Page 53 of Promise Me

We stop in front of a few more places, but nothing else changed overall. That’s what I love about small towns. The only difference today is the look of shock as people spot us.

We reach the mechanic shop, and Miles steps out, wiping his hands on a rag.

“Hey,” he says. “Fancy seeing you two just taking a walk together.”

“We’re trying to see if I remember anything by walking around town and looking at familiar things.”

“Is it helping?”

I shake my head. “The only thing I wish I could remember right now was that Paige King stayed at the lodge and ran out on her own wedding. Oh, I bet the town loved that. The gossip must have been unhinged.”

Miles chuckles, and so does Hudson.

I glance over at my new roommate.

I like it when he laughs.

I like how deep it is and how, when I hear it, it creates a flutter in my stomach. I want to make him laugh more.

Which is absolutely insane.

How hard did I hit my head?

“Well, did Huddy tell you that her new fiancé’s best friend is Mrs. Bank's grandson?”

“Seriously?”

Miles nods.

“They did a signing here last summer at the lodge, and she came with him.”

“And I missed it. Dang it!”

The brothers share a look, and then Hudson clears his throat.

“If I remember right, Linc took your picture with her. She came to the bakery every morning they were here.”

“Oh.”

“Well, we better get going,” Hudson says quickly. His hand bumps my lower back as he nudges me along. We make it about ten steps when I notice he’s limping.

“Are you okay? Did you step off the sidewalk weird or something?” I ask, pointing to his leg.

“No, I’m fine.”

“You don’t look fine.”

“I’m fine.”

“Hudson, don’t do that with me.”

“Do what, Sadie? Argue? That’s what we do.”

I take a deep breath, turn to face him, and stop him in his tracks.

“No. I refuse to let you start a fight. I know it’s weird that we suddenly get along, but that’s who we are now. Now, you either tell me why you’re limping, or I can look it up online. Your choice.”

He sighs.

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