Page 40 of Between the Stars

“That’s romantic.”

“I’m not so sure Barron saw it that way.”

“I’m sure he didn’t.” Just like I’ve known Jace and Josie my entire life, I’ve been around Barron and Morgan. Both of them are quick-tempered and swing first, then ask questions. “Did the girl leave?”

“I think so. Now Barron’s moping around the shop like a lost puppy and Camdyn won’t talk to him. I guess the girls asked for a mom for Christmas.”

“Ah, that’s so sad. Did Tara see the girls?”

“Doubt Barron would have allowed that.”

“True.”

“Oh shit, Pricilla, you better go in there and do the ultimate walk of shame.”

You might be wondering who the fuck Pricilla is. Well, I don’t know either. Josie will call everyone random names. For the fun of it. “I don’t want to.” I slurp obnoxiously on my coffee like she did, feeling like a toddler. “Let’s keep talking. Since when did they do away with straws?”

“Fuck if I know. I came back to the states and straws suddenly aren’t a thing anymore and your ass was engaged.”

I drop my head forward, pouting. “Don’t remind me.”

“Tin Man wasn’t the least bit curious where you were on Christmas?”

“Not that I know of.” I stare out the windshield and the thick dusting of powdery snow covering it. At least it’s blocking my view of the house, but not the memories. I think back to in the hot tub with Jace and how the snow fell into his eyes when he begged me not to marry Griff. “I didn’t have any service up there but no messages.”

“When do you leave?”

“Tomorrow.”

“Girl.” Josie sets her coffee down in the cup holder. “Your mama is gonna be pissed if she doesn’t get to see you.”

“I don’t think my mama has ever been mad at me. Rhett, yeah. Me? I’m the good child.”

Josie laughs. “If only she knew what little Abigale Lockett was really doing behind the barn.”

I grin. “True.” But I’m reminded of what I was doing on the ranch. Jace.

Josie reaches for the door handle. “I’ll come with you.”

I do the same and open the door, my coffee in one hand, bag in the other. “You’re only doing that because you want to see if Rhett’s in there.” The second we’re out of the truck, a blast of wind hits my face. It’s cold, the chill to my face painful.

“Pretty much,” Josie says, standing beside me and staring at the ranch style rambler I used to call home. “And your mama cooks a mean breakfast. I’m hoping there’s some left.”

Here goes nothing. With a deep breath, I shuffle my feet on the frozen ground, hoping not to fall face first on the ice.

The second Josie and I enter the house, the smells of fresh baked bread, bacon, and syrupy sweetness hits me, as does the hunger. I haven’t eaten since last night when Jace and I shared a steak, and then he ate me for dessert.

My cheeks bloom with heat remembering the way he licked my clit and told me he should carve his initials into my thigh because I belonged to him.

Fuck.Stopthinking of him.

Josie gasps, taking a handful of Chex Mix she finds on the counter. “Well, butter my butt and binge eat my biscuits, this is amazing. Did you put wash-your-sister sauce on this?”

She means Worcestershire sauce, but I don’t know anyone who pronounces it right.

Mom, she’s confused by Josie. Always has been. My mom stares at her, as if she hadn’t heard Josie right. Sadly, she had. On both accounts. If you’re wondering how Josie is the way she is, Jace is just like her when his intensity wears off, and their dad will have you cracking up in the first ten seconds of any conversation.

“Merry Christmas,” I say, hugging my mom.

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