Page 83 of A Very Merry Mistake

“Then I guess we should give them something to talk about.”

I don’t know why I grow nervous on the way to Moonshiners, but I do. I’ve already met Hank, but knowing I’ll be introduced to his brothers makes me anxious. What if they hate me? The thought makes me laugh because I can’t recall a time when I’ve ever cared.

“What’s funny?” Jake asks as we park behind the bar. The street is packed, and it feels like a miracle we found a close parking spot.

I shake my head. “Just a realization that I want to be liked.”

“Doesn’t everyone?” He leans over and unbuckles my seatbelt, placing a chaste kiss on my lips.

“No. Before visiting Merryville, I didn’t care who liked or didn’t like me. It’s why one of my only friends is my sister.”

“I’m not sure I would like the other you that you keep telling me about,” he says.

“You wouldn’t. She’s a bitch to everyone.”

He chuckles. “Ah yes, I met her on the side of the road, wheeling a suitcase during an ice storm. Ol’ Stubborn Susan, I remember her well.”

I snicker as we get out of the truck and walk inside. The lights are low, other than the ones above the stage where a band is setting up. Jake places his hand on the small of my back as the heels of my boots click against the wooden floor. A long bar stretches the length of the room, and they’re serving drinks of all different colors.

“Moonshine,” he whispers. “It will knock you on your ass.”

A few heads turn and look at us, and I’m aware of how good we are together. At six foot three with muscles stacked in all the right places, he’s the perfect height for me in heels. I feel small as he towers over me, and I like that…a lot.

Eventually, we cross the room to a table of guys. All of their eyes widen when they see me, except for Hank. “There’s my favorite city slicker,” he says, giving me a side hug. “You clean up nicely.”

I roll my eyes but can’t stop the pleased smile that creeps across my face.

Jake clears his throat. “CeCe…this is my older brother Hudson.”

He and Jake have the same features. It’s undeniable that they’re related.

Hudson stands and grabs my hand, then kisses my knuckles. “Nice to meet you.”

I blush and giggle, then Luke introduces himself. They’re cut from the same mold and are polite, with Jake’s demeanor.

“Ahh, my two cousins, Wendy and Bella.” The girls meet up with us and immediately compliment me, but they’re sincere. I thank them. Kindness genuinely runs in their family, and it’s easy to be comfortable.

“So you’re JJ’s new girlfriend?” Bella asks. She brushes her black hair over her shoulders, revealing her green eyes.

A wide smile touches my lips as I look up at Jake. He wraps his arm around me and pulls me into him. Immediately, I’m comforted by his warmth and his closeness.

“Y’all don’t give her a hard time,” he playfully warns everyone but doesn’t deny it.

“Yep, she is,” Hank says, but I notice how his eyes meet Wendy’s. It’s obvious he has a thing for her. I’ll have to ask Jake about that later.

The band quickly warms up, and when they open their set, the dance floor fills with people. Wendy stands on the other side of me.

“Would you like a drink?” she offers.

“My manners,” Jake says with a cluck of his tongue. He leans in and whispers in my ear, “Be right back.”

Once I’m alone with his family, I feel the pressure. Luke speaks up. “So I heard you met our parents.”

“I did. They’re lovely.”

He grins. “My ma adores you already.”

“She’s kind and cooks amazing food. I wish I had her skills.”

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