Page 45 of The Rules We Broke
He looked pretty terrific himself. Tall—about six foot—with dark hair, rich brown eyes, and warm olive skin.
“Well, Elle,” he teased, nudging me, “we haven’t seen you in forever. I guess now that you’re a famous author, you’re too good for us.”
“Oh, Dave,” I replied, just as playfully. “You know I always thought that.” Honestly, I really wasn’t that famous. And I didn’t think I was too good for this town. In many ways, it was the opposite. A part of me always felt guilty for breaking the rules. Breaking this town.
Dave chuckled. “So, does Brady know you’re back in town?”
I opened my mouth to answer—but Brady beat me to it, stepping up behind Dave like he owned the church.
He clapped him on the back, eyes locked on mine. “Of course I knew. We’ve already been out twice.”
I refused to roll my eyes. Barely.
Dave glanced between us, eyebrows raised. “So . . . you’re back together?”
“No,” I said—louder than I meant to.
“We’re working on it,” Brady added at the exact same time.
Dave looked confused.
Brady looked like he was enjoying the whole thing.
Well, he was going to love this next part.
“Dave,” I said sweetly, “would you mind escorting me to Sunday School?”
Dave blinked, surprised—but clearly flattered. He offered his arm like a proper Southern gentleman. I took it and threw a smirk in Brady’s direction.
Brady answered with that dang smile. And—of course—followed us down the hall.
“So, Elle,” Dave asked casually, “how long will you be in town?”
Was it a sin to lie in church?
I didn’t want word getting out about my new holiday plans.
“That’s a good question,” I replied, letting the ambiguity hang.
Brady’s steps slowed behind us.
Both men waited—expectantly. I didn’t elaborate.
Instead, I smiled, closed-lipped. “So, Dave, what are you still doing around here?”
“I work at the arsenal as an electrical engineer.”
“That’s quite a commute.”
“It beats living in the city.”
I wouldn’t call Huntsvillethe city, but I guess for a country boy, it might feel that way.
I ended up between Brady and Dave—right in the thick of the Roll Tide fan club. Like I needed more attention.
Sunday School wasn’t as split down the middle as the chapel. The room layout just didn’t allow it. We ended up behind Brady’s brother and his wife. Looked like the elder Jacksons had already gone home—thank goodness.
Kendra Jackson turned around. And up close, she surprised me.
