Page 32 of Major Love

“Is there nothing that we can do?” Haven asks. “Like, maybe make a statement to say that the rumours are false?”

“I don’t know if anyone would believe me, so I’d rather let it die down on its own. Especially since Riley is one of my closest buddies, and I don’t want to start drama in the middle of his album release.”

“He has another album coming out?” Haven asks in surprise. “I thought he just released one.”

“He released a holiday album,” I nod, “but that was recorded over a year ago. He’s been working on this one for a while, and I’d rather stay out of the way when it finally launches.”

Haven stays quiet for a moment before saying, “That guy is literally always in the headlines.”

I’m not sure exactly what she’s getting at so I just nod and drop the subject.

“So, what are the pros?” Haven asks. “What’s the thing making you consider going back to Nashville?”

I flash her await ’til you hear thissmile. “You won’t even believe it,” I warn her teasingly.

She gives me a grin and says, “Try me.”

We stop walking for dramatic effect and turn to face each other, the snow twinkling around us.

“I got offered a takeover job at thebiggestbar in Nashville. And I’m talking–” I glance around us, checking that no-one’s about, and then mouth the giant six-figure salary offer in my inbox.

Haven’s jaw hits her boots. “What?!” she squeals.

“I know,” I whisper, knowing exactly what she’s thinking.

On the one hand, it’s amazing, because that’s a life-changing sum of money. But on the other hand? I’ll be so busy working that I won’t ever have the time to use it.

“I haven’t made any decisions yet,” I admit, “but I know most people would say yes to that kind of money.”

Haven nudges her boot against mine. “But you already have that kind of money.”

I swipe a curl off my cheek.

She’s got me there.

“Don’t think about it for now,” she says, her tone reassuring. “Just take the time while you’re at Casey’s to settle down and relax. And to make the most of what Phoenix Falls has to offer.”

I flick a glance in her direction and she flashes me a girl-to-girl smile.

I raise my eyebrows in a question, but I know exactly what she’s saying.

“Haven,” I laugh, my tone wary as I glance away from her.

“Hey, I’m not telling you to do anything,” she says, amused. We stay silent for a long moment before she adds, “Or anyone.”

“Haven! Little ears!” I exclaim, making Tucker giggle with delight as I swoop him up off the ground. Then I cover his hat-covered ears with my mittens and start running with him up the incline.

Haven howls with laughter as I peek back to look at her over my shoulder, the happy sound reverberating through the snowy forest floor.

But I can’t deny that she’s right. I could have a lot of fun while I’m in Phoenix Falls.

I’m just about to head back down to Haven and admit that maybe there is someone who I’d like to spend some time with, when suddenly my phone vibrates in my pocket, before the sound instantly cuts out.

I glance down at Tucker and he looks up at me with a wide-eyed expression.

He purses his little lips and then whispers up at me, “Is it the tush police?”

I set him down with a little giggle but, honestly, I have no idea who it could be seeing as no-one in the world has my new number.

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