Page 42 of Small Town Firsts

“Who isthey?” Drake questions him, doubt evident in his tone. Simon just shrugs his shoulders before kicking his feet up onto the coffee table.

“Not the point, D.” Simon scoffs before turning to look at me. “Myles, you know we have your back, right? Cash is cool and all, but if he hurts you, we’ll?—”

I cut him off with a snort-laugh. “Y’all know y’all are idiots, right?”

“Sure enough,” Drake agrees.

“Totally,” Simon adds.

“Plus, I can handle Cash just fine on my own.”

“Handle him how?” Simon asks, sitting up board straight.

“Chill out, Sim.” I can’t help but smirk at his over-the-top big brother act.

He’s always been fiercely protective of me. Honestly, I’m surprised he didn’t manage to scare Taylor off—not for lack of trying.

“Y’all wanna order pizza and watch a movie?” I ask, trying to change the subject.

Drake and Simon agree, and I snatch up the remote before either of them can put on some dumb sports movie.

I must’ve fallenasleep during the movie at some point. One second, I was laughing at the antics on screen and the next, Drake is nudging me with his elbow, whispering for me to wake up.

I glance around the room, trying to find my phone, but I come up empty.

“D, what time is it?” I ask through a yawn.

“It’s two thirty. Simon went to bed. Want me to drive you home?”

“Yeah, sounds good. Help me find my phone?”

“It’s in your bag. I gathered everything up when I woke up a few minutes ago. I guess we all fell asleep.”

“Thanks, Drake,” I tell him as I try to haul myself up off the couch.

This baby bump, I swear it gets bigger every day. After watching me struggle for a few moments, Drake extends his hand to help me up, chuckling all the while.

“Thanks, asshole,” I snap, even though we both know I’m not mad. I’d laugh too if I were him.

We walk out to his truck, and he holds my bag for me as I climb up into the cab. There’s something to be said for Southern men.

We’re silent on the quick drive to my house, both too tired to make small talk, but when I go to get out the truck, Drake stops me. “Hey, Myla?”

“Yeah?” I ask him as I hop down from the truck.

“Cash is a good guy. Give him a chance.”

CHAPTER 24

CASH

“Don’t forgetto stop and pick up a bag?—”

“Of ice. I know, Mom. I’m almost to the store.” Love my mom, but damn. Every Family Dinner Night, it's the same routine.

“Oh, good. You know how I worry. Okay, sweetie, see you soon.”

“Hey, Mom!” I call out, hoping I catch her before she disconnects the call.

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