Series Starter Firsts in Series Collection - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,115

and I’m scared as hell if I piss her off she’ll go back on her word. I park in front of the garage and turn off the engine. “So what can I do? Do you need clothes? Money?” I ask. I plan to hold up my end of the deal.

“Not yet. I’m good.” She wrings her hands together in her lap. “I guess I’ll see you later.” She reaches for the handle.

“Wait!” I grab her wrist gently. “I want to be there for all of it. You need me, you let me know. I think we should get together a couple times a week and have dinner or something. Keep in contact.” I sound desperate, but I don’t give a fuck. I need to stay front and center. I don’t want to miss a minute of this even though we are no longer together.

“Yeah, sounds like a plan. Call me,” she says as she jumps from the truck and briskly walks to her car. I stare after her, watching as she drives down the lane. My ringing cell phone startles me. Looking down, I see it’s Mr. Fields on the caller ID.

Perfect.

Chapter 2

McKinley

I’m officially a college graduate. I’ve enjoyed my reign at the University of Miami, but there’s no place like home. I wanted to go away to school, see how the rest of the world lived outside the state of Kentucky. I experienced it, and I’m glad I did, but it’s so damn good to be home. Aaron, my older brother by two years, is supposed to be picking me up from the airport. Our parents are in Tennessee for a cattle sale. Mom called three times offering to cancel, but I assured her it’s fine. I’ve lived away from home for four years. I think Aaron and I can keep the house standing for a few days on our own. I am twenty-two after all.

As I’m standing in baggage claim, I pull my cell phone out of my purse and turn it on. A text comes through from Aaron.

Aaron: Hey, running a few minutes late. Got caught up in traffic.

I smile to myself. Aaron hates to be late for anything, so I know this is killing him. He’s just like our father: always prepared and always on time. Both take their time and think things through, never making a rash decision. Me, I’m more like our mother. We live with our heart on our sleeves—often times volunteering and taking on too much just to help others. Not that Dad and Aaron aren’t up for helping others, it’s just they know when to say no. Mom and I, on the other hand, not so much. In college, I don’t know how many times I’d gotten roped into helping with events around campus when I had my own projects and studying to do. Part of that could have been my roommate, Lisa’s fault. She could be very persuasive.

Tapping my foot impatiently, I watch as bags roll by, looking for mine. I only checked one, plus I have my carry-on. I shipped the rest here. I only kept what I needed to get me by the last couple of days. Lisa and I shared an apartment. She’s an Alabama girl, and just like me, more than ready to go home. I’m going to miss her like crazy, but after being roommates and best friends for the past four years, I know we’ve formed an incredible bond and will stay in touch. It was hard to say goodbye, but then it always is.

Finally, I spot my bag and heave it off the conveyor. That’s when I hear my name being yelled from behind me. Turning to search for the source, I see him. Aaron is running toward me with a big-ass grin on his face. Knowing he’s about to tackle me, I release the handle of my suitcase and let my carry-on and purse drop to the floor just in time for Aaron to wrap his hulking arms around me.

“I missed you, little sister,” he says as he hugs me tight.

I can’t breathe, so forming words isn’t possible. I wait until he releases me to respond. “I missed you too. Took you long enough.” I elbow him lightly.

“Yeah, yeah,” he grumbles good-naturedly.

I love teasing him; it’s just too easy.

“Let’s get out of here.” Aaron reaches for my carry-on, hands me my purse, and then grabs my large suitcase. I don’t bother to protest, as I know it won’t do any good. Mom