but I never noticed the cracks. "School was never my favorite. I remained undecided for as long as I possibly could. I chose business because it was open-ended. All I knew was I wanted a degree that would help take me away from here."
My eyes struggle to remain open, and I surrender to the lure of sleep, closing them. Work and Carter wore me out. "The more I learn about my mother's past, the more I want to get away. This town is too small. I don't want to be known as their daughter."
I yawn, and Carter's nose nudges the back of my head, rooting around in my hair. "Can I take you out tomorrow night?" His nose locates the curve of neck, and warm lips press behind my ear. "A real date?"
"Mmm, I would love that." I hum before my brain shuts down for the count.
Carter
"Does she know yet?" Frey knocks his chin toward the cellphone in my hand. I just hung up with Jess. She's cutting out of work early—since her boss offered to close up, thanks in no small part to a little phone call from the boss's son—and called verifying my planned time to pick her up. "You did tell her, right?"
That we located Sonny and his goons and made it beyond clear that they stay away from Jess at all costs? "No." I slip my phone in my pocket. If he's asking if I told her what Sonny said? That's an emphatic no.
I admire the gleaming new engine we finished installing in the Nova this afternoon. It won't be long before we send her over to Ace's for a paint job, and she'll be ready to sell. An easy resto; wish they were all this accommodating.
Wiping the grease from his hands, Frey sits on his stool. "Coop, the guy has a few loose screws. You should tell her."
"If you three would have let me kick his ass, we'd be cool. He should know who he's messing with."
"And have you arrested for assault?" Owen joins the conversation from beneath the Nova, where he's double-checking the connections are all made. "Dude, you know those pencil pushers would pansy up and call the cops on us. We can't go around kicking asses, even when deserved."
"What if it were your girl?" I ask, my gaze moving between each of my best friends.
Frey is quick to answer. "I'd kick his ass." Finn shrugs casually, but he's no different from his brother.
Owen rolls out from below the car and sits, his eyes narrowing. "Is she yours?"
"Right now, she is," I say dismissively. I'm working damn hard not to think past the now. She's gorgeous and sweet, and we don't lack attraction or sexual sparks, but more than that, I just don't know.
Dating isn't my thing. In high school it was easy, I picked up a girl and went to whatever party our friends were at, or maybe dinner and a movie. At Oregon, there wasn't time. It was hookups and study breaks or coffee dates if I found someone interesting enough to make an effort. There were only two who made that cut and neither stuck for long. Jess deserves better. She admitted she hasn't dated much either, and I want her to expect more going forward. The next guy should roll out the red carpet to win her over. No more tipsy hookups after frat parties for this girl. The thought of her with others serves no purpose other than pissing me off, so I shove it aside.
Jessica Womick is mine until August twentieth. Getting naked every time she's near is excellent, but fuck if I don't want to see her dressed up again and take her places. Restaurants, shows, and art galleries—like we have so many of these things surrounding Rossview. She's more than worth the effort. The problem is she was a teen here too, so she's likely done it all. We've outgrown the standard swimming holes and field parties for date nights. A movie out means no talking. A movie at home means no clothes. Eventually, I settle on taking advantage of the weather and the neighboring town of Tyler. Tyler is Chase's recommendation. With Mom's shop in the center of town, they're more familiar with the food scene than I am. There's a new charming—Chase's word—rustic cafe she swears has the best food and vibe for date night. She was so enamored she sighed while telling us about the place at the shop today, going on