Page 7 of Grand Slam

“We kind of are,” she says in response. Instead of arguing I relish in the way she feels, the familiar floral scent I may not have been surrounded with lately but have never forgotten.

When my sister clears her throat, I’m reminded that it is not only Emerson and I, so I release her and step back.

If Liz picks up on the tension she doesn’t comment on it, instead launches right back into how perfect this home is for me.

“Didn’t I say this was it the very second we turned onto the drive?” she asks Emerson.

“Yes, you did.” She offers me a smile, then shifts her gaze toward my sister. My heart is still racing. I never for a minute doubted seeing her again wouldn’t remind me of the time we had. But what I wasn’t prepared for is the pull I would feel. The incredible want that I haven’t felt since I was with her last.

Liz grabs my arm and starts to lead me toward the front porch. “It has a security gate, the property is completed surrounded by fencing, with a motion detection set up. There isn’t another house for miles. You are completely closed off.” When my sister gets going it is hard to slow her down. This task, she is completely invested in. “It’s secluded, yet close enough that you can get to the field and anything else within a short drive. Eight acres total and woods around three sides of the property. You are so far back off the main road that you close the iron gates, set the detection, and boom you can discard your clothes and walk around naked in every inch of your yard.”

Alizabeth laughs as she looks over at the realtor. “It was one of his requests,” she says, waving off his curious arched eyebrow. He should be thanking her, because she is doing all his work for him, selling it like a pro. Truth is I fell in love the minute it came into view. But I won’t take away her glory.

“There is a private pool and hot tub. Also privately hidden, a large pool house on one side, a two stall garage on another side,so it’s secluded and there is a two car garage attached to the house too.”

“I have one car.”

“Well, now you can get more. Or ATVs, that would be fun. So much land to ride and enough that you can for sure put in your own ball field. Also you have to check out this back area.”

Alizabeth wastes no time, hurrying off followed by Joey, the realtor. Emerson twists her hands before her nervously. I hold her stare and have a hundred different things racing around in my mind, but decide it can wait. Instead I hold out my hand motioning for her to follow and take a moment looking around the living room and kitchen, loving the homey vibe.

“Kelton?” my sister’s voice filters in from the back of the house and I join them, surprised at what I find.

“This back patio is enclosed yes, but.” She gets all giddy again, looking over at Joey. I know that look, the man is smitten. If he’s smart it won’t go beyond that. “Show him,” my sister says, clapping her hands together. I watch as he goes over to the wall, hits a button and the large, oversized glass walls facing the backyard start to raise.

“Retractable doors.” She laughs excitedly. “Walls, whatever you want to call them. Can’t you imagine sitting out here barbecuing on a breezy night. It’s so beautiful.”

I had to agree. I could see the whole team over or even bringing in my entire family for a week.

“Don’t you love it?” She is so proud, and she should be.

I’m still looking around and when I don’t answer her right away she moves across the room and stands in front of me. “I didgood, didn’t I?” She already knows the answer. I think she knows me better than I know myself.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Emerson

Kelton has always beenan amazing big brother to Alizabeth. But after they lost their mom, she needed him more and that’s when things shifted. Their father lost his way and Kelton stepped in, playing father, mother, and brother.

He’s a good guy.

Liz needed to hear him tell her she’d gotten it right. It’s one thing she’s always needed. His praise, and her Granny June’s means the world to her. Her father drinks a lot and it’s sad, but there isn’t much relationship left between him and his kids.

So watching her, watch him, practically bouncing on her toes in anticipation makes me laugh.

“You did good,” he finally tells her and reaches out hooking her around the neck. She laughs, pinches his side when he pulls her in making him wiggle away faster than he yanked her toward him.

The man he’d become in such a short time didn’t go unnoticed. Rugged, strong, he was more built, more confident. Seeing him again took my breath away, but I hadn’t expected it not to. From a young age he’d been my crush. Every guy I’ve ever dated I’ve compared to him, which isn’t fair. I mean, he’s everything and they don’t have a chance from the start.

My entire body strums with energy in his presence. I stand within a few feet of him, hoping that he doesn’t see just how much he affects me.

“Okay Joey.” Liz steps back and turns toward the realtor. He’s been standing around for the last hour with dollar signs dancing in his eyes. He knows he’s had Alizabeth from the start and now he has Kelton too. “Now let’s talk price.” Liz nudges him back into the house.

What he doesn’t know is that my best friend is studying finance and she’s a whiz with numbers.

He has no idea the whirlwind he’s about to face.

“That poor guy is about to meet a tiny tornado.” Kelton chuckles.

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