Page 84 of Revival

My response is a cross between a snort and a scoff. I shake my head. “No.”

She thrusts the gloves at me. “Seriously. This cat isn’t known for being friendly like his owner. I don’t need you getting bit or injured.”

“I’ll just add the scar to the collection.”

Cortney slams down a small nail clipper before turning around to retrieve a towel. “Suit yourself,” she mutters beneath her breath.

“Ready?” I ask.

She confirms with a nod, and I release the catch on the carrier. The orange cat slowly vacates the confined space with a long stretch.

We set out at a crawling pace. What seems to me like cutting one nail per minute. After the first foot is finished, Cortney breaks the silence.

“What brings you to the festival?”

“I’ve been helping Tony with his car for the race later.”

“I didn’t know you worked on cars.”

“It’s recent. I picked up some experience over the years. Tony gave me a job working at his shop. He needed another mechanic.”

Her head snaps up, bringing with it her gorgeous gaze. Our eyes lock while she works out what she wants to say next.

“Does that mean you’ll be staying in town for a while?” Her tone is cautious, if not a little hopeful.

I lick my lips while staring at hers. “That’s the plan.”

“I—”

The door flies open, startling us both from whispered words and secret admissions.

“I’ve brought sisters and sweets!” A voice rings out as two girls file into the RV. “Oh. Sorry. I didn’t know anyone else was here.”

A red hue colors Cortney’s cheeks. “A client stopped by with a bit of a time crunch, and Spencer was around to help.”

The blonde cocks her head to the side. “Spencer? Spencer Stone, right?”

“That’d be me.”

“I’m Bree.” She moves around us with a slight bounce to her step. “You’ll have to forgive me for not remembering. I know Silas and Sutton, but I left town for ten years, and the rest was sort of forgotten.”

I chuckle dryly at her description. If only she knew how accurate it was.

Silas and Sutton are the beloved brothers in this town, rivaling the Powell siblings and their dog sanctuary. With both of them in law enforcement, the town practically bows in their presence.

Not so much with me. Which is how I prefer it.

Bree rambles on. “And this is Juniper. She’s married to Lee Powell, if you didn’t know.”

“It’s nice to finally meet you,” Juniper says.

The ginger feline in my arms startles with the newcomers. I tighten my grip and incline my head in Juniper’s direction. “Same.”

An awkward silence expands in the RV, broken only by the rumbling growls of the cat and the steady snip of Cortney’s clippers.

“Are we interrupting something?” Bree asks. The rustle of a plastic bag comes from behind me.

“No.” Cortney and I answer at the same time. My brusque tone probably does nothing to convince her of that fact.

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