most definitely he said says heartily I press my lips together H and just how would you repay me he pulls his eyes off the road and glances at my lips how about with an endless supply of kisses delicious heat simmers through my veins pH I really need to Fan my face right now but I don't dare it'll take more than that all right let's see what else can I offer his words come faster with enthusiasm I know how about I let you ride on the fire engine during the Christmas parade you can throw out candy my snigger while that is sorely tempting no I could give you fire safety tips he jokes keep trying I've got it he says confidently he pumps his eyebrow ows you're going to love this it's perfect an amused grin tugs at my lips quit dangling the carrot and spit it out I could serenade you with various Renditions of Oh My Darling Clementine he belts out the lyrics my laughter comes in short bursts shaking my shoulders please no come on he begs help a guy out here I promise I'll make it worth your while I'm standing on the edge of a cliff and looking out do I take the plunge okay I'll do it really I will did I really just agree to this crazy Arrangement what have I gotten myself into his blue eyes sparkle with the light of a thousand stars as he throws me a resp Blended smile I don't care what those other people say you're all right Willow he draws a few seconds later he frowns what are you going to do about alen I'm not really sure but I'll take care of it my relationship with Alden is the least of my worries Alden will probably be relieved when I break things off then he can simply be my manager without the emotional baggage that comes with a romantic relationship I could always talk to him for you Bo offers in a nonchalant way more laughter hiccups in my throat thanks but I'd better handle it he shrugs if you need my help I'm more than happy to step in just saying I've got it I chime in a sing song voice he gives me a boyish grin that literally melts my heart I guess we're doing this I guess we are a smile spreads from ear to ear Presley Jean Madison you've made me a happy man I can't think of anyone I'd rather be fake engaged to than you he throws me a tender look Here's to Us Here's to Us I repeat feeling both happy and sad happy that I now have an excuse to spend more time with Bo sad that the relationship is fake chapter 11 B here we are I announc as we pull into Mom's driveway I'm still reeling from how fast Nelly Kinsey got wind of the engagement and broadcasted it on on her blog have Mom and Penelope heard about the engagement if so they're going to be ticked that they didn't hear it from me I hope this whole thing doesn't blow up in my face I don't fully understand what's happening to me being around Presley is different from being with other girls while it scares the crud out of me to admit this I could see myself with Presley for the long game a fakeing engagement will allow me to test the waters to see if I'm relationship material can I commit myself to one woman if ever there was a chance of me rising to the occasion it's with Presley of course it takes two to tango it's not just about what I want but what Presley wants I still have the hurdle of Presley's pretty boy musician boyfriend to get over however her lips don't lie she's attracted to me but do her feelings run deeper could she come to care about me more than she cares about Alden Hol time will tell if things don't work out with Presley I don't even want to think about things not working out between us however I've got to be realistic here if things do go south then at the very least mom will hopefully be appeased in the knowledge that I tried to have a meaningful relationship she'll have the satisfaction of knowing that her son was engaged at one point you ready I look at Presley who looks as nervous as I feel we can do this I assure her mostly trying to reassure myself I'll get your door I think of something else oh Mom will want to know how we met Presley's face pales this is getting complicated I don't like the idea of lying to your mom or my family I take hold of her hand and cup my hands around it it'll be okay I hold her eyes promise she gives me a weak smile what's our cover story I press my lips together thinking it comes to me in a Flash do you remember Dwight Peterson she shakes her head no he and I graduated the same Year Dwight lives in Nashville I went to visit him and ran into you at the muscadine Cafe you happened to be performing and I was smitten her eyebrow arches won't your mom see right through that you were just with terara and all those other women mom will be so ecstatic that I'm finally settling down that she won't question the story I pause pan on the other hand will be a harder sale Presley's jaw drops I don't know if we can pull this off we can I say smoothly just follow my lead I'll be the most romantic doting fiance ever she Chuckles this I have to see my nerves are popping like firecrackers as I get out of the truck and go around to open Presley's door I suck in a deep calming breath if there was ever a girl who could make me believe I could settle down it's Presley I don't have to Fain affection for her all I have to do is act naturally and let things take their course after helping her out of the truck I grabbed the gallon of milk and hamburger buns in one hand and take her arm with the other careful I warn the sidewalk will be slick dagam it I should have thought to pick up a bag of salt at the Piggly Wiggly to melt the ice going up the steps leading to the porch proves to be the trickiest of all Presley slides causing my heart to Lurch easy I steady her and nearly lose my balance in the process we finally make it to the top with our bodies and the milk and buns intact hopefully the sun will get hot enough today to burn off the ice but then tonight when the temperature drops if all the liquid's not gone it'll ice up again mom will most likely go back to work tomorrow the thought of her trying to go down these steps twist my stomach I suppose after taking Presley to her house later on this afternoon I'll have to run back to the Piggly Wiggly Penn probably needs ice melt to put on her sidewalking steps too I wrap against the door door with my Knuckles before opening it warmth from inside fans my face I get a strong whiff of spicy cinnamon from those pine cones mom loves to put out during the holidays Christmas music is playing in the background hello I call as we step inside and close the door in the kitchen mom responds I help Presley out of her coat before removing my jacket we hang them on the wooden coat rack on the wall did you leave your purse in the truck I did she offers me a tight smile speaking in a low tone I didn't want to have to keep up with it or field any calls she adds meaningfully the concern written all over Presley's beautiful face tugs at me feeling me with guilt for putting her in this situation relax I say quietly we've got this she presses her lips together in resolve as she nods her expression brightens when she sees the decked out Christmas tree in the corner of the room I'm glad someone in your family has the good sense to put up a tree she cuts her eyes at me I grin shaking my head you and my mom will get along just fine she's as nuts about Christmas as you are come on in the kitchen mom prompts reaching for Presley's hand I lace my fingers through hers as I lead her through the small living room and to the adjoining kitchen mom is sitting with her back to us bent over the table her attention solely focused on a cookie she's icing the aroma of baking cookies tingles my nose I love mom's sugar cookies my gaze sweeps over the cookies shape in various Christmas objects they're spread over the table along with bowls of red green and white frosting also there's an assortment of sprinkles and other dos releasing Presley's hand I set the milk and bread on the counter before stepping up next to Mom I lean in and give her a hug and kiss on the cheek hey hun she says cheerfully I figured I'd might as well take advantage of the snow day the cookies look good I'm sure they taste good too I reach for a decorated cookie but she swats my hand the pretty ones are for the library she points to a pile off to the side those are for us I see how you are I tease saving the pretty ones for the library they all taste the same mom counters I picked up a gallon of milk thanks for doing that hun she says appreciatively the bread was all gone so I got hamburger buns I guess those will do in a pinch mom laughs she motions to one of the chairs pull up a seat mom doesn't even realize that Presley is here with me going off her calm demeanor I'm guessing she hasn't heard anything about the engagement that's good better to hear it from the horse's mouth I throw a glance at PR who's ringing her hands and nibbling on her lower lip mom I be grantly I'd like for you to meet someone mom's eyes go round as saucers as she turns around in her seat I'm sorry she says de pressle I didn't realize we had company she rubs a self-conscious hand over her faded blue sweatshirt as she throws me a look of Repro you should have told me she scoots her chair back and stands a cordial smile curving her lips hello I'm sorry the place is such a mess no worries Presley motions to the cookies those look fantastic mom lets out a self-deprecating chuckle you're too kind I'm not the greatest at decorating but I suppose they'll do I like having something to give to the kids who come in for the reading of the Christmas stories I stepped next to Presley and slide my arm around her waist Mom this is Presley Madison nice to meet you Mom holds out a hand to Presley as they Shake she studies Presley intently you look so familiar how do we know each other I practically lived in the library when I was a kid Presley answers in fact you recommended one of my favorite books A Wrinkle In Time by meline lingle mom's eyes pop with excitement as she points you're Jean Madison I am a large smile fills Presley's face it's good to see you Mrs Primrose mom touches her chest call me Fern good to see you too she says exuberantly as she pulls Presley out of my grasp and into a tight hug you were always so smart and took such good care of your little sister when the two of you would come in a second later she releases Presley and looks her up and down my my you've turned into a beautiful woman thanks Presley murmurs her cheeks growing pink what happened mom points to Presley's bandage I expect Presley to offer a vague explanation like she did at the grocery store but she opens up to mom telling her about the accident to Presley's credit she leaves out the part about me rescuing her and taking her back to my house adding in those details would raise way too many questions I'm so glad you are okay Mom breathes her hand going to her chest me too Presley sigh I heard you were in Nashville pursuing a career in music yes ma'am I am what's your sister's name summer that's right where is she now she and her husband live in Willow not far from my parents Summer's a nurse at the hospital don't you have a little brother also good memory Donnie's at Auburn University a nostalgic smile tugs at Mom's lips you were one one of the most voracious readers I've ever seen you'd tote those huge stacks of books home and a week later you'd bring them back ready for more do you still read I do Presley Smiles although between working my job and pursuing my music I don't have as much time as I used to mom looks from Presley to me so are y'all dating she asks hope flickering in her eyes you could say that I tossed Presley an adoring grin the two of us are engaged what mom's jaw hits the floor when did this happen today I answer my chest swelling with pride I I'm so sorry to Spring this on you Presley begins blinking fast it all happen so fast mom's eyes shimmer with tears as her hands go over her mouth this is fantastic she breathes a Christmas miracle congratulations she cries as she hugs Presley again she pulls back dabbing her eyes as she swats me on the arm you had me so worried that you'd never settle down and all the while you've been dating this wonderful girl and I didn't even know it Mom jumps into action as she pulls out a chair for Presley here sit down can I get you something to drink we have sweet tea Coke milk thanks to Bo and water of course I'm good thanks mom shakes her head I still can't believe it she says her expression full of such wonderment that it spikes needles through me mom will be devastated when she learns that I'm not marrying Presley or maybe she won't maybe things will work out between Presley and me I look at Presley and we share a smile it sends a ray of sunshine through my heart why would I ever want to be with another woman when I can be with Presley A Prayer flits through my mind dear God I know I haven't been the best person but I can change I can do what it takes to be worthy of this amazing woman that you have put in my path please help me to convince her that I can be marriage material do you need help decorating Presley offers sure Mom bubbles I would love that she turns to Me More Tears glimmering In Her Eyes I'm so proud of you you she utters throwing her arms around my neck you have made me so happy thanks Mom I say gruffly taken off guard by the emotion in my throat you sit down too Mom orders she likes to place everyone winking at Presley I go and sit down in the chair nearest to her mom sits back down her eyes shining with eagerness when the date I look at Presley um we haven't set a date yet we're still working on that Mom nods taking that in maybe in the spring a look of panic streaks over Presley's face I scoot my chair closer and drape my arm around her shoulders as soon as we have a date you'll be the first to know how did y'all meet Mom asked I launch in with the prepared explanation do you remember Dwight Peterson mom frowns I'm not sure that I do we graduated high school together Dwight lives in Nashville I probably should be appalled at how easily the LIE flows from my lips mom buys the story Hook Line and Sinker just as I knew she would the poor woman wants nothing more than to see her kids married and happy Oh and she also wants lots of grandkids the beauty of fern Primrose is her love for The Simple Pleasures of Life mom has had it rough raising two kids on her own while suffering from fibromyalgia I'll never forgive my selfish deadbeat dad for walking out on the family Penn claims that it's my hang up over dad deserting the family that has prevented me from making a commitment to a woman I'm sure there's some Merit in that theory but I've never found anyone that I felt like I could settle down with until now is there a system to decorating Presley asks nope mom laughs just do what I do slather on the icing and put lots of sprinkles on to cover up the mistakes I can certainly do that Presley Giggles she chooses a cookie in the shape of a star to work on first Presley's excitement over decorating Christmas cookies makes me grin there's something soothing about seeing Presley and mom getting along so well I love your Christmas tree Presley says Mom's expression turns appreciative thanks Presley throws me a mischievous look you really should talk to your son about his lack of Christmas spirit I was so disappointed that he hasn't put up a tree I've tried Mom sigh she throws Presley a meaningful grin I have a feeling that he might listen to you more than he does me mom's cell phone rings it's resting on the bar I'll get it I say as I rise from the chair the milk is still sitting on the counter I need to put it in the fridge in brisk steps I go to grab mom's phone it's pin I announc hello I answer in a woman's voice cut it out Bo pen grumbles I know it's you I roll my eyes who peed in your Cheerios pen and I are fiercely devoted to one another but we sometimes don't get along I'd venture to say that we act about the same as most siblings you she exclaims is your engagement for real yep I answer easily hoping lightning doesn't strike does Mom know oh my gosh this is a disaster you can't let her find out through Nelly keny's blog she spits Nelly Kinsey is not Penn's favorite person she raked pen over the coals by writing all kinds of crap about her when she was going through her divorce Nelly has turned over a new Leaf the past several months and hasn't been as mean-spirited still pen detests her I'm heing mom's now I say pleasantly Presley's here with me hearing her name Presley looks up with a hint of Suspicion I throw her a smile as I talk into the phone she and Mom are decorating cookies pen rages on do you really expect me to believe you just up and got engaged to some woman you haven't even dated I keep my voice conversational you remember Presley she sk's first cousin she's from Willow Pen's voice turns incredulous I didn't make the connection when I saw the picture of you in the Piggly Wiggly Maul in the red head Presley is Jean Madison yep that's her I glanced at Presley again thankfully she and Mom are too busy laughing and talking for her to be super focused on the conversation the last I heard Jean was in Nashville she's home visiting her parents silence comes over the line pen did I lose you I'm still here just trying to figure out what's going on her tone grows concerned concerned are you in some sort of trouble of course not I laugh this is really strange even for you you found Memphis why can't I find someone H's voice softens I want you to find someone bro this is all just so sudden one minute Randall's trying to bust your head at Clyde Sports Grill because he thinks you're hitting on Misty oh and let's not forget terara Swanson trying to get her hooks into you and the next minute surprise surprise you're engaged her voice pitches High what about all your talk of enjoying all flavors of ice cream and not limiting yourself to just one I look at Presley Who's laughing at something Mom is saying she tucks a red curl behind her ear Something Inside Me Goes soft as I murmur strawberry what Penn barks from here on out strawberry is the only flavor I need the certainty of my words seeps deep into the marrow of my bones it feels right to have Presley here in Mom's home you really are smitten pen says shocked a smile tips my lips yeah I suppose I am I never thought I'd see the day Mom didn't either how did this come about pen blusters I promise I'll tell you all about it when I see you in person I switched the subject hey sis I'm going to pick up some salt for Mom's sidewalk tonight do you need me to grab some for you thanks but Memphis already got it he didn't want any of our guests to slip and fall ah he's a step ahead why am I not surprised my brother-in-law never ceases to amaze me if pen can find her soulmate then maybe there's hope for me too I grin inwardly man those are some words I never thought I'd ever think it's funny how life's priorities can shift on a dime I think I fell for Presley the first moment I laid eyes on her or at least the first time my grownup eyes laid eyes on her I was too danc to see her for the beauty she is when I was a teenager if things weren't so crazy here I'd head over to Mom's house right now so I could see with my own eyes this rare woman who managed to snag my brother's heart when can I see her she asks eagerly I do a mental calculation let's see I'm working tomorrow I know she asserts I'll meet her at your birthday party on Monday sounds good Jim and Jupiter prisley and I haven't even talked about my party I sure hope she can go I can't wait pen sings Hey can you put mom on the phone I need to get a recipe from her you bet I take the phone over to Mom she puts it up to her ear and begins talking as I sit back down beside Presley she's nearly finished decorating the cookie I take an assessment not bad she studies it critically as she purses her lips well I'm certainly no ski but it looks okay let's see how it tastes her eyes fly open wide as I grab it and take a large bite hey she protests her brown eyes sparkling with exasperation that was rude I hold it out to her with a wicked grin I don't mind Sharon last chance I taunt as I shake the cookie she leans in and takes a bite M that's good the oven timer Chimes and Mom gets up to remove the cookies from the oven Presley puts a hand over my arm how did it go with Penelope she asks quietly I blink how did you know who I was talking to I heard you call her sis and then you handed the phone to your mom she shrugs it wasn't hard to put two and two together how did she take the news of us she read about the engagement on Nelly's blog oh she says her eyes rounding it was touch and go at first but it's all good now she believed you she Whispers yeah I flash a wide grin I'm a convincing guy I take another bite of the cookie don't eat all of that she grabs it and plops the remaining piece in her mouth that's so good she says after chewing and swallowing I know mom's cookies are great I glance at mom who's transferring the cookies from the bacon sheet to a cooling rack hey I began quietly would you mind coming to my birthday party she looks thoughtful when is it next Monday it'll be here at Mom's house pan and her husband Memphis are coming sure how old will you be 30 I answer heat crawling up my neck Amusement dances in Presley's dark eyes ah 30 she clucks her tongue seems like you got engaged just in time haa I say dryy throwing another glance at mom to make sure she's not paying attention Presley size you came off pretty good telling your family about the engagement she Whispers lucky you a shadow crosses her features unfortunately I don't know that it'll go as well with my family I tense really she nods looking worried I reach for her hand and offer a smile you'll have me right by your side a giggle sputters from her lips that's what I'm afraid of huh Presley's face lights with Amusement your reputation with women precedes you my mom was pretty upset when she realized that I had spent the night at your house she'll freak the big one when I tell her that we're engaged my stomach squeezes as much as I don't want to the right thing to do here is to give her an out I hate to cause you so much trouble I guess we could call the whole thing off I hold my breath hoping with everything in me that she won't take me up on my words she lifts an eyebrow a soft chuckle issuing from her throat trying to get rid of me already I lean forward my gaze going to her lips and miss out on that endless supply of kisses never I murmur pleased to see color rise in her cheeks I trace the lines of her even features thinking how I'm the luckiest man alive that she's even given me the time of day determination flashes in her eyes as she juts out her chin I gave you my word and I'm sticking to it we're seeing this thing through relief swells over me good I raise my free hand up and cup her cheek you're pretty spectacular Presley Jean Madison her lips curve into an amus smile and you're pretty Charming no wonder the women fall at your feet before I'm even fully aware of what I'm saying a statement flows from my lips with such sincerity that it surprises even me that's just the thing as it turns out I don't care about the other women I pause locking eyes with her I only want you she blinks several times I I don't know what to say to that you don't have to say anything if you don't believe me that's okay I'll work hard to prove it to you Presley's eyes grow moist jaw working she gives me a questioning look and you've come to this determination after two impossibly short days of being around me actually it hasn't even been two full days a grin lifts a corner of my mouth see what a strong effect you have on me you're good she says appraisingly but her eyes glow with a peculiar light that lets me know that she's pleased with my declaration look at the two of you mom says with a sniff as she wipes at her eyes I never thought I'd see the day when my boy would fall in love pressing her Palms together in prayer mode she looks at the ceiling and utters a heartfelt thank you it truly is a Christmas miracle yes I utter looking at Presley it is chapter 12 Presley I knew it would be tough to tell my mom about the engagement but I didn't expect her face to turn redder than an overripe tomato that's about 2 seconds away from bursting wide open Mom puts a hand on her forehead this is ludicrous she looks to my dad for help tell her G tears of frustration rush to her eyes I feel like I might start crying too why did I ever let Bo talk me into this fake engagement wasn't I worried about how the news would affect my parents and my siblings when Grandma Maisy finds out they'll be the devil to pay we're in the living room of my parents' home Bo and I are sitting on the sofa with Mom and Dad in the overstuffed chairs directly across from us the room looks like a scene straight out of Hallmark with the expertly decorated Christmas tree and its twirling red and gold ribbon there's a crackling fire in the fireplace the mantle is decked out with Greenery and ribbons as well as stockings Bo is sitting close with his arm around my shoulder as if sensing my tumultuous emotions he begins rubbing circles over my shoulder surprisingly it helps something changed between Bo and me when we were at his mom's house those words he spoke sank deep into my heart making me believe that he does care as crazy as it sounds I'm starting to believe or hope that Bo and I really can build a future together my dad pushes his glasses higher up on his nose before clearing his throat dad has always been the voice of reason in the family and Mom the hotthead people always attribute her Timber to her red hair but I don't think that's necessarily true after all I don't have an especially hot temper sweetheart dad begins addressing his comments to me this is all such a shock he glances at Mom and then back at me we thought you were in a relationship with your music manager and now we find out that you're engaged what happened with Alden mom wants to know you hate Alden I assert glaring at Mom I would think you would be glad that I'm engaged to someone local I don't hate Alden mom Snips I'm just not crazy about his shaggy hair and the earring she shakes her head don't try to steer this conversation off track her eyes flash with frustration Presley Jean Madison you were just in a car accident she makes a point of looking at my bandage your you're not thinking clearly she sucks in a breath you're certainly not in any state to be making life altering decisions what you need to do is take a step back and give yourself time to process everything that has happened her voice cracks do you even know what you're going to do about your car actually yes thanks to Bo he called a friend who's a police officer he went out and filed a report today and then towing company moved it to the auto body shop that my insurance company recommended an adjuster will go out and look to see if my car can be repaired or if it's total dad looks impressed you did all that yes with Bose's help I turn and give him an appreciative smile this is just all a lot to take in Mom's doomsday attitude tromps on my nerves I swallow the Dr ESS in my throat as I hold up a hand look I don't blame you for being surprised by all this emotion rises in my chest sometimes the unexpected happens and you just have to go with it I glance at B who gives me a reassuring smile mom gives B A Hard look what Assurance do we have that your intentions toward our daughter are sincere she and Dad both zero in on Bo waiting for him to answer Mr and Mrs Madison Bo begins I understand your reservations especially given my past reputation chalk one up for B I can tell that his direct manner has gotten their attention it's much better to call out the elephant in the room than to skirt around it call us G and Joanne dad requests really arth mom says in irritation he holds up a hand his voice firm Jean is a grown woman if she's determined to marry Bo then we need to extend a hand of friendship to him this whole thing is absurd mom mutters as she folds her arms over her chest in a huff dad ignores mom's little tantrum and motions at BO you were saying Bo takes in a breath before for removing his arm from my shoulder and leaning forward he rests his elbows on his thighs steepling his hands I realize this is sudden tell us something we don't know Mom grunts I just shake my head mom can be such a drama queen sometimes then again in her defense this engagement thing did come out of nowhere all my parents have to go off of is Bose's reputation I can understand why they're concerned but if they would take the time to get to know him they would discover that underneath the Cavalier player Persona Bo is a really good guy I'm so impressed with how Bo has looked after me since the accident how he takes care of his mom the more I'm around him the more I feel certain that he's the genuine article he's a breath of fresh air compared to Walden if my parents only knew how much of a step up Bo was from Alden they'd be singing his Praises right now of course they don't know about the offer from Goldfield records or that Alden wants me to compromise my values and my music to sign a big deal no sense in bringing that up right now and adding more angst to the situation I need to make my own decision about my career without Mom and Dad breathing down my my neck like Presley said this thing between us took us both by surprise Bo pauses as if Gathering his thoughts have you ever been around someone whose very presence makes you want to be a better person well that's how I feel when I'm with Presley no matter how much time I spend with her it's never enough I want more he throws me a glance offering a slight smile tears press against my eyes wow that was beautiful I make him want to be a better person that has to be one of the nicest things anyone has ever said about me Presley and I haven't made any definite plans yet Bo continues we're more than willing to take things slow and enjoy the journey his voice quivers with intensity all I know at this moment is that I've never never felt for anyone what I feel for Presley and that speaks volumes my voice catches in the back of my throat I can feel my eyes shining as I touch his arm prompting him to turn and look at me do you mean that a smile tips his lips I do laughter gurgles in my throat that's good I think so Bo agrees his blue eyes zinging with faint Amusement well I'd hope he feels that way about you since y'all are engaged mom retorts I like the part about taking things slow dad interjects he meets Bo's eyes we'd certainly like to get to know you I'd like that too Bo says sincerely dad takes in a deep breath like he's intent on wrapping up the conversation as a production manager at the chemical plant dad has no doubt had plenty of practice settling squabbles between workers he speaks in a voice of authority as if the matter is settled it sounds like y'all are being cautious and taking your time I can respect that mom's eyes fly open wide gar he spreads his hands what do you want me to say Joanne he seems like a standup guy oh he is I punch out with vehement when your grandma hears about this she'll pitch a conip fit mom presses her lips together eying me with not only a stealy disappointment but also a Checkmate look that says if your dad won't take care of this your grandma will probably I concede but at least Grandma will have the good grace to be polite to Bo instead of castigating him to his face that's true however Grandma's dual-edged politeness has the power to cut much deeper than mom's blustering mom has a big bark and a little bite grandma is the opposite mom's face rages red but the corners of Dad's lips quiver like he's trying to hold back laughter he looks at BO you sure you're up for all the estrogen that flies around in this family he motions at Mom and me especially when these two get together I'm used to it Bo responds matter of factly I grew up with my mom and sister ah you do understand dad looks at BO as if seeing him through new eyes you know he reflects I think you and I are going to get along just fine he turns to mom do we have any of that lemon cream pie left it sure sounds good right about now yeah she mutters I'll get it after the pie is served and eaten Bo announces that he needs to get going I can't entirely explain the strong disappointment that Jabs through me at the thought of not being with him it's silly downright pathetic actually we've been together for such a short period of time maybe my feelings stem from some underlying fear that this has all been some magical dream and when Bo leaves the fairy tale will be over I walk him outside feeling shy all of a sudden now that the two of us are alone by unspoken consent we Linger on the front porch neither of us is quite ready for the evening to be officially over it's bite and cold I should have put on a coat Shivers run through me as I hug my arms my teeth chattering come here B utters pulling me into the warmth of his arms I snuggle against his chest noting the firm definition of his muscles the scent of his leather jacket permeates my senses I raise my head to look up at him the thin porch light plays Shadows over his features making it jaw look even more pronounced you handled yourself quite impressively his eyes round you think so absolutely your mom's not too happy he wines I'm sorry I put you in this situation I was thinking about me and how excited my mom would be his voice Trails off I should have given more thought as to how our engagement would affect you interesting that he didn't say fake engagement but simply engagement am I reading too much into this probably I'll be fine I assure him mom will come around she and I are always going back and forth about something he Chuckles dryly sounds like pen and me questions tumble and roll inside me as I search his face about what you said to my parents did did you really mean those things I still can't get over how he said that being with me makes him want to be a better person I did my heart leaps really I'm unable to contain the large goober smile stretching over my lips he caresses my face sending tantalizing tingles cascading through me what's Happening Here the vulnerability in his penetrating eyes calls to me all he has to do is keep looking at me with such tenderness and I'm a goner I'm not sure I admit in the course of 24 hours I've gone from holding a childhood Grudge to being so grateful that you not only rescued me but have stayed by my side and helped me through a difficult ordeal and now surprise we're engaged I laugh softly he grins when you put it like that this all does sound crazy he lowers his hand from my face my stomach tightens do you regret it not for one second he says fiercely pulling me closer and wrapping both arms around my waist I relax my shoulders good he searches is my face what about you do you regret it no I answer instantly what about Alden there is that I can't exactly admit that Alden and I were on the outs before I even fell for Bo not when I've been using him as an excuse I certainly don't want Bo to think I've been playing him go that would be bad since I've been harassed in him about being the player I'll take care of Alden his eyes flash with jealousy or you could let me take care of him I tip my head in Amusement you know I seem to remember you offering to help with that earlier a smile fills his face and you turned me down I did better let me deal with Alden I say lightly okay he size have it your way so when will I see you again his eyes light with pleasure I haven't even left yet and you already miss me don't flatter yourself I quip the corners of his lips droop you won't miss me I can't help but laugh he's so boyishly cute and so devilishly Charming I I'll miss you I say easily he has no idea how much I'll miss him I report to work bright and early in the morning for a 24-hour shift and then Sunday you'll need to catch up on sleep I should probably do that he acknowledges I'm tempted to ask Bo if he wants to go to church with my parents and me but he will have just finished his shift and will probably be exhausted guess where I'm going tomorrow where he asks with such a clear note of hesitancy that it makes me wonder if he worries that I'll somehow see Alden I really need to put closure on my relationship with Alden of course that will involve talking to him which also means that I need to figure out what I'm going to do about the festival at any rate I can't keep ignoring Alden forever I realized that B's waiting for me to answer as my mouth shoots out the words to the library his eyes pop with surprise really yep your mom asked me to bring my guitar and sing a couple of songs for the kids who'll be there for Story Time wow that's awesome you and Mom sure headed off she's great always has been even when I was a kid my mind goes to something else I wonder if I dare broke appr a certain topic my quandry must have Shone on my face because Bo asks what's wrong nothing's wrong I suck in a quick breath before diving in I'm just wondering how much of our relationship is real and how much is fake I force a laugh I'm not delusional enough to think that we could simply declare ourselves engaged and Float off into the sunset I PA looking into his eyes my heart begins hammering against my rib cage as the words fall from my lips and yet so much of it feels real my cheeks go hot with that admission I hold my breath waiting for his response he nods in understanding looking thoughtful it is a tricky situation his eyes sparkle with Wicked amusement I guess we should start by dating first laughter gurgles in my throat you think he leans close and murmurs in a husky tone I'm all about the Dayton so long as we keep up the endless supply of kisses my lips part in anticipation as his mouth captures mine in a long thorough kiss that Wicks a slow smoldering fire through my veins I sure do like being engaged to Bo Primrose chapter 13 Presley what are you freaking kidding me laughter bubbles from skat's lips as she grabs my arm and moves it back and forth you have a fake fiance she sings I was only thinking that you needed a fake boyfriend for the holidays but this is so much better sh I his glancing around someone will hear you the two of us are in the kitchen section of the bakery that skate manages an older lady named Martha is working the front counter and there should be customers inside the bakery skate waves a hand nah Martha is deaf as a bat she won't hear a thing my snigger you mean blind as a bat I believe the saying is Stone deaf or deaf as a stone a sheepish grin curls skat's lips you know what I meant I do her eyes glitter with curiosity I want to hear every last detail she clicks her tongue you and Bo certainly seem to be getting along well in the picture that I saw of you on the blog her eyes narrow I can't think of a better revenge for your two timeing ex than for him to see you kissing B confusion whirls inside me huh what are you talking about skate rocks back touching her hair which is pinned up into a net I thought you knew I mean it's been all over the news and social media she makes a face let me rephrase that I don't know that the news has been everywhere but I follow all the and you on social media also I keep up with the music scene in Nashville because of you my throat closes and I swallow to clear it what's going on Skate begins blinking so fast that I swear her dark lashes are trying to take flight Alden and lovey Barnes the air leaves my lungs what sympathy touches skates Prett Prett face as she catches hold of my arm maybe you should sit down dizziness rolls over me as I allow ski to lead me over to the nearest stool where I Collapse onto it ski pulls up a stool and sits down so that she's facing me with our knees touching take a deep breath she encourages grabbing hold of my hands I gulp in a scoop of air feeling the relief of my head clearing a fraction my brain tries to Grapple with what's happening my hair is also up in a net it makes me feel constricted trapped removing my hands from SKS I reach up and rip the net from my head allowing my hair to fall freely over my shoulders there that's better I can think now are Alden and lovey together I squeak squeezing the hairnet in my hands the notion seems so absurd so utterly ridiculous lovey has to be at least a decade older than Alden and yet there did seem to be some sort of Silent Communication passing between them at our meeting maybe lovey's involvement with Alden was what prompted her to give me an extra week to make up my mind SK i bark are they together she gives me a hesitant look the suggests that she hates to tell it to me straight probably for fear that I'll either go berserk or pass out cold that's the rumor they were seen together having drinks at a bar last night they left arm in arm Fury blazes a hot Trail through my veins how could he I seee forgetting for an instant that I've been trading plenty of steamy kisses with bow and as far as the world is is concerned I'm now engaged I'm really in no position to cast judgment on Alden but still the fury is there I shake my head my pulse thrashing up a storm against my temples I never could figure out how Alton was able to score the opportunity with Goldfield records I hiss talking aloud to myself now I know skat's eyes nearly bug out of her head you have a record deal yeah I harp on the condition that I sell my soul to the devil AKA lovey Barnes her mouth forms an O I see wow you've got a lot going on yep I say hotly my life has been one big party skate shakes her head I'm sorry I know how much you cared about Alden her words have the mag iCal effect of setting everything straight in my head I make a face actually I don't care about him not like that I'm confused if you don't care then why are you so upset about Alden and lovey Barnes i ball the hairnet in my fist and rub a hand over my forehead with the other I accidentally touch my cut and win slightly it's healing up well and now that I put a clear bandage on and and pull my bangs over it people hardly notice mainly I'm upset that Alden went behind my back I take in a breath also it muddies up the record deal what sort of deal is it I tell skate about the festival and lovey's demands skat's eyes turned to tennis balls are you actually considering performing some trashy song in a hooker outfit it's not a hook her outfit I counter testily she gives me a doubtful look it is pretty dang skimpy I admit a few beats of Silence pass my heart is thuing dully in my chest I don't know what to do I groan tears burn in my eyes do I have it in me to just walk away from the deal of a lifetime can you trust that Alden has your best interest at heart I don't know I huff I just don't know I repeat you've built your entire proposal on encouraging women to be their best selves to focus on what's inside a slight grin tugs at my lips platform huh it's platform not proposal I wave a hand never mind I'm sure skate gets tired of of me riding her case about her mixing up words truthfully it's endearing skate lifts her chin I'm not trying to judge here but I don't see how you can just throw away all that you've built girls and women look up to you what kind of message will it send if you perform that song I push out a heavy breath you're right I say dully a headache pulses against the bridge of my nose I'd been so excited about going to the library this afternoon in fact one of the reasons why I stopped by the bakery was so that SK could help me bake some cookies to bring now I wish I was going straight home so I could climb into bed and bury my head under the pillow no I don't want to go home my heart pulls me elsewhere I'm taken off guard by the fierce longing that swells inside me if only I could talk to Bo right now so I could get his take on what I should do more than anything I want to feel his strong arms around me I want to get lost in the depths of his pristine blue eyes I want to kiss him until I can't breathe I want him to tease and res me like he does I want to crush over his boyish grin simply being with B gives me hope for the Future No I can't go see bow I don't want to make him feel awkward by having his fiance visit him at work I'll have to wait and see him tomorrow evening after he gets caught up on his sleep Fern is counting on me going to the library I have to stay the course maybe my time spent with the kids will give me a much needed diversion SK searches my face are you okay I offer a tight smile survive this thing with Alden and lovey puts a whole different spin on the situation I'm not sure what to think about it I'm here for you if you need to talk thanks I say quietly the oven dings skate rises from her stool to go and remove the chocolate chip cookies skat's cookies are legendary it's probably good that I'm taking cookies to the library otherwise I'd be tempted to eat my problems away by gorging myself on cookies the more I think about Alden and lovey the matter I get my back goes ramrod straight time to have a long talk with Alden Holt I mutter as I Rise to my feet I March over and toss my hair net into the garbage can then I make a beine across the room and get my phone out of my purse I turned to find ski watching me with apprehensive eyes I'm about to get to the bottom of this right now I seee as I dial alden's number he answers on the first ring finally I thought you dropped off the face of the Earth my voice Cuts Like a Knife is it true about you and lovey Alden riddles out a high pitched cackle have you lost your mind don't try to deny it I roar you were with lovey Barnes last night at a bar the two of you left together he sputters in disbelief lovey is tired of waiting for you to give your answer she was threatening to replace you I met with her to buy us more time my brain races trying to decide if I should believe him you were seen leaving the bar with her we shared a cab Presley what's this about you know how I feel about you my inside seiz with cold hard guilt as an image of bow flashes through my mind I fumble for something to say why is it all over the news and social media that you and lovey are together I grit my teeth and I don't mean together in a business sense you know how Cutthroat the media is they thrive on Gossip I swallow trying to gather my thoughts so you and lovey aren't together of course not he says with righteous indignation I can't believe that you think I would stoop so low as to get together with lovey do you not know me at all wow talk about a doozy my dull headache has escalated to a piercing pain that is stabbing through my skull things haven't been right between us for a long time I say flatly I know Alden admits softly we need to fix that a long pause stretches between us until Alden speaks I've stopped by your apartment a couple times where are you in Comfort his voice shoots up your home in Alabama yep I turn to look at ski who's watching me intently when she realizes that I caught her she starts busying herself with the cookies you could have told me he pouts I needed some time alone to sort things out well have you he presses annoyance blazes over me have I what I Grumble sorted things out not really quit being so difficult Presley this is a simple situation you're being given the chance of a lifetime here something occurs to me you know you never did tell me how you managed to work the deal with lovey even through the phone I can almost feel him Sweating Bullets aha there is more to this thing with lovey Barnes than he's letting on well I press lovey and I have a good working relationship that's all you need to know what's it going to be Presley are you doing the performance Panic flutters in my stomach making me feel hot and cold at the same time I'm sorry I have another call coming in I need to let you go we'll have to catch up later I can hear him swearing as I end the call a second later he calls back but I silent the ringing well ski prompts her hand going to her hip what did the yellow belly lizard say I think she meant yellow belly snake but I'm not going to point that out to her I taken a deep breath as I go over to where she's standing he claims that there's nothing going on between him and lovey Barnes her eyes widen seriously I nod according to Alden he met with lovey to buy more time for me to make a decision and you believe him my mind does a quick rerun back to the meeting with lovey Barnes no I don't believe him I think there is something going on between Alden and lovey Alden has never told me how he was able to work a deal with one of the top record labels in the country when I've asked him he evades the topic scumbag SK mutters I place my phone on the counter do you have any ibuprofen by chance sure she goes over to a cabinet and retrieves two capsules she drops them in my palm before getting me a glass of water thanks I say wolfing the capsules down after 20 or so minutes the ibuprofen does the trick I point to the cookies can I have one sure but they may still be gooey the gooier the better I pick up a cookie and take a large bite I close my eyes savoring the sweetness of the tender dough mixed with the sharp Taste of the semisweet chocolate chips that's delicious I'm starting to feel better already hey this is changing the topic but you have something to wear for the Clayborn party next Saturday my eyes widen yikes I haven't even thought about it I was was afraid of that don't worry I've got you covered Albany has put aside some dresses for you to try on Skate grins pick out what you want it's on me I'm touched by sk's generosity you don't have to do that it's the least I can do since you're performing to help me out thank you she shrugs it's no big deal alany has given me a huge discount how's her boutique going really well skate trills out a deviant giggle that is if she and her mom can keep from killing each other they run the boutique together I roll my eyes I feel for poor Albany there's no way that my mom and I could run anything together skate looks thoughtful I could work with my mom that's because your mom is a sweetheart she is ski agrees her expression going soft s she holds up a finger it's my dad who would give me grief she Chuckles he's always wanting to know why we don't serve churo said the bakery that's a fair question I teased don't tell Dad that if you give that man a mile he takes an inch I giggle you reversed it she furrows her brows huh if you give him an inch he takes a mile I correct correct an impish grin overtakes her lips yeah that's what I said skat's Dad Raul is from Mexico her mom my aunt and my dad's sister is from comfort and is about as Southern as a person can get ski has beautiful olive skin and dark eyes but she doesn't have even the slightest trace of a Spanish accent she's also Southern to the core anyway ski says as she reaches for a cookie you should stop by the boutique and pick out something to wear okay I'll do that sometime next week ski takes a bite of her cookie you know she Muses I make all the fancy complicated stuff but nothing hits the spot like a plain chocolate chip cookie she places the cookie on the counter not all chocolate chip cookies are created equally I point out yours is the stuff Angels sing about why thank you kind CZ she says with a magnanimous nod her dark eyes sparkle with Mischief hey what song are you singing for the party Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer she starts clogging as she sings the lyrics that's pretty good as far as the dancing goes I make a face as for the singing well you'd better stick to baking laughter rolls from sk's throat that's why I have you cuz you can sing like a crow or a canary she rolls her eyes that too skate was a clogger in high school she belonged to a group that performed around the country I see you're keeping up on your skills it's good exercise she stops and takes another bite of her cookie I can eat what I want and instantly work off the calories she puts the cookie down and starts back dancing SK SK I laugh shaking my head they broke the mold when they made you after a few minutes she stops clogging phw she sigh catching her breath I think that earned me the rest of the cookie she picks it up from the counter and commences eating I give her a prob look tell me about you and Wade Clayborn she chokes on her cookie as she doubles over hacking out coughs are you okay she nods vigorously before straightening up and pounding the center of her chest with her fist that went down the wrong chimney she places the remaining part of the cookie on the counter your reaction tells me all I need to know you like him her face goes scald and red just because I happen to choke doesn't mean anything it's okay you can tell me the truth I no longer have any feelings for Wade promise okay she growls I like him too bad he's all lovey gooey over Colette Williams she finishes with a long face maybe he'll come around I Can Dream SK says sullenly I glance at the clock on the wall it's 1:30 my pulse picks up its Pace I'd better get going I'm supposed to be the library at twoo I'll get these cookies packed up for you oh don't forget your phone thanks I say grabbing it ski tips her head as she motions to the cookies you sure are going to a lot of trouble to impress Fern Primrose the collar of my shirt feels a size too tight can't I do a good deed without having you read something into it I Harum sk's eyes simmer within Endo if you don't like Alden then who do you like I rock back frowning who says I have to like anyone a COI smile fills Ski's face as she begins chanting Presley and bow sitting in in a tree k i s s i n g I reached for a nearby dish towel W it up and throw it at her it hits her right between the eyes you know it's true she taunts catching the towel before it falls on the floor the die was cast when he rescued you from that accident you know what happens to all those fake engagements on Hallmark don't you what I Grumble knowing she's about to tell tell me whether I want her to or not she gives me a meaningful look they become real chapter 14 Presley I swear dad's old Ford pickup truck is on its last leg or wheel it sputters and jerks as I shift into second gear to turn into the parking lot of the library no wonder the thing is having problems it's older than me and there's no telling how long it has been since it was last driven I guess I should just be grateful that I have some form of transportation I'm not supposed to hear anything from the insurance adjuster until the end of the week Bo thinks they'll declare my car total he says that's a good thing because wrecked cars often have problems even after being repaired I I turn off the engine and open the door it groans loudly announcing my arrival I slide my purse strap over my arm and reach for my guitar when my phone dings signaling that I have a text I Grimace hoping it's not Alden I dig my phone out of my purse and look at the screen my heart does a little dance that even ski would be proud of it's from B hey beautiful how's your day going I hope goes well at the library if you run out of songs you could always do Oh My Darling Clementine break a leg be grinning from ear to ear I respond back I'm heading into the library now while your song selection is tempting I think I'll stick with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer my fingers pause over the screen wondering if I dare write the next message what the heck I miss you P he responds right back miss you too Willow I stare at the screen my heart soaring is it too soon to declare this love probably okay I'll chalk it up to having an intense form of infatuation and like that sounds dumb not wanting to be late I drop my phone into my purse and reach for the guitar and Tin of cookies memories flood my mind as I walk through the sliding glass doors and in through the foyer the smell of books wood and several other scents I can't pinpoint blend together taking me right back to my childhood I go up to the front desk which is decorated with swags of gold tinsil and pre-made velvet ribbons with plastic bells in the center hello I begin in a quiet tone I'm here to see Fern the woman is wearing a Santa hat she looks up from the open book she's reading and tosses me a broad smile hey you long time no see I study her face thankfully recollection comes to me instantly Trinity Jones we graduated high school the same year Trinity looks almost exactly the same as I remember with her short Corkscrew blonde hair and pink cheeks Trinity and I didn't run in the same circles she was the pey cheerleader type whereas I was a member of the marching band and Beta Club she holds out her hand wiggling her fingers it's Trinity cook now she CS Jojo and I got married congratulations I can't remember who JoJo is but I don't want to tell Trinity that her voice goes juicy congratulations to you too Fern is thrilled about the engagement the whole town is in an uproar we never thought B would settle down I guess all it takes is for the right one to come along you look terrific by the way she Twirls a finger I like what you've done to your hair thanks she didn't notice the cut that's good my bangs are doing the trick she frowns looking at my my hand B didn't give you a ring shame on him crumb this is the first time I've even thought about an engagement ring we've got one on order it hasn't come in yet oh I bet it's a be it's something I glance around is Fern here sure is she's already in the children's section waiting for you Trinity leans forward lowering her voice I'm so glad you could come and spread some Christmas cheer Jeremy Elkins and his poor family have been through it this is his second round of battle in leukemia I'm sorry I stammer that's terrible sympathy for Jeremy and his family Wells inside me but I have no idea how this relates to me being here um I'm supposed to sing to the kids who are coming to Story Time Trinity noded Fern has Jeremy come at two and then the other kids come at 3 she doesn't want Jeremy to be exposed to all the germs the other kids bring in oh wow my admiration of Fern Grows even more I look toward the children's section I'll head there now good luck Trinity chirps I pad across the carpet and go under the wooden arch leading to the children's section where I find Fern sitting on an ottoman and talking to a frail boy in a wheelchair I guess him to be around 10 years old he's bald and wearing a ball cap a woman whom I assume to be Jeremy's mom is sitting in a chair beside him when Fern sees me a smile lights her face she Pats Jeremy's hand before standing and coming toward me hello I'm so glad you could come thank you she gives me a hug I would hug her back but I can't while holding my guitar in one hand and cookie tin in the other Fern is dressed simply in a red sweater and chocolate brown slacks she doesn't have on a speck of makeup and her short silver hair is styled more for convenience rather than fashion I hold out the tin I come bearing gifts what did you bring she asks eagerly as she lifts the lid of the tin and peers inside chocolate chip cookies compliments of Abigail's Bakery I grin my cousin ski made them oh wow you brought the good stuff I need to keep some of these for myself come over here and let me introduce you to Jeremy and Sarah Fern leads me over to them a smile wraps my lips hello I say wondering if I'm coming across as too cheerful I haven't spent much time around people who have have serious illnesses seeing a child in such a state makes me uncomfortable Sarah stands hello she's an attractive woman with glossy chestnut hair her smile is warm and friendly but she has an overall sense of sadness about her no wonder it would be brutal to watch your child suffer thanks for coming Jeremy and I are so excited to hear you sing I turn my attention to Jeremy who flashes me a ginormous grin hey he says in an offhand way that only a kid can perfect I'm Jeremy I'm Presley a lump forms in my throat I swallow determined to keep my emotions at Bay Jeremy needs joy and cheer not some woman breaking down and balling because she feels sorry for him Fern pulls a chair over for me thanks I say with an appreciative Smile as I sit down and place my case at my feet I remove my guitar and position it in my lap Fern and Sarah also sit down are you excited about Christmas I asked Jeremy his light eyes sparkle as he nods what is Santa bringing you for Christmas a Nintendo switch Legos a magnetic dart board and a puppy he looks to his mom to get approval we'll have to see about the puppy Sarah says diplomatically he pumps his fist man I'll have to keep working on her a chordal tickles my throat Jeremy has a big personality I relax realizing that I don't need to treat Jeremy any differently than I would any other kid what's your favorite Christmas song Up on the Housetop that's a good one I agree it used to be my favorite too will you sing it with me you beta I Smile as I begin strumming and singing Jeremy joins in come on Mom I urge when we get to the chorus at that Sarah and fern chime in we sing several more songs of Jeremy's choosing after a while I can sense that he's getting tired Sarah must have picked up on it too because she says thank you so much but we'd better get going would you like to pick out a sugar cookie before you leave Fern asks that would be great Jeremy says we'll give you a chocolate chip cookie too Fern Smiles at Sarah maybe one for your mom too they're from Abigail's Bakery skat made them in that case I'd love one Sarah says thank you again she says to me it was my pleasure I say sincerely grinning at Jeremy remember Santa's always watching and checking his list you'd better be good so Santa will bring you all the presents you want I'm always good he brags he cuts his eyes at his mom I'm even good enough to get a puppy we'll see Sarah says evasively thanks for the songs Jeremy says you're a pretty good singer you're pretty good too I grin giving him a high five Fern brings over the platter of cookies that she decorated the day before and lets Jeremy select his favorite she and I both say goodbye to Sarah and Jeremy and watch as Sarah Wheels him out Fern turns to me thank you that meant a lot to him a feeling of warmth envelops me it meant a lot to me too thank you I utter my eyes going moist for giving me such a wonderful opportunity Trinity said that Jeremy is battling leukemia for the second time he is Fern answers solemnly according to what Sarah has told me the doctors are hopeful Fern lifts her wrist and glances at her watch we have about 20 minutes before the other kids will start arriving plenty of time for us to have a chat my stomach tenses I certainly didn't expect to be given the third degree I hope I can hold up under the pressure Fern motions to a couch along one wall let's go over and sit down where it's comfy I place my guitar into the case and follow Fern to the couch we sit down beside one another and she angles to face me I can't tell you how excited I am about you and Bo she begins Rel Lea sweeps through me I'm excited too Bo is a good man she says with such genuine feeling that it brings tears to my eyes yes I agree I can see that he's also complicated the strip between my shoulder blades tightens what do you mean a slight smile tilts her lips I'm sure I don't have to tell you about B's history with other women heat stings my cheeks no I croak do you know the background about Bo's father no he hasn't mentioned much about it I berate myself for not thinking to ask Bo more about his history then again everything has unfolded so fast like a whirlwind there's no way I could anticipate this conversation she nods I'm not surprised Bose's Dad Chris left when Bo and Penelope were little sadness touches her features Chris is leaving hit B the hardest being the oldest and the only boy he has always felt the need to protect Penelope in me yes I can see that a smile curves my lips Bo's loyalty to you and pen is one of the things I most appreciate about him I agree I couldn't ask for a better son she pauses her eyes meeting mine I only had to be around you and Bo for a short period of time to see that he feels things for you that he's never felt for anyone else pleasure glows through me but before I can bask in it too long I see fern strained expression and sense that something not so good is coming Bo has a hard time getting close to anyone maybe he fears deep down that he'll end up following in his dad's footsteps my breath catches this is not good I can't be with a guy I don't trust I've been down that road with Alden and don't want to keep repeating the same mistake over and over Fern reaches for my hand her voice becoming soothing don't worry I don't think for one minute that b would ever desert you or your future children he's loyal to the core she takes in a breath the only reason I'm telling you this is so that you'll understand why Bo has dated so many different women I had no idea I say quietly this new information actually makes me feel even better about bo b how could you know she offers me a sympathetic smile Bo doesn't often talk about his feelings I know he carries a lot of anger over Chris's betrayal normally it comes out with Bo being a hotthead and getting into scuffles my eyes round I didn't know that about him either Fern Chuckles well you were bound to find out sooner or later I guess it's better to hear it from me she pauses here's the thing I don't know that this will happen but if it does I want you to be prepared my stomach knots with apprehension there's a chance that Bo might try to put up walls to keep you from getting close to him okay that's not a deal killer I can deal with a few walls when he gets scared he covers it up with indifference if this happens be patient with him She searches my face can you do that for me of course good she sigh I'm glad we got that pesky conversation over with she squeezes my hand before releasing it Fern has a quiet strength about her that's very impressive especially considering all that she's been through briefly I wonder if I'm overstepping my bounds by saying my next comment how however I feel the need to develop a close relationship with Fern it couldn't have been easy on you to raise your children on your own no she admits it wasn't a ruul smile tips her lips between that and the fibromyalgia there was a time when I wondered if I had it in me to keep going my jaw grows slack you have fibromyalgia she nods looking surprised B didn't tell you no I had no idea how in the world did you manage to get through it all lots of prayer and persistence her eyes take on an Angelic glow whenever I would start failing down I would look around for someone worse off than me and find a way to help I jerk realizing the significance of her words you helped summer and me my throat goes thick I didn't have many friends growing up I looked forward to coming to the library it was my Haven you were always so kind you fostered my love for reading the flame was already there Fern says offhandedly deflecting my praise you help so many people like the way you just helped Jeremy and Sarah she gives me a perceptive look actually I'm not the one who helped them today you are you used your talent for music to lift those in need the good Lord has blessed you with a great gift he expects you to use that gift to help others if you always keep that mindset you can never go wrong her words burn me to the core I can't help but think about lovey Barnes and the festival when I started with my music that was my intent to empower women I put my heart and soul into my music every lyric meant something it seemed so simple back then before money and ambition got in the way did Bo tell his mom about my dilemma it's on the tip of my tongue to ask her when a young girl with pigtails skips in hi Fern the girl says in a sing song voice as she does a stomach dive for one of the Ottomans hi Molly are you ready to sing some Christmas songs yes she answers gleefully and then we'll read a Christmas story we will yippe she exclaims Fern turns to me and smiles I have the greatest job in the world yes you do and so do I my mind Shout at least I did I guess I need to do some deep introspection figure out what I want out of my music and my life no that's not it I've spent way too much time thinking about myself as it is I need to be more like Fern and turn outward maybe I should start asking what I can give I've prayed so hard and long to have success with my music career I certainly can't turn my back on God now I have to walk in his path do what he would do do I have the strength to choose the right path rather than the easy guaranteed success path I guess that's what it all boils down to maybe we will all at one time face that critical moment where we find out what we're truly made of a prayer goes through my mind help me to choose the right path give me the courage and strength to face this situation and see things clearly help me to be more giv like Fern and less selfs servant please help me to find peace chapter 15 B you'd better hurry and make a wish pen jokes for all those candles burn down the house she turns to Presley 30 candles is a lot I had to buy two boxes aha I say dryly I glance across the table at Presley who's wearing a large smile she's everything and more than I could have ever wished for I close my eyes and blow out the candles Memphis throws me a teasing grin are we really supposed to eat a cake that he's been blowing all over pen makes a face well now that you put it that way now children mom chides as everyone laughs pen you cut the cake mom directs I get the first piece I brag better enjoy it big brother pen pipes in because the special treatment only comes around once a year on your birthday that I'll milk it for all I can I say throwing Presley a wink as much as I'm enjoying my birthday party I'm looking forward to getting her all to myself we've already spent most of the day together Presley took me to breakfast at the restaurant that's just off Main Street then she insisted that we go to the community center where we participated in the Gingerbread House contest I never thought that I'd be okay with let a woman drag me to decorate a gingerbread house but it was surprisingly enjoyable of course our gingerbread house collapsed from all the fros and I piled on the roof after everyone gets a slice of chocolate cake and ice cream we sit around the table eating and trading War stories about our growing up years pen can't wait to tell Presley all the dirt on me her eyes dance as she looks at Presley and me did Bo tell you what happened the first time he met Memphis I groan as I sit back fiddling with my napkin come on now no sense in dredging up the past Presley's expression Kindles with interest this sounds good it is Memphis Hoots your boy here got his bottie whooped hey I counter I got in a few good blows Presley eyes widen there were blows involved she gives me a questioning look oh yes Mom laughs it got gnarly the cops were called I slide my arm around the back of Presley's chair they make it sound so much worse than it was I say casually I'm impressed with how comfortable Presley is with the family she and Penn are getting along great I didn't realize how well Presley and Pen knew one another Presley was a great underpan and really looked up to her ske and blakelyy uhhuh Pen draws you keep telling yourself that she looks at Memphis and smiles before launching into her story Memphis moved next door in an Airstream trailer I interject pen being the snob she is wasn't happy about having a trailer and plastic Kitty pool right next to her High futin bed and breakfast might touch my nose as I throw pen a taunting smirk taking great pleasure in the color that brushes her cheeks you had a kitty pool Presley asks Memphis her voice wrapped in confusion for my niece and nephew Memphis explains that's his story and he's sticking to it it I pipe in Memphis just shakes his head and amused grins sliding over his lips anyway pen continues I heard this awful music blaring so I went over to talk to Memphis awful music Memphis GA Falls who doesn't like Eye of the Tiger it's a classic maybe but it shouldn't be blasted all over the neighborhood pen snips mempis looks at pen in Amusement as a Sly grin tugs at his lips you said you wanted to talk yeah talk you came over to give me a tongue lashing Memphis looks at Presley I was in the middle of a boxing workout that's why he got the upper hand on me I chip in wanting to make sure that Presley doesn't think I'm a pansy forget getting whooped by my brother-in-law he has skills shh pen says I'm telling this story she starts talking in an animated Voice using her hands I went up behind Memphis and I touched his arm on reflex he knocked me in the eye with his elbow I toppled back and fell into the kitty pool oh no Presley Giggles her hand going over her mouth pen grins I tromped home soing wet and fighting mad B happened to come along I asked Bo to bring you a pie mom interjects looking at pen pen nods mom was worried that I was getting too skinny and wanted to fatten me up I wish I had that problem Presley mutters I run my eyes over her curvy figure no you don't her cheeks go red as she swats my arm bow she throws an embarrassed glance at pen and Mom pen picks back up on the story Bo took one look at my black eye and asked what happened I told him that Memphis did it and before I could explain he charged over and socked Memphis I went running over and the two were rolling on the ground trading blows hearing this probably makes Presley think I'm a crazy person I Look to get her reaction to my relief she doesn't seem phased in the slightest laughter swirls in her eyes as she clucks her tongue you're such a menace she draws with a hint of adoration I thought I was defending my little sister I chuckle I got a story for you Presley says throwing me a wicked look pen leans forward this I got to hear my grandma Maisy was Bose's fourth grade teacher mom's eyes widen are you talking about Maisy Garder Presley nods laughter gurgles in Mom's throat I'm sure your grandma remembers Bo I lost count of the number of notes she sent home I was running to the school on a weekly basis for a parent teacher conference mom dips her head didn't she break her paddle on you sure did I answer you're one Brave woman to get tangled up with that one mom jokes Presley's gaze meets mine and for a second we're the only two in the room he has his redeeming qualities she says softly bows in love love pen taunts yeah yeah I say gruffly hoping no one will be able to tell that my face is red a few more family stories go around about Penn and me before Memphis changes the subject tell me about your music Memphis has a background in music too Penn says proudly Presley looks at me Bo mentioned something about that she and Memphis talk music for the next little while skate tells me that you're singing at the clayborn's party on Saturday pen says Memphis and I are going his eyes Go Round We Are yep we are pen answers decisively an easy grin moves over memphis's lips I guess we are you're so whooped i r pen makes a point of looking at Presley he's not the only one we talk for a few more minutes until I feel like I can casually say to Presley I'd better get you home I'm tired of sharing her with the family and want her all to myself we say our goodbyes and head for my truck after we're inside the cab I turned to her you were great tonight my family loves you thanks she smiles they're great I touch her cheek you are so beautiful I want more than anything to kiss her right now but I don't dare for fear of pen and Memphis coming out and seeing us hey I have an idea we should go to my place and watch a movie she laughs I thought you said you needed to get me home a pulls at my lips I had to come up with an excuse to get you all to myself I would love to watch a movie I start the engine and pull out of the driveway when we get onto the road I reach for her hand and Lace my fingers through hers I guess Penn was right I am whooped and I don't mind it one bit chapter 16 Presley it has been a great day snuggling under a blanket and watching a movie with B is the crown and cherry on top of a double deluxe brownie sunde he wanted to watch die hard and I wanted to watch a Hallmark Christmas romance so we settled on elf Bo has his arm draped around my shoulders admittedly it's a little hard to concentrate on the movie with him trailing his fingers over my arm my skin tingles beneath the thin fabric of my sweater I feel such an intense physical awareness towards him that it's nearly palpable as if since in my yearning his hand goes to my face and he traces the outline of my jaw his fingers move down searing a path along my neck and collar bone unable to contain my need for him any longer longer I slide my arms around his neck and pull his face to mine a pleased smile moves over his lips I've been thinking about this all day he murmurs anticipation Quivers through my veins me too his lips Crush mine skyrocketing my pulse I breathe in his clean masculine scent appreciating how tough he is on the out outside and yet tender and compassionate on the inside tonight watching him interact with his family made me love him even more did I just think the word love yikes I'm a goner here when the kiss is over he pulls back a smile touching his lips now that's a good birthday present he murmurs what you didn't like the ugly Christmas sweater I got you I got a kick out of how Bo's eyes bugged when he opened his gift from me pen hooted thinking it was hysterical I like the sense of camaraderie I feel with her he reaches for the TV remote and turns down the volume of the movie before sitting back and shifting to face me my mom thinks you're the bomb really yep she was super impressed with how you interacted with the kids at the library your mom is a good woman I've been thinking a lot about the things she told me the deadline is coming up in 2 days I know I can't go out on the stage and perform some trashy song and yet it still eats me up inside to know that I'm throwing away the opportunity of a lifetime Alden has been calling and texting relentlessly yesterday I got so frustrated that I texted and told him that I would talk to him an hour before the deadline to give him my final decision I asked that he stop calling and texting me until then I haven't heard from him since speaking of the library there's something I want to ask you I forgot about it until now curiosity simmers in his eyes shoot did you tell your mom about my music dilemma his eyes pop in Surprise no why she she said some things to me that day at the library about helping other people and being true to myself it hits so close to home that I wondered if you'd told her a smile tugs at his lips mom has a sick sense about people's struggles I believe it she's a woman of great faith yes she is Bo agrees I want to be just like her when I grow up me too I laugh his expression turned serious I'm glad you brought up the music because that's what I want to talk to you about he searches my face have you reached a decision Agony churns in my stomach I don't think I could live with myself if I lower my standards to suit the whims of lovey Barnes I pause trying to fight back tears and yet it'll tear me apart to turn down the opportunity I force a smile before sucking in a ragged breath sorry I don't mean to get emotional on your birthday he Chuckles his eyes taking on a playful light yeah no crying aloud tonight you should have waited until tomorrow a choral bubbles in my throat you're terrible I say affectionately you mentioned either going along with lovey barnes's demands or turning down the deal he pauses his eyes lasering into mine what if there's another option hope Kindles in my breast I'm all ears what if you go on stage and perform your way a sharp disappointment stabs through me if only this time I can't hold back the tears they dribble down my cheeks I swipe them away with my Palms I had hoped that Bo might have a viable solution I know he's trying to help but he's only filling me with false hope which is making the situation worse hear me out you tell lovey Barnes that you'll agree to perform her way she thinks all is well and good you work with her people practice the song do whatever you need to do in order to convince her then the night of the performance you you pull a switch you wear what you want and sing one of your songs a disbelieving laugh scratches through my throat are you serious if I make an enemy out of lovey Barnes It's the equivalent of committing career suicide is it yes I say emphatically how much do you believe in your songs and your brand I give him a hard look is this a trick question a lopsided grin washes over his lips no trick just answer the question I believe it with all my heart I say my voice trembling with conviction didn't you say that the best of the best will be at the festival yes I answer hesitantly wondering where this is going if you perform they'll all be there to watch you along with the rest of the world determination flicks in his eyes you'll get discovered I guarantee you that you're too good not to my mind spins could it work I scrunch my nose I don't like the part where I have to lie about going along with lovey's demands yeah I get that but that's the only way I can think of for you to get what you want more tears prickle my eyes it means the world to me that you care so much of course I care about everything that involves you I never thought I'd say this but I'm so grateful for my car accident because it brought me to you Han Grins and here I thought it brought you to me whichever I chuckle you're a pretty good Fake Fiance I draw Amusement dances in his eyes you're not so bad yourself little chicka one of these days we'll have to make it official oh how I love the sound of that one of these days I say softly he gives me an expectant look so what's the good word do you have the guts to go along with my brilliant plan excitement brims inside me as I think of the possibilities under one condition no scratch that I have two conditions I hold up my hand wait make that three conditions melodic laughter rolls from his throat you're a demanding little thing I have to be in order to hold my own with you Slugger I Pat his jaw let's hear the conditions I moisten my lips number one I want you to go with me to the Clayborn party at the country club no he groans don't ask that I'd rather be poked and pickled I snigger poked and pickled really look at the bright side Memphis will be there come on I urge do this one tensy little thing for me okay he pounce I'll go and and you have to play the part of the doting fiance his eyes simmer with Amusement you mean paw over you and smother you with sloppy kisses done he pushes me back against the couch and begins tickling my ribs and kissing all over my neck stop I giggle As I push him away bow is so much fun I love the scuffling and bantering there's never a dull moment with him he sits back up as I do the same smoothing a hand over my hair you are a menace I Fain a glow and then break into more laughter okay we got one condition out of the way what's number two you have to go with me to the festival what day is it again the 23rd he frowns sorry no can do I have to work that day my heart drops really he nods really a second later he breaks into a smile but I can work out a shift change a hey relief spills over me thank heavens I sigh if I'm going to do something so reckless and bold I'll need you there by my side done his eyes caress mine and for the record I wouldn't miss it for the world don't make me cry again I blink to hold back the tears what's condition number three we need a dadgum Christmas tree in this room Mr Scrooge a low Rich chuckle of surprise sounds in his throat I think we can arrange that good it's a done deal I can't believe I'm going up against lovey Barnes the thought of it makes my head spin I guess I'd better figure out what song I'm going to perform fingers of trepidation pricked down my spine also I feel a burst of Hope at the possibilities of what could come out of me performing at such a notable Festival okay now I have a question for you shoot I say using his word have you talked to Alden about us my stomach twists no not yet disappointment masks his handsome face my words come out in a flurry I will I promise my plan was to wait until after I get through this Festival Oreal It's Tricky navigating this thing with him being my manager if I do something to tick him off then I'll ruin any chance I have of performing at the festival he frowns don't you think he's going to know know something's up when I go with you to the festival yeah I'm sure he will I'll tell him then after my performance he gives me a challenging look what if he gets wind of our engagement before the festival if he does then so be it I look B in the eye you know how you told my parents that you've never felt for anyone what you feel for me yeah he answers wearily well right back at you Bo Primrose don't let this freak you out but I'm falling for you hard and fast he a grin really really I chuckle but don't let it go to your head a devilish light flicks in his eyes oh don't you worry I won't much he murmurs pulling me in for another kiss chapter 17 Presley the cavernous Ballroom of the country club is decked out with Christmas decorations Galore both female and male waiters in white button-down shirts and black slacks are Meandering through the Maze of guests carrying trays loaded with delicious looking appetizers and glasses of white and red wine way to go skate you're nailing this an orchestra is positioned at the foot of the stage playing festive Christmas music I keep looking for ski but haven't seen her yet she must be in the kitchen I had to get here early to make sure that everything was set for my performance why did I let Albany talk me into getting a dress so tight it's pressing my lungs flatter than a sheet of aluminum Sweat Beads bubble over my nose and I feel like my insides are baking I can't remember the last time I was this nervous it's just a silly party maybe I'm freaking out because this is the first time I've ever performed in front of people that I grew up with yes that has to be it otherwise how do I explain the feeling of impending doom that has been clinging to me like the smell of burnt toast all day long I keep telling myself that everything will be fine but so far the positive affir ations haven't worked don't you look like a million bucks I turned to see Albany sauntering towards me her dark hair flowing like water over her shoulders she looks terrific in a deep blue dress that shows off her adorable baby bump I can't breathe in this thing I mutter feeling like a stuffed sausage with a breezy laugh she hugs me air kissing me on both cheeks you're just nervous if it's any consolation you really do look terrific I'm so glad we went with the white it shows off your red hair thanks I mumble as I look down at the dress molding to me like plastic wrap the neckline is lined with fluffy white feathers which tickle my skin and adds to my discomfort I want to scratch my skin off just to stop the itching Albany touches my arm you'll knock it out of the park I can only hope she's right Gavin Alban's husband steps up beside her and slides an arm around her waist he's as goodlook as he ever was he and Albany are one of those High fashioned magazine worthy couples that everyone envies he offers me a polite smile how you doing albony turns to him do you remember Jean Madison she goes by Presley now he studies my face before shaking his head apologetically I don't sorry he winces she's Ski's cousin Albany supplies nice to meet you Gavin nods nice to meet you too I say even though I remember Gavin from high school he was one of the heartthrobs however I don't expect him to remember me I was a totally different person back then I suffocate Panic races through my veins or am I just because I learned how to fix my hair and ditch the glasses doesn't mean I'm not the same awkward timid girl on the inside my stomach roils making me feel like I could vomit any minute absently touching the feathers on the neckline of my dress I glance around scanning the room for bow he should be here any minute along with Penelope and Memphis I had hoped that Fern would also come but Penn explained that her mom detests social Gatherings she doesn't like putting on airs pen said I'm with Fern this party is way over the top a means for doy Clayborn to show everyone how important she is there's my mom and dad Albany says brightly linking her arm through Gavin we should probably go and talk to them good luck says given me a reassuring smile you've got this I watched a few of your videos today you have a gift thanks I'm touched by her words the key to getting through the night is to focus on my craft one thing I know how to do is sing Albany and Gavin stroll away there's nothing worse than feeling alone in a crowded room I'm sure I know many of the people here but it seems like it was a lifetime time ago since my high school days and I wasn't exactly Miss social back then there's the woman of the hour a juicy voice Chatters I turn to see doy Clayborn she's dressed to the nines in a shimmery red dress and matching heels nervous energy radiates off her as she flashes a chipper smile that seems a little strained around the edges are you ready I am I rep trying to project a confidence I don't feel I need to keep reminding myself that I'm doing this to help ski also it's good practice for the festival I'm on the hook now just as I promised I called Alden and told him that I would perform he hooped and hollered gushing all over himself as he kept repeating how much he loves me his Proclamation left me with a curious numbness i s certainly don't feel good about deceiving him or even lovey Barnes however my gut says that the two are in League conspiring against me I just hope that Bo's plan works I'll either rise to the top or crash and burn at this point it's hard to say which way the pendulum will swing I Look to Do's right and realize Colette Williams is standing beside her eyeing me with what can only be described as malice okay no wonder ski and Albany don't like the diva Colette is willowy thin with long platinum hair it must cost a fortune to keep her highlights so pristine everything about her looks artificial but somehow it all works the corners of her lips turned down in a petulant frown I'm so sorry to hear about all in lovey barns the hair on my neck stands on end I've got enough angst crackling through me to start an electric storm I laugh lightly Alden and I are in a good spot you can't believe everything you read and watch online Colette arches a sculpted brow what about your engagement to Bo Primrose I float her what I hope is the glitziest of all glitzy Smiles it's on I say exuberantly Alden is my manager nothing more it's hard to keep up with the ins and outs of your lifestyle Colette sniffs bless your heart I can see that the workings of my career might be a little over your head Fury twists over Colette's face well I never she blusters no you haven't I say easily so you're in no position to cast judgment dang that felt good doy gives me a censuring look there's no cause for rudeness you're absolutely right I say smoothly throwing in my trademark syrupy smile I notice you don't have a ring Colette smirks not yet I chime it's on order Wade steps beside Colette he does a double take when he sees me hey Jean you look fantastic thanks I respond noting how Colette's face flushes a deep red the knowledge strikes home that I have zero lingering romantic feelings for Wade he was an important part of my childhood and I will always have fond memories of the time I spent with him but that's as far as it goes he gives me such a longing look that I feel a smidgen sorry for him and for ski I sure wish Wade would wake up and realize that ski is a terrific person who's much more beautiful and accomplished than Colette Williams Colette slides her arm through Wade's as if to stake her claim I look behind Wade and Colette my breath hitches when I see B striding toward me he's wearing in a Navy sports coat a crisp white collared shirt with no tie and gray slacks all the energy in the room seems to be gathered around him his hair is wonderfully messy and his arresting blue eyes have the power to penetrate my soul he steps up and kisses me on the lips sending a Zing of electricity through me hey he begins as he drapes his arm around my shoulders myself ignite with pleasure at being near him his gaze flickers over me with a subtle appreciation that transports me high above this stressful stuffy place to a soft wispy Cloud nice dress thanks doy clears her throat to get our attention is there anything you need for the performance she gives me a superior look like I'm one of the hired help I think I've got it I say lightly Wade's eyes are glued on me to the point where he should feel embarrassed B throws Wade a warning glare that causes Wade to quickly look away I bite back a smile liking that B's so protective and a little jealous it means he cares if you'll excuse us he says with a nod as he Maneuvers me away thank you I breathe for saving me from that terrible Duo Amusement crosses his features you mean terrible Trio Wade's not a bad guy I mean Duo Colette and doy my Grimace those two deserve each other worry creases the edges of Bo's eyes you don't still have feelings for weight not in the slightest I laugh to be so cocky and confident in so many ways Bo is insecure in others Fern's words come rushing back no wonder Bo battles demons it would be brutal to have your dad walk out on the family maybe Bo has a hard time trusting people I hope with time he'll come to trust me implicitly I catch sight of Penelope and Memphis they look great together another Power couple like Albany and Gavin pen frowns her body tensing I follow her trail of vision to Tim Norwood and strawberry lingerfelt well I guess she's strawberry Norwood now they are standing beside Tim's parents Viola and Bart distaste sour my throat ski told me all about how terrible Viola was to pen also I have zero respect for a man who runs around on his wife I'm glad that Penn has Memphis not only is he much more masculine and better looking than pretty boy Tim Norwood but he's also a much better person it occurs to me now that Tim has an aura of entitlement about him that reminds me of Alden as soon as I perform at the festival I'm going to have to set Alden straight about our relationship at this point I'm not even sure I can trust him to be my manager much less my significant other well well a female voice purrs look who it is I turn to see an attractive brunette whom I'm fairly certain I've never seen before she's holding a glass of red wine the woman lifts the glass to her Ruby lips and takes a sip before throwing bow and a cic look aren't you going to introduce me to your fiance she asks sweetly B's jaw tightens I can feel his unease flowing out and wrapping me in a tight hold Tera this is Presley my eyes widen so this is terara Swanson nice to meet you I say dutifully likewise a syrupy smile drizzles over her lips aren't you a looker she draws remember when I said that a syrupy smile can do wonders in just about any situation well maybe I was wrong this woman wants to gouge my eyes out and I can feel that through and through sirupy smile or not did you find Cleo Bo asks stiffly as he steps closer to me and slides his arm around my waist I did Tara's eyes shoot daggers at me suddenly she trips and falls into me sloshing her wine all over my dress oops I'm so sorry she gushes horror trickles through me as I look down at my ruined dress Tara turns around and looks behind her someone must have bumped into me B swears under his breath you've really done it this time I can feel the sting of the eyes of the people around us they're watching me with pity I remember seeing the horror movie Carrie when I was a kid there's that terrible moment when car's tormentors throw Pig blood on her white dress this is almost as bad what now I asked Bo a note of alarm ringing in my ears what can I do to help Tara's voice quivers with concern Bo's eyes Blaze with wrath you've already done enough he Scopes the crowd let's find pen I nod numbly there she is he takes my arm and leads me toward her shock registers in Penn's eyes when she sees my dress what happened one word b growls Tera pen starts muttering under her breath and calling terara a few Choice words meanwhile it's all I can do to hold my composure and keep from breaking into tears let's get you out of here pen says we navigate through the crowd of people into the foyer my voice cracks maybe I should just go home no bo counters his eyes flashing with a rigid determination if you leave then terara wins i bark out a high pitched cackle I can't exactly perform in this I look down at the dress skat's in the kitchen let's go and see if she has any ideas pen suggests I'll get Albany maybe she has another dress my head snaps up she does Hope drums inside me a Navy one I tried it on at the boutique but but Albany liked this one best so I went with it okay I'll find Albany pen looks at BO you take Presley to the kitchen she focuses on me how long before you're set to perform 35 maybe 40 minutes I estimate good there's time to get the other dress pen looks down at my white pumps those won't do did Albany have any navy shoes no I don't think so my brain races is to find another solution I'm sure skate has navy shoes we wear the same size go ask her pen says as she hurries off to find Albany let's get you to the kitchen Bo's expression is pained I can tell that he feels guilty about teror this is not your fault he presses his lips together his expression Grim as he nods let's go he Clips in the fierce Tong of a warrior on the Rampage when we barge into the kitchen skate sees my dress and freaks out I have to calm her down enough to ask for the shoes I can't leave in the middle of this job she says wide eyy wait I know I can get my mom or dad to bring the shoes she retrieves her cell phone from her back pocket I'll call Mom now and have her get the shoes out of my closet I paced the floor waiting for what seems like an eternity before Albany arrives with the dress a couple of seconds later Ski's dad Raul comes in holding a plastic bag containing the shoes thank you I breathe as I rush off to the restroom to change I'm feeling much better about the situation when I emerge the Navy dress is looser than the white atrocity and doesn't have those pesky feathers pen and bow are waiting for me I smooth a hand down my dress and offer them an ironic smile all's well that ends well right right Bo agrees looking relieved we share a smile Penn's eyes bulge as she looks at my shoes what I look down to my horror I realize that I have on one Navy shoe and one black the pumps are the exact same style so I didn't notice when I put them on this is just great hi cry my Aunt Barbara can't see worth a flip I'm sure she didn't realize that she grabbed two different colors maybe we can get rul to run back home and get the other Navy shoe doy rushes up all red-faced Where Have You Been she demands I've been looking all over it's time for you to go on stage her brow creases why did you change your dress the prerogative of a musician I chuckle as I make a flourish with my hand doy grunts a second later her eyes fly open wide are you wearing two different colored shoes this is outrageous enough is enough I fold my arms over my chest and look her in the eye this is as good as it gets I snap take it or leave it hesitation fills Do's eyes fine she concedes let's go you've got this Bo Winks I'll be waiting for you on the other side I'm counting on it I say with Hardy Gusto trying to Rouse myself up for the performance don't think about the shoes I command myself as I Glide out onto the stage waving and smiling at the crowd my guitar is strapped over my shoulder I step up to the microphone and slide my hands into position it's a pleasure to be with you tonight I begin grateful that my voice is steady and strong it's not often that I get the opportunity to perform in my hometown this brings a round of applause I acknowledge it by nodding before strumming on the guitar I'm starting with one of my favorites Silver Bells I can't exactly describe what happens to me when I perform but it's like I become this better enhanced version of myself I feed off the energy of the crowd and actually start enjoying myself by the time I get to the last song I'm flying high this is a good sign if I can do this well tonight then hopefully I'll be able to kill it at the festival thunderous Applause breaks out the second I end on the final note thank you very much I bow to the crowd and wave I turn to ex the stage but stop when I see a man jogging towards me for a split second the glare of the stage lights prevents me from seeing the person's face when he comes closer my blood runs cold Alden I sputter what are you doing here that was an incredible performance he says admiringly before turning to the microphone all I can think is what is he up too that persistent feeling of Doom I've had all day I can sum it up in two words Alden Holt good evening folks he booms with a grand smile wasn't she fabulous he motions to me as more Applause breaks out a few seconds later he holds up a hand to quiet the audience Alden is a master at playing to the crowd he's wearing a navy blue shirt and black slacks his black dress shoes are so polished that I'm sure I could see my reflection in them ew it looks like the two of us coordinated outfits just my rotten luck as many of you know Alden continues I have the distinct honor of being Presley's manager he throws me a smile that's as doen as it is dazzling I'm also her boyfriend my breath freezes all I can think is that Bo and Pen are watching why is Alden here did he hear about my engagement to Bo probably I'm sure he read all about it in Nelly Kinsey's blog in fact Alden could have also read that I was performing at the party tonight Alden turns to me and takes hold of my hands all the while I'm trying to figure out what to do should I snatch my hands away and run off the stage is my gut instinct about Alden correct is he having a fling with lovey Barnes is he trying to sell me up the river or maybe I've been painting him as the villain to ease my guilt over falling in love with B my heart twists when Alden gets down on one knee whips a Whopper of a diamond ring from his pocket and peers up at me with adoring eyes what are you doing I hiss something I should have done a long time ago will you marry me he asks in a voice so loud that he's obviously talking more to the crowd than me my knees go weak and not in a good way let's go talk about this off stage I urge what a disaster I can only imagine what Bo must be thinking Alden gives me a pleading look I love you he shoves the ring over my finger leaving a burn over my skin the ring is so tight it feels like it's cutting the circulation off my finger I swallow hard my entire career flashing before my eyes as much as I want to be successful there's something else I want even more B Alden glances down at at my feet why are you wearing two different shoes I have another pair exactly like them at home I snap now get up and stop making a fool out of both of us when he rises to his feet I assume the worst is over but then Alden turns to the audience lifts up his arms and exclaims with a jubilant she said yes before I can react he throws his arms around Me guitar and all and kisses me Square on the mouth I'm vaguely aware of more clapping as I pull my lips from his and extricate myself from his arms this time I turn and flee the stage something I should have done when I first realized Alden was coming toward me Alden follows close on my heels as I go into the Hall Presley wait tears fill my eyes I try to remove move the ring from my finger but it won't budge the next thing I know bow is standing in front of me my voice breaks I'm so sorry for all of that craziness I give him a weak smile Alden just showed up out of the blue and sprang that on me the muscles in his jaw twitch as he looks at the ring on my finger it's stuck I explain I can't get it off isn't it great oh Al en asks glibly as he steps up beside me I'm one lucky man this is a mistake I didn't say yes I whirl around to Alden tell him the truth it's okay B Cuts in a hard smile forming over his face I get it you were hesitant to tell Alden the truth about us and now I know why desperation claws at me you've got got it all wrong I have no intention of marry and Alton I love Bo talks over me you and I were never going to work anyway his tone is Cavalier but his eyes hold a deep sadness that slices my insights you called it from the get-go I'm a player remember not relationship material he Chuckles it was fun while it lasted his eyes hold mine but all good things have to eventually come to an end don't say that tears blur my vision I know what you're doing you're putting up walls my voice goes shrill you're doing exactly what your mom said you would do goodbye Willow Bo says softly as he turns on his heel and strides away B I scream don't do this please was that the guy you were engaged to Alden grunts I still can't believe you'd choose him over me his voice takes on an incredulous Edge what were you thinking disgust churns my stomach you read about the engagement which is why you came here and put on that public show despite what you think I do love you and will never stop fighting for us his voice cracks you have no idea the lengths I've gone to for us I get up in his face hurling out the accusation I know you've been fooling around with lovey Barnes is that how my opportunity with Goldfield records came about he blinks you're way off base when you step away from your anger and look at this rationally you'll see that I'm right you'll eventually come around don't hold your breath I see stomping off I'll call you tomorrow Alden yells we've got a prep for the festival you may be ticked at me right now but we've got too much on the line to dink around with Petty grievances we're in This Together For Better or Worse there has certainly been a lot more worse than better where you're concerned I hurl out as I continue walking chapter 18 bow it has been 5 days since I've seen Presley I never knew time could pass so painfully slow she's called me several times but hasn't left a message tonight is the music festival I can't help but wonder if she'll go along with my plan oh who am I kidding alen h old has her wrapped around his little finger she's probably practicing the Trashy song right now the image of Alden on his knee and proposing to Presley is seared into my brain the scald of the humiliation is still with me I keep seeing the rock on Presley's hand and the smug look on alden's face and then Presley accused me of putting up walls and had the gall to say that Mom told her that's what I would do is it any wonder that I put up walls Presley's actions have proven to me that I never should have opened my heart I Was a Fool yeah she might have put up a feeble protest about not caring about Alden but the simple truth is that if her intentions toward me were genuine then she wouldn't have put off telling Alden that the two of us were an item I'm a simple man my house isn't fancy I like living in a small town where I'm Sur sured by my family in France Presley is destined for stardom I was telling her the truth when I said that I knew how a relationship between the two of us would end she would have eventually left me the same as dad left Mom it was better to rip the Band-Aid off and move on with life I griped the metal bar and strained to lift the weights I'm bench pressing more than my usual and my muscles feel it I should probably have a spotter but my need to be alone outweighed my desire for safety I've already run seven miles on the treadmill going full force the only thing that quiets the Raging in my head is a good hard workout Jasper strolls into the gym and announces short fuse you have a visitor my heart lurches with the unreasonable hope that Presley might might be here to see me as soon as the thought percolates in my mind I squash it flat I place the weights back into the metal prongs and Scoot out from under the bar sweat drips from my forehead in buckets stinging my eyes I reach for my towel and dab my eyes before looking to see who's here it's you I mumbled a pen good to see you too big brother her hand goes to her hip as she tosses me a taunt and smile were you expecting someone else I'm not in the mood I scowl I go over to the wall and retrieve a jump rope I throw the towel on a nearby workout bench and begin jumping rope at a fast rhythmic Pace Jasper's eyes round as he looks from pen to me I'll just leave you two alone he says as he makes a quick exit Jasper knows I've been in a foul mood so he's made a point of staying out of my way I wish I could say the same for my sister would you please stop pen asks in exasperation we need to talk now fine I Grumble I stop turning the rope and nearly trip over it what do you want I demand her eyes narrow I always knew you were a blockheaded stubborn mule but this Takes the Cake tell me how you really feel I grunt reaching for my towel I rub it across my forehead are you really going to Ho up in this sweat box and let the best thing that has ever happened to you slip through your fingers Presley made her choice I growl has she she's engaged to her pretty boyfriend you saw the whole thing I go over to the wall and hang up the jump rope Penn picks her way over the rubber mats to where I'm standing I talked to several people who were close to the stage Presley never said she'd marry Alden in fact according to Heidi Bennett Presley looked downright distraught Alden shoved the ring on her finger and then jumped up and announced that she said yes Let It Go pen I warn her eyes spark no I won't let it go she lifts her chin I talk to Presley my pulse ratchets up when a few days ago I called her and we had a nice little chat you need to mind your own business you are my business bro let me tell you something about Presley and Alden that you don't know I can hardly wait I mutter I turned to walk a few steps but she catches hold of my arm and makes a face gross you're all sweaty she looks at her hand before wiping it on her jeans that does tend to happen when a person works out where are you going I motioned to a table and chairs over in the corner to sit down I look at her tall heels those spikes are going to poke holes through the mats when we get seated I level a glare at pen you were saying I prompt a very small pathetic part of me is interested in hearing what it is that I don't know about Presley and Alden her eyes shimmer with the certainty of one who has the upper hand as it turns out Presley was done with Alden before she even crossed paths with you her words flame a curious hope in beside me that's a load of crap no it's not Penn counters initially Presley LED you to believe that she still had feelings for Alden because she didn't want to be one of the many women falling at your feet that's absurd pen raises an eyebrow are you sure about that Presley told me that she used Alden as her cover figuring that if you thought she was crazy about Alden that you wouldn't realize she was falling for you that is whacked I shake my head trying to process Penn's words so Presley doesn't have a thing for Alden no hanen grins the only man she wants is you she rolls her eyes too bad you're too obstinate and thickheaded to realize it Presley told me that Mom said I put up walls you do she retorts in L compassion softens her eyes bro you can't keep blaming yourself for what Dad did you're not him she places a hand over mine you love Presley and she loves you who said anything about love her voice rings with fervor you didn't have to I'm your sister and can see right through you go get your woman she urged es she needs you tonight more than ever I blink what song is she performing not the Trashy one that the record label wants her to do I sit back and stroke my jaw my knee bobbing up and down I got this all wrong I really thought that Presley cared about Alden she was stalling telling him about our engagement because she didn't want you to think that she'd played You by making you jealous of Alden her plan was to officially break up with him after her performance Never Letting on to you that she and Alden were over before she ever fell for you laughter rumbles in my throat as I prop my hands behind my head jaming Jupiter she did play me played me good I shake my head grinning what a woman pen holds up a finger Presley also told me about her car accident and that your engagement was fake she giggles wait until I tell Albany that Mack holder is the one who started the whole thing I frown what do Albany have to do with Mac she went out with him once it was a train wreck I can imagine Penn eyes me with Repro shame on you for getting mom's hopes up it was was fake in the beginning but it's not fake now I'd marry Presley today if I could no truer words have ever been spoken from my lips I guess I am whooped pen Chuckles first you need to get to Nashville Panic races through my veins it's over a 6-hour drive yep it is the good news is that Presley doesn't go on until 8:00 p.m. you've got time but you need to hurry my glance at the clock on the wall it's a little after 8:00 a.m. now Pen's right I've got time but I need to bust a move wait a minute I can't just up and leave I don't have anyone to cover my shift pen grins you do I already talked to Dave Anders he'll swap with you normally I'm not an emotional guy but a lump forms in my throat as I go teide my sister is a rock star how did you work that out Dave doesn't like to swap a smug smile tips her lips I had a nice conversation with Dave's wife Clara Beth who was all too happy to have Dave fing for you today especially since she and Dave are getting a complimentary stay in one of the suets at the BNB on Valentine's Day thank you I cough to hide my emotion you're welcome we share a tender look which is rare for us pen claps her hands chop chop you need a shower before we get on the road you stink I pick up on something she said we she nods excitement swirling in her eyes yep Memphis and I are going along with alvany Gavin and skate my eyes widen wow that's a bus load did y'all get tickets show dead compliments of Presley wait a minute does she know I'm coming I told her I'd work on you but that there were no guarantees joyous laughter gurgles in my throat I jump up and pound the table with the flat of my hand by golly what are we waiting for let's get this show on the road chapter 19 pray ly you can do this I repeat for the eenth time as I look at my reflection in the mirror cringing at the gosh awful pink and silver costume that leaves very little to the imagination I'm not sure if Frederick Fran ferin the off his rocker stylist intended for me to be a modern version of a Playboy bunny or a warped space cadet I about busted a gut when he brought in a box of aluminum foil and started wrapping the ends of my hair in strips of it claiming that it would pick up the stage lights and give me an out of this world psychedelic appeal I look like a freak country music is supposed to be classic Timeless what in the heck is lovey Barnes thinking is she intentionally trying to ruin my career before I even get it fully off the ground ringing my hands I pce back and forth in my dressing room sick with apprehension between the long demanding practices with the choreographer and then my own sessions where I've been working on the actual song that I'm going to sing my nerves are completely shot to make matters worse my boss from the muscadine Cafe called on Monday and said that if I couldn't come back to work that very evening he'd have to let me go there's no way I could fit working at the cafe in with everything else so I told him to find my replacement in other words I got fired the insurance company total my car I'm supposed to get a check soon sadly most of the money will go to pay off the car loan in the meantime I'm renting a car because I didn't think Dad's old Ford would make it from Willow to Nashville so I'm jobless and carless everything hinges on my performance tonight I guess that means I'm all in my thoughts turned to Bow did pen talk to him was she able to convince him that I'm not engaged to Alden oh the irony from one fake engagement to another only the second one was not of my choosing I grunt Alden thinks he has me right where he wants me he's about to be in for a rude awakening he actually had the nerve to tell me that I can keep the diamond ring I had to use almost an entire container of liquid soap to get the stupid thing off my finger if we don't get married I'll take it out of your first Advance when you sign your deal Alden said as if I would have any use for his ring after my performance tonight I'm officially cutting all ties with Alden it's time he's not the guy I once cared about I jump when a knock sounds at the door my heart hammers in my chest is it bow the door opens as Alden sticks his head in how you doing fine I swallow my disappointment throwing Alden A syrupy Smile as far as he's concerned I'm going along with every last one of lovey's demand Mans 30 minutes till Showtime he says with breathless excitement he looks me up and down you look cute thanks I turn and lift my foot like I'm being playful I can't wait to see you out there doing your thing Alden says with gusto I flash a wide grin as I give him two thumbs up when the door closes I scowl you just wait buddy I glance at my guitar case leaning in a corner of the room the choreographer didn't even want me to bring my guitar on stage they have musicians set to go on and play behind me while I shake my tush and sing the brainless song I told Alden I was bringing it because it helps me relax my stomach churns hurry pen Penn promised she'd come and bring me an outfit to wear from Alban's boot even if she couldn't convince Bo to come around I brought some backup clothes just in case pen can't get here for some reason but I sure hope she does even more than the clothes I need her support longing Wells inside me what I need is bow tears spring to my eyes I blink furiously to stay them another knock sounds at the door yes a security Fredy guard sticks his head in I'm sorry to bother you ma'am but there's a fireman here to see you he speaks the phrase as if it's a question I gasp my heart racing to a Sprint I'm not sure what he needs but he says it's urgent send him in I say as casually as I can B steps into the room and closes the door behind him I have to fight to keep from running to him and falling into his arms his eyes widen as he lets out a low whistle wow that's some outfit Willow a sardonic smile tugs at my lips as I flip the ends of my hair with my fingertips isn't it great I can't believe he's here my heart is pounding so furiously that I can hardly breathe now that Bo is here I'm no longer worried about the performance or lovey Barnes or Alden or even my finances all that matters is that Bo came for me he holds up a duffel bag grinning I brought the goods compliments of Albany and ski ski she brought you her red boots supposedly they'll bring you luck ah I laugh thanks I'll need all the luck I can get with all that's between us I hardly know where to start I I give him a tentative look how have you been he bunches his brows a Ry grin touching his lips absolutely miserable I've missed you I can no longer hold back my tears they escape the corners of my eyes and dribble down my cheeks he deposits the duffel bag on the counter closest to him before crossing the distance between us in hurried steps I'm so sorry he utters Gathering me in his arms you're right he murmurs into my hair I was putting up walls because I was scared I breathe him in noting the familiar blend of his leather jacket and his own unique masculine scent he pulls back looking me in the eye why didn't you tell me that you and Alden were over you broke my heart once when I was a kid I couldn't risk my heart again without knowing that you truly cared his expression lights with pleasure oh I care I'm more than care I love you I blink his words settling deep into my heart I love you too he searches my face can you ever forgive me I purse my lips possibly with one or two conditions he had my forgiveness the moment moment he stepped through the door no even before that I could never stay mad at BO Amusement dances in his beautiful eyes I'm listening number one don't ever give up on us again I say vehemently never he gives me a meaningful look you have my word I nod satisfied that he's sincere number two do I want a ring and I don't mean a ring on the phone as the Christmas song goes He bursts out laughing you got it I'll buy you the biggest diamond ring you've ever seen preferably one that fits you got it there's another knock at the door my heart jumps into my throat I hope that's not Alden I whisper we're so close to getting me on stage if he sees us together The Jig will be up Bo releases my arms and steps back yes I squeak looking at BO I feel Frozen in place the door opens it's the security guard your manager wanted me to tell you that you have 15 minutes thank you I nod the second the guy closes the door Bose steps up to me again and cradles my face in his hands good good luck he murmurs his eyes deepen into a smolder his lips brush against mine Rippling tingles through me I'll be waiting for you on the other side I love you I love you back he lowers his hands and steps back giving me a boyish grin and jaunty wave as he opens the door and goes out I fly into action tearing off the aluminum foil and peeling off the skintight outfit I'm pulling on skat's boots when the door opens alden's eyes nearly bug out of his head what are you doing performing my way I go over to grab my guitar you can't do this he protests watch me I say with a Vengeance as I move to pass by him he catches my arm in an iron grip a ruthless rage simmers in his eyes eyes sending a shiver of fear down my spine I won't let you wreck everything that I've worked so hard to build let go of me I see is everything okay in here the security guard asks I jerk my arm out of alden's grasp it is now I tromp to the door when I reach it I whirl back around to face Alden in case you you were wondering the two of us are through both personally and professionally oh and your diamond ring is in the front pocket of your computer bag I don't want it any more than I want you the guard escorts me down the hall into the back entrance of the stage a buzz of adrenaline runs through me I'm really doing this it's the culmination of all my hard work and dreams and the best part at the end of the performance no matter what happens I get bow when I step onto the wing of the stage I'm met by Paisley the choreographer she takes one look at me and her face turns the color of chalk what what are you wearing and why are you carrying a guitar there's been a change of plans oh no her hands start to shake this isn't good her voice trembles lovey will be fit to be tied I place a hand on Paisley's arm this is all on me I say firmly you you don't understand lovey doesn't like having her orders disobeyed like I said this is on me shaking her head Paisley scuttles away across the stage waiting on the other side I spot heartly Reigns she's set to go on right after me followed by cash Romeo I glance out at the Endless Sea of people in the large Arena I offer up a prayer asking for help this is the big leaks and what seems like a blink of an eye the band on stage finishes and then it's my turn in all the commotion I nearly forgot about the musicians who are set to go on with me until one of them touches my arm what's going on the drummer asks I flash a bright smile change of plans fellas I'll be playing a different song than what we practiced it's in the key of A feel free to join me if you'd like I shrug or not the stage director a 20-some year old guy wearing an earpiece and holding a clipboard rushes over what's going on here beats me the lead guitarist grumbles throwing up a hand she's doing her own song the shock on the director's face is nearly comical what he explodes the MC's are out on stage announcing me I've got this I assured the director with a smile when he eyes me with doubt I add you can either let me go out on stage and perform or you can explain to the thousands of people in the audience why you have a hole in your program they don't pay me enough to deal with this junk he mutters fine do what you want but it's your funeral the mcc's leave the stage and it's my turn stealing my shoulders I stroll out pretending that I own the world it's great to be here Nashville I say loudly into the microphone I pause my voice going ponderous we often talk about Earthly angels who cross our paths I didn't realize until recently that being an angel to someone requires effort and sacrifice some very special people reminded me that helping others is a choice that must be made on a daily basis in that Spirit I'd like to sing a song for you that I wrote for this Festival it's called the choice of angels I strum the introduction and begin singing my voice Voice rings smooth and pure I grin a little to myself when the backup musicians kick in they're professionals so it doesn't take much for them to keep up a Heavenly warmth flows into me as I sing letting me know that I made the right choice to uphold my values as the last strains of my voice die away a hush settles over the audience then something magical happens thunderous Applause fills the aren as people get to their feet a feeling of awe overtakes me never did I imagine in my wildest dreams that I'd get a standing ovation I smile and wave unable to contain my tears of gratitude gratitude for a loving father in Heaven who gave me this unprecedented opportunity to use my talents to lift and Inspire gratitude for Fern who reminded me that service doesn't have to be grand we often serve best through simple gestures offered in the course of our daily lives I'm grateful for the renewal of friendships with Penn and Albany and for the gift of family and lifelong friends like ski mostly I'm grateful to have found my soulmate in the most unlikely of ways how could I have known that a rough and tumble firefighter could hold the key to my heart as I leave the stage I'm practically floating the lead guitarist Flags me as I pass hey that was some performance he locks eyes with me I get it you were right to do it your way thanks I smile great job of following my lead I'm almost back to my dressing room when lovey Barnes charges up you are finished she said says nastily I nod walking past her she grabs my arm digging her fingernails into my flesh don't you dare walk away from me I'm not done talking to you I shake my head in weary disgust have you become so hardened and blinded that you no longer have the ability to recognize the Merit of a good song My Voice goes horar did you not see what happened out there I got a standing ovation little old me from Willow Alabama I jut out my chin nothing you could ever do or say will change that I jerk my arm out of her grasp and continue walking you're nothing she rant by the way your boy snores in his sleep I stop and turn around a hard Amusement circling my chest and just what boy is that she gives me a snarky look I'm sure you know first of all if you're referring to Alden he's not my boy I punch out mimicking her tone and second I wouldn't know if he snores unlike you I've never let him in my bed nor do I intend to with that I turn around and March away I go to my dressing room and begin packing up my things the door bursts open and Alden practically falls into the room I expect him to be furious but he's grinning like a Cheshire Cat you are something he laughs placing his hands on both sides of his nose man oh man when you came out of the dressing room wearing that he points to my clothes I thought we were sunk and then you went out and nailed it a standing Ovation that was incredible you'll have people coming out of the woodwork wanting to sign you we can name our price B steps into the room when he sees Alden his jaw goes ston hard Alden jerks around and looks at BO before turning back to me what's he doing here he's my fiance I say with a clear note of Pride what what alen stutters no that's not right I've nearly got everything packed I say to Bo he steps around Alden and comes to my side do you need any help you bet I grin you are a Marvel B says softly that song Thank You tears well in my eyes I'm the one who should be thanking you we did it I exalt you can't be serious Alden snears you're choosing him over me yep I snip I most certainly am I wrinkle my nose although it was really never a contest Bo had me from the word go I Savor the look of understanding that passes between Bo and me no Alden shakes his head no he says obstinately stepping up to Bo and me as if he intends to physically split us apart which certainly won't end well Bo could wipe the floor with Alden and not even break a sweat you're nothing without me Alden seeds I made you and can break you just as easily he grabs my arm I've had enough of this we need to go someplace where we can talk let her go B orders a dangerous edge slipping into his tone or what Alden smirks you'll drag me back to your little Podunk town and douse me with your fire hose he looks at me I won't let you throw your future away on some pathetic loser who's not worthy to lick the dust off your boots furri flashes in B's eyes he balls his hands and I can tell he's preparing to act I beat him to it as I draw back my fist and pop Alden in the jaw he staggers back and trips over the metal frame of the dressing stool Landing Square on his hind end that's for being a colossal jerk and for trying to make me compromise my music I yell pointing my finger wow B laughs I didn't expect that a crooked grin lifts a corner of his lips I'm rubbing off on you Willow yes you most certainly are Alden scrambles to his feet and gives me a withering look before scampering out I flex my hand which is starting to feel sore concern touches B's handsome face you okay yep it was worth it how about we go home B says pulling me into his arms to my apartment and Nashville I tease his eyes caress mine our real home his eyes dance with mirth we've got us a Christmas tree to decorate really I asked with excitement really he Chuckles we have a whole selection right for the picking right behind the house I shake my head laughing only you I look behind him where's the rest of the Gang heading out to the car his gaze goes to my lips as a wicked glint simmers in his eyes it might take them a while to work their way through the crowd desire wraps Us in invisible warmth as I drink in the pleasure of his nearness whatever will we do to pass the time I whisper I'm sure we'll think is something he murmurs as his lips claim mine this has been high heels and big deals good girls don't come last written by Jennifer Youngblood narrated by Lori West copyright 2021 by Jennifer Youngblood production copyright by Jennifer Youngblood e