Page 101 of Forgotten Desires

Then I kiss her, hoping she feels just how much she owns me.

twenty-four

BRYNLEE

“You both were just so lovely on the float,” Mrs. Symonds says as she stops us as we make our way through the festival.

“Thank you.” I wrap my hands around Crew’s arm and smile. “Carson was so happy to be a part of it.”

Which is a big fat lie. It took sex last night and this morning before he was convinced. Although, I’m starting to wonder if that was the case, or if he’d already resigned himself to doing it when I asked in the car.

Either way—I win.

“And how is Layla?” she asks.

“She’s good, very excited to come back to Sugarloaf next weekend.”

Mrs. Symonds’s smile grows. “Oh, I bet. The animals, fresh air, stars in the sky are a big change from that crowded city you’ve taken our Brynlee to.”

“They sure are,” he agrees. “I’m just glad we get to come here every weekend.”

“Us too.” She pats his arm. “It’s not every day we get a celebrity in Sugarloaf.” Seeming to realize what she’s said, she lets out a laugh. “What am I saying, this tiny town has one. Although it’s been a few months since Jacob has been around.”

“We also have Sean and Austin,” I remind her. The Arrowood family aren’t treated like celebrities, but they are.

“Oh, that Austin is just out of control.” She huffs. “He’s going to need to hire you soon enough. The drinking, partying, and Lord only knows what else he’s into.”

This is going to be a very long conversation if I don’t cut it off. I’m already aware of what’s going on with Austin and I hate it. We were friends as kids, and we even went to prom together.

I hate seeing him struggling so much and maybe it would be a good idea to reach out and see if I can help.

“Thank you for stopping us, but we need to help Charlotte at Rosemary and Vine.”

“Of course. We’ll see you next week.”

Crew and I head down the street, and I point out vendors along the white tent tops where all the local merchants are. We’re stopped at least four more times so people can tell us how great the parade was, how much they love the new barn, and how happy they are that we’re spending time in Sugarloaf.

I’m pretty sure Crew’s ready to pack a bag and head home, but he smiles through it and is the consummate gentleman.

“Brynn!” I turn to see Melinda Temple waving frantically.

Ugh. I like her just fine, but she is one of those people who is only friends with those who can elevate her. I think I can count on one hand how many times we’ve spoken since high school.

“Melinda, hey. Long time no talk.”

She smiles and nods. “It has been. So long. It’s why I was telling Phoebe the other day when I came by for lunch that I was hoping you were around.” Her eyes move to Crew. “Hi, I’m Melinda, a really good friend of Brynn’s.”

I look up at him and try hard not to laugh. He sees my face and winks at me.

She goes on. “Nice to meet you, Carson. I’ve heard such great things about you, and I just had to meet you.”

Crew wraps his arm around me, pulling me to him. “Glad we were able to meet as well.”

Melinda sighs. “Well, now that we’re friends, we’ll have to have dinner.”

I fight back the urge to gag. “I’m not sure we’ll have time. Every weekend we’re really just trying to spend quality time together.”

She looks at Crew and then me. “I’m sure you have one night to spare for an old friend.”

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