I ring the bell to the Robertses’ house then walk in, ignoring the heat of excitement that’s plagued me since I talked to Sam this afternoon.
I’d said no, instinct warning me that Jessica would be there, and I’m not up for another round with her.
Every time I’ve seen her has left me more frustrated than the last.
But Sam insisted, and I’ve learned not to ignore him, so here I am.
I walk down the hallway and into the lemon-and-white kitchen, filled with industrial appliances from when the bakery was run out of the house. It’s empty except for Gracie standing at the large island.
“Hey.” I place the wine and the bottle of whiskey I brought on the table.
“Hey! You came.” She gives me a dazzling smile and puts down her knife, coming over to hug me. “I thought you were going to pussy out.”
Unfortunately, Gracie knows me entirely too well, but I pretend I have no idea what she’s talking about. Not that she’ll buy it.
“Now why would I be scared to see you?” I kiss her cheek then let her go. “Your brother wouldn’t take no for an answer.”
She rests her hip against the counter, batting her baby blues at me. “And why do you think that is?”
I smile. I’m not that easy. Again, I deliberately misinterpret. “I thought we agreed a long time ago, understanding Sam is a lost cause.”
She tilts her head toward the back door. “It’s nice out, so we’re outside.”
I nod. “Need anything? Before I go.”
“Nope, just finishing up.” She waves at the counter, where she has a few more cupcakes to ice. “I expect a thank-you later.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I walk toward the door.
“Then you’re the only person in Revival who doesn’t.” Her laughter follows me out.
To think I gave up a life where I didn’t even know my neighbor’s names for this.
But when I spot Jessica, my aggravation is forgotten.
Other people are at the large teak outdoor table, but I don’t see anyone but her. Her hair is down, tumbling over her shoulders.
I remember the way the strands felt wrapped around my fingers.
The chair where she sits is oversized, and she has one bare knee raised, her foot resting on the edge, the other crossed under her. Dressed in a slouchy, sleeveless white cotton top that shows glimpses of her stomach and a pair of ragged jean shorts, she’s hotter than ever.
All I can think about is ripping off her fucking clothes.
She zeroes in on me.
Our eyes lock.
The air pulses between us.
I pull myself away before I get lost in her.
James stands, and as we shake hands, he slaps me on the back.
I swallow a cough from the force of it. The guy is a workout fanatic and is built like a brick wall. “Please don’t kill me.”
His green eyes dance in amusement behind his wired frames. “What are you drinking?”
“I’ll grab it.” I nod at Sam and Harmony before turning to Mitch and his family. Maddie has Lily on her lap, bouncing on her knee. I go over to the toddler, give Maddie a kiss on the cheek before stroking my hand over the redheaded little girl’s silky head. “Hey there, Lily.”