Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 27022 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 135(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27022 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 135(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
Nix sighed heavily and shook her head. "This has bad idea written all over it."
My brows dipped. I thought I had everything figured out. "Why?"
Nix threw up her flour-covered hands and took a step back. "I don't know if you're ready to hear it."
"No, wait. Tell me why this is a bad idea?" I needed to know if there was something I hadn’t thought about.
"Because you're both incredibly good-looking, amazing people, which would be enough, but you have a lifetime of history together as well. The casual touches and affection will blur the lines. It’s going to get messy because one, or both of you, will develop feelings."
I shook my head dismissively. "We won’t. We made a deal and it’ll be fine. Don’t worry," I told her even though last night had proved to me that there was plenty to worry about.
"I'll worry, but I’ll keep it to myself. And when one or both of you gets a case of the feels, I am staying out of it. Way out of it."
Well, her words kind of put a damper on my plans. "Gee, Nix, thanks for the vote of confidence." What seemed like the perfect plan yesterday, now had me second-guessing myself.
Nix flung her arms around me and laughed. "I believe in you, Torey. I really do." She pulled back and her gaze met mine. "And I really can’t wait for us to be sisters for real. We always talked about it and now it’s reality."
I groaned at memory of our younger selves trying to figure out how to become real sisters without having to marry stinky ol’ boys.
Nix laughed. "See, optimism!"
"Thanks." Now, in addition to our kisses, I was filled with worry that my plan wasn’t as great as I thought.
Chapter 6
Ryan
“I’ll inspect this vintage beast, Ryan, don’t worry.” Jimmy, my go-to mechanic, flashed a grin and gave the hood of my old truck a pat. “But I’ve got to prioritize Jane’s van before the woman throws a fit. It’ll be about an hour.”
I checked my phone and nodded. “No rush. My schedule’s wide open.” I’d gotten up early to drive to the physical therapy center in the next town over, and that was the extent of my plans for the day. “I’ll be back later.” Holiday Grove hadn’t changed much during my absence, but it looked newer, shinier—no longer stuck in the sixties.
Strolling down the familiar streets, I felt more at ease than I had on previous visits. Sure, I’d kept my trips brief and mostly confined to the farmhouse, avoiding the hero treatment and questions about my work. This time, though, being back felt right. It felt good.
“Ryan Murphy!” Mayor Stevens hurried down City Hall’s steps, stopping in front of me with a genuine smile, not the one she wore in her campaign photos. “Welcome home.”
“Thanks.”
“I was thrilled to hear about you and Torey.”
I wasn’t sure how to respond or why anyone cared. “Um, thanks.” News traveled fast in Holiday Grove.
She laughed. “You’re just in time for the Week of Love Valentine’s Day Festival.”
“Yeah, Torey’s looking forward to the dance.”
“It’s more than just the dance now,” she said, eyes sparkling. “Nix didn’t tell you about our efforts to engage the young folks so they choose to stay in town?”
“No, she didn’t.”
“Well, we have a week packed with romance and fun. Couples’ trivia, a charity cocktail mixing competition, couples’ karaoke, chocolate making, even a dance contest. Fun, right?”
“Right,” I echoed, trying to match her enthusiasm. “Fun.”
“Well, I’m off. Budget meeting,” she explained. “See you around, and welcome home again.”
Welcome home. I was stunned and, more importantly, worried that a week of pretending wasn’t what Torey had in mind. I sent her a quick text and headed to the bakery where she and my meddling sister worked.
Five minutes later, I was inside the bustling bakery, searching for them. “Torey, your boy toy is here!” The teenager at the register announced, drawing everyone’s attention to me.
“I’ll have a black coffee,” I glared at the smart ass kid and took a seat. I waited, wondering if Torey still wanted to keep up the charade. I hoped she did, not just to avoid matchmaking, but because I wanted to get to know her better. Kiss her again. More than kiss her.
“Hey, this is a nice surprise!” Torey appeared at my table, bearing a bright smile and a tray. She set it down and brushed her lips against mine, soft and gentle. “What’s up?”
For a moment, I was captivated by her—those lush pink lips, big blue eyes. This kind of casual affection was new to me. “Hey.” I looked down at the plate. A warm ham and cheese sandwich with spicy mustard, tomatoes, and sprouts awaited me—my childhood favorite. “You made me a sandwich.”
“I did.” Her lips curved into a beautiful grin.
“My favorite.”
“Yep,” she nodded. “I remember.”