PourYourHeartOut

ZoeLee

ObligatoryDisclaimer

Itmustbementionedthatthisis,infact,aworkoffiction.Anyresemblancetopeopleorplaces

ispurelycoincidental.

LeeBooksandFoolishEndeavors,LLC.

Dedication

ForMatt,myfavoriteinthislifeandallthelivestocome

Acknowledgements

TomyhusbandMatt,forlovingmeforwhoIwaswhenwemetandeverydaysince,andforbeing
myeditor.

Tomydad,thepoetandthesweetest,strongestpersonIknow;andtomymom,whohasnever
stoppedsearchingforwaystocreateandthingstoinspireher.

TomybestfriendCandace,withoutwhomIcouldneverhaveturnedcharactersandanideaintoa
book.

ToLorrie,theverybestmother-in-lawanyonecouldwishfor.

ToStaci,whopushedmeandthenhuggedme,andthenpushedmeagain.

Toallofthemomsinthewriter ’sgroupIwassoveryluckytohavefound,whosharedtheirwork,
encouragedme,andgavemetheopportunitytobrunch.

Toallofthebetareadersforyourhelpandhonesty.

CHAPTERONE

Chase

ChaseCadeslidintoherrentalcar,awhiteAudiconvertible,andcaressedthesteeringwheelin

delight.Shehadn’tdriveninmonths,soshedroveawayfromtheWWashingtonDCcarefully.Butas
soonasshewasoutofthecapitalheadedwest,shepushedplayonhermostenergeticplaylist.With
everymileandeveryrollicking,upbeatsong,thelingeringstressfromhertriptotheMiddleEast
blewoutintothesummerairandwasgone.

Whenhercellrangfivehourslater,sheansweredandshouted,“I’minaconvertible!”
“Thatwouldexplainwhyitsoundslikeyou’reinatornado,”herbestfriendSunnysaid.
Afterthreeweekswithatourgroupwhereeveryoneelsehadasignificantotherorfriend,Chase

wassohappytohearSunny’sdeadpanwitagainthatshelaughedatthat.

“Sinceyou’reinaconvertibleandnotanairplane,doesthatmeanyougotmypresent?”
“You’vegottenmealotofrandompresentsovertheyears,butaone-hourmassageataspain

someplacecalledMaybelle,Virginia,hastobethemostrandom,”Chasetoldher.

Sunnychuckled.“Yeah,butyou’reintrigued,right?”
“Allofyourtravelsuggestionssofarhavebeenamazing,so,yeah.”
“BeforeIexplain,howwastheMiddleEast?”
HershouldersroseandfellinashrugeventhoughSunnyobviouslycouldn’tsee.“Thesiteswere

sodamnbeautiful,butIgotalittlelonely,”sheadmitted.

“That’snotwhatIexpected,”Sunnyreturnedafteragruntofsurprise.“You’vebeenhavingso

muchfuntravelingandmakingconnectionswithnewpeople,beingallsocial.”

“Iknow,butIthinkhavingalonelythreeweeks,outofthesixmonthsI’vebeentraveling,isstilla

prettygoodtrackrecord,”Chasecounteredwiththeoptimismshe’drebuiltsinceshe’dquitherjobas
acorporatelawyerandstartedtotraveltheworld.

“Absolutely,”Sunnyaffirmedimmediately.“AndMaybelleisgoingtobeagreatplacetoforgetall

aboutthebuttholesinyourtourgroupwhodidn’tseeyourawesomeness.”

Chaseburstintolaughtersohardherfootliftedoffthegasforasecond.“What’ssospecialabout

thiscountyinVirginiathen?You’reaCaliforniacitygirlthroughandthrough.”

“Firstoff,itwasfoundedbyaCivilWarwidowwiththreedaughters,”Sunnystarted

enthusiastically.“Itwasallfarminguntilatruckingcompanystartedup,butthenfifteenyearsago,
Maybellegotintothetourismindustry.There’sthreefreshwaterlakes—”

“Sunny,”Chaseinterrupted,fightingsnickers.“I’malreadydrivingthere,youdon’treallyhaveto

sellmeonit.Justtellmehowyouknowaboutit,andwhyyouwantmetogo.”

“ThespaisinaLaFontaineresort.Thatpint-sizedgraphicdesignerI’vebeenseeingtoldmeabout

itwhilewewereatthatluncheon,theonewiththeamazingcreampuffs.”

“Before,whenyouwerereadingmetheWikipediaentry,”sheteased,“Iwasintothestoryofthe

fadingruraltownthatleverageslocalbeautytomakeitthriveagain.NowI’mreallyexcitedthough.
Forgettherevived-by-tourismthing,thathappensallovertheworld.Butthereareonlysixfive-star
LaFontaineresortsintheworld,andI’mgoingtoone!”

TherewasanoisethatChaserecognizedasSunnysmackingherpalmintoherforehead.“Yes,get

themassage.That’swhyIboughtit.Butdon’tjustholeupintheresort.It’salmostthe4thofJulyand
you’llbeinacutesoutherntouristtown.Listentolivemusic,sitonabeach,writesomefluffyblog
entriesformeandyourfamilytoenjoy.”

WhileSunny’stonewaslight,Chaseknewshewasofferingrealadvicetoo.
Tenyearsago,Chasehadreallywantedtobeacorporatelawyer,andshehadachievedthegoal

withsingle-mindedfocus.ButhercovetedjobatIngelson&BarnesinSiliconValleyandher
boyfriendTroy,whohadhisowncovetedjobatSharpe,Sharpe&Teller,hadn’tbroughther
satisfaction,nomatterhowhardshe’dworkedonit.

Sixmonthspastitandthreethousandmilesaway,itwasmucheasiertoshakeoffthoseregrets,

especiallywhileshezippeddownahighwaytalkingtoherverybestfriend.Shewasgoingto
MaybelleCounty,whereshe’dhavenewchancesandexperiences.Herregretsweren’tbigorfresh
enoughtodampenherenthusiasmformorethanaminute.

“You’resoright,”shefinallydeclared.
“Great,becauseIhavetogetonaconferencecallinthreeminutes,”Sunnytoldher,“andnowI

haveenoughtimetotellyoutheotherthingIheardaboutMaybelle.It’snotexcitingtome,butit’s
goingtobesogoodforyou.Thiscountyisfulltotherafterswithhotmen.”

Chasegaveanexaggeratedgroan.“I’mnottravelingsothatIcanseehotmen!”
“No,butifyouhaven’thadatleastonevacationflingyet,you’remissingout.”Andthen,before

Chasecouldarguewithherassertion,shesangout,“Gottago,loveyou,bye.”

Snorting,Chaseshookherheadandturneduphermusicagain,enjoyingthesimplepleasureof

drivingandsingingloudlywherenoonecouldhearher.

Onlyafewsongslater,shesawtheWelcometoMaybellesign.
Shepushedhersunglassesupintoherhairasshetooktheexit,soshewouldn'tmissanydetails.

Farmlandshiftedtointentional,well-keptneighborhoods,thelotssmallerandthehousesfancieras
shenearedthecenteroftown,everythingdecoratedforthe4thofJulylaterthisweek.Whenshesaw
MaybelleSquare,whichtookupablockandhadalargegazeboinonecornerandaboothwitha
TouristInfosignonit,sheparkednearby.TouristInfoofficesweresometimeslessthanhelpful,but
Chasealwaysmadeitapointtostartthereifshewasexploringsomeplacewithoutatourgroup.It
helpedhermakeconnections,andshewasgoodatreadingfaces,soshelearnedalotmoreabouta
place.

Aftershestretched,sherushedtowardstheboothandpulledonabeamingsmile.Itwasstilla

mask,justliketheprescription-freeglassesshe’dwornasalawyer.Buteverytimesheusedit,it
becameatinybitlessofamaskandatinybitmoreofanaturalexpression.Once,whenshewasan
aimlessfreshmanincollege,she’dbeamedandlaughedandflirtedallthetime,withoutfeelingany
stressornerves,easyandfreeandnatural.Butnow,shehadtoworkonitall,fightherwaybackto
herold,organicself.

Sowhenshereachedthebooth,Chasegreetedtheoldladyunderanumbrella,herleatheryarms

foldedonthecounterandherbosominherlap,“Hello.Iknowit’slastminute,butistherearoom
availableintown?”

Theoldlady’seyessliddown,measuringher.
Sheknewheroutfitwastoosnotty,sosheadded,ampingupthebeamalittlebit,“Isawthelow-

budgethotelsonthehighway,butI’mplanningtostayaweekandI’dlovetostaysomeplacewitha
warmfeeltoit.”

“TheOrchidHotel,justtherebehindme,andthefive-starresortaresoldout,”theoldladysaid,

butrelentedafterChaselookedatherhopefully.“YoumighttrytheDogwoodInn,”shesuggested,
herfacesofteningfurtherasChasebeamedagain.“Wouldyoulikemetocall?”AfterChasenodded,
sheusedthetipofathickredmarkertodial.“Hey,Jesse,”sheasked,“yougotanythingstarting
tonight,foraboutaweek?”Shehummedanaffirmative,anegative,andtwoaffirmativesbeforeshe
toldChase,“Theyonlyhavethegableroom,andit’sinthemiddleofbeingrepainted.She’lldiscount
itto$149anight.”

“Doesitsmellliketurpentine?”TheoldladyrepeatedthequestionandChasecouldmakeoutan

indignantsquawkbeforetheoldladyshookherheadno.“ThenI’lltakeit.”

Theoldladyhungupafteranotherbrief,mumbledexchange.“They’reholdingitforyouunder

TouristInformationuntilsix,”sheexplained.“Aftersix,they’llgiveitawayifsomeoneelsewantsit,
onaccountofitbeingsuchabusytimeofyear.”

“I’llbeontime,Ipromise.”Withanothernod,Chasepointedatthemapsstackedundertheold

lady’sarms.“CanIhaveone?AndisthereanywhereyourecommendIgo?”

Theoldladyuncappedthebigredmarkerandstartedtomarkupthetopmaponherstackasshe

gaveherspeech.“Thestarisushere.ThestoresontheSquareandonthebacksideofthosestores
therearethemostpopularforvisitors.Thethreelakesaredownthesetworoads;thisbluedotisthe
publicbeach.Thereareafewrestaurantsandthingsuphere,butthat’salittlewaysfromthe
downtown.ThisexclamationpointistheDogwoodInn.Thedriveisalmosthidden,soyoubecareful
andwatchforthesign.”

“Thisisgreat,”Chasepraisedherasshewhiskedthemapup.“Thankyousomuch.”
“Notatall,”theoldladyreplied.“Enjoyyourstay,ma’am.”
“Thankyou,”Chasesaidagain,tooamusedtobeannoyedbybeingcalledma’am.
Shestrolledacrossthestreettotheshopsthatborderedtwosidesofthesquare,whichhad

matchingblue-and-buffstripedawnings.Allofthedoorswereproppedopenwithdecorativestatues,
vintagelamppostswaitingtobelitupagainstawide-opennightskyontheotheredgeofthebroad
sidewalk.Chaseusuallywasn’tcharmedbyconstructedwarmth,butshestoppedoutsideofHoney’s
Salonwhenachorusoflaughterburstthroughtheopendoors.Whenshepeekedthroughthewindow,
shecaughtherreflectioninitandsawheryearningtobeinthere,laughingboisterouslytoo.

Butitwasalmostfive-thirty,sosheheadedstraightfortheDogwoodInn,northofdowntown.She

kepthereyespeeledforthesigntheoldladyattheTouristInfoboothhadsaidwaseasytomiss.It
wasdiscreet,althoughtheinnwasawhite-washed,three-storyGreekrevivalwhoseporchsupported
sixDoriccolumns—noteasytomiss.

Sheparkedinthegravellotbehinditandtookinthegrounds.Acresofopenlanddottedbyblack

willowtreeskepttheinnprivate,whilethevegetable,flower,andherbgardensthathadbeenplanted
haphazardlymadethevistacharming.

Gladthatshewasstayinghere,shegotherthingsandwalkedintotheinn’sfoyer.
“Shit!”yelpedastartledblackmanonatallladder,grabbingholdofthemoldinghewasrepainting

astheladderlisted.“Iapologize,ma’am;Ididn’tmeantocurse,”hesaidasheclimbednimblydown
theladder.“HowcanIhelpyou?”heasked.

“Ilikethat.Everyonehereaskshowtheycanhelp.”Sheofferedhimacheekysmile.“Idon'tknow

ifitcanbeconsideredhelping,butIhaveareservationunderTouristInformation.”

Nodding,hecrossedtothereceptiondeskandslippedbehindit,fumblingaroundwiththe

computerashemuttered,“Idon'tusuallydothispart,butJesse—themanager,who'snormallyatthe
desk—steppedoutforsomelast-minutedinnersupplies.Shallots,”shesworehemuttered,butshe

couldn'tbesureasshesuppressedagrin.“Toconfirm,yourreservationisforsixnightsintheSouth
Gablewitharateof$149anightplustax.”

“Yep,”shechirped,handingoverherdriver ’slicenseandcreditcard.
“Someonedidexplainthattheroom’sbeingredecorated?”hefollowedup.
“Suredid.Idon’tmindaslongasthere’snotanawfulsmell?”shedouble-checked.
“No,no,nothinglikethat,”hereassuredher.Hewaiteduntilshenoddedagainbeforehewentto

workslowlyonthecomputer,frowninginconcentration.Shepeekedintotheformalparlorand
emptystudythatflankedthelargefoyeruntilhesaid,soundingrelieved,“Therewego.Soyou'llgo
throughthestudy,takethestairstothethirdfloor,andyourroomwillbejusttoyourright.Breakfast
isincludedinyourrateandisservedfromfive-thirtytonine.Thediningroomisopenfordinneron
FridayandSaturdayfromfivetonine-thirty.There’salwayscoffeeintheparlor.Doyouhaveany
questions?”

Shesmiledassheacceptedtheactualkeyheheldout,charmedbyitssizeandweight.“Thankyou

forallofyourhelpandI'msorryIscaredyouontheladder,Mr....?”

“I’mMunn,”hetoldher.
Sheheldoutherhandeventhoughhiswerecoveredintracesofpaintandprobablyturpentine.

Withasomewhatbemusedexpression,heclaspedherhandbriefly.“It'snicetomeetyou,Mr.Munn.
I’mChase.HaveagoodnightifIdon'tseeyoulater.”

“Thankyou,”hesaid.
Shesmiledandgatheredupherthingsbeforefollowinghisdirectionstowardsherroom.Shewas

halfwayupthefirstflightwhensheheardMunncall,“Chase!”Shetwistedtolookdownathimasif
shehadallthetimeintheworld.“ThediningroomfillsuprealquickonaFriday.Yououghttocome
downsoonerratherthanlater,”hesuggested.

Withanotherthank-you,sheskippedupthestairs.

CHAPTERTWO

Chase

Chase’sroomwasabeautifulspaceinaroundgable,andtheonlysignsthatitwasunder

constructionwerethatthewallpaperhadbeenstrippedanddropcloths,primerandotherpainting
supplieswerestackedneatlyinthetinycloset.

Aftershesettledin,sheflippedopenherlaptopatthelovelytableunderoneofthewindowsand

didsomeresearchonMaybelle.Sheknewitwassillytomakeanitinerarywhenshehadnotime
constraints,didn’treallyhaveabudget,andwasalone,butshelikedknowingthatshehadaplan.She
triedtobalancethingsthatlookedworthwhilewiththingsthathadmixedreviews,andalways
penciledinalternativesincasesomethingwasclosedorsoldout.Itwasamethodshe’ddeveloped
afterhertriptoLondon,acitysothickwithhistoryandculturecrammedintoarelativelysmall
geographicalarea.Shehadgottensooverwhelmedtryingtowingit.

Besides,afteryearsofbeingscheduledpracticallyminutebyminute,itwasalittletoofreeand

breezytosimplyhaveabsolutelynoscheduleatall,indefinitely.

Grumblingatherself,shechangedclothes,gratefultowearsomethingsleeveless,tightandsexy,

insteadofthekhakisandlongsleevesshe’dworninPakistanandIranforthelastthreeweeks.

ShewantedtogotoWildHarts,arestaurant-barthatwashavinglivemusictonight,butshecould

tellfromitswebsitethatitwasalocals’haunt.Whenshewasalawyer,shehadoftenpoweredthrough
workaloneatatable,andastourist,sheusuallydidn’tmindbecauseshewasn’tworkingorbeing
stoodup,shewassimply...eatingalone.

Buteatingalonewhilesurroundedbylocalswhoallkneweachother,whowereabouttodanceand

listentomusictogether,thatwasdifferent.Thatwaslikegoingsolotoaweddingwhereyouonly
knewthebride.SosheoptedtotakeMunn’ssupernicesuggestionandeatattheinn’sdiningroom.

Whenshewalkedin,ithadarelaxedatmosphere,thewaysheimaginedacozylibraryinastately

mansionfelt,exceptwithceramicplatesandcupsthatshethoughtwerehandmade.Themenuwas
whatsheimaginedwouldbedescribedassimplecountryfare,exceptthespecial,falafelandtagine,
whichmadehersmile.

Whentheservercame,shehadtoask,“Isthereareasonfortonight’sspecial?”
Theservertriedtohidearollofhiseyesandexplained,“Thechefusedtoownafancyrestaurant

inL.A.,andhegetstoservewhateverspecialshewants.”

“That’swonderful.I’lltakeit,”Chasedecided,smilingbroadly.
Theservercouldn’tquitemanagetohidehisshockatherchoiceandforgottotakehermenuwhen

heleft.Shetooktheopportunitytoflipitoverandseeifthechef’snamewasonitsomewhere,then
noteditdownsothatshecouldlookhimuplater.Shewonderedifshe’deverbeentooneofhis

placeswhenshewasinL.A.forwork.

Likesheoftendid,shepulledouthercell,messingaroundwithsocialmediaandcheckingupon

newsfeedsandherfavoritewebsites.Butwhentheserverbroughtherthefalafel,sheflushedand
lookedaround.Ifshewasgoingtokeepuphertravelmomentum,ifshewasgoingtogetbetterat
beingherself,thenshecouldn’thidebehindhercell.Ofcourse,shecouldn’tsimplystrikeupa
conversationwiththetablenexttohereither,notinaplacelikethis.Butshewatchedtheotherdiners
andthesmallstaff,tryingtoguesshowmanywereguestsandhowmanywerelocalslookingfora
quietspot.

Shefinishedherfalafelandherservercamebackwiththetagine,aspicystewshe’dfalleninlove

withataMoroccanrestaurantinParislastmonth.Itwasjusttherightamountofeverything—spice,
size,meattovegetableratio—andwhentheserverreturnedtooffercoffeeanddiscreetlyleavethe
check,sheasked,“Willyoupleasepassalongmycomplimentstothechef?Thiswasreallygood.”

“Um,ofcourse?”theserverreplied,asifitwereaquestion.
Aminutelater,asomewhatgrizzled,somewhatburlymiddle-agedmanplowedthroughthetables

overtoher,whereheputhishandsonhiswaistandstareddownather.“You,”heboomed.“Youliked
mytagine?”Hereyeswide,Chasegaped,nodding.Themanswepthisarmswideandturnedina
quartercircleasifacceptingadulationfromacrowd,hiseyessparklingwithjoy.“Howfantastic,”he
crowed,thensweptintoasortofbowsothathecouldwhisper,loudly,ather,“You’rethefirsttoever
orderthat.”

“Howlonghasitbeenonthemenu?”shemanagedtoask,startledbyhisalmostchubbyface

hangingjustabovehers,hisdistinctlygarlickybreathhittingherinpuffs.

“Onandoffforsomeyearsnow,”hesaid.
Shemadeaslightlydistressednoise,butgatheredherwits.“You’reverydedicated.”
“Ithoughtofgivingupmanytimes,”hesighed.Butthenhewinkedandsaidashebrushedathis

grayedcurls,“Butmynephew,heownsLorenzo’sinTheOrchidHotel...Ah,Icanseeyouhaven’t
beenthereyet.Youmust.Butanyway,”hewavedthataway,“hehasaMediterraneanthemegoing,and
healwaysbragsatthespecialshecansell.”

“Soyoujusthadtobeathim?”shesuggested,grinningnowathisenthusiasm.
“Youunderstand!”Henoddedsofastthathishairbobbledinablur.“Iamgoingtotellour

skepticalmanagerthatshehasfinallygottenaguestworthyofmypalate.”

Chokingonalaugh,Chasetookahastysipofherwine.
“Thankyou,beautifulgirl,”themansaid,makingthathalf-twirlagainbeforeheleft,chestpuffed

uplikearooster.“Victory,”heboomedashepushedbackintothekitchen.

Unabletohelpit,shelaughedalittle,eventhougheveryone’seyeswereonher.
Onceshe’dpaidandfilledoutaverycomplimentaryreviewcard,shewentoutsideandwalked,

fullbutnotstuffed,acrosstheparkinglottoherrentalconvertible.

Awomanwasproppedagainstthetreenearitsfrontbumper,hazilylit.“YoumustbeMissCade,”

shesaidinasoothing,carelesskindofvoice.“I’mJesseRiley,themanager.”

“It'snicetomeetyou,”Chasereplied.“Iappreciatethatyou’relettingmerenttheSouthGable,

eventhoughI’msureit’sputtingyoubehindschedulegettingitfinished.”

“Oh,it’snothingforyoutoworryabout,”Jessesaidasshesteppedoutfrombeneaththetree’s

shadow.Shewasatall,wirywomaninhermid-twentieswhoworeasoftgrayworkshirttuckedinto
jeansfadednearlytowhite,acigarettedanglingcasuallyfromherfingertips.“It’snicetomeetyou
too,”sheaddedassheheldoutaroughhandandpumpedChase'ssofterhandfirmly.“Youmadeour
chefvery,uh,happytonight.”

Chaseleanedagainstthecarandsmiled.“Well,itwasverygood.”
Jessemadeasoftsnortandsaid,“Iwouldn’tletitstayonthemenu,nomatterhowloudlyhesays

it’sinhiscontracttohavefullcontroloverthespecials,unlessitwas.”

Chaselaughedandguessed,“Ibetyou’dnevertellhimthat,though.”
“Definitelynot,”Jesseagreedwithashrug,caughtbetweenmodestyandbrevity.
“Iliketheinn,too,bytheway,”Chasefeltcompelledtocontinue,“Ilovethelayoutoftheground

floor,theinterior,youknow,andyourdecor.Mygable’sgoingtobesonice.”

“Thankyou,”Jessesaidslowly,herbrowsdrawingtogether,“butIcan’ttakecredit.I’mjustthe

manager—theinncamewiththesebonesandtheownershiredthedecorators.AllIdidwasoversee
thecrewwhooverhauledthebathroomsandupdatedthekitchentocommercialgradesothatthechef
wouldagreetocomeworkhere.”

“Iwouldn’tknowhowtooverseeaconstructioncrew,”Chaserepliedwithalaugh.
Jesse’seyesflickeddowntoChase’snecklaceandsilktop,andthensaid,“Well.Itlookslike

you’reheadingsomewhere.Iwon’ttalkonandon.”

Chaserecognizedthesignsofbeingalittlebituncomfortablearoundstrangers,maybewithoutthe

inn’sfrontdeskbetweenherandthemtosetuprules.Shejiggledherkeysabsently,hereyes
narrowed,andshesaidquietly,“You’renotgoingonandon.”

Jesseonlyshrugged,thistimebarelyatwitchofoneshoulder.
Chaseforgedon,feelinglikeJessewouldbeagreatresource,“PeopletoldmetogotoWildHarts

tonight,fordrinksandmusic.Isitgood?Orisittooloudorsomething?”

“Touristswhowantabarormusicusuallyheadtothe3Brothers,rightontheSquare,”Jesse

repliedinano-nonsensetonewhileshestubbedhersmokeoutonthesoleofherboot.

“Oh,”Chasesaid,disappointmenttakingsomeofthewindoutofhersails.
Droppingthebuttinherbreastpocket,shestudiedChasewithcleareyesandthensaid,asif

relenting,“ButWildHartsismyfavorite.It’sagoodsuggestiontotake.”

Caughtbythesimple,yetstrong,endorsement,Chasebobbedherhead.
ButifJessewassoreluctanttoendorseWildHartstooneofherguests,thenChasefeltninety

percentconfidentinthedeductionthatalmostnotouristswouldbethere.Thatbroughtbackher
nerves,evenifshewasexcitedbytheprospectofanightoutwithmusicanddrinks.Forher,being
nervousledtofeelingdaunted,andwhenthathappened,shetendedtoreverttolawyermode.Because
shedidn’twantthat,sheplungedinandasked,“Doyouwanttocomewithme?”

She’dtriedtosoundcasual,butJesse’seyesdippedtowhereChase'shandhadaprettytightgripon

thecarkeys,andChaseflushed,knowingshedidn’tlookcasualatall.

Afterahardheartbeat,Jessesaid,“Itismynightoff...”
Chaseadded,alittleearnestly,“Icoulddrive.”
Thatseemedtotipthebalance,andJessenodded.“Okay.LetmetextMunnsohe’llknowI’mnot

onproperty,andthenI’llgiveyoudirectionsoverthere.”

“Sure.”TheygotintheconvertibleandChaseturnedovertheengine,idlinguntilJessewasdone,

andtoldhertotakearight.“SoyouandMunnruntheinntogether?”

“No,Munndoesmaintenanceandlandscapingpart-time.I’mhereyear-round,”Jesseexplainedas

shehungonearmoutofthecar.“Theownersdidmajorrenovationsabouttenyearsagowhen
tourismpickedup,andnowwe’reupdatingagain...Takealeft.”

Turning,Chasesaid,“Ithasagoodfeeltoit.Trustme;I'vestayedinacouplecreepyinns.”
JesseletoutasoftlaughandtheyfellquietexceptforJesse’sdirections.
“Wow,it'slikeaChristmastree,”ChaseexclaimedwhensheturnedintoWildHarts’parkinglot,

whichhadblue,redandpurpletwinklelightsstrungupbetweenthelightpoles.“Thisisgreat,”she
breathed,astheygotoutandwalkedtowardstherestaurant.

Twowideoakdoorswereproppedopenwithapairofheavyrocks,animpressiveentrancefora

plainbuildingthatlookedlikeawoodcabin.Ithadelectricalpaperlampshungfromtheeaves,

givingitadon’t-give-a-damnair.Peoplerangedaroundthewell-litsidedoor,smokingandholding
theirdrinks.“Hey,Jesse,”theyallyelled.

Sheraisedahandandyelledback,“Hey,y’all.”ButsheguidedChasetothemainentranceasshe

addedinamutter,“Smalltowns:whereeverybodyknowsyourname.”

Theinteriorwasmorelikeabarnthanacabin,theceilinghigherthanitlookedfromoutside,and

hadfairlytypicalcountrybarfurnitureanddecor.Postersandcommunitynoticeswerepinnedup
nearthebathrooms,therewasasmallstagewithabandonbreak,andpeopledancedtomusicfrom
thesoundsystem.Itwaswarmandwelcoming,evenifitwasplainerthananyofthebarsshe’d
frequentednearheroldlawfirm.

“Doyouwanttositatthebaroratatable?”Jesseaskedatherelbow.
Chaselookedoveratthebar.
Alonebartenderglancedoveratthem,asifitwereanautomaticthingtonotewhowascomingin,

whilehescratchedhisheadthroughhisbackwardsballcap,onethickbiceptwitchingbeneathhist-
shirtsleeve.

“Definitelythebar,”Chasemurmuredwithoutthinking.
Shemadeherwaytowardsthegleaming,darklystainedwoodenbarthatranalongtherightwallof

therestaurant,Jesseastepbehind.Itwasamiracleshedidn’trunintosomeone,focusedsointentlyon
thebartender,hermouthdryingout.Hehadtakenastepback,whichbroughthisfaceintohighrelief
underthemoodlightinghungoverthebar.Itwasaruggedface,hisnosealittlecrookedandhis
mouthalittlethin,andtherewassomethingrock-likeabouthim.Therestaurantwasallcheerful,
chaoticenergy,andwhileitdaredChasetojoininforthenight,thebartenderseemedasifthechaos
andenergyjustflowedaroundhimwithouttryingtosweephimuporbreakhimdown.

“Doyouwanttosit?”Jesseasked,tappingtheonlyemptystool,hervoicepitchedtocarryoverthe

bandthathadjuststartedupagain.

“Areyousure?”Chaseasked,stillcaughtupinfiguringoutwhatitwas,exactly,aboutthewaythe

bartenderheldhistall,solidbodythatkepthereyesrivetedtohim.

“Please,”Jessesaid,eyeingChase’swedges.
Chasehoppedon,thenpushedinacirclewhensherealizeditcouldspinandtherewasenough

spacetoavoidkickinganyone,chucklingwithchildishsatisfaction.

Shelookedupandfoundthebartenderhandingovertwobeersrightnearby.Hereyesskimmedup

hisbodyslowly,herbreathscomingquickinsidehershirt,whichwasalittletootightacrossthe
chest.Hishandsstilled,hangingforasecondasthecustomerstookthebeersfromhim,whenhe
caughther.Hispalebrowneyesflashed.

Withnomovetomakeotherthanbravingitout,shegrinnedathim.
Heshookhisheadlikeadogasoneofthecustomershandedhimacreditcard.
Oncehisbackwasturned,Chasesnappedoutofitandspunherchairafractionsothatshecould

lookatJesse,whoseforearmswerebracedovertheedgeofthebar.

“Thanksforagreeingtocomewithmetonight,”shetoldJesseearnestly,eventhoughitwashard

tosayitsoplainly.“Ilikethefeelofitinhere,andtheband’sfun.”

“Thanksforinvitingme,”Jessereplied,asawkwardasChasehadbeen.
Awaitressduckedunderthebar.“Hey,Jesse,”shesaid.“Bourbon?”
Jesse’seyesflickedovertoChaseandthewaitress’seyesnarrowedprotectively.“Yeah,thanks,”

Jessesaid,thenclearedherthroatwhenChase’swidegrinfaltered.“Chase,thisisLedaRiveau,co-
ownerandmybestfriend.Leda,thisisChaseCade.She'sstayingattheinn,invitedmeouttonight.”

Atthis,Ledalookedupfrompouringawater,expressionrelaxing.“Goodforyou.”
“Thisisn'tadate!”Jessehissed.
Ledadidn'tbothertohidehershark-likegrin,poppinganicecubeintohermouth.“Honest

mistake.Sorryaboutthat,”shesaidinsincerelyasshecrunchedtheice.

“Youdon'thavetosoundsooffendedbytheidea,”Chaseprotestedindignantly,“I'm,like,totallya

greatcatch,youknow...OrIwouldbe,ifIwerealesbian.”

Jesseletherforeheadthunkontoherforearmwhereitlayonthebar.
“Oh,God,didyouthinkIwasaskingyouout?”Chasebabbled,allofhersocialskillsdissolving

undertheideathatshe’dleadJesseonwhenshe’dinvitedherout.“I’msosorry,I’mfromSan
FranciscobutIstillhaveahorriblegaydarand...”

“No,no,”Jessedeniedimmediately,hervoicechoked,“Icantellyou’restraight.”Hereyesflicked

overatthebartender,whowasstillthankfullyfacedaway,andChase’scheeksheatedupin
embarrassmentthatshe’dbeencaughtogling.“Don’tapologize.”

“Ijustkeephopingyou’llmeetanotherlesbian,isall,”Ledaadded.
Chasecouldn’thelpit—hereyesbuggedout.“Anotherlesbian?You’retheonlyone?”
“Yup,”Ledaconfirmed.“Touristseasonisprettymuchheronlychancetogetlaid.”
“Holyfuck,stopsayingthattostrangers,Leda,”Jessegroaned.
ChasecouldtellthatJessewasuncomfortable,whichobviouslyhadn’tbeenherintentionwhen

she’dinvitedJesseout,soshemadeaclumsystabatchangingthesubject.“Sootherthanyourfine
establishments,whereelsedoyousuggestIgoornotgowhileI’mhere?”

“Thatcouldbealongtalk,andmybreak’sover,”Ledadeclared,andwasgone.
“Nooffense,butI'mofftheclock,”Jessetoldher.“Canwetalkshopanothertime?”
Feelingembarrassedthatherattemptatsmalltalkwasaworkquestion,forbothoftheminaway,

shenoddedquickly.JesseliftedhersweatingglasstotakealongswallowandChase'sbrowsdrew
togetherassherealizedthatLedahadn'ttakenherorder.

Sheswiveledonherstoolandspottedthesexybartender.Shetriedtocallouttohimoverthe

ambientnoiseandtheband,butitcameoutacroak.“Excuseme?”

Thebartenderdidn'tactlikehe’dheard.
Jesseshouted,“Aden!”
Chasewatchedhishandsasheputthelastemptyglassinatubofdirtiesandthenhung,loosely

curled,alongsidehisthighsashestrodeover.“HeyJesse,”hesaid,andshedraggedhereyesupto
seehimflickinghischinupinanabbreviatedwhat's-upnod.Upclose,Chasecouldseethathehadthe
samecoloringandbonestructureasLeda;hehadtoberelatedtoher.“Anotherbourbon?”heasked,
hisvoiceauthoritativeandunruffled.

“Nothingforme,somethingforher,”sheanswered,indicatingChase.“Ledaranoff.”
Withagrunt,AdenlookedimpassivelyatChase.
“Whiskeysour,please,”shetoldhim.
“Five-fifty,”hesaidwithoutinflectionashesliditoverwithtwofingersaminutelater.
“Thankyou,”shesaid,doingabetterjobthistimeofraisinghervoiceagainsttheband,whichwas

inhighgearwithascratchycoverofAC/DC’sapropos“HaveaDrinkonMe.”Sheslidatenintohis
curledfingers,hereyessparklingasshetoldhim,“Keepthechange.”

Withoutanswering,hesteppedoverapacetooneoftheregisterstosettleherbill.
“Hey,Jesse!”someonecalled.
“YouokayifIgosayhi?I’lljustbebackinaminute,”Jessepromised.
“Ofcourse,go,”Chasesaidwithafakesmile,leftaloneinthemiddleofthecrowd.
Atleastshehadadrinktonurseandsomeonetowatch,shethoughtwithaflashofmorosehumor

asshesippedherdrinkandwatchedAden.Hepulledoffhisballcapandshoveditinthebackpocket
ofhiscabanapants,thenranahandthroughrumpled,darkauburnhair.Hegaveouttheclearsignsof
agrumpy,unapproachableman,butthecrowdwasthicknearthebar,sohehadtobemorethanwhat
helookedlike.Hehadtobeagreatbartender,andtheyweregreatlistenersandobservers,sometimes

flirtatiousorworld-weary,withahotsparkofromanticismleftoversomewhere,burieddeep.

“Likewhatyousee?”hemuttered.
Foramillisecond,shewasmortifiedtobecaughtstaringagain,butthensheflashedagrin.When

thatmadehimscowl,shelaughedandguessed,“Thisisyourplace,right?”

“Yeah,”heconfirmed,thewordbittenoff.
Shelickedherlips,enjoyingtheflavorofthewhiskeysourflavoranditscoolnessinthehotbar.

“Don'tworry,”sheassuredhim,thewhiskeyshootingintoherbloodandthenoutherlips,“I'mnot
oneofthosegirlswhopropositionsbartenders,ifyou'reworriedaboutthat,andI’mnotgoingtosob
outmywholelifestory.Ijustwanttoaskyouonequestion.”

Hemethereyesbegrudgingly.“What'syourquestion?”
“What'sthejuiciestthingyou'veheardacrossthisbar?”
Incredibly,ahotflushsweptuphisface,slidinguphishardcheekbones.
Shelaughed,withasuggestivequalitythatshehadn’theardfromherselfinalongtime.“Mustbe

racy,”shereplied,stirringherdrinkidly,herbloodrushingexuberantly,andAden’smouththinned
furtherashecrossedhisarms.“IcanseethatI’llnevergetitoutofyou.I’msureyoucan’tbebribed
intotellingmeanythingaboutit,anyway.”

“Aden'slikeavault,”JessesaidasshesqueezedinnexttoChaseagain.
“Ididn’taskbecauseI’mnosy,”sheprotested,thenflashedakillersmile.“I’vebeencollectingthe

answersbartendersgiveme—theoneswhoaren’tlikevaults,thatis—andsomedayI’llcompilethem
intoacoffeetablebookoracalendarorsomething.”

Amanwedgeduponherothersideandsaid,“Hey,darling.Howaboutadance?”
Adenbracedhisforearmsonthebarandraisedoneeyebrowasifhedidn’tliketheman,butJesse

shrugged,whichChasetooktomeanhewasharmless,ifnotexciting.

Withaquickbreath,shehoppedoffthestoolandaskedJesse,“Watchmydrink?”

Aden

AdenwatchedastheknockoutfollowedBillyDavidsonontothedancefloor.
“Seemslikeapainintheass,”hecommented.IfhethoughtsheandJessewereonadate,he

wouldn’thavesaidit,buthe’dfeltherlightning-fastlookwhentheycameinandherintentassessment
afterhegaveherherdrink.BadluckforJesse,butnotinterestingtohim.Forsure,herstackedfigure
andblondebedheadhairshouldbeillegalweapons,butshehadgreatbiggreeneyesthatwouldmake
asuckeroutofaman.Hehadnointerestineverbeingasuckeragain,sohemutteredderisively,
“Whiskeysour.”

Jesseshruggedandtoldhim,“Hername’sChase.Ijustmether;she’sstayingattheinnforaweek

orso.Iknowsheseemslikeasteamroller,butIgetagoodvibe.”

“Sureyoudo,”AdenmutteredasBillyspunChaseunderhisarm.“Howarethings?”
“Eh,fine.We'realmostcompletelybookedtherestofthemonth.Y'all?”
Afterascantobesurenoonewaswaitingforservice,heleanedoversotheycouldtalkwithout

yelling.HeandJessehadbeeninthesametightknotoffriendssincechildhood,andthetwoofthem
werethequietones,cynicaltoo,sotheysharedJesse’sbourbononicethoughtlesslyandcaughtup
untilChasecameback.

ShesquishedbetweenJesseandanursestillinscrubs,herarmscrushedagainsthersidessothat

herrackthrustout,practicallyonthebarlikeanappetizer,Adencouldn’thelpbutnotice.

“Youtwomustbefriends,”sheobserved,asshepointedatthebourbonwithherchin.
“Justallourlives,”Jesseagreed.“Butit'slikethat.MostnewpeopleinMaybellearetourists,only

passingthrough.Ican’tthinkofmorethanafewpeoplewhomovedhere.”

Chase’seyebrowsarchedquizzically.“Surprisingforaboomingtouristtown,isn’tit?Istherea

wannabetownwherealltheemployeesthatthenewbusinessesneedlive?”

“Wehaven'tneededanyoutsidehelp,”Adentoldherfrostily.

Chase

Chasewonderedhowtorespectfullymentionwhomeverhadopenedthefive-starresortandjump

startedlarge-scaletourism,accordingtoherresearch.

ButJessecutindryly,“That'snotreallytrue.Don'tbesnobby;that'sMartha'sjob.”
Aden'sfaceturnedfromstoictosourasChaseasked,“Who’sMartha?”
“MarthaShore.”Jesse'smouthcrookedandsheexplained,“Aden'sgreat-grandfathertriedtosteal

amarriedShore.Therewasanalmightybrawl,whichhisgreat-grandfatherlost.Notsurewhothe
womanpreferred,”sheaddedacidically,“buteversince,theShoresthinktheRiveausarespitfiresand
theRiveausthinktheShoresaresanctimonious.”

Likingthecolorfullocallegend,Chasesnickeredatthetwoadjectivesdelightedly.
SheretrievedherwhiskeysourfrominfrontofJesseand,assheusedthetinystrawtosuckupthe

lastsip,Adenglaredatherandtherude,slurpingnoiseshewasmaking.Daringhimwithhereyesto
reprimandher,sheletthestrawfallfromherlipstoask,“Areyouaspitfire,Mr.Riveau?”

“Ohhey,wouldyoulookatthat,aguywantsadrink,”hesaidsarcasticallyandmovedaway

towardsamansignalingAden,hisshouldersstiff.

Laughing,ChaseturnedexpectantlytoJesse,whodrawled,“Adenmaynotlookit,andtheother

Riveausmaybemoreobviouslywild,buthe'snotasboringasheacts.”

“Hedoesn'tseemtohaveasenseofhumor.”Chasetriednottosoundjudgmental.
“Youtrybeingtheonlyresponsibleoneinyourfamily,”Jessereplied,thenwincedandgulped

fromtheglassofwaterhe’dleftforher.“Sorry,Ishouldn'thavesaidthat.”

“Saidwhat?”Ledaaskedasshecameup,outofuniforminskintightjeansandamagentatopthat

matchedherheadband.Aroundthem,therushhadeased,sotherewerescatteredfreetables,andLeda
jerkedherheadatone.“Let’ssit.I’mdoneforthenight.”

“IwastellingChaseaboutyourfeudwiththeShores,”Jesseanswered,rollinghereyesasthey

claimedatable.“It'smostlyastorywetellfortourism,eventhoughLeda’sparentsalwaysgotabig
kickoutofit.Peoplelikehearingthere'sarivalrybetweentheGod-fearingShoresandtheirtoadies,
andthehellboundRiveausandtheirhickfriends.”

“It'sfuckingridiculous,”Ledacountered,thenflaggeddownawaiterwiththeauthorityofan

ownerandorderedapitcherofmojitos.“SowhatbringsyoutoMaybellealone?”

Hertonewasn’texactlycombative,butChasewasstillsickofansweringthatquestionasoftenas

shehadinthelastsixmonths.“Justtraveling,”shesaidwithashrug.“Ihaveablog,mostlysothatmy
familycankeeptrackofmeandseewhatI’mdoing.”

“Mustbenice,”Ledamuttered.
“Didyoujustfinishschool,”Jesseasked,sendingLedaasharplook,“orgetlaidoff?”
“No,I’mjustseeingtheworld,”shesaidaslightlyasshecould,notsureifshereallywantedto

shareherlife’sstorywithsomeoneassharp-edgedasLedaseemedtobe.

Ledasnortedrudely,butJessejustnodded,hereyesonherhandsassheefficientlywipedupthe

crumbsandsmearsoffoodthelastoccupantsofthetablehadleftbehind.Therewassomethinginher
mannerthatChaserecognizedinherself,asortofdisappointmentaimedatherselfthatshehadn’t
beenabletostartaconversation.

Withasilent,deepbreath,sheofferedJesseasgoodasmileasshecouldandexplained,“Um,Ihad

ajob—areallygoodone—butIhatedit.WhenIfinallygotupthenervetoquit,myboyfriendwas
horrifiedandpissed.Wewere,youknow,‘ontrack,’”sheshapedviciousairquotesaroundthestupid
phrase,“andquittingsentme‘offtrack.’”

“Ihopeyoudumpedhisass,”Ledasnappedout,scowling,andChaseletoutastrangledlaughas

thewaitercamebackwiththeirpitcherandglasses.“Thanks,Porter.”

“Thanks,Porter,”Jessemurmured.
“Didyou?”
“Dumphisass?”Chaseaskedrhetorically,andhadtosmilewidelywhenLedanoddedwithalmost

meanenthusiasminconfirmation.“Isuredid.Iboughthimoutofhishalfofourhouse,too,painted
allthewallsandboughtnewfurniture,evendaredtoputupsomeartworkthatwasn’tjuststock
photosofsunsets.AndthenIdecidedtoblowmynesteggontraveling,”shesaidwiththe
squeamishnessofsomeonewho’dbeenraisedtoberesponsibleandnotimpulsive.Butsheliftedher
chindefiantly.“It’sbeenamazing.”

LedaclinkedherglasstoChase’swithsomethinglikerespect.“How’dyouwinduphere?”Nowit

wasJessewhosnorted,althoughherswasindulgent.“Imean,it’sfunandeverything,butifyoucould
goto,like,TokyoorMilanorsomething,whycomehere?”

“Mybestfriendheardabouttheresortandshethoughtit’dbeafunplaceformetospendthe

FourthofJuly,”sheexplained,wiselyleavingoutSunny’sotherreason.

Withaboisterouslaugh,LedathrewanelbowintoJesse’sribsplayfully.“Yeah,weknowhowto

throwagreatparty.Butwhocaresaboutthatboringcrap?Where’syourfavoriteplaceinthewhole
world?”

Chasegrinnedandtookadrink.“Icouldn’tpickafavoriteplace;that’slikeaskingwhatyour

favoritemovieis,oryourfavoriteband,orsomething.Icantellyousomehorrorstoriesabout
terribleserviceormissingflightsbecausepeoplesuckthough.”

“Ha!Serversaren’tterrible,it’sthecustomerswhoaretheworst,”Ledaprotested.
Theyalldrankdowntheverytasty,strongmojitoswhileLedaandJessetoldsomewarstories

aboutthetouristswhohadcometoMaybelle.Chasefeltindignantenoughtocounterwithsomeofher
ownwarstoriesaboutshort-temperedlocalsandemployees.

Theyweretoorelaxedandhappytobereallycompetitive,sobythetimetheyorderedasecond

pitcher,theywerewanderingbackintotalkingaboutthemselves.AlthoughChasehadsharedalittle
firstandhadn’tfeltjudged,shewasstillaguardedperson.BythetentativewayJesseandLedatalked,
shethoughttheyhadtobethesame.Reassuredbythat,sheopenedupmoreandtheothertwobeganto
offerbackmoregenerouslytoo.

Theconversationbegantoflow,buteventually,thebandfinishedtheirsetandeverythingbeganto

winddown,soLedapoutedcrazilyandannounced,“Igottogopaythebandandmakesuretheyshut
everythingoffwithoutelectrocutingthemselvesagain.I’llseeyousoon,Chase.”

“Thatsoundsgreat,”Chaseenthused.
Magnanimously,Ledarepliedwithawink,“Well,nowthatJesse'stakenyououtonce,you'rean

honorarymemberofourgroupwhileyou'reintown.”

“We’llcallyousoon,”Chasejoked.
AsLedashimmiedtowardstheband,Jessemuttered,“Pleasedonotsaywe.”Chasewasaboutto

apologize,butJessebrusheditoffastheyheadedtowardsthedoors,wavingatAdenastheywentby.
“It’sgoingtobehottomorrow,”shesaidastheysteppedintothecrisplate-nightairandheadedfor
Chase’srentalcar.“Youshouldgotothebeach.”

Smilingbroadly,Chasehitchedherlegovertheconvertibleandgotinwithoutbotheringtoopen

thedoor.“That’salreadypartofmyplan,”sherepliedasJesseclimbedinthesamewayonthe
passenger ’ssideandthenlitasmoke.“Allright,Idon’tthinkI’mtipsyanymorebecausemylast
drinkwaslikeanhourago.There’snotgoingtobetrafficoranything,right?Oraspeedtrap
somewhereIshouldknowabout?”

Jessesnorted.“Nah.Duringtouristseason,theSheriffandhiscrewprettymuchsticktostufflike

parkingtickets,bustingminorsforshit,andfightinginpublic.”

Tickledbythespecificityofthecrimes,Chasesaid,“Hm.”
Whentheygotbacktotheinn,Chasepushedthebuttontoclosetheconvertible’ssofttop,andby

thetimeshe’dbuckleditdownandopenedherdoor,Jessewasthere,holdingoutahand.Chase’slips
curvedatthegallantgesture,makingJesseflushasshehelpedherout.“It'smydad'sfault,”Jesse
mumbleddefensively.“OncehefoundoutIwasgoingtodategirls,heinsistedItreatthemright,just
likeagentleman.”ChasewonderedifJessehadbeenoffendedoramusedbythesentiment,butasif
Jesseknewthat,shesaidfirmly,“Goodnight,”andstrodeofftowards,Chasepresumed,wherevershe
livedonsite.

Chaseshookherheadandscampereduptohergableroomtoundressasshefacedthegently

pulsingmoon,fullandripeandfaintlyyellowishintheclearsky.Shecontemplateditandthe
majestic,star-filledskysurroundingitandsighedcontentedly.She'dlookedatthemoonandstars
fromdozensofplacesduringhersixmonthsoftravelingandfiguredshe'dneveryetseenthesame
thing.Wheresomepeoplewouldhavefoundthatscary,shefounditcomfortingandmagical.

Sighingagain,shefloppedontothesoftbedandfellasleep.

CHAPTERTHREE

Aden

“I’mtakingmyfifteen,”Adentoldhisotherbartender.
HesalutedAdenwithtwofingerswhilehekeptlaughingatsomethingoneofWHRT’sdeejayswas

sayingtohimoverthebar.

Adenusedhisshoulderstogothroughtheswingingdoorintotheback.Heslideffortlessly

throughtheunlitkitchen,whichhadbeenexactlythesamesincebeforehewasbornalmostthirty
yearsago.Now,cleanandemptywiththecooksanddishwashersgoneforthenight,itwasstillclose
totwentydegreeshotterthanbehindthebar.

Itwasarelieftopushoutthekitchendoorandstepoutside.
Usuallyhejoinedtheknotofsmokersgatheredunderthebuglightbetweenthekitchendoorand

thefrontdoors.Henevermindedspendinghisbreakwiththeircustomers;hisfavoritethingabout
WildHartswasthatitwasprettymuchtheonlyplaceinMaybellewhoseclientelewasstrictlylocals.
Itstayedinbusinessthankstolocalswhowantedagoodbite,agooddrink,andprettydecentmusic
whiletheycaughtupwithfriends,blewoffsteamafterwork,orwhateverelsetheyneeded.Eventhe
poolhallafewblockseast,whichwasn’texactlythecleanest,friendliestplaceintown,was
patronizedbytouristswholikedagooddivebar.Butwhenhesurveyedthethickcrowdsathisbar,
packedaroundthetables,andrangedinfrontofthesmallstage,herecognizedeveryfaceandknew
everyvoice.

Usually.
Herolledhisshoulderstodrainsomeofthetensionfromhisbody.
Itwasn’tliketouristswerebarredfromWildHarts,ofcourse.Infact,hisparentshadspenthis

childhoodworkinghardtobringtouriststoMaybelleandwereverydisappointedthatWildHartshad
woundupasthelocals’favoritehaunt.

Still,Jessehadcomeinwithastranger;ifithadbeenadate,hewouldn’thavebeenbotheredinthe

least,sinceitwashardforhertofindsomeonetotakeout.Butthestrangerhadgivenhimthoselong,
almosthungrystaresandthenthatsharp-edgedteasing.Heleanedagainstthefencearoundthe
dumpstersandscowled,diggingtheheelofonebootintothedirt.Shehadruinedhismellow
enjoymentofthebusynight.

Heknewitwasridiculousthathelivedinatouristtownanddidn’tcareforstrangers,buthe’dbeen

bornandbredhere,twohundredyearsofRiveausinMaybellesincehisgreat-grandfathermigrated
fromNewOrleans.Itwashowhe’dalwaysfeltandithadonlygrownstrongersincehisparentsquit
runningWildHartsaboutsixyearsagoandturneditovertohim.HissisterLeda,themiddlechild,
hadrunfromMaybellewhenshewasnineteen,eagertotakeonthewholewideworldandkickitsass,
onlytobecrushedandrunonbackhome.Sohefiguredstayinghere,allthingsconsidered,wasthe

bestthing.

Herubbedhiseye,thendughisthumbintohistemplewheretheveinthrobbedpainfully,and

exhaledhardbecauseitpissedhimoffthatonelittletouristwasruininghisnight.

“Hey,Aden?”
“Howareyou,Marie?”heaskedbeforeheevenlookedupather,automaticallydiggingouthis

packofsmokesandalighter.Shehadanothergirlwithher,someonewholookedalittlelikeMarie
andalittlelikeherolderbrother,thefarmerwhohadinvitedJesse’snot-dateontothedancefloor.
“Evening,”hedirectedattheothergirl,squintingthroughatrailofsmoke.

“I-I’mgood,”Mariestammered.“Thisismycousin.”
“Hi,”shesaid,“wemetatthefishingtriplastsummer?”
Hedidn’trememberherfromit,buthereplied,“Oh.Right.Nicetoseeyouagain.”
Marie’scousinfiddledwithherpursestrapandMariestoodby,quietasever.
SuddenlyDunkMcCoy,Aden’soldestfriend,camearoundthefencefromthedirectionofthe

woods,ortheRiveaus’house.HeslungaheavyelbowupontoAden’sshoulderandsaid,“Don’t
worry,darlin’,it’snotyourfaultatallthatAden’snotactingallexcited-liketoseeyouagain.”Aden
didn’tbothertodragoutanotherscowlforDunk,whowastotallyimpervioustothem.“It’sjustthat
hehadagirlfriendwhenhemetyoubefore,andhe’sagoodguy,sohedidn’tletthatprettyfaceof
yoursstickinhismind.”

ThegirlflushedandMariegiggled.
“I’mDunk,”hesaid,holdingouthishandforhertoshake.
“Irememberyoutoo,”shesaid,andnowshewastheonegiggling.
Adentriedtolookinterestedintheconversation,eventhoughhefeltarustyredflushrisingalong

histhroatandcheeks.Hehonestlydidn’trememberher,andDunk’sreasoningwasn’tthatfaroffbase.
Lastsummer,heandGingerhadstillbeenathing,sohewouldn’thavebeeninterestedinanyoneelse,
prettyorno.

Butthetruthwas,hehardlyevernoticedprettygirls.
“Wellnow,we’regladyou’rebackintownvisitingMarieandBilly,”Dunksaid.
AdenrealizedthathehadnoticedChaseCade,notasaprettygirl,butsureashellasafucking

knockoutofawoman.Hisflushgothotter,hopinglikehellthebloodpumpinghisdickhalf-hard
wasn’tnoticeableinthedimlightouthere.

“EspeciallybecauseAdenbrokeupwithGinger,whogotknockedupbysomemoronfrom

Richmondnamed—”

“Dunk,hush!”Mariegasped.
Adendidn’twanttotalkaboutGinger,sohewincedandstubbedoutthequarter-smokedcigarette

onhisboot.“Istheresomethingyouneed,Dunk?”

Dunklaughed,throwinganelbowinhissidelikethetypicaljockhewasmostofthetime.“Ijust

swungbytograbthekeytoyourshedsoIcanborrowyourchainsawtohelpmymamaout
tomorrow.”

Adenblinkedandgotouthiskeys,pullingofftheonefortheshed.HehandeditovertoDunk,who

tookitbutignoredAdentopullbothgirlsinforabigbearhug.“Goodtoseeyouagain.Areyou
stayingfortheFourth?”Whentheynodded,hewinkedandclappedAdenontheback.“Night,y’all.”
Andthenhewasgone,joggingoffdownthedirtpaththatcutfromWildHartstotheRiveaus’house,
wherejustAdenandLedalivednow.

Adenblinkedagain,turningbacktowardsthetwogirls,whowerewatchinghimexpectantly.He

hopedlikehelltheyweren’twaitingforanykindofhugfromhim,becauseitwasn’tgoingtohappen.
“Uh,canItakey’allinside.Ifyou’rereadytogoinside.”

“Whatagentleman,”Marie’scousingiggledinasaccharinetone.

Whileheattemptedtosmilethroughgrittedteeth—he’dhadenoughgigglingfortonight,and

Gingerhadusedthattone—heledthemtothefrontdoors.

“Well...”thegirlsaid,lettingithang.
AdencastanalmostdesperatelookatMarie.
“C’mon,”Mariecajoled,dragginghercousinaroundtowardsthedancefloor.
Adenbegantomakehiswaytothebar,muttering,“Night.”
Whenheduckedunderthebarfromtherestaurantfloor,hisbartenderlookedover.“Wheredid

youcomefrom?”heaskedashereorganizedsomeoftheliquorbottles.

Sighing,Adenshookhishead.“Plaguedbywomentoday,”hemuttered.
“Howterrible,”hedeadpanned.
“Onlythingthatcouldmakeitworsewouldbe—”
“Aden!”Ledayelled.
“Aaaaandthereitis,”Adengrumbled.
Ledascrambledbehindthebarandgrabbedhisarm,haulinghimbodilyrightbackthroughthe

swingingdoor.Hecould’vestoppedherortakenhisarmback,butwhenshehadthatlookonher
face,itwaseasiertofightwithsarcasminsteadofbrawn.“Whatisitwithpeoplestrongarmingother
peopletoday?”hegruntedashisfirstshotacrossthebow.Ledashothimaneloquentlook,butdidn’t
stopmoving.“It’salmostlastcall,Leda.Ican’tbemessingaroundbackhere.Nowthere’sonlyone
guyaloneupthere.”

Heshookoffhergriponceshe’dgottenhimintothetinyofficewhereshedidthebooksandthey

workedoninventory,theancientdesktopdustyinthefluorescentlight.

“I’mgoingtokillthat-thatnitwitLuciusCavillandhisnitwitband!”
Adenclosedhiseyesforasecondandkindofwishedhe’dcalledoutsicktoday.
Notthathe’devercalledoutunlesshewashalfwaytodying.
“Hedidn’telectrocuteanyoneagain,didhe?”heasked,graspingforpatience.
“No,heaskedmeout!”Ledayelled.
NotpronetodramaticslikeLedaorhisparents,Adengroanedloudlyanyway,longpasttheendof

histether.“NormallyIwouldbesohappytohearallabouthowthat’sabadthing,”hesniped
sarcastically,“butit’slastcallinfiveminutes.”Heshookhiswrist,hiswatchmakingafaintnoiseas
thelinksscrapedtogether.“Didhesexuallyharassyou?Becausethatistheonlythingthat’sgonna
keepmehereformorethantwoseconds.”

Shescowled,likehisexceptchildish,withherlowerlipstuckout.“Ifhehaddonesomething,you

would’veheardhisscreamsofpain,”shesnapped,ninetypercentalie.

“Okay,thencanIgetbacktowork?”
“Don’ttreatmelikeI’mthehiredhelp,”sheyelled,pointingafingerathim.“Don’tyouusethat

condescendingtoneyouuseondumbgirlsandbrainlessboys.Justbecauseyou’vebeenamanager
herelongerthanme,itdoesn’tmeanyou’remyboss!”

OnceLedagotonaroll,shecouldgoonforhours,andAdenreallydidhavetogetbackoutthere

tohelpwithlastcall,whichwashappeningatthatverysecond.Thelasttimehe’ddismissedheroutof
handandstraightupwalkedaway,she’dfollowedhimrightbehindthebarandyelledathiminfront
ofthewholerestaurant.Shewasshamelessandfocusedandshehadn’tgivenadamnthateveryone
heard,butAdendid.

“We’rebothbosses,buttonightI’malsooneoftwobartenders,Leda,”hepointedout,drawingon

theverydregsofhisprettydamndeepwellofpatiencetostayeven-toned.“Andyouwouldfirea
serverwhodisappearedoffthefloor.Ican’tabandonthebar.”

Sheclenchedherjawsohardthatitactuallyaudiblypopped.
“Fine,”shegrittedout,thenstormedoff.

“Fuckme,”hemumbledashehurriedbackbehindthebar.
Ifhisbartenderhadbeenlessexperienced,oranylesseven-keeled,itwould’vebeenabloodbath

outthere.Asitwas,Adencrackedhisknucklesandwadedrightin,pouringfinaldrinksandclosing
outtabs,keepingtothenorthhalfofthebarsothatheandtheotherbartenderwouldn’tslamintoeach
otherastheyworkedquickly.

Itlastedasolidthirtyminutes,andthentheyhadtohandlethecustomerswhowerebeingpropped

upbythebar,callingtheonlytaxidriverwithavan,whowouldherdthemupanddropthemoffone
atatime.Ledawasyellingattheband,butthestereomostlydulledtheedgeonituntilshekicked
themoutwithoutthefreebeerstheywereowed.Adenletitgo,makingamentalnotetogeteachof
themaroundthenexttimetheywerein.FinallythelastofthecustomersweregoneandLedalocked
thefrontdoorsandsomeonechangedthemusictosomeawfullate-nightremixtypecrap.Leda
claimedithelpedeveryonepowerthroughthelaundrylistofthingstheydidafterclose.

Whiletheotherbartendercountedthedrawers,Adentippedouteveryonewhowasdueacutofthe

bar ’stippool.TonightLedagottheshiftbeersforthestaff,whosprawledoutonthesmallstagearea
liketheydideverynight,complainingandmakingfunofeachother.Adenwasn’tgenerallyapartof
that,double-checkingeverythingwasdoneinstead.

Itwasalmosttwo-thirtya.m.bythetimeheandLedawalkedthedirtpathbetweenWildHartsand

theirhouse.Ledawasalwayswiredandshejabberedawayathim,offthenitwitLuciusCavillandon
tosomeone’sterriblebeardorsomething.Heneverreallylistenedtothewords,butforsomereason,
hefoundthemanicenergyofitcomforting.He’dhearditsinceshelearnedtotalkandhe’dmissedit
forthefiveyearsshelivedinNashville,althoughhewouldrathermakeapublicspeechfromthe
heartthanadmitit.

Oncetheywereintheirownkitchen,Ledareachedupforabagofpotatochips.
Adentoedoffhisshoesandgrunted,“Goingtocrash.”HeleftasLedamangledagoodnight

throughhermassivemouthfulofchipsandpaddedonachingfeettohisroom.

Sixyearsago,hisparentshadretiredwithoutwarning,takingoffintheirRVforOregon,ofall

places.IthadtakenAdenayearbeforehebelievedthatitwasn’tawhimtheyweregoingtotakeback
andthenhe’dmovedoutofhischildhoodbedroomintothesunroomthathadbeenaddedonbyhis
grandmother.Ithadtwodoors,oneintothebathroomnexttothelivingroomandoneintothelaundry
roomoffthekitchen.Whenhe’dbeenlivingherealone,heclosedupthesecondstoryandthemaster
bedroomonthegroundfloor.WhenLedahadmovedback,livinginthesunroomhadmadeiteasier
tohaveabufferbetweenthemsothattheycouldhaveprivacywhentheywanted.

Sohedidn’thavetoworryaboutbotheringher,whethershewasawakeandeatingpotatochipsin

thelivingroomornot,whenheshuthisdoorandturnedontheFooFighters.Hecursedabunchashe
exhaledtiredlyandstrippeddowntohisbriefs,stretchedouthisback,shouldersandcalves,andfired
uphisXbox.

Becausehewenttobedatfourandwokeupatnoon,eveninthespringwhenhecoachedvarsity

baseballatthehighschool,hecouldn’treallyhangoutwithfriendsonworknights.Soheswitchedit
upbetweenplayingvideogamesonlineandwatchingthesportsgamesandtvshowsherecorded.It
madeforaweirdsortoflife.

But,hethoughtashesatinhisreclinerandkickedupthefootrest,headsetalreadyonandunmuted,

itwasmuchbetternowthathe’dbrokenupwithGingerforgood.

“Fuck!”heexclaimedasheviciouslymurderedtheenemies,channelinghisangeroverthatwhole

goddamnedmessintoHalo.“Getyourdamngunup,kid,”hebarkedatoneoftheotherplayers.“I’m
notdyingcauseyoucan’tholdyourendup!”

Asheplayed,cursingandinsultingandkillingandgettingkilledinthegame,theeverydaystresses

fromWildHarts,theongoingmessofhisbreakupwithGingeraftermorethantenyearsofon-

again/off-againinsanity,andanybigger,unnamedstressmuted.Heconcentratedonthegame,
pumpingoutexcessenergyandfrustrationintosomethingharmlessuntilhewastired.Hegotinto
bed,knowingthathewouldwakeupatnoon,runandworkout,getready,andgointoWildHarts,
startingthecycleover.

CHAPTERFOUR

Chase

Earlythenextmorning,Chasewokeupinvigorated;lastnight,she’dhadfunandhadhadgood

conversationwithtwopeopleshehadn’tknownatthestartoftheday.

Still,onceshe’dgottenreadyandgonedownstairs,shefeltshyapproachingJesseatherfrontdesk

becausetoday,shehadtotalktoJesseasaguesttoaninnmanager.Thiswasmucheasier,she
reasoned,athostels,wherethestaffweretypicallybackpackerswhoworkedinexchangeforafree
bedandsomefood.Thentheirrolesdidn’tchangefrommorningtonight,frombeingondutyatthe
desktooutwithothertravelersatnight.

“Goodmorning,”shesettledonfinally.
“Morning,Ms.Cade,”Jessesaidformally.
RelievedthatJesseseemedalittleawkwardtoo,Chasesaidalittlenervously,“I’mtakingyour

adviceandgoingtothebeach.IsitanicewalkordoIhavetodrive?”

“It’saprettylongwalk.ButIhaveafewbikesIlendout.Wantone?”
“Perfect,”Chasegushed,sortofskippingalongwithJessebackthroughthediningroomandout

thesidedoor,acrossthefreshly-mownlawntothecarriagehouse.Jessepulledoutabigsetofkeys
andopenedthepadlock,shovingthedooropenwithagruntasitsrustyhingesprotested.Shemoved
insideandreturnedasecondlaterwithabubblegumpinkbikewithgarishyellowdaisydecals.“Oh,
it’ssoadorable,”shecried.

Smilingslightly,Jesseansweredwithsomeofthewarmthshe’dshownlastnight,“Ifiguredyou’d

likethisone.Togettothebeach,IliketogosouthonApple,thencuteastonMain.Therearealotof
coolfarmsandstufftopass,andit’slesstimeonthehighway.”

Noddingenthusiastically,Chasegotonthebikeandpedaledafewtimes,thenstoppedandtookoff

hersandals,shovingtheminthemeshsidepocketsofhergrungy,well-lovedbackpack.“Thisis
great.I’llseeyoulater,okay?Haveagoodday,”shecalledasshepedaledoff,swervingacrossthe
graveloftheparkinglot,gigglingmadly.

Behindher,Jesselaughed,certainlyatthesightshemustmake,thelovelysoundcheeringChaseon

assheturnedontoAppleRoad.She’dbeenpayingattentiontothechanginglotsizesandhousesas
shedroveinyesterday,soshemostlydaydreamedasshepedaledslowlyupanddownthebarely
noticeablehills,untilsomethingcaughthereye.

Withaloud,almostpainfulgasp,sheskiddedtoastopandjumpedfreeofthebikeassheletitfall,

scramblingupanembankmenttostareinaweatthebuilding.

Itwasanincrediblestructure,afantastical,outrageouslysexyrenditionofagreenhousewitha

metalplateacrossthefrontdoorsthathadbeenstampedwithawonderfullymasculinefont.Houston

Architecture&ConstructionCompany-Dreamingfromtheinsideout.Themetalgirdersthatshaped
theexteriorwerefireengineredalongwiththetall,double-widefrontdoors,withtheglasstempered
somehowsothatitwasopaque,makingwhateverwasinsidenothingmorethanmysteriousshadows.

Shetookoutherhigh-qualitycamera,turningitonandsnappingseveralcarefulphotographs

beforesheletherarmsfalltohersides.Shestaredforafewmoreminutesinsilence,shakingher
headwhileshemarveled.MaybeAdenhadbeensurlybutnotentirelywrongwhenhesaidMaybelle
didn’tneedanyoneelse’shelp.Thisbuildingsignifiedpeoplewhowerehighlyskilled,aswellas
peoplewhohadenviableimaginations.Peoplelikethat,shedetermined,wouldn’tliveinan
unexceptionaltown;theremustbeagreatdealmoretoMaybellethanshemightalreadysuspect.

Theideakeptherpreoccupiedassheresumedherbikeride,untilshesawthesalonshe’dpausedat

yesterday.Sheheardlaughtercomingoutofitsopendoorsagain,andbeforeshe’dconsciously
decided,shelockedthebikeuptoatreeandputonhersandals.

Apregnantteenagerwaswritinginanotebookbehindthedeskwhenshewalkedin.
“Hi,there,”shesaidwhenthegirllookedupwithastart.
“Excuseme,”thegirlapologized,“Iwascaughtup...HowcanIhelpyou?”
“I’mindesperateneedofahaircut,”Chasetoldher.“Isanybodyfree?”
Liketheoldlady,theteenager ’seyesrandownChase'sclothes.“We’rebookedup,butthere’sa

greatspaattheresort.Icouldcalltoseeiftheyhaveanopeningtoday.”

“Waitaminute,now,”oneofthestylistssaid,leavinghercustomerunderoneoftheheatlamps.

Shewasinhermid-forties,awomanwhohadoncebeeneffortlesslyprettyandwasworkingtohang
ontoitnow.Onceshejoinedthem,sherockedontoonelegsothatshecouldseethebackofChase's
head.“Mynextappointmentcanceled,butIforgottocrossitout.Itwouldbetwenty-sixforthecut,
andI'mfreeinaboutfifteenminutes.”

“Thatwouldbefantastic.”Chasesighedinbliss.“I'lltrytowaitpatiently.”
Shegrinnedandthestylistblinkedslowlyandmurmured,“Wellnow.”
ChasetookoneofthechairsagainstthewindowandflippedidlythroughanInStyle.Shewondered

whattheteenager ’sstorywas,eventhoughitwasobviousthatshewashappyandwellcaredfor,and
thoughtshewasluckytohavethesalonsupportingher.

“Ma’am?”theteenagersaid,leveringupoffherstool.SheledChasetoasink,tyingonanextra-

largeapronwhileChasesatagainandlaidherheadback.“Yourhairhassuchagoodcolor,”shesaid
asshesprayeditwithwarmwater,thenworkedinaromaticshampoogently.“Isitnaturallythis
blonde?I'mnotgoodenoughyettoknow.”

“Thankyou,”Chasesaid.“It’smycolor.Ilikethewaythisconditionersmells.”
“It'sacitrusblend,”theteenagerrepliedinatonethatsuggestedsheknewthescentwasagood

thing,butdidn’tknowwhyexactly.“It'sgreatforhairthat’salittledry.”

ThestylistenteredChase'sfieldofvisionandadmonisheddryly,“Wedon'tsayitlikethatusually.”

Flushing,theteenagerfinishedwringingoutChase'shairandwrappeditinatowel.“Comeonover
here,”thestylistwenton.“Bytheway,I'mEsme,honey.”

“I'mChaseCade,”sheanswered,thenskimmedthesnapshotsandkids’drawingsthatframedthe

mirrorandsawthestylist’snameplatereadEsmeHoney.Amusedbyherself—she’dthoughtthestylist
wascallingherhoney—sheasked,“Isthisyoursalon?”

ShesmiledinsimplepleasureasEsmeusedthefootpumptoraiseherhigher.
“Itis,”EsmeconfirmedasshecombedoutChase’ssoftlywavinghair,thentousledthewhole

blondemass.“Itwasmyaunt'soriginally,butherhandsstoppedworkingquiteaswellastheyneeded
to,soItookover—damn,I'mnotevengoingtosayhowlongago,”shelaughed.Thenshefluttered
herfingersaroundChase’sheadandevaluated,“Iwanttotakeoffafewinches,addalittlelayerand
somelongerbangs.How’sthatsound?”

ChasenoddedandEsmewenttowork,quietwithconcentration.
Afterabit,Chaserealizedthatthesalonwasmuchquieterthanithadbeen.Itonlytookaglanceto

realizethatshewasthelonetourist,anditmadeherguiltyshe’dintruded.Butsheletgoofthefeeling
andsaid,suretheotherscouldhear,“Ijustgotintotownforaweek.Mybestfriendrecommendedit
tome.I’mlookingforwardtomystay.”

“It'sawonderfulplace,”Esmedeclared,loyalandproud.“You'rehereforavacation?”
“Yeah,”shesaid.“Ihaveablogtoo,”sheadded,becauseshelikerepayingfriendlinesswithfull

disclosure.Esme’sscissorsstoppedinconcern,soshehurriedtoexplain,“It’sreallyjusttosharemy
travelexperienceswithmyfamilyandfriends.Ineverreviewplaces.TheclosestIgettoreviewsis
that,sometimes,mylastdaysomeplace,Isplurgeonwhatever ’ssupposedtobeoverpricedbuttotally
worthit.”

EveryonewentupingalesoflaughteratChase’sunapologeticrelish.
“Maybeyouladieswouldliketohelpme,”sheadded,emboldenedbytheirlaughter.“Whatshould

Idoandeatandsee?WhatshouldIskip,evenifmaybetheguidebookssayIshouldcheckthemout?”

Allofthemhummed.
“It'snotthatflashy,butthepublicbeachreallyisverynice,”Esmesaid.“And,tobehonest,”she

continued,loweringthepitchofhervoicealittlebutnotthevolume,winking,“I'dskiptheShore
House.It'sthediningroomintheOrangeRoseBedandBreakfast.Maybelle'swebsiteandsome
guidescallitstatelyandrefined.Butit's...stuffy.”

Oneoftheothercustomerssniffedloudly.“Theowner ’shighandmighty;don'tknowhowanyone

caneatthereandnotfeeljudged.AsifanyonewouldcarewhatMarthaShorethinks.”

Chase’seyestwinkled,rememberingJessetellingherabouttheRiveausandtheShores.“Iheard

aboutthat.HowdoyoufeelabouttheRiveaus?”sheasked.

Oneoftheotherstylistsputin,“They’renottoowild,they’rejustfun.”
“AdenRiveau,theoldestRiveaukidwhorunsWildHartsnow,istheblacksheepbecausehe's

normal,”someoneelseexplainedwithanindulgentsmile.

“DunkMcCoyisdefinitelynotnormal,andhe'sAden’sbestfriend,”Esmedenied.
Theteenagersighedgustilyandmumbled,“He'ssexy.”
Esmeusedhersqueezebottletomisttheteenagerwithwater.“DunkistroublewithacapitalT,”

sheretorted,butthenherexpressiongentled.“Buthe'sagoodboy.Wedon'thavemanybadapples.”
Sheputdownthesqueezebottleandturnedonthediffuser,endingtheconversation.“Allright,now.
Takealook,darlin’,”Esmetoldherawhilelater.

ChasefollowedEsme'sordersandskimmedonefingeralongtheendsofherhair.Noddingwith

satisfaction,sheannounced,“It'sperfect,Esme.Thanksalot.”

“Good,”Esmesaid,helpingChaseoffthechair.
ChaseheldoutherhanduntilEsmeshookit,smilingcrookedlyattheformality.
Shepaidandthenputdownsomemorecash.“Thisisforyou.”Hereyesenormous,theteenager

shovedthefifty-dollarbillintoherbackpack.Chaseleanedalittlecloserandmurmured,“Buy
somethingadorableforthatbabyforme,okay,sweetheart?”

Softly,theteenagerwhispered,“Ipromise.Thankyou.”
Asifnothingserioushadhappened,Chasestrolledout,swingingherarms.
ShehoppedonherbikeandstartedtoflydownMainStreettowardsthepublicbeach,enjoyingthe

feelofherfreshlycuthairasitrippledinthelightwindandwasgladthatthetemperaturehere,inthe
highseventies,meantthatshecouldleaveitdown.

Onlyafewminuteslater,shecoastedtoastopbesideabikerackatthelargeparkthatflankedthe

beach.Areallywide,whitesidewalkcoveredtheseamwherethegreenoftheparkmetthesandofthe
beach,andbeyondthat,thebeachwasstrungbetweentwopiers,oneforjetski,canoe,andinnertube

rentalsandoneforfishing.Anenormousfloatingdockwasroughlybetweenthem,connectedby
ropeandbuoystooutlinetheswimmingareaandkeepthewatercraftsout.Itwasonelifeguard
whistleawayfrompuremayhem.

Itwasperfect,andshegrinnedasshesankintothesand’shot,drygrains.
Peoplewereontowelsorlowchairs,someunderumbrellas,andscatteredamongthemwere

picnicbaskets,coolers,sandals,floaties,garbagecans,lifeguardtowers,shovelsandsandcastles,
portablemusicplayersandconcessioncarts.Inthewater,peopleweredoinglapsinthedeeperpart,
jumpingoffthefloatingdock,andcavortingintheshallows.Theywereoninflatableraftsandinner
tubes,kidswereinfloatiesorbeingcarried,andsprayfromwaterguns,frisbeesandbeachballs
arcedovertheirheads.

Inaplacelikethis,therewasn’tafoolproofwaytotellwhowerelocals,tourists,orout-of-

townersvisitinglocals,andChaselovedit.Shecarefullysurveyedeveryone,thendecidedtosettle
nearoldladiessointimidating,therewasaringofemptysandbetweenthemandeveryoneelse.They,
ofcourse,tooknonoticeofherwhileshesetuphertowelandnibbledonthefruitshe’dpacked.They
werecomplainingaboutthenoiselevel,thesluttyswimsuits,thedisrespectfulteenagers,andthe
pricesoftheconcessions.

Refusingtolettheirpettinessspoilhermood,shetippedherheaduptothesunandbreathed

deeply.Shestayedlikethatuntilshenoticedagroupofboyswhoinchedinadvertentlycloserand
closertotheoldladieswitheverytossofafrisbee.Shewasabouttowarnthemoffwhenoneboy
exuberantlythrewthefrisbeeandanotherleaptvaliantly,butcouldn’tgrabit.Thefrisbeesailed
ominouslytolandwithathunkamongtheoldladiesastheboysstumbledtostandstills,afraidto
ventureovertoretrieveit.

“Youngmen,”oneoftheoldladiescalled,hervoicepiercing,“arey’allblind?”
Theboyscollectivelywinced,shrinkinginonthemselves,nonebraveenoughtoreply.
Butthen,amanjoggedintothevipers’den,droppingintoaneasycrouchtoscoopupthefrisbee.

“Ladies,”heofferedblithely,grinningcheekily.“Howarey’alldoingtoday?”

Theoldladieswerestrong,butthemanwasanout-and-outrogue,andonecavedandtut-tutted

almostgirlishly,“Teachthemhowtothrow,aimandcatchproper,now.”

“Yes,ma’am,”heagreed.Hestrodeovertotheboys,slinginganarmaroundoneandslippinghim

thefrisbeewheretheoldladiescouldn'tsee.Hehungaround,shootingthebreeze,andChase
wonderediftheykneweachother,orifhewasjustbeinganiceguyandsavingthemfromtheold
ladies'wrath.Feelingmorelikeananthropologistthanatourist,sheshookherheadandwentbackto
herfruitandherbook.

Thenachairdroppedintothesandnexttoherheadandshejerkedherheadup.
Allshecouldseewasanabstractpaintingforasecond,swathesofskinandswimtrunksblurred,

beforetheboys’rescuerfoldedintothechairanddrawled,“Hithere.”Heslouchedlow,the
ubiquitousballcapshadinghisoutdoorsman'sface.“WouldyoulikeaPopsicle?”heasked,offering
onewithagrinhe'dprobablyperfectedyearsago.

“No,thanks,”shesaid,wonderingwhathe'ddonext.Menlikethismightallseemidentical—

handsome,cocky,stupid,andultimatelyboring—butsometimestheyweren't,soshedidn’tshoohim
offimmediately.Instead,shesmoothedthecoverofherbookshut.

Heheldoutonehandandoffered,“I’mDunkMcCoy.”
Hehadagoodgrip,firmbutsolicitous,andhishanddidn'tlinger,agoodsignthathewasmore

thananempty-headedjock,soshereplied,“Nicetomeetyou.I’mChase.”

Smilingagain,thisonelesspracticedandmorecheek-warmingforit,thoughhewastoosmooth

forhertastes,heunwrappedaPopsicle.“Iknowwhoyouare.Jesse’soneofmyclosestfriends.I
snuckintotheinn’skitchenforsomeofthebestbaconandeggsinthestatethismorning,heardall

aboutyou.”Impressedanewatsmalltowngrapevines,ChasenoddedasDunkrambledon,asking,
“What'sChaseshortfor,sweetheart?”

She’dhadagreattimewithJesseandLeda,soeventhoughitseemedoutlandishthataguylikethis

wasbestfriendswithsomeonelikeJesse,shetookariskandansweredgamely,“It'sanickname.My
name’sreallyCharlotte.ThestoryofhowIgotthenicknameisn’tthatexciting,butIloveitnow.
WhataboutDunk,isitanicknameorshortforsomething?”

“Both,”hesaid,startingtoeatthePopsiclewithoutbeingsuggestive,surprisingly.“Myname’s

DuncanandIplayedalittleball,soit’sanicknamethat’salsoareallybadpuntoo.Prettydamned
convenient,actually,nowthatI’mthinkingaboutit.”

Becausethereweren’tanyexpectationsinhiseyes,sherelaxedandsmiledbackathim.Shecocked

aneyebrowandobserved,“Youlooklikeyoustillplayalittleball.”

“You'reright,”heagreed.
“Doyouknowthoseboys,”shebeganasshechangedhermindandsnaggedoneofthePopsicles

outofhiscoolerattheirfeet,“orwereyoujustrunninginterference?”

“Iknowmostofthemfromschool.”
Shecouldn’thelpbutlaughasshereplied,“Letmeguess,you'rethecoach.”
“Onlyfootball.He’sthebaseballcoach.”
Hepointed,andChasesawAdenRiveauleaningagainstoneofthepiersasthoughhewerewaiting

forsomeone.Sheswalloweddrylyattheexcellentshapeofhisbody,whichwasemphasizedbyhis
short-sleevedstripedshirtandchinos.HedrewherattentionasawomaninawayDunk’shalf-
nakednessdefinitelydidn’t,anditunnervedher.

ShesnappedherattentionawayfromhimandbacktoDunk.
Asstealthilyasshe’deversnipedsomeoneduringlegalnegotiations,shesaidcasually,“Ididn’t

knowthat.ImethimlastnightatWildHartswhileIwaswithJesse...butI’msureyoualreadyknow
that.”

“He'snotthemosttalkativeguy.”Againstherbrain’swishes,hereyesdriftedbacktoAden,who

wastalkingtoaredheadinalooseredmaxidress.“Damn,notagain,”Dunkmuttered,andshetore
hereyesoffAdentoseethatDunkhadfollowedherlineofsight.

“Notagain?”sheparrotted,sensingagoodstory,alittlebitmorecuriousthanusual.
“Oh.”Heflushed,thendelayedhisresponsebyeatingthelastmeltingchunkofPopsicleoffthe

stick.“That’sAden’sex,GingerCartman.I’m...notreallyabigfan.”

Adenhadadark,broodinglookonhisface,hisexpressiondistinctlylackingthesour,cynicalcast

ithadhadlastnight,completelyatoddswithherassessmentofhim.Butitmadehimlookstrongand
yetsofter,apotentcombinationforher,soshedeliberatelylightenedthemood.“Isn’tthebestwayto
getoversomeonetofindsomeonenew?”

“That’swhatIalwayssay,”heagreed,thenjumpedtohisfeetandbellowed,“Aden!”Adendidn’t

jumpinsurprise,hejustjerkedhisheadaroundandthenpickedhiswayacrossthesand.“Hey,
buddy,”hesaid,slappingAden’sarmwithaloudcrack.“YouwantaPopsicle?Isharedonewith
Chase,realnameCharlotte,butshetookthelemonanyway.”

“Youdon’tlikelemonPopsicles?”sheasked,smirkingalittle.
“They’renotrefreshing,”Adenmutteredashesanktohisheelstostudytheflavorsseriously.
“Soyou’regoingwithaFirecracker,”Chasenarratedasheunwrappeditandstoodupagain,his

thighsstrainingtoday’schinosandmakinghermouthdryagain.Hisbrowsraised,disappearing
underthebrimofhishatandDunksnortedwithlaughter.“APopsiclewhoseflavorisa
refreshing...blue?”sheclarified,unabletohelpitbecauseshesworetherewassomethingalmostlike
anunconsciouschallengeinhisgaze.

“Yeah,”hesaidsimply.

“Hetriedtoconvinceourfootballteamjunioryearthatcottoncandyisbetterthanfunnelcakeat

thestatefair,”Dunkofferedwithascoff.“Histastesareweird.”

“Saystheguywholikesblacklicorice,”Adenprotestedwithascowl.
“Onetime,”Dunkretortedheatedly,butthenhiscellchimed.Helookedatthealertandwinced.“It

wasrealnicetomeetyou,Chase,butIgottogo.Later,Aden.”

Withalastsmileandawave,heleftwithhischairandcooler.
ChaseandAdenstayedwheretheywere,ChaseonhertowelandAdenstillstanding,forsome

reason,withhalfofhisPopsicleleft.Shecouldn’trunhimoffwhilehewaseating,sosheglanced
aroundforinspirationandthenasked,“Sowhat’swiththemeanoldladies?Afrisbeelandednear
thembyaccidentandDunkranovertogetit,protectingsometeenagersfromthem.”

Adenscratchedthesideofhisneckandtrackedwhereshewaslooking.“They’re...stereotypes,

you’dsay.Alittletooconservative,prettyuncharitable.”Heshruggedfatalisticallyandadded,“But
they’readyingbreed.Youcan’tbeapushy,sexist,racist,classistinacountythat'sflourishingfrom
tourism.Really,livinganddyingbyit.”

“Hmm.Who'stheirringleader?”
“MarthaShore,”hetoldher,hisjawtickinginadisplayofdispleasureasChaserealizedshe

should’veguessedthat.Hisfreehandmadeanabortedmovement,andthenheseemedtocometoa
decisionandsatdownonthesandnexttohertowel.“Shedoesn’tleavetheOrangeRosemuch,unless
it’sforchurchortojointhoseoldladiesforgardeningclubstuff.”

Chasewantedtoaskafewfollow-upquestions.
“That’stheonlyreasonwhyDunksharedoneofhispreciousPopsicleswithyou,”Adenwenton.

Shewassurprisedthathewasvolunteeringanythinguntilheexplained,“Becausenowtheythinkhe
gotthefrisbeebecausehewascomingovertotalktoyou,nothelpingtheboysoutsotheywouldn’t
getyelledat.Nowthey’renotsuspicious.”

ShesuckedinanoffendedbreathattheimplicationthattherewasnowayDunkwould’vesaidhello

toherfornoreason.

AdenfrozeinthemiddleoftuggingthelastchunkofPopsicleoffthestickintohismouth.Itfellin

anyway,andhemadeastranglednoiseandswore,“Shit,that’scold.”

“That’sexactlywhatIwasgoingtosaytoyou,”sheretorted,usingheroldlawyervoice,snappish

andcold,becauseshe’dbeenunpreparedtofeelthestingfromAden’sobviouslyunintentionalinsult.

“I...itwasprobablyaconvenientexcuseforDunkanyway,tocomeovertotalktoyou,”he

muttered,anditalmostsoundedlikeanapology.“Uh,Ihavestufftodo,so...”

Shegrittedherteethwhilehegotupandleft,anddecidedtogointothelaketocooloff,sincethe

waterlookedinviting,ripplesflashinglikefishscalesinsunlight.

Aftershepackedupherthings,sheputeverythingbutabookandsomecashintooneofthe

lockersnexttotheconcessionstand.Sheusedthecashtorentaninnertubeandcarriedittothe
shallows,sittingcarefullysothatherbuttwassubmergedandherkneesandneckweredrapedover
thetube.Gently,shekickedintodeeperwater,andsoonshewasinaquietpatch,determinately
readingCatch-22untilheremotionscalmeddown.

Soonenough,herskinwasdryingout,butshewassorelaxedthatshecouldn'tbringherselftogo

allthewaybacktoapplymoresunscreen.Herhairwastrailinginthewateralongwithherbuttasshe
drifted,onlykickingifshegotclosetootherswimmers.

“Princesses,goaroundthenicelady!”
Chaseraisedhereyesfromthebookandfoundthatshewassurroundedbytwoteenagedboys

andaflotillaoftinygirlswithfloatiesontheirarms.“Well,hithere,princesses.”Thelittlegirls
giggled,somesighingenviouslyatherfun,yellowone-piecewithgiantladybugs.“Whatawesome
floaties,”sheannounced,beamingatthelittlegirls,whobeamedrightback.“IfIweren’tonthisinner

tube,I’dsinklikearock!”sheconfided.

Already,immediatelyloyal,thelittlegirlsshooktheirheadsvigorouslyindenial.
Surreptitiouslysheheldherbookouttooneoftheteenagers,waggingituntilhegrabbedit.Then

sheflungherselfoffherinnertubetothebottomofthelake,onlyaboutfourfeetdown.Shewaiteda
fewseconds,thenlaunchedintotheairandsmackeddownonherback.

Thelittlegirlsshriekedandtheboystriedtosuppresslaughter.
“Don’tworry,she’sfloating,”oneoftheboyssaid.“Somedayyou’llbeable—gaaa!”hecried

whenChasesuddenlyflailed,splashingthem.Shestoodupandtickledthegirls’feetunderthewater
astheboygasped,“Thatwasn’tfunny—andyousplashedyourbook.”

“C’mon,princesses,let’spracticekickingawayfromtheniceladyshark,”theotherteenager

said,grinningandcarefullycorrallingthegirlsaway.

Sincethefirstboysoundedhorrifiedbythedestructionofherbook,shesaid,“I’vealreadyread

it,anditwasworthittogivetheprincessesalaugh,don’tyouthink?”

“We’rereadingitforsummerschool,”hetoldher.
“Wow,aswiminstructorandinsummerschool?Goodforyou,”shesaid,makingtheredheaded

boyflush.

“Ishouldgetback,”theteenagersaid,thendoveunderandswamawaytocatchup.
Chasewadedbacktothebeach,whereshereturnedherinnertubeandretrievedherbelongings,

andthenmadeherwaytoherbike.Shepulledonastretchywhitesundressandpedaledoffforthe
OrangeRoseBedandBreakfast,domainoftheuptightShores.

Assherode,shewonderedifEsme,JesseandDunk’sbiaswasonlytheresultofbeingfriends

withtheRiveaus.Afewblockslater,shefoundtheOrangeRose,itsarchitectureindistinguishable
fromtheotherhousesonthestreet.Butithadanairofsnobberyanddisdainthatgrewasshewentin
andfollowedthesigntoitsrestaurant,theShoreHouse.

Itwasalargediningroomwithsun-fadedfloralwallpaperthatsataboutfiftyroundsquaretables

withstarchedlinens.Awomaninalooseblouseandpleatedskirtgreetedher,intoning,“Areyou
joiningsomeoneorwaitingforyourparty,ma’am?”

“It’sjustme,”Chasesaid,smilingbecauseshetriedtogiveeveryoneafairshot.Butthewoman

gavehernothingbackbutablankfaceassheescortedChasetoatableandsuggestedshetrythesweet
tea.“Sure,thanks,”shesaidasthehostessshuffledoff.

Sheobservedtheotherdiners,retireesandpeoplewhohadprobablybeencharmedbytheideaof

aB&B,mostofwhomseemedliketheywishedthey’ddonesomethingelse.

Dispirited,Chaseorderedthecucumbersoupandthesole.Anolder,pinch-mouthedversionof

thehostess,whoChasededucedmustbeMarhaShore,deliveredhermealawhilelater.Shehadthe
airofsomeonewhohadorderedpeoplearoundforsolongthateveryonehadforgottenthatshehad
noauthority.ItwasconfirmedwhenMarthasaid,relishbeneaththestiffdecorum,“Inthefuture,
ma’am,wehaveadresscode.”

Formalityandhighstandardsmighthavetheirplaces,andChaseunderstooditcouldbehardto

shareyourworldwithtouristswhosawitasabreakfromreality.Butstill,shereplied,inacolder
tonethanshefeltcomfortableusingthesedays,“Yourhostessseatedmewithoutcomplaint,butI’ll
rememberthatifIweretodecidetocomeback.”

Marthamarchedmilitantlyaway.
Chaseatethefood,whichwasn’tthatbad,andsettledherbillrightaway,escapingnotforty-five

minutesaftershe’dbeenseated.Herflipflopsslappedloudlyonthebricksidewalkasshegottoher
bike,hoppedonandheadedforMaybelleSquare.

Heritineraryfortheafternoonwastovisitashortlistofbusinessesthere.Afterthe

disappointmentoflunch,shedecidedtostartwiththecounty’sartgallery,GildedSuperstitions,

somewherethatshouldcheerherup.Whenshewalkedin,shesighedasrefreshingairconditioning
buffetedhergently.Theinteriorwasspacious,separatedintothreeroomswithvaultedceilings,the
wallswhitetoshowofftheartworktogreatesteffect.Thereceptionareawasempty,dominatedbyan
incredibledeskthatlookedlikeitwasinspiredbyadraftingtable.

Wanderingaroundacornerintothefirstspace,shewalkedrightintosomeone.
Fallingback,shefounditwasMunn.“Ikeepdoingthat,startlingyou.SoI’mblindoryou’re

invisible,”shejokedasshehookedherthumbsthroughherbackpackstraps.

“Maybenotblind—”Munnbeganwithalaugh.
“Igottherightdrillbit,”someonesaid,andthenAdenpacedin,hisstridehitchingbrieflyashe

sawher.HandingthedrillbittoMunn,hesaid,“Oh.It’syouagain.”

Anunexpectedshiversliddownherspinewhenhiseyes,fullyvisiblebecausehewasn’twearing

ahat,methersdirectly.“It’sme,”sheagreed,andhadtolookaway.

Assoonashermindregisteredthepaintingsaroundthem,shewassuckedin.Enormous

canvases,probablytenbyfifteenfeeteach,werehungatdisjointedheights.Atfirstglancetheywere
allabstractworks,butwithpure,stunnedenjoyment,Chasediscoveredwildlydifferingsubjects:a
womanwithwindblownhair,awheelbarrowofwildflowers,aviolentsunset.Shegasped,pulled
closertothesunset.“ItlookslikeIceland!”

“Iwouldn’tknowaboutthat,”Adenhalf-muttered.
“Meeither,”Munnagreedindryamusement.“Ihavetorunandaskaquestion.”
Shesawhimleaveinherperiphery,butherfocuswassplitevenlybetweenAdenandthesunset

paintingwhoserightedgehewasblockingfromherview.

“Youseemtobeallovertheplace,”Chaseobserved.
Hecrossedhisarmsandanswered,“It’sasmallplace,andIhavethedayoff.FirstSaturdayina

while.SoIswungbytoseeMunn,whohelpsoutherepart-time.”

ChasethoughtthattherewasalotofinformationaboutAdenpackedintothosefewsentences,but

shewasn’tinthemoodtopushhimtorevealmoreabouthimself.Itwasforthebest;ifshewas
attractedtoaman—andshewasdefinitelyattractedtoAdenRiveau—thenthemoresheknewabout
him,themoreattractedshe’dbecome.

Instead,shereadtheplacardwiththeartist’snameandtheaskingpricesofhispieces.“Theartist

isfantastic,likehe’sbeenpaintingforathousandyears.”

“Hewouldprobablyappreciatethatcompliment,buthehardlyeverleavestheInstitute,”Aden

said,casuallyshowingoffhisextensiveknowledgeofhistownspeople.

“Institute?”sheechoedabsently,studyingtheswirlofbrushstrokesjustbehindtheedgeofAden’s

jaw.

“It’sathinktank.”Heshruggedphilosophicallyandmuttered,“Whateverthatis.”
“Haveyoulookedattherestoftheart?”sheasked,onceshe’dgottenenoughofpeeringatthese

paintingsforthetimebeing.

“No,”hesaidinasortofgrunt.
Butwhenshestartedtodriftintothenextroom,hecamealongsilently.
“Damn,”shebreathedinappreciation.
Shegrinnedatthelovelyblackandwhitephotographs.Eachframehadarowofphotographs

mountedinsidethatmadeacomicstripofsorts.Mostwerehilariousinsomeway,makingher
giggle,buttherewereafewthatwerebrilliantlypoignant,strikingchordsofremembranceand
sympathyforchildhood.Herfavoritewasofapreteengirlattemptingatrickonaskateboard,her
utterconcentrationgivingwaytopurejoy.

“Thephotographerusedtobeaphotojournalistandhedidtheseseriesasbirthdaypresents,”

Adenoffered.Eventhoughitwasn’treallypersonal,Chaselookedoverintentlywhilehespoke,

gettingasenseofhisloyaltytoMaybellethemorehespoke.“Oneoftheownershereatthegallery
railroadedhimintosellingherafewthings,thenafewmore.Beenprobablytenorfifteenyearsnow.
Theirsuccess,thegallery’sImean,isakeysellingpointforcomingtoMaybelle,especiallyforday
trippers,”heexplained.

“Fascinating.NowIhavetoseethelastroom,”shedeclared.
Shewent,andhedriftedalongsideher,intothelastroom.
“Thepotteryisthehighschoolartteacher ’s,”hesaid.
Cockingherheadtooneside,Chaseskimmedthejewelryandceramicbowlsandmugs.She

thoughtthiswasherleastfavoriteoftheartwork.Thepotterywasnice,goodtechniquelivenedupby
imperfections,butitwasnaivesomehow;andthejewelrywastoodramaticforher,heavyandloud.

Whenshelookedoverathim,hewasn’tstudyingtheart,buther.
Althoughitbroughtasortofitchyfeelingjustunderherskin,shewantedtorepaywhathe’d

shared,somethingpersonalbutnotpersonal.

“I’mtravelingrightnow,”shesaid,“Ihavebeenforhalfayear.Iusuallyvisitmuseumsand

churches,thosekindsofplaces.”Sheshruggedself-consciouslyandaddedwithawrysmile,“I'm
interestedinpeopleandthekindsofarttheymakeandputondisplay.Itsayssomething.”

“Whatdoesthisgallerysayaboutitsowners,theartists,allofuswholivehere?”Adenasked,and

hisvoicewaslikeithadbeenlastnight,almostdefensive.

“Well,”shestumbled,feelingputonthespot,eventhoughshe’dopenedupthislineof

questioning.“Thesepaintings,they…theyhitmemercilesslywithemotions,”shesaid,andwantedto
winceathowpretentiousitmadehersound,“coercingmeintofeelingwhattheartistdidabouteach
ofthesubjects.”Hestaredatherandshehadnoideawhathewasthinkingatall,soshesaidevasively,
“IshouldletyougetbacktohangingoutwithMunn.”

Withagruntandthefaintestnod,heturnedandstrodeoff.
Shegroanedsoftlyassheleftthegallery.
Uncomfortablewithherownstateofmind,shebikedtotheforestpreserveonthenorthern

borderofthecounty,insteadofthepubliclibrarylikeshe’dplanned.Sickofthesmall,hardseat
underherbigbuttandwindedbythetimeshereachedit,shedecidedtowalktheshortestloopoftrail.
Apartofhernotedthewell-maintainedtrailsandsporadicmeadowsoff-trailinthewoods,where
peoplelettheirdogsrun.

Buttherestofhermindcontinuedtobepreoccupiedbythosepaintings.
Thelongershethoughtaboutthem,themoreshewasconvincedtheycouldfitinatsome

museumsandbig-citygalleries.Shewasn’tanartexpert,ofcourse,butitseemedmysteriousthatat
leastoneartistofthatcaliberwouldchoosetoshowinasmall-towngallery.Itonlyaddedtothe
conclusionshe’dcometothatmorning,whenshe’dseentheastoundingarchitecturefirm,that
Maybellewasmuchmorethanitshouldbe.

Insteadofbeingpleasedthatshe’duncoveredahiddengem,orsomeothertravelcliche,shewas

annoyedthatMaybellewasn’tjustanordinarytouristytownslatheredincharm.Butsincethe
annoyanceconfusedher,shedecidedthatshewascrankyfromherunpleasantlunchandthatitch-
under-the-skinmoodfromthepaintingsthemselves.

Soshestayedattheforestpreserve,hopingthequietnaturewouldsootheher.

CHAPTERFIVE

Aden

Adenthrewthesmallfishbackintothelakeandsquintedupatthesky.
“It’sgoingtopour,”Jessepredictedfromherchairbesidehim.
Hetrustedafarmer ’sdaughteronthat,sohecomplainedmildly,“Ijustgothere.”
“Wehavesometime,”shereassuredhim,justasmildly.
Hegruntedandtheykeptfishing.
TherewasnoneedforsmalltalkwithJesse,unlikewithChaseCadeatthegalleryanhourago.

Hisfacetwitchedashethoughtaboutit.Usuallyhewassouselessatsmalltalkandnotjustbecausehe
thoughtitwasuselessingeneral,buthe’dfeltflattered,orsomething,withhowmuchshe’dloved
thosepaintings.Asifshewerereallyappreciatingthem,andthegallery,andthetownwherethe
gallerywas.Butthenhe’druinedit,hisquestioncomingoutharshandabrupt,insteadof...curiousor
something.

“Didyouhavefunlastnight?”hebasicallyblurtedout.
“WithChase?”Jesseasked.Jessechuckledandputdownherfishingpolesothatshecouldliftup

hercowgirlhatandscratchatherthickhair.“Yeah,itwaskindof...nice.”

Aden’smouthopenedtosaysomethingabouthowsexyChasewasorhowhe’dalmostmanaged

totalktosomeonehehadn’tknownhiswholelifewithoutfuckingitup.

Butatthelastmillisecond,hechickenedout.Becausehe’dalwaysbeenwithGinger,oronabreak

withher,heandJessehadneversharednotesonwhotheywishedtheycouldactuallytalktowithout
accidentallybeingadick,orwhotheyfoundsexy.

He’dneverdonethatwithanyone,actually.
“Good,”hemumbled,gladitwasn’tbrightoutanymorebecauseifitwere,Jessewouldprobably

beabletoseehisflush.“LedawasfreakingoutaboutLuciusCavill.”

“Thatnitwit,”Jessechuckled.
“Areyouwhyshecallshimthat?”heretorted.“Shesoundsdumbsayingnitwit.”
“Sodoyou,”Jessepointedout.“Nah,it’sEmmy’sfault.Shekeptcallinghimthat,thenightheput

hisbarehandsonthatstrippedwireandsentfivethousandvoltsthroughhimself.Ledawenttocall
nine-one-oneandIstayedtohelpkeeptheareaclear,andthere’sEmmy,yellingonandonabouthow
he’ssuchanitwit,he’sluckyhe’snotdead.”

“GodblessEmmy,”helaughed.“IfLedagotthewordfromher,becauseofthatnight...well,it’s

hardtohateit,now.”

“How’sthebarbequeplanninggoing?”sheasked,resettlingherhatagain.“Yougotabandyet?”

sheaddedasshedugherpackoutofherbackpocket,lightingtwocigarettesandhandingAdenone
withoutaskingifhewantedit.“Hopeyoudidn’thireLucius.”

Adenlaughed,blowingouthisfirstexhaleinabigsnort.“No,Ledaheardaboutsomenewguys

doingthecollegebarcircuitandgottheirdemofromWHRT.It’sgood.”

“Whataretheycalled?”Jesseasked,hercigarettebetweenherteethasshereeledinherfourth

fishoftheafternoon.“Pleasetellmeit’sbetterthanLighterFluid.”

HisgrinwidenedatthereminderofhisyoungerbrotherSeth’sfirstbandwhilehesaid,“The

Fireflies,Ithink.”Jessemadeasurprisednoiseandheagreed,“Iknow,it’sactuallyaprettygood
nameforafolk-countrykindofband.Threeguys,twogirls.”

“Can’twaittohearthemplay,”Jessesaidasshecarefullyfreedthehookfromthefishbeforeshe

threwitback,sincetheforestpreserveonlyallowedcatchandrelease.

“Yeah,”Adengrunted.
Theconversationfadedoutagain,leavingthetwoofthemsidebysideintheircampingchairs,

cigarettesdanglingfromtheirbottomlipsandtheirhandsexpertlyworkingthefishinglines.A
cooler,itsicealmostentirelymelted,restedopenonthepierbetweenthem,thelunchJessehad
packedalreadyeatenexceptforacouplepickles.

Theywentfishingwhenevertheirconflictingschedulesallowedforit,andtodaywasasrelaxing

asfishingwithJessealwayswas.Theyhadaroutineandtheykneweachotherwell;Jessebrought
food,Adenbroughtrootbeerandwater,andtheybroughttheirownpole,achairandbait.Ifthey
talked,itwasaneasy,lazybursthereandtherewheneverathoughtworthsharingoccurredtooneof
them.Ofallofhisfriends,Jessewastheoneheappreciatedthemost,becauseofthis;theywere
alwaysabletodosomethinginalmosttotalsilencewithoutitbeingweird,onlycomforting.
Comparedtothecontinuouschecking-ineveryoneelsehadbeendoingsincehe’dendedthingswith
Gingersixmonthsago,itwaspureblisstonotbequestioned.

HewantedtothankJesse,butheknewshewouldjustbrushitoffwithawince.
Sowouldhe,actually,ifsheweretheonlywhothankedhimforsomethingasdumbasbeinghis

friendandleavinghimalonewhentherewasn’tanythingwrong.

“IsawMarieandBilly’scousinlastnight,”hesaidafterawhile.
“Thecuteonewiththegapinherfrontteeth?”Jesseaskedafterathoughtfulminute.Aden

shrugged,notsureifheweremoreimpressedthatshecouldrecalladetailormoredepressedthathe
hadn’tnoticedanythingabouther,besideshersimilaritytohercousins.“Theonewhowentwithusto
LakeKeokeelastsummer?”

“Ican’tbelieveyourememberthat.”
Jesselookedathimsideways,wryly,fromunderthebrimofherhat.“Shewastheonlyother

singlepersononthattrip,andsheworeabikini,Ade.Irememberher.”

“Sherememberedme,andDunk,”hemumbled.
“BecauseyouandDunkdidn’twearshirtsthewholeweek,”Jessechuckled.Adenwincedand

shiftedinhischair.“Don’tmakethatface.Dunkdidn’twearashirtbecauseheneverdoes;youdidn’t
wearonebecauseGingertoldyouhowsexyyoulooktanned.”

Hiswincewasdoublystrongthistime.“Sorry,”hemumbled.
JustwhenAdenhadrelaxedagain,Jessesaidcynically,“Shemustbeonehellofalayifshekept

youwrappedaroundherfingerallthoseyearswhileyoucouldhearher.”

ThatcrackedAdenup,evenifJesse’sassessmentwasalittlemean.“Shewasn’tsobadwhenwe

werealone,”wasallhesaid,sincetherewasnowayhewasgoinganywherenearaconversation
abouthowskilledorunskilledGingerwasinbed.

“Uhhuh,”Jessemuttered.
“Hey,I’mnottheonewhobrokemywristjumpingoutHilaryCombs'swindow,”Adenretorted

withabiggrin.Jesseshothimaweakglarebeforeonecornerofhermouthcurledup.“Youwere
seventeenandyouknewyoucouldputupwithalotforsex.”

“Shesmelledlikecinnamonbunsfromthebakery,”Jessemuttered.
“I’llbet,”helaughed,thennarrowedhiseyeswhenhefeltatugonhisline.
Justashegotagoodlookatthefishhe’dhooked,Jesse’scellrang.
“Yeah?”Shelistenedtosomeoneforaboutaminute,heavedoutasighandshovedthecellinto

herpocket.“Surpriseinspection.Igottago,Aden,”sheapologized.Becausehe’dhadtohandlea
dozensurpriseinspectionsfromthecountyhealthdepartmenthimself,hejustnodded.“Allright.
Sorrytorunoutonyou.”

Adensmiled.“Igetit.Can’tignoretheinspector.”
Shesalutedhim,pickedupherstuff,andstrodeoff.
Onceshewasoutofsight,helaughedalittlebitagainathimself,andhowstupideveryonecould

beatonetimeoranotherwhenitcametoputtingupwithcrazyshitjusttobewithsomeone.Atleast
Jesseonlymadefunofhim,whilehismotherandLedalikedtoask,half-accusingly,ifhe’dcavedin
andtakenGingerback,asifitwereaninevitability.Itwastrue,hehadletherdictatetheiroffperiods
andtheironperiodsforyearsandyears,butshe’dcrossedwaytoomanylinesandhe’dtoldherit
wascompletelydone.

“Completelydone,”hemuttered.
Reelinginhisline,hesurveyedthegraycloudsgatheringrapidlytothesouth.Jessewasright;it

wasgoingtopoursoon.Sohepackeduphisgear,coolerandfoldingchairandheadedbackalong
oneofthedirtpathsthroughtheforestpreserve.Itwasn’tthathot,butitwashumid—anothersignof
theimpendingsummerstorm—sotheforestpreservewasquietbutforadistantdogbarking.

Whenhewasprobablyamilefromtheparkinglot,whichwashalfamilefromhishouse,the

cloudstoreapart.“Shit,”hehissed,duckinghisheadandshiveringwhenthatsentwatertricklingoff
thebillofhisbackwardsbaseballcapdownhisspine.

Atthenextforkinthepath,hewenttotheleftsothathecouldgettothepicnicshelter.Continuing

tocurse,headjustedhisslipperygriponhisfishinggearandranfaster.Heroundedthelastbendand
cutacrossasmallmeadowuntilhewasundertheshelter,settingdownhisgearwithasharp
clattering.Heflungoffhishatandwipedhisfacewithhisbiceps,sincehist-shirtwasmarginally
drierthanhisskin.

“H-hi,”someonesaid.
AdenwhippedhisheadtowardstheunfamiliarvoiceandfoundChaseCaderightthere,avery

pinkbikeleaningagainstoneofthesheltersupports.Shehadabeachtowelwrappedaroundherlikea
shawl,buthecouldseeherchinshakingfromthecold.Herhairwasdrenchedandapuddlewas
formingatherfeet.Hecouldn’tstophiseyesandtheytrackedstraydropletsofwaterastheymade
theirwaydownherthighs,knees,calvesandankles.

“Thetemperaturedoesn’tusuallydroplikethisduringrainstormshere,”hesaidascasuallyas

possible,uncomfortablyawareofthesaturatedpatchesonhisclothesthatchafed,likejustbelowhis
beltonhisbackandhisquads.

“It’saluckythingthatI’mstillwearingmybathingsuit,soIcouldjusttakeoffmywetdress,”she

commented,withoutasingleounceofcoynessorself-consciousness.

Heinhaledsharply,hopefullysilently,ashisbodylockedinreactiontojusttheknowledgethat

shehadpartiallyundressedandwasinawetswimsuit.Shehadlookedfantasticatthebeachandatthe
gallery,theladybugswimsuiteasytoseeunderherwhitedress.Insteadoffindingthepatternofthe
swimsuitsilly,ithadenchantedhimsomuchthathe’dactuallyvolunteeredpersonalinformationand
triedtotalkwithheraboutart.

Shit,hethought,I’msupposedtosaysomethingnow.
“Ithinkit’sluckierthatyouhaveatowelwithyou,”hemutteredwoodenly.
Shelaughed,thatthroatythingshe’ddoneatthebar,andapleasurableshivercoursedthrough

him.

“OhmyGod,I’msosorry,you’reshivering!”sheexclaimed.
“What?”heaskedinanely.“Oh...No,no,I’mnotcold.”
Definitelyjusthot,hethoughtassheignoredhisprotestandwhippedoffthetowel,walking

quicklyovertohimwithitinonetinyfist,holdingitouttohim.

Thosereallyareladybugs,hismindconfirmedhelpfully.Andnipples.
Hesnatchedthetowelandswipedhisfaceoncebeforehepretendedtodryoffhischestandbelly,

sothatthetowelwouldfalloverhisflywhilehegotthingsundercontrol.

“Uh,didyoubikefromthegalleryrightoverhere?”heasked,becausethesilencewasgoingto

getawkwardinabouttwoseconds.“That’saniceride,ifyoudid.”

“Yeah,”shesaid,andhethoughthervoicesoundedweird,sortofmorenasalorsomethingthanit

hadaminuteago.Hehopedshewasn’tgettingacoldalready,eventhoughhewasprettysurethatwas
impossible.“Icameto...tobikearoundsomewoods.”

“Thanks,”hesaidashehandedbackthetowel,bodyfinallycooperating.
Shetookitbackandsatononeofthepicnictables,thendrapeditoverhercrossedlegsand

gesturedathimashewanderedbackandforth.“Areyougoingtopaceuntiltherainstops?”she
asked.

“Didn’trealizeIwas,”hemumbled,forcinghimselftoholdstill.
Buthehadtoomuchenergyandhishandstwitcheduselesslyathissides,soasecondlaterhe

hoppedupontothepicnictableoppositeChase.Hisfingersknottedtogetherbetweenhisspreadknees
andsincetheraindidn’tseemtobelettingup,hegropedforsomethingtosay,likeanapology.

Shebeathimtoit.“Youkindofjustboltedrightinthemiddleofourconversationatthegallery,”

shetoldhimwithalittlesigh.Hewishedthatheknewhowtoreadstrangersevenhalfaswellashe
knewhowtoreadanyonewholivedinMaybelle.Hehadnoideaifshewasangrywithhimorjust
grumpyovertherainandbeingcoldandwet.Sheconfusedhimevenmorewhenshesmiledupathim
throughspikyeyelashes,anglingherhead,andclarified,“Ididn’tgetthechancetoaskifyouliked
theartatthegallery.”

Adenswallowed,tryingnottonoticethepoorlytimed,unwelcomereturnofhiserection.Good

thinghe’dsatdownandshewouldn’tbeabletosee.Heaimedforasmileandmaybelandedon
baringhisteethinsomeawkwardgrimace.“I’mnotabigartperson,”heforcedoutthroughhistight
throat.“Ilikeagoodmealandagoodbeer,butapaintingofsometreesorsomethingdoesn’tmake
me...”Heswallowedagain.“...doesn’tmakemewant.”

“Want?”sheaskedinthatnasaltoneagain.
“Uh,yeah,”hepracticallystammered.“Isn’tthatwhatartdoes?Makeyou...want?”
Shesmiledathim.Itwasalittlesmile,shapedlikeasmirkexceptallsweetness.“That’sa

wonderfulwayofthinkingaboutit.AllIknowisthatthepaintingsweresoemotionalandthey
seemedsopersonal,butIdidn’tlearnanythingabouttheartist.”

Thewordsflowedpasthergreatlips,buthedidn’tknowhowtorespondexceptwithsomething

heknewdidn’treallyfit.“Nooneknowsmuchabouttheartist.”

“Ithoughtyoukneweverythingabouteveryone,”sheteased.
Itmadehimsmilebackather,notthegrimacebutarealsmile,ashisshouldersrelaxedandhe

chuckled.“Now,youknowthere’snowaytoreallyknoweveryoneinyourlife.”Herbrowsraisedin
surprise,asifshethoughtitwereaconcessioninsomeway,sohefeltlikehehadtocontinue,“LikeI
said,heworksattheInstituteanditsstaffkeepstothemselves,mostly.AlwayshaveasfarasIknow.
Don’tseewhy.”

“No,youwouldn’t,”shemurmured,headtippingsideways.
“Whatdoesthatmean?”heasked,smilereversingintoafrown.

“Nothing,”shesaidhastily,standingupandshovelingherdamphairbackoverhershoulders.

“Or,justthatyou’reprobablysoconnectedtoyourwholetownandknoweverythingabouteveryone.
Me,forinstance,Igrewupinabigcity.Iknewgossipaboutmyclassmatesatschooland,like,my
parents’coworkersbutnot,youknow,everyone.”

Hegrunted,squintingoutatthemeadow.“Rain’swindingdown.”
“Yeah,”shesaid,thenclearedherthroatdelicately.“I...shouldprobablyheadout.”
“Uh,”hesaid,suddenlyawkwardagainastheybothstoodup.“CanIgiveyouaridebackto

Jesse’s?Theroadsaregoingtobeslickandthatbikeprobablyisn’tmeantforit.”

Shelookedupfromwhereshewasputtingthetowelintoherbag.“Okay,”sheagreedslowly,

“thankyou,that’sreallyniceofyou.It’snottoomuchtrouble?”

“No,it’llbarelytakemetenminutesoutofmyway.”
Shenoddedandslungonherbackpackwhilehegrabbeduphisstuff.
Theywalkedacrosstheslightlymuddymeadowtothedefinitelymuddypathinsilence,andpart

ofitwassupremelyawkwardforAden,sincehewasdrawntoher.

Butpartofitwasnice.AllofthewomeninhislifeexceptJesseweretalkers,alwaysgoingon

aboutsomethingortellingstoriesorpesteringhimwithquestions.Hedidn’treallymindit,sinceit
wasjusthowtheywere,butsometimesittiredhimoutbecauseitwasn’thowhewas.Thiswasanice
change.

Whentheyreachedtheparkinglot,hewavedathistruck,thentookthepinkbikefromChaseand

lifteditclearintothebed,notbotheringtounlatchthegate.Onceitwasdown,heopenedthedoorfor
herandheldouthishandtohelpherup,catchingherbemusedsmileassheclaspedhishand,pressing
downassheleveredherselfup.Afrissonofpleasurecourseduphishandandforearmasitflexedto
supporther.

“Okay,”hesaid,hisvoicerougherthanusual,thenshutherdoor.
Theyheadedoutandnow,maybebecausetheywereinsideanenclosedspaceinsteadofunderthe

picnicshelterortheopenskyofthemeadow,thesilencewasawkward.Onceagain,hetriedtothink
ofsomethingtosay,butcameupempty.

Thankfully,itwasashortdrivetoJesse’s,wherehehelpedheroutandretrievedherbike.Then

Adenstoodthere,handscurledintoloosefistsathisside.Itoccurredtohimthathe’dnevergivena
ridetoawomanwhowasn’thisrelative,hisfriend,orhisgirlfriend.Hedidn’tknowwhattodoor
say,andChasewasn’tgivinghimanyclues.

Finallyshelookedupathimthroughherbangs.“Thanksagainfortheride,Aden.”
Ajoltwentthroughhim,hearinghersayhisnamelikethat.
Sheshiftedherweightalittleandseemedtohesitatebeforesheadded,hervoicestrongerand

firmer,andmayberesolved,“Thanksforstayingwithme,too;I’msureyou’renotworriedbyalittle
rainand...Ididn’trealizehowcloseIwastotheparkinglot.”

“It’s—”hestoppedhimselfwhenherealizedhewasabouttosaymypleasure.Heflushedandhis

fingerscurledintighter.Hecoughedonce.“It’snoproblem.”

“Okay,well...Goodbye,then.”
Hefrowned,notlikingthewordchoiceofgoodbye,forsomereason.Buthedefinitelywould

neversaythat,sohejustliftedhishandinastupidfarewellgestureandthengotintohistruckbefore
hecouldmakeanevenbiggerassofhimself.

Onhiswayout,hepassedJesseathermailbox.ShecalledoutsomethinglikeWhatareyoudoing

here,buthepretendedlikehedidn’tnoticeandkeptdriving,flushingagain.

CHAPTERSIX

Chase

Chasehaphazardlydashedthroughtheinnuptohergable.Thesecondshelockedthedoorbehind

her,shecollapsedagainstitandblinkedoutthewindow.

Well.
Ifthegrumpybartenderwiththegorgeous,bulgingbicepshadbeensexylastnight...
Thentherain-splatteredfishermanwiththebashfulsmilewas...wasjust...
“Fuck,”shemumbled,unabletoarticulatetheendofthatthoughteveninhermind.
Sheshookherheadandgotintheshowerbecausewhileshehadgottenrainedon,shewassweaty

beforethatandshefeltgrimey.Underthehot,strongspray,thewaterpressurekneadedoutsomeof
thesorenessfromherbikerideandhermindwandered.

Flingswerepartofthefantasyoftraveling:beingpulledbyattractiontoveritablestrangersfor

hoursordays,totallyoutsidetheirrealworlds.Itcertainlyhaditsappeal,especiallyaftermeeting
Aden,withhisbicepsandunexpectedsmile,justasbreathtakingasthepaintingsatthegallery.
Rememberingthemmadethewateragainstherbreasts—whichshe’dseenhimworkhardtokeephis
eyesoffof,likeagentleman—hitwithalmostpainfulpleasure.Shesighedandturnedaround,lifting
herheadtoletthespraysluicedownherfaceandhair,andremindedherselfthatshestilldidn’tfeel
likeherself,butevenifshedid,shewantedcompanionship,nothingmoreandcertainlynothingless.

Soshepushedtheattractionoutofhermind,finishedupintheshowerandrelaxed,checkingher

email,socialmediaandtheinternetforafewhoursuntilitwasdinnertime.

Thenshedrovetothe3BrothersPub,themaintouristrestaurantinMaybelle.Assoonasshe

steppedinside,shecouldseethatitwasactuallyagoodimitationofatraditionalEnglishpub;itwas
spacious,notcrampedwithtables,andlargechalkboardslistedallofthedrinkandfoodoptions.
SinceitwasaSaturdaynight,itwasfull,peoplewaitinginadenseclumparoundthehoststandand
strewnonthesidewalkoutfront.

Sheputhernameonthewaitlistandgotaglassofredwinefromthebar,thentookitouttothe

sidewalk,wheretheairwasbalmyaftertherelativeheatandtherainearlier.Shepeoplewatched
lazily,casuallyoverhearingthegroupsaroundherdiscusshowexcitedtheyweretotrythepub,
comparingtheeaseoffindingparkingwithwherevertheywerefrom,andjudgingthethingsthey’d
doneandseensofarthatday.

Butthensheheardanairplanegooverheardandtippedherheadupinstinctivelytotrytofindit.

Theskywasbeautiful,theeasternhorizonadeeppurplish-blueandthewesternglowingapricotwith
thehalf-sunkensun.Shetookaslowbreathin,smellingmostlyherwinebutalsosomeearthything
thatshethoughtmustjustbeMaybelleitself.

Feelingfoolishatthethought,shehurriedlydroppedherheadanddranksomemorewine.She

feltaflashofuneaseandwishedthatshe’ddecidedtoordersomethingin.Herdayhadbeenmuchtoo
emotional,betweenGildedSuperstitionsandthenthealmostsurrealhourwithAdenattheforest
preserve,andshefeltkindofoversensitive.

Justthen,ofcourse,thehostesscalled,“Tristan,yourparty’sbeingseated.”
“Thanks,darlin,”amancalledfromsomewherebehindher.
Asecondlater,LedaRiveau,trailedbyamanwhowasprobablyTristan,pushedby.
“Oh,hey,Chase,”Ledasaidinsomesurprise,asthemanslowed.Ledafrownedasshelookedat

thepeoplearoundChase,facedtheotherwayandobviouslynotwithher.

Chasecoveredupherurgetoacttoughandcoldtoproveshedidn’tcarethatshewasalone,and

tookaslowsipofherwine.“Hi,Leda.It’snicetoseeyouagain.”

Tristan,wholookedlikehewasinhisearlytwentiesandhadanintent,cleargaze,putin,“If

you’renotwaitingforanyone,you’rewelcometojoinus.”

Chasewasflusteredandpleasedbythegenerous,impromptuoffer.
“Ourreservationisforsix,”Ledasaidwithafrown.“Letmegomakesuretheyputusatour

usualtable.It’sinthecorner,sothere’splentyofspacetoaddachair.”

ButbeforeChasecouldthinkofapolitewaytodeclinebecauseofthoseover-sensitivenerve

endings,Ledashoulderedherwaytothehostessstand.ThehosttriedtohideawinceasoneofLeda’s
handscutsharplythroughtheairinfrontofhisface,butfinallygaveinwithanod.Ledawavedthem
over.

“Whydon’tyoucomealong?”Tristanurgedgently.“Noonewantstoeatalone.”
Havingnogoodresponsetotheassertionthatwasn’tatotallie,shenoddedandpacedastep

behindtothehostessstandandthentothebackcorner.

“Chase!”DunkMcCoycrowed.
Chaseblinked,butshedidn’tknowwhyshewassurprisedtoseeDunk,JesseandMunnalready

seated.Withajoltofheatlowinherbelly,shewonderedifthesixthchairwasforAdenasTristan
askedwithaneasylaugh,“Knowheralready,huh,Dunk?”

“Hey,”Jesseputin,liftingherfingersinalazysalute.
“Comeon,sitdown,”Dunksaid,pushingouttheemptychairnexttohim.
AsLedaplonkeddownnexttoJesse,ChaseloweredherselfcarefullyintothechairDunkhad

offered,overwhelmedbytheirenthusiasmthatshejointhemfordinner.SheturnedtoTristan,and
introducedherselfascalmlyasshecould,asifthissortofthinghappenedtoherallthetime.

“I’mTristan,”hemurmured,“incaseyoumissedthat.”
“She’stheoneJesseandIhungoutwithlastnight,”Ledatoldhim.
Tristanhummedincomprehensionasaserverputdownpitchersofsweettea.Hepouredandsaid

inamild,casualway,“SoJessesaidLedagaveyouherstampofapproval.It’stoughtoget
altogether;I’veneverheardaboutithappeninginonenight.”

Chasefeltherflushreturn,unsurehowtorespondorwhathethoughtaboutthis,soascasuallyas

possible,shesettledon,“Ididn’trealizeitwassuchabigdeal.”

Hegaveheraslysmileandsaid,“Ihadtomoveintotheperfectpartyhousetogetit,sinceI’mso

muchyoungerthantherestofthem.Nowtheycan’tgetenoughofme.”

Despiteherhummingnerves,thatmadeherlaugh.“Ididn’trealizethatallofthem,”sheindicated

theothersatthetablewithawave,“weresuchgoodfriends.”

“Sure,”Tristansaid,passingoutsweetteastotheothers.“First,it’sasmallplace;everyone

knowseveryone.ButtheRiveaus,Jesse,Munn,Dunk,andJackHoneyhavebeenbestfriendssince
theywerekids.MyunclesplayedfootballwithAdenandDunkandmyauntandherhusbandownthis
place,sotheywerefriendswithAden’sparents.JesseandMunnarecousins.”Hismouthquirked
wryly.“Andthosearejustthesimple,directconnections.”

“Igrewupinacity,butIguesseveryoneIknewprofessionallywasinterconnectedinabigtangle

likethatamonglawschool,internshipsandjobs,”shereplied.

“Yeah,we’reprettymuchtheoppositeofpeoplewhoknowtheirclosestfriendsthroughwork.It

wouldbedifferentifwelivedinacity,orifweallmovedawayfromMaybelle.Sowe’refriends
almostdespiteourwork,”Tristansaid,shakinghishead.“AdenandLedarunWildHarts,Jesse’sat
theinn,Munn’satthegallerymorethantheinnthesedays,Dunk’sacoach,I’mstudyingtobean
architect,andJackisalawyernow.”

“Is...Jackjoiningustonight?”sheasked,aimingfornonchalant.Sweatbeadedbetweenher

breastsattheidea.Therewasnothingshewantedlessthanthefaux-casualinterrogationofonelawyer
toanother:wheredidyougotolawschool,whodidyouclerkfor,wereyouajuniorpartneryet.It
wasallaboutacompetitivenessshe’dleftbehindlongbeforeshe’dleftherjobbehind.Worse,it
remindedherofwhoshehadbeenasaprofessionalandasonehalfofasmug,lawyerpower-couple
ontherise.

Tristanleveledashrewdlookather,butthenhisexpressionsoftenedandheoffered,“No,he’s

outoftown,soifyouhavearapsheetnow,don’tworry.”Thebutterfliesinherstomachbackedoffa
tinybitasshemanagedatightsmile,whichpromptlyfrozewhenhecontinuedblithely,“Thelast
seat’sforAden.”

“Oh,”shestuttered,butwassavedbythereturnoftheirserver.
TheservertooktheirordersandmadeeyesatTristan,whoeithertrulydidn’tnoticeorwasa

goodactor,pretendinghedidn’tnotice.Itwasasillythingtothinkabout,butsheclungtoitsothat
herheartbeatwouldslowdown.Sheshould’vetrustedherinstinctsanddeclinedtheirinvitation.Now
shewasgoingtohavetositthroughamealwiththeobjectofhervacationflingfantasy,whomshe’d
seensoakingwetafewhoursago.

ThenDunkboomedout,“Aden!You’relate!”
Chasewastotallyunprepared,thoughsheshouldhavebeenbracedtoseehimagainsosoon.She

triednottogapeasAdenstrodein,powerfulthighsshiftingunderhisjeans.

Theirgazesclashedandtangledforanotherdrawn-out,hotsecond.
HesnappedtheconnectionwhenhereachedacrossLedaforapitcherofsweetteaandgrumbled,

“Yeah,theliquordeliverywasscrewedupandIhadtoruninandfixit.”

“Thatsucks,man,”Dunksaid,shakinghishead.“Ihopeyougotsomefreebooze.”
“Hey,Tristan,”Ledacalleddownthetable,“canyoufixourkitchenatthehouse?”
TristantwistedtoputonebentarmoverthebackofhischairandcontemplatedLeda.“What’s

yourproblemwithitexactly?LotsofwaysIcoulddoitup;it’sprettybig.”

Beforeshecouldthinkaboutit,shegaspedindelightandgushed,“Doyouworkatthatincredible

lookingplace?TheoneIbikedpastthismorningonAppleRoad?”

Withasolemnexpressionthatgavetheimpressionthathewasatleasttwentyyearsolder,hesaid,

“It’smygrandfather ’s.I’mincollege,butIworktherewhenI’mhome.”

“Thereseemstobealotofthataroundhere,”sheobserved.
“That’struemostplaces,isn’tit?”Adenmurmured,histonemildnowinsteadoftenselikeithad

beenbefore.“It’sjustmorenoticeableinasmalltown,wheretherearefewerbusinessestoworkfor
overall.”

Wheretheremighthavebeensomedefensiveness,asifhefeltshewasimplyingthatitwaseasier

tojoinafamilybusinessthantoforgeone’sownpath,therewasn’t.Twoyearsagoshewouldhave
jumpedintoaheateddiscussionaboutthemeritsofeach.Now,shewasinterestedinTristanhimself
andthatbeautifulbuilding,sosheaskedhimsomeaboutwhathewasstudyingandhowheliked
workingforhisgrandfather.

Dunk’sarmreachedoutbehindChasetoshoveatTristan’sshoulder.“Dude,whyareyoutalking

aboutyourfamily?We’rehangingoutwithawomanwho’stravelingtheworld.Youcouldbetalking
toherabout,like,toplessbeachesinFranceorsomething!”

“TheclosestI’vecometohalf-nakedwomen,”shebegan,snickeringbehindherwineglasswhen

Dunkleanedinraptly,“isnudestatuesandpaintingsinartmuseums.”

Withagroan,heslumpedback,lookingcrushed.
“WhywouldChaseneedtogotoatoplessbeachanyway?”Munnputin.“She’sgotherown...top

andshecanseehalf-nakedmenanywhereintheworld.”

“Youshouldknowthat,”Adencontributedwithasortofflattonethatshedidn’tunderstand,

especiallysincehiseyeswereflashinginannoyanceatDunk’simmaturity,“sinceyou’reallergicto
shirtswhenyou’reatthebeach.”

DunkturnedpleadingeyesonJesse.“You’dloveatoplessbeach,wouldn’tyou?”
“I...wouldn’tmind,”shegroundout,hercheeksflushing.
“Hah,nailedit,”Dunkcrowed,bouncingbackimmediately.
Ledachimedin,hermouthscrewedup,“AndifIwantedtoseesometits,Iwouldn’tneedtogoto

toplessbeachesinFrancejusttodoit,unlikeyou,youbarbarian.”

DunkgaspedinoutragewhileAdengroanedandlookedaway,asifhewereembarrassedand

didn’tevenknowhowtoapologizetoChase,whowasastranger.

“So,Chase,”Tristanasked,bringingthemback,“whatisyourfamily’sbusiness?”
Hervoicewarm,sheexplained,“MyparentshaveasmallbiotechfirmnearSanFrancisco,where

Igrewup.Mybrotherandsisterdon’tworkforthem,butthey’reresearcherstoo.They’reactuallyat
amedicalconferencerightnow,inBoston.”

“That’sveryimpressive,”Tristanmurmured,sincereofcourse.
“Andyou’rejustbackpacking?”Adenpracticallydemanded.
Chase’sfacefroze,thenshetookanothersipofherwine,willfullyignoringtheburnAden’s

insultputintohercheeks.ShelookedonlyatTristan,firmly,andcontinuedevenly,“There’salittle
partofmethat’ssorryIhavenointerestinit,butI’mnotthekindofwomanwhocouldhavefollowed
intheirfootstepsifIdidn’twantto.”

“Thenit’sgoodthatyoursiblingsdid,”Tristanrepliedwithaneasychuckle.“Thatway,youdon’t

havetodealwithanyguiltovernottrying.”

“Convenient,”Adenadded.
Herhandsclaspedtogetherontheedgeofthetable,shovingherplateintooneofthepitchers

withasharpchime.Hershouldersflexedfromtheforceofhergrip,herthroattightfromhisone-
wordbarb.Hemaynothavemeanttohurther,butinthisexposednervemood,itbroughtupplentyof
oldinsecuritiesand,yes,guilt.

“Wouldyouexcuseme?”shesqueezedoutassheroseandtookherpurseoffthebackofher

chair,hernapkinfalling.“Iforgot,Ineedtomakeaquickphonecall.”

Shebeelinedfortheexitoffthepatio.

CHAPTERSEVEN

Aden

AdenjerkedhiseyesawayfromtheafterimageofChaseCade’stightexpression.
“Howdidyoumanagetohurtherfeelings?”Dunkhalf-shoutedindisbelief.
“What?”hemumbled,reachingintohispockettotugouthislighter.Hefiddledwithitas

frustrationwelledup.He’dbeendoingokaytalkingtoherasifheweren’tconfusedbyherand
tongue-tiedaroundstrangers,untilshe’dsobreezilybraggedhowshe’dstruckoffonherown,
leavinghersiblingsbehindtofollowinherparent’sfootsteps.Ithadjuststrucktooclosetohome.
Teethgritted,hedefended,“Shesaidshehastomakeaphonecall.”

“You’resuchanidiotsometimes,”Ledasnapped.
“Youbettergoafterherandapologize,”Munnsuggested.
“What’dIsay?”heasked,jawtight.Ithadn’tbeenthesmoothestorcleverestcomment,buthe’d

beensincere,damnit.Itwasconvenientthatherparentshadhersiblingstocarryontheirlegacyso
thatshedidn’thavetoifshedidn’twantto.

“IvoteTristangoesafterher,”Jesseputin,inthemildesttonesofar.
“What?Why?”Adendemanded.
“He’sgoodwithwomen,”Jesseanswered,flashingarareshark-likesmile.
Tristansmiledtoo,theonethatlookedsmugtoAdenbutalwaysmadewomenleanclosetohim

andmelt.

BeforeAdenhadmadeanyconsciousdecision,hewasonhisfeetandstridingoff.
Shewasleaningagainstthebrickwalloftherestaurantnexttothepatio.Herchinwasangled

towardsthesky,hereyesfixatedonthestars.Iftherehadn’tbeensuchafiercelycontainedlookon
herface,shewould’vebeentheperfectpictureofadreamy,thoughtfulgirlstargazing.Nowshehad
onareddressthatwrappedlikeasexybathrobe,stretchedimpressivelyacrossherbreasts,herhair
softaroundhershoulders.

Hisbodytensedagainsttheunstoppableattraction,whilehismindrebelled.
HeandGingerhaddatedonandoffforthirteengoddamnedyears;he’dseenherindressesand

swimsuitsandwetfromthelakeorrainamilliontimes.Buteventhoughheknewwhateveryinchof
herlookedlikenaked,notoncehadhisbodyevenhalfwaytensedinattractiontoherduringtheir
encounteratthebeachthatmorning.

ItmadeabsolutelynosensethathisbodyreactedtoChasejustaspowerfullyinanalleyasithad

atthebeach,thegallery,andtheforestpreserve.Itmadenosensethathewantedtosaysomething
whenmostofthetimeheenjoyedsilenceandhated,well,talking.

FinallyChaselookeddownandoverathim.
Hisshadowobscuredmostofherfacenow,andheshiftedsubconsciouslyasidesothatshewaslit

upagain.Hewascaughtbyhereyesoncemore,thoughhewasbracedforhertoblasthim
unapologetically,thewayhismomorLedaorGingerwouldhave.

Whenshedidn’tstartinonhim,hescratchedhisheadthroughhishatinconfusion.
“Whatdoyourparentsdo?”sheaskedfinally,hervoicenotshrillorenraged.
“TheyusedtorunWildHarts,buttheyretired,”heanswered,blinkinginsurpriseattheeasy

question,whichmadehisnervesdoubledown.Hepulledouthispackandlitacigaretteandeased
back,anoldhabitfromwhenhehadbeenaregularsmokerandhadtoworryaboutnotblowing
smokeatpeoplewhenheexhaled.

“Andyoursister?”
“SheworksatWildHartstoo,”heanswered,moreslowlythistimeashebegantowonderwhere

shewasgoingwiththis,sincehe’dseenher,LedaandJessehuddledaroundatablegettingniceand
buzzedlastnight.Soheknewthatshehadtoknowtheansweralready.“Sheservesandmanagesthe
waitstaff,keepsthebooks,andpayssomeofthebills.Itendbar,doinventoryandtheorders,and
handledeliveries.”

“Doyouhaveanyothersiblings?Whatdotheydo?”
“Yeah,one.Thebaby,Seth.”Hismouthtwisted,trappedbetweenprideandannoyancelikealways.

“Hedoesn’tliveinMaybelle,hasn’tforyearsnow.He’samusician.Hecomposessometoo.”

“Isn’tithardtomakealivingthatway?”
Henarrowedhiseyesandhishandhesitatedinitsautomaticgesturetoashthecigarette,whichhe

hadn’tsmokedatall.Heknewshewasabouttomakeapoint,buthehadtodefendhisbrothersothat
shedidn’tthinkhewassomeguywhoplayedGratefulDeadonstreetcornersorsomething.“It’snot
hardforhim.He’sbeendoingitforsixyearsandhe’sneverneededtocomehome.”

Thatmouthofhers,provocativeandbarewithadeep,almostv-shapeddipintheupperlip,

pursedandthenspreadwide.“Didyouneedtocomehome?”

Itwasaguess,anditwasbothwrongandtooclosetohome,andhefinallybrokeeyecontact,

squintingoneeyeasnowhelookedupattheskyasifitwerefascinating.

“I’vealwayslivedhere,”hemurmuredashekepthiseyestrainedupwards,justasbigacop-out

asherposehadbeenminutesago.“Iloveithere,”hestatedinthatsamemutedway,struckdeeplyby
howtrueitwas,andhowcomplicatedanunderstatementitwas,too.Everythinghewas,was
dependentonMaybelleCounty,onhimbeinginMaybelleCounty,andhe’dneverchafedatitbutit
wasn’talwaysaneasysituation.

Hervoicewassoftandsincerewhenshereplied,“It’seasytoloveit.”
“Yeah,”heagreed,feelingalmosthelpless.
“Butbacktoyouroriginalinsult,”shesaidwithasnaptohervoicethathadn’tbeentherea

secondago,“Idon’tthinkabartenderhasanyroomtojudgeme.”

“What’swrongwithbeingabartender?”hegrowled.
“I’mnotabackpacker,I’magrownwomantravelingtheworldbecauseIwanttoandIcan.But

evenifIwereabackpacker,brokeandhitchhikingandworkingunderthetable,whatwouldbewrong
withanyofthat?”sheretortedasherlittlehandsformedfistsanddugintoherwaist,emphasizingthe
flareofherhipsandthethrustofherchest.

AdenandGingerhadalwayshadatumultuousrelationship.Goodold-fashionedfightsfollowed

bymake-upsexhadalwaysbeenthewayofit.SoithadtobethewayChase’sposeremindedhimof
that,thatmadehisheartpickup.Heconcentratedonlevellingitoutasheforcedhismindtofocus.
“Myjobmightnotearnmemillionsofdollars,butit’sreliableandit’senoughtoliveon.Igettostay
athome.”

Shetookaslowbreathandthenshookherheadasitblewoutoverthoselipsgently.“Idon’tlike

stayingathomeanymore,”shereplied.“Youdon’tknowanythingaboutmeotherthanthatI’m

traveling,thatIhaveablog,andwhatIlooklike.SoIthinkit’sbestifyoustoptryingtojudgemeor
makemefeelbadaboutmylifestyle.Iwasn’tsittingatthattablewithyourfriendsandyoursister
thinkinganythingotherthanthatIwashavinganicetime.IfIhadatableoffriendslikethatathome,
whoknowsifI’dbehere?”

Hewashelplesstostopthesadnessthatstabbedintohischestatthelonelinessinherthrowaway

rhetoricalquestion.Andnowshewasmorethanjustalushbodyandmouthandhair,damnit,andthat
pissedhimoffevenmore.Nowhecouldseehersharpintelligenceandgenerouscompassion,and
knewheshould’veseenitsooner,exceptshewassogorgeoushehadn’t.Hewantedtomakeupfor
hisoriginalcallousremark,butshewasright,hedidn’tknowanythingabouther,andthatincluded
howtomakeituptoher.

Soheclearedhisthroatandsettledon,“Well,sinceyouareherewithmyfriendsandmysister,

youshouldknowthathavingdinnerwithusisacommitment.Afterthis,there’sapartyatTristan’s
that’llgoallnight,andeveryoneassumesyou’regoing.”

“Really?”shekindofsqueaked,herfacelightingup.Shestartledandstraightenedoffthewall,

likeshe’dnoticedthatshewasn’tbeingcoolnow,andconfessedabruptly,“Thisisn’tgoingatalllike
mytripsusuallygo.Imean,Ilovetalkingtolocalsandgettingtheirperspective,findingoutwhere
theyliketogoandwhattheyliketodo.Lotsoftimes,Ichoosethenextplacebasedonsomeone
tellingmeagreatstoryaboutanotherplace.Buthere...Ikeepfindingmyselfjust...hangingoutwith
you.It’sdifferent.”

Shefrownedsofiercelythatheactuallycrackedasmile,raisedaneyebrow,anddrawled,

“Careful,sweetheart;that’sawfullikepouringyourheartouttothebartender.”

Thatmadeherlaugh,hershouldersdroppingassherelaxed.
“Ibetourfood’satthetablebynow,”hesaid,notwantingtoruinthefragilepeacebybringingup

hisinsultorhersharpcomebacksagain.

“Okay,let’sgo,”shesaidenthusiastically,settledbackintogood-natureandbubbly.
Hedidn’tthinkitwasalie,butitkindofpissedhimoffthatshecouldjustendanargumentlike

that,justshutitdownwithabrilliantpartingshotandforgetit.

Still,hereflexivelyputhishandonherbacktoguideher.Herskin,justbeneaththefabricofher

clingydress,washot,andhepulledhishandawayassoonashecould.

Theyjoinedtheotherswordlessly,andAdenwasgratefulthattheirentreeshadinfactbeen

delivered,sothathecouldjustdiginandkeephiseyesonhisfriedscampi.

Theotherskepttalking,LedadominatingbygrillingChaseonallofthegreatbigcitiesshe’d

visitedthatLedahadalwayswantedtosee.TheyorderedanothercoupleofpitchersandheandDunk
talkedabouthowthesummerfootballpracticesweregoinguntilaroundten,whenTristanputdown
cashandsaid,“Marieandsomegirlsarecomingoversoon,soI’mheadedhome.Arey’allgoingto
comenow,orswingbylater?”

“IftheothergirlsincludeDanielaTorres,we’recomingnow,”Dunksaid.
LedasmackedDunkintheshoulderandJessegroaned,buteveryonetookouttheirwalletstopile

cashontopofTristan’sandthenstartedtomeanderout,exceptforChase.

Hangingnearby,hewatchedincredulouslyasshebentoverthebill,casuallydroppedthree

hundreddollarbillsandatleastfourtwentiesdown,andthentuckedeveryone’scashinherpurse.

“Whatareyoudoing?”hedemanded.
Shestaredathimasthoughhewereabarbarian—or,maybemoreaccurately,ahillbilly—and

thenoneofherblondebrowsquirkedup.“I’msayingthanksforinvitingmebypaying,ofcourse,”
shetoldhim,andhehadthedistinctfeelingshewashumoringhim.“Ithinkit’llbeeasiertojustgive
thembacktheirmoneyattheparty,don’tyou?”

ItirritatedhimsomuchthathebitbackthepoliteoffertodrivehertoTristan’swhentheygot

outside,whereeveryoneelsewaspilingintotheircars.Likehe’dwarnedher,noonehadformally
invitedher,andshesortofhungthere.He’donlythoughtofitbecausehewasn’tsurethathewanted
togotoTristan’sifshewasgoingtobethere,sinceshewasdrivinghimalittlenuts.

Butbeforehecouldsuckitupanddoithimself,DunkopenedthefrontdoorofLeda’scar.

“Driveoverwithus.Youdon’twanttoparkthatnicerentalatTristan’s.Thedrivewayisprobablyfull
andyou’llhavetoputithalfintothewoods.”

Shedidn’tmove,soAdensaidgruffly,“Itoldyou,wewouldn’tditchyou.”
“Ofcoursewewouldn’t,”Ledasnapped,outraged.“Whotalksaboutapartyinfrontofagirland

thenexpectshertojustgohomewhileeveryoneelsegoestotheparty?”

“That’sreallyniceofyou,”Chasesaid,climbinginbeforeDunkshutthedoorforher.
AdenshookhisheadasDunkshovedhimoutofthewaytoclimbinthebackfirst,thengotin

behindLedaandputonhisseatbelt.Heglancedupwhenhefelteyesonhim.

HefoundChasealmoststaringathim,acuriouspuckerbetweenthosebrows.
LedashovedthecarintogearandturnedupthemusicasshedrovetoTristan’s.
Somepeoplewerealreadyhangingaroundoutside,soAdensettledontheporchwitheveryone.

Forhim,itwasanightlikeathousandbeforeandamillionaheadofhim,buthecouldn’thelpbut
noticehowChase’sbigeyesdartedalloverasshetookitinwhileshesatbetweenMunnandLeda.
Shelookedoutofplace,overdressedandwithaglassofwinewhereeveryoneelsehadbeeror
liquor.Adendidn’tcarehowdifferentMaybellewasfromSanFranciscoortherestoftheworld;
peopleeverywherehadparties.

Adenhidbehindacigaretteonalawnchair,Jessesprawledoutinanidenticalpositionnextto

him.Theyalwaysspentalotoftimetogetheratpartieslikethis,becauseJessedidn’thavegirlfriends
andGingerhadhardlyevergonetothesethings.

HewouldnormallyratherdiethantalkaboutstuffandknewJessefeltthesame,buthecavedin

andaskedafterafewminutes,“Doyouthinkshe’snervous?”

Jessesquinted,atumblerofbourboncradledonherribs.“Maybe,”shesaid,andheshould’ve

noticedthatJesseknewwithoutaskingwhotheshewas.“Forsomeonewho’sonlybeenheretwo
days,Chasehassuremadeanimpressiononeveryone.Shydoesn’tseemlikeawordyouapplytoa
womanwholookslikethat,butmaybesheis.”

Hismindflashedtohowhereyeshadrakedhotlyupanddownhimlastnight,andtothewayher

eyeshadburnedupathimwhenshe’dgivenhimapieceofhermindearlierthatday.Thenitflashed
tothewayhereyelasheshadflutteredwhilethoseeyesglintedwithcuriosity.“Youthinkit’sbecause
she’sshy?”hesputtered.

“Kindof,”shemuttered.“Somepeoplecanbeconfidentandcharmingandgoodwithpeopleif

it’sforwork,butsuckatitwhenit’sjust,youknow,them.”

Hegrunted,takingthehitandatleastnotbotheringtodenyhewaslikethatmoreoftenthannot

too.“Guessso.Butshedidn’tseemnervouslastnightandshewasjustoutwithyou,talkingtoyou
andLeda.Idon’tthinkthatwaswork.”

“Whathappenedwhenyoutwowentoutside?”
“IthoughtshewasgoingtoripmeanewonelikeGingerwould’ve.”
Rollinghereyes,Jesse’spatienceranoutandsheretorted,“Lookatme.Doyouthinkmeand

that...earthgoddesshaveanyrealshitincommon?”

Confusedbywherethequestionwascomingfrom,butnottheanswer,hesaid,“No.”
“DoyouthinkmeandGingerhaveanythingincommon?”
“No,”hesaid,evenquickerandevenmoreassured.
“SoquitexpectingChasetoactlikeGinger,justbecauseyou’reattractedtohertoo,”Jessesaid

point-blank,whilehepinchedthebuttofhisunsmokedcigarettetightly.“Shelookslikesheshouldbe

onMadMensippingavodkamartini;she’snotGinger.”

Adengruntedagainandmumbledsourly,“Don’tknowanythingaboutheranyway.”
“Lastnightshesaidshequitherjobandbrokeupwithherboyfriendandjuststartedtraveling,”

Jessetoldhim.“Shedidn’ttellusalltheplacesshe’sbeen,butshewasjustintheMiddleEast,andshe
mentionedNewOrleansandAthensandChile.”

“Howthehellwouldyoukeepsomethinglikethatupforthatlong?”hewondered.
Jesserolledherheadfromsidetosideonthelounger.“Noidea.Guessyoucouldjustfindher

blogandreadallaboutit,”shehalf-suggested,half-mockedasshealmostsmiled.

“Ineedanotherbeer,”Adensaid.
HeleveredupontohisfeetandheadedintoTristan’skitchen,yankingopenthefridgeand

checkingoutthechoices.Asecondlater,DunkcameupandsnakedhisarmoverAden’sshoulderto
getthebeerhewanted.“What’sup?YouandJessejustchilling?”

“Yeah.I’mmakingfunofhowoutofplacethetouristlooks,”Adensaid.
Crossinghisarms,Dunkgrinnedliketheshithewas,andsincehecouldn’tkeephismouthshut,

returned,“Isthatright?Ilikeher.”

“Youlikeeveryone,Dunk,”Adenpointedoutstoically.
Laughing,Dunkshrugged.“True,ormaybeIjustnevermeetassholes.Besides,what’snotto

like?She’shotashell,sheseemssmartandnice.”

AdentensedandDunk’sgrinstretchedthatlittlebitwider;hewaslikeabloodhoundwhenitcame

toscentingthatapersonsaidonethingwhilehemeantsomethingelse.“IfIthoughtforasplitsecond
awomanlikethatcouldtakemeseriously,I’dbegivingherthisface.”AndheshowedAdenanonly
slightlyexaggeratedversionofthelookhegavetowomenwhenhewashittingonthem,an
expressionAdenthoughtlookeddumbbutworkedoutinDunk’sfavoralmosteverytime.“AndJesse
likeshertoo,andyouknowhowpickysheis—andhowmuchshehatesmakingfemalefriends.Cause
ofthegossip.Leda,too,course.”

“Wheredoyougetthisstuff?”Adenaskedforthebillionthtimeintheirfriendship.
“What?”Dunkaskedincredulouslyashespreadhisarmswide,beersloshinginitscan.“Let’sget

nextgame,onceTristanisdonewipingthefloorwithMarie.”

Raisinganeyebrow,AdenfollowedDunkovertothepooltable,whereDunkwentovertothe

girlswhowereprobablytheretobearoundTristan,outrageouslyflirting.

EventhoughAdencouldmanageasortofsurlycharmforhiscustomers,somedayshedidenvy

Dunkhisblissfullysimplestateofmind.Dunkneverworriedaboutmakingafoolofhimselfor
gettinglaughedat,andbeingrejectedorignoreddidn’tbotherhimeither.Thenagain,Adenthought,
frowning,hehimselfhadneverreallyhadtoflirt.He’dhadGingerandevenwhentheywereona
breakandGingerdatedotherguys,hehadn’tfoundanyoneelsebecausehe’dknownshewouldcome
backandbecrazyjealous.

Aftershehadcometotakehimbackthelasttime—notbecauseofhim,butbecauseshewas

pregnantwithanotherman’sbabyanddidn’twanttobealoneorraisethebabyalone—everything
he’dbeentooblindorlazytonoticebefore,he’dseenthen.Betweenthatshittydayandlastnight,
he’dneverevenconsideredhittingonawoman,letaloneconsideredwhetherhecouldifhewanted
to.Thathewasthinkingaboutthisnow,justbecauseChaseCadehadflashedthatcoycuriosityupat
him,infuriatedhim.

“Whyareyoustandingherealone?”Jesseasked,jerkinghimoutofhismind,andheknewshe

couldcarelessthathe’dgoneforabeerandnotcomeback.“EnjoywatchingDunkscamonbabes?”

“Hey!”Dunkcried.Helopedaroundandslunganarmacrosshershoulders,lookingmournfully

ather.“Aman’sgottadosomethingwhenhecan’thaveyou,okay?”
Jesselaughedhard,almostdoublingover,andAdensmiledalittle.Whatelsecouldapersonaskfor

outoflife,really,thanagoodjob,goodfriends,andgoodparties?

CHAPTEREIGHT

Chase

Chasewasonlythirty,butshehadn’tbeentoloud,raucouspartiesthatledtoruinedoutfits,

hangoversandone-nightstandssinceshewastwenty,beforeshe’ddecidedthatshewantedtobea
lawyer.Immediately,she’dbuckleddown,whichhadearnedhernear-perfectgrades,envious
internships,ascholarshiptoaprestigiouslawschool,andagreatjob.Onceshebecamealawyer,
she’dworkedeighty-hourweeksandthepartiescouldn’tbetermedfunbecausetheywerewithwork
colleaguesordirectlyforwork.

Duringhertravels,she’dgoneout,butsheimaginedTristanandhisfriendswouldlaughin

disbeliefiftheyknewshe’dneverbeentoanythinglikehiscasualSaturdaynighthangout.Itwasthe
kindofpartythathadcomeaboutorganically,atextandthenafewmore,wherepeoplecameand
wentinwaves,bringingsnacksorbeer.Peoplegrilledandplayedpoolandlaughedandtalkedagainst
thebackdropofTristan’smagicalhouse,allofitslinesoff-kilterandunbalanced.Itwasabsolutelya
normalpartytomostnormalpeopleallovertheworld,andeveryonetreatedherasifitwerenormal
forhertoo.

TristandugupabottleofPinotGrigiowithoutmakingfunofherfornotwantingabeer.Leda

andMunnhungaroundasifthey’dbeendoingitforyears.Shemetsomeoftheotherpeopleandnot
oneaskedwhatshedidforaliving;infact,theyjustfoldedherintotheirgossipasifsheknewwhat
wasgoingon.Everyoneacceptedhersimplybecauseshe’darrivedwithAden,DunkandLeda.It
baffledChase,whohadmetwonderfulpeoplewhiletraveling,buthadalsoencounteredthieves,
bigots,andmanipulatorsofalltypes.

IttookChaseafewhoursandwineforreinforcementtomakeeveryonewho’dbeenatdinner

accepttheirmoneyback,allofthemincredulous.Adendemandedtoknowagainhowshecould
affordtothrowawaysomuchmoney,butshe’djustshovedthebillsintohischestpocketandwalked
off.Hislackofgraceinfuriatedher,soshehadanotherglassofwine,thenanother,whichslidbyher
defensesandseepedintoherbrain,andmadeherwaytothepooltable.“How’sitgoinginhere?”she
asked.

“Justfine,darlin,”Tristanreplied.Evenwithhersoggybrain,shecouldtellthathewasassessing

herlikeabouncertoseeifshe’dbeenoverserved.Hesaid,“Youlooklikeyoumightwantforsome
air.Ade,willyoutakehersinceyou’renotplayingthisround?”

ShejerkedaroundtoseethatAdenhadsnuckupwithouthernoticing.
“Thewaterisquietatthistimeofnight,”hemumbled,handsstuckinhispockets.
Hedidn’tpressabroadhandtoherlowerback,likehehadescortingherinsidethe3Brothers

earlier,whenhiscalluseshadsnaggedminutelyinthefabricofherdress.

Butshewasunsteadyastheywentdownthepatioandacrosstheslopedlawntowardsthepier,and

shehadtograbhisforearmtocatchherself.Sheflushed,notjustbecausesheneededthesupport,but
becausehefeltsogood;hewassolidunderher.

Andhelethergoassoonastheywereattheendofthepier,andshethoughthewasprobablya

littleirritatedthathe’dbeenassignedtobabysither.

Slumpedagainsttherailing,herbreastscrushedagainstit,shelookedoutatthelake,whichwas

thedarkestblueeveninthejust-past-fullmoon’slight.Thenshelookedupatthestars,brilliant
pinpricksoflight.Apartofherwantedtogivehimapieceofhermindaboutthemoneything,butshe
shooktheimpulseoffandblewoutanoisybreath.

Withoutlookingathim,shesaid,“It’sreallybeautifulouthere.Andpeaceful.”
Yellseruptedfromthehouse,andAdenhuffedoutasortoflaugh.
“No,really,”sheplowedon,feelinghismistrustofher,orhercomment,andwasinfuriatedall

overagainathisinabilitytoseethatshewasbeingsincere.“IwasjustinIranandPakistan,touring
thesemind-blowingancientplaces.Ididn’tfigureoutwhytheplacesseemedkindofsad,too,untilI
waswritingaboutitonmyblog.Everythingwassobeautiful,butIwasonagrouptourandsomehow
Istillfeltlonely.”

“Ifit’slonely,whydoyoudoit?”
Hiswordsweregruffandbegrudging,andhisforearmsweredrapedovertherailing,hisfingers

interlacedlooselyanddangledtowardsthewaterlappinggentlyagainstthedocksupports.Itlulled
herfrominfuriatedtohazilyforgiving,thoughprobablyonlybecauseshewasdrunk,andsoshe
rambled,“BecauseIloveit.JustlikeyouloveMaybelleandyourrestaurantandallyourfriends.And
besides,beingaloneisn’tthesameasbeinglonely.IsawyousittingwithJesseoutsideearlier.Noone
waswithyouandyoutwoweren’ttalking.Wereyoulonely,justsittingsilentlywithafriend?”

“Ofcoursenot,”hesaid,ratherabruptly.
“Isawyouatthebeach,too,beforeyoucameovertoDunk,”shecontinuedtorambleasshe

lookedupfromhishandsacrossthelake,fascinatedbythevaguesenseoftreesandhouses,maybe,
onthefarsideofthewater.Hemadeasortofgruntingnoise,butshedidn’tlookover.“Dunksaidit
wasanex-girlfriendofyoursthatyou’dbeentalkingto.”

She’dquitherlawfirmandthenherboyfriendalmostsevenmonthsagoandhadn’tbeenwith

anyonesince.Butshedidn’treallymissit—or,shedidn’tmissTroyorthefewexesbeforehim,allof
whomhadalwayswantedthingsshedidn’t.Still,she’dthoughtaboutthemandtheirrelationships
oftenenough,especiallyinromanticplaceslikeParis.

“Youdidlooklonelythen,”shemurmured.“Itmusthavebeenabadbreakup.”
Adenwassilentforawhile,sosheswiveled,wobblyonherwedges,andfoundhimlookingat

her,hispalebrowneyeshooded.Histhinmouthwasalmostaline,notstraightacrossbutlikea
diagonalslash.Itwasn’tlushorobviouslysexy,butheatrushedunevenlyoverherskin,likearashof
goosebumps,andsheshiveredatthehalf-forgotten,simplepleasureofattraction.Onehand,the
fingerslooselycurled,rubbedthesideofhiscrookednoseandmoreheatrushedintoher.“Idon’t
reallywanttotalktoadrunkstrangeraboutthat,”hesaidinthishalf-cynical,half-lonelytonethatgot
toher.

“Hmm.”Shescrewedupherface,studyinghimcritically.“Or,itcouldbeperfecttotalktoa

stranger,sinceit’snotlikeI’veevermetyourexandprobablyneverwill.”

Afterathicksilence,heasked,“What’sthelongestrelationshipyou’vebeenin?”
Shewiltedalittle,butanswered,“Itwasaboutfiveyears.Itwas...serious.Wehadplans,plans

aboutourfuturesandhowwewantedourlifetogo.Weboughtahouse,even,”sheadded,thefailures
ofthatrelationshipacidicinthebackofherthroat.

“IstarteddatingGingerwhenweweresixteen,”hebeganhaltingly,“andwewereonagain,off

againuntilIendeditforgoodearlierthisyear.”Thestatementwasflat,butpackedtightwith

suppressedemotions.“Webrokeupalot,butnotforyearsatastretchoranything.Ifyouaddupthe
time,itstillhastobeupwardsoftenyears.”

“Oh,Aden,”shesaidsoftly,shakingherhead.
Hetwitched,asifrejectingthesympathy.
She’dmetherbestfriendwhentheywerefreshmanincollege,sotheirfriendshipwasabout

elevenyearsoldnow.Shecouldn’timagineallofthosehighsandlowscompoundedexponentiallyby
teenagedhormones,sex,becominganadult,andevolvingtastes,goalsanddreams.Itwasadmirable,
ifalsoequallyfoolish,tostaysolong.“Whatwasitlike?”

Atthat,hegaveoneofhisgrunts.“Itwaswhatitwas.”
“Idon’tknowwhatthatmeans,”shetoldhim,cockingherheadtooneside.
“Itwasalotoffighting,”hefinallyoffered,shrugginglikeheknewthatwasn’tmuchofan

explanationeither.“Alotofwaiting.Wewentthroughallthebigmilestonestogether,doingallthose
firstsexceptmarriageandkids.WhenIhadtotakeoverWildHarts,Igotsobusyandshedidn’tget
alongwithmysisterandfriends,so...Iguessitwasn’tthebest.”

Chasethoughtaboutwhatthatwouldmeanandfinallyhazarded,“Nooneelsewilleverknowyou

likethat,nomatterhowmuchyoutellthem.That’salittle...weird.”

“Nooneelsecaneverhurtmelikethat,either.”Hegrimacedandgrippedthepierrailinglikehe

couldcrushitintopainfulsplintersifheputmuchmoreeffortintoit.“And...Idon’tmissit.”

Heappearedlonelyagain,isolated,theloud,joyfulnoisefromthepartybuffetingagainsthim,

takenforgrantedandbringingnopeacetohim.Yetafterthemontageofchanginglandscapes,
weathers,facesandbodies,andattitudesthatChasehadseeninhertravels,therewassomething
incrediblyreassuringaboutAdenjustbeingwhohewas.

Buttheweight,thedepth,ofthatmadeherskitterbackintolighterterritory.
“DoyouthinkIcouldgetintoyoursecretbartendersocietynow?”sheaskedwithasmall,

fleetingsmile.“Sinceyoukindofjustpouredoutyourhearttome?”

Adenlookeddownather,hisgriprelaxingontherailing,thelinesathismouthgrowing

shallowerandthenallbutsmoothingoffhischeeks,onlytoreappearsuddenlyaroundhiseyesashe
grinned.“Idon’tknow,theduesareprettyhigh,”hewarnedher.

Holyfuckingshit,shethought,herbrainflushedofallabilitytofunction.Thatsmilewasnotthe

smileofaboring,humorlesscynic.Itwas...itwastransformative,likeusingtheflashonacameraso
thatanimagewhichwouldbebleakandallshadowswithoutitbecamecolorfulandsaturated.Her
kneeslockedsothatshewouldn’ttipover.

“I’maprettygoodnegotiator,”shepromised,herbrainstillmush.
Andthenhechuckled,alittlerumblysortofthinglikeamusclecaridlingonthestreetoutside,

andherheartturnedoverhard,becausethatsmileandthatchucklewerethefirsttimehe’dreacted
positivelytoher,untaintedbyhisgrumpyattitude.Itwas...beautiful,andherbrainlessmind
whispered,unabletohelpit,“Butyourex,itisover?”

“It’sdefinitelyover,”hedeclaredinthatsamerumbleashischuckle.
Shiveringagain,herbrainstilltootipsytooveranalyzeanything,sheliftedherhandstoscrape

uptheplaidfabricofhisshirtslowly,bumpingoverthepocketsonhispecs.Shegrippedthemuscles
rightnexttohisneckandrockeduponthetoesofherwedgesasbestasshecould.Hereyesfellagain
tohismouth,andshekissedhim.

Shewasexpectinghimtoholdheratbayorturnhishead,notfeelingwhatshewas.
Butthosehot,roughhandscuppedthebackofherhead,squishingthetipsofherearsheedlessly,

andathicktonguelickedherbottomlip.Onasoundlessgasp,shecaughtit,andthekissbecameawet
surgeoftonguesbackandforthbetweentheirmouths.Herbodystumbledagainsthisandhetookher
weight.Theirarmstangledtogetherandherthighstrembledfromtheeffortofkeepingherbalance

onherwedges,butshedidn’tcare.

Herexeswerealsosteady,reliablemenlikeAden,butithadleftthemdull,theirkisseswithout

spirit.Adenkissedlikeamanwhowasjustaslostinthemomentasshe,thatcrookednoseblowing
hotblastsagainsthercheeksasifhewereagallopingstallion.

Theminutestumbledonepastthenextuntilshegrewdizzyfromnotbeingabletotakeinenough

air.Thenshesteppedbackwithagasp,theirmouthspullingapartsosuddenlythattheyhungopen.
Adenstareddownather,hislipspartedandhisbreathsquick.“Wow,”shebreathedinappreciation,
“wasthatyourfirstkisspost-ex?”

Hisexpressionshutteredhard.“Ineedanotherdrink.”
Chasemaskedherhurtbytossingherhair.“Metoo,”sheagreedlightly.

“Badplan,Chase.Verybadplan.”
ShewasstumblingaroundMaybellewithherwedgesinherpurse,hopelesslylost.Herstomach

roiledandshethoughtherdinnermightcomeupalongwithenoughwinetodrownahippopotamus.
Admittingdefeat,shecrumpledtothegrasswherevershewas,whichwasbetterthanringing
doorbellsatthreeinthemorningtoaskfordirections.

“Freakingwrongdaytoletmycellrunoutofbatteries.”
SheblamedtheextentofherinebriationentirelyonLeda,whilesheknewthatalltheblamefor

beinglostwasonherself.Afterthatill-advisedkiss,sheandAdenhadgonebackinside,immediately
splittingup.Sheshouldhavecalledacabrightthen,butshehadn’t—she’djoinedLedaandJesseat
thebarinthelivingroom.

WheneveryoneelsehaddraggedpillowsandblanketsfromTristan’sclosetsandstartedcrashing

outallover,sheshould’vecalledacab.Butshe’dbeenthekindofdrunkwhoabsolutelyknewthe
waybacktotheinn.Exceptshesodidn’tknowthewayback.Sprawledoutonthegrass,whichneeded
amow,herpurseforapillow,shestaredup.

Butthestars,whichhaddazzledherbeforeshe’dkissedAden,hurt,sosheclosedhereyes.She

felttheearthmoveunderher,orthroughtheuniverse,orsomething.

“MissCade?”Chasemadeanacknowledgingnoise,toodrunktobesurprisedsomeoneknewher.

“It’sDougieShore—wemetatthebeachthismorning?”thevoiceoffered.Chasepriedhereyesopen
andtheboywhohadheldhercopyofCatch-22swaminhervision.Herfacetwistedinsurprisethat
suchasweetboyturnedouttobethatuptightMarthaShore’srelative.“Doyouknowthatyou'relying
onachurchlawn?”

“No.Andpleasetalkquieter,”shegroundout,hermouthfeelinglikemealyapple.“Ialreadyhave

ahangovereventhoughI'mstillprettydamndrunk.Hell.”

“Tomorrow'sSunday,”heexplainedgently.
“Well,that’snogood.Iwouldn’twantyour...isMarthayourgrandmother?Wouldn’twantyour

Marthatoseemelikethis,”shemumbledwithaprettyheavydoseofsarcasm.

“Letmehelpyouup,”Dougiesaid.
Whenshewhisperedanokay,hepulledherslowlytoherfeet.Herlegsfeltwateryandshecould

feelbilecreepingupherthroat,butthankfullyitwasn’tthesamefeelingthatshegotjustbeforeshe
threwup.“Thanksforthetip.It’sjustthatI'mreallylost.”

“You’restayingattheDogwood,right?”Chasemarveledatsmalltownsandtheirspy-worthy

gossipnetworkalloveragain,thennodded.“Whereareyoucomingfrom?”

“TristanHouston’s.”
Theteen'sbrowsrose.“SweartoGod,you'refarfromwhereyou'regoing.You'llmakelikea

hugetrianglebythetimeyougettoJesse's.How’dyouendupouthere?”

“HowshouldIknow?”shemutteredastheybegantowalk.

Dougie’shandhoveredoverhisthigh,readytograbher.Itwasverygallant,notsomethingshe

wasusedto.Nothinglikeungallantbartenderswhokissedherbackwiththeirhandscradlingherface
andthensaidtheyneededadrink.

“I'mnotgoingtopuke,”shepromisedhim.“...Idon'tthink.”
“That'sgood,”hemanagedtotellherwithoutlaughing.
“Hey!”sheexclaimed,pointingafingeraccusingly.“You'reateenager.Iknowbecauseyou'rein

summerschool—yousaidyouare.You'reajuveniledelinquent.”

Hewasquietforawhile,butshedidn'tmindbecausethesidewalkwasbuckledandittookalotof

concentrationnottobreakanankle.“Ithinksomeoneprobablytoldyouaboutmyfamily,because
you’rehangingoutwithLedaRiveau.They're...”

“Judgmental,”shesupplied,thenwinced.“Sorry,thatwas...judgmental.”
Flashingaquicksmile,heagreed,“No,that'stherightword.It'sembarrassingtohaveafamily

thatactsallhighandmighty.Maybeit'stheinternetorhavingallofthecablechannelsbecauseofthe
bedandbreakfast,butI'mnotnarrow-mindedlikethem.”

“Look,”shesighed,“Ihaven’tbeenallovertheworld—yet—butI’vebeentoenoughplaces

whereeveryone’ssupposedtobesuperconservativeandplacesthatarelikemoralfree-for-alls.And
Ihatetotellyou,butpeoplearenarrow-mindedeverywhere.”

“Theycanbe,”hecorrectedherfiercely.“Maybelle’salright,forasmalltown,butI'mworking

myassoffinschoolsothatIcangetascholarshipsomewhere,anywhere,andgowherenoone
knowsmycrazyfamilyorcomparesmetotheRiveausallthetime.”

Chasenoddedminutely,herneckfeelinglikeovercookedspaghetti,andconsideredthis

viewpoint.She’dencountereditalot,almostalwaysinyoungpeople.Nomatterhowwell-educatedor
howexposedtootherplaces,tonsofpeoplethoughtthattherewassomeplaceelsethatwasperfectfor
themandtheywantedtofindit.

Inaway,shewasdoingthesamething,onlyshewantedtofindthingsthatwereperfectabout

everyplace.“Ihopeyoucandoit,”shetoldhimfervently.

Afterthat,shegaveuptryingtotalk;sheneededallofherenergyandconcentrationjusttomake

ittotheinnwithoutpassingoutmid-step.Dougiekeptpacewithher,neversayingawordaboutthe
inconvenience,andsheenjoyedthecompanionshipsomuchthatshedidn'ttakeupbiglifequestions
againonceshesoberedupsome.

Alltold,ittookanhourtoescortherallthewaytotheinnandhelpherunlockitwithherroom

key.“Areyousureyoucanclimbthestairsalone?”heaskeddubiously.

“Hey,Itoldyouaboutmysweetroominthegablesoyoucouldbejealousofmegettingtostay

init,”sheretortedindignantly,“notsothatyoucouldworryI'llbreakmyneckgettinguptoit.I'm
finenow.”Sheflappedonehandathimandadmonished,“I’msureyou’rewaypastbreakingcurfew.
Youneedtogethome.Trynottogetcaught.”

“Areyousure?”heaskedagain.Shesmiledalittleandwalkedbackwardsinastraightline,

stickingonearmoutandtouchinghernosewiththeother.Helaughedalittleassheimitatedthe
roadsidesobrietytest,thenconceded.“G’night,then,ma’am.”

Inspiteofherindignation,shedidgoupthestairsveryslowly,clingingtothebannister.She

strippedoffherdressandthenwrappedalightweightthrowblanketaroundherselfandcurledupin
thewickerrockingchairatoneofthewindows.Shereachedforthepretzelsshe'dleftonthe
windowsillthatmorningandabsentlymunched.

Althoughshestillhadthesensationofbeingunderwater,shewasmostlysober,andshewas

melancholy.Evenbeforeshe’dstartedtotravel,whenherlifewasmakinghermiserable,shehadn't
beenmelancholy;ithadbeenmorefrustration,boredomanddissatisfaction.Somelancholywasn'ta
stateofmindshewasusedto.Couldshebemelancholyjustbecauseshe’dfallensocompletelyin

lovewithMaybelletoday,aplaceshewasonlyvisiting?Therewereadozenplacessheloved,fora
hundreddifferentreasons,connectedtoherbestmemoriesandgreatestexperiencesoftravelingso
far.TwodaysinMaybellewasn’tenoughtimeforthat,andnothinghadfeltlife-changing...

Forasecond,thememoryofthatkissblewthroughher.
Shelaughedassherealizedthatshehadtobemoredrunkthanshe’dthought.
Sleepily,Chaseclosedhereyes,herheadnestledinthedeepcurveofthebackoftherocking

chair,andtumbledintoadeep,dreamlesssleep.

CHAPTERNINE

Chase

Chasejerkedawakealongtimelater,thengroanedbecausesleepingintherockerhadputa

seriouskinkinherneckandoneofherlegswascompletelyasleep.

“Ow,”shemoanedasshehoppedonthenon-numblegtohertoiletriesforaspirin.Whenshesaw

thatitwasone,shemutteredsourly,“Theregoesmyitinerarytoday.”

Shewashungover,andthatsillymelancholyfromthewitchinghourlastnightstillclung

stubbornlytoher.Thatkisslastnighthadbeenamistake,andsinceallofthelocalsshe’dmetwere
Aden’sfriendsandfamily,itwouldbebestforhertostayaway.

Resolute,shegotreadyandputonthenicestthingshehad,awhitesilkhalterandpaleblue,wide-

leggedpantswithturquoiseearrings,andhopeditwaschicandintimidatingenoughtosetherclearly
apartfromthelocals.

Andasshewentdownstairs,shetriedtofortifyherselfagainstMaybelleandeveryoneinit.She

wasonvacation,heretohearlivemusic,gotothebeach,visitartgalleries,andeatgoodfood.She’d
doneallthat,plusshe’dinteracted—toomuch—withthelocalsandhadnormal,non-lawyerly
conversationswithpeople,soshe’dfulfilledhersecondarygoalsfortraveling.Allthatwasleft,if
shewanted,wastowriteablogabouttheexperienceofthe4thofJulyinasmalltowninoneofthe
thirteenoriginalcolonies.

Whenshehitthelobby,Jessecalledfrombehindhersmallreceptiondesk,“Hey,Chase.Howare

youfeeling?You’rethelastguesttobeup—notashock,afterlastnight,”sheaddedwitha
sympatheticlook.“Therearen’tanyarrivalstoday.Youwanttohavesomecoffeeandmaybegreasy
eggsifyou’reupforit?Wecouldeatitinthegarden.”

AllofChase’sintentionsfaltered.
ThatwasthemostshehadheardJessespeakatonceyet,anditwasobviousthatitwasrarefor

Jesse,asrareasbringingoutsidersintohertight-knitgroupoffriends.

Chasecouldn’tbecoldorcarelessinresponsetothat;itwouldbehurtfulandalie.
Sosheanswered,asmiletwitchingathermouth,“I’mokay,afterashower.Youlookjustfine

though.Thegardensoundsnice.Maybejustthecoffeethough,noeggs.”

Jessesmiledcrookedlyatherawkwardanswerandledhertothediningroomforcoffeeanda

plateofbacon,thenoutintothegarden.JesserelaxedintooneoftheAdirondacks,lightinga
cigarette,whileChasesankintoanotherandbegan,thewordsstilted,“Listen,youandyourfriends
weregenerous,lettingmecrashyourparty.”

“Youmakeussoundlikeacharity,”Jessecommentedbeforeshecrunchedonastripofnearly

burntbacon.Onceshe’dswallowedthefirstbite,shecockedoneeyebrowatChaseandsaid,“You

looklikeyou’retryingtobreakupwithme.Isthisakiss-off?”

Immediately,Chaseshookherheadtoohardanddeniedtoofast,“No!”
“Allright,”Jessedrawledextra-slowly.“Thenwhatisit?”
Chasegrimacedandtriedtothinkofawaytoexplainthedistancesheneededtoputbetween

herselfandJesseandhergroupoffriends,withoutmentioningthatkiss.

Tobuysomemoretime,shebegan,“Itwasreallyfun,Iwasn’tlying.”
Jesse’sexpressionseemedtofadeuntilitwasblank,hereyesopaqueandguarded.
“Damnit,”Chaseburstout,followedbysomethingelseentirely.“Tristansaidthatyouhavea

friendwho’salawyer.It’snottheeasiestthingtobecome.Iwantedtoarguetogetthebestadvantages
formycompanyorclients,andIwantedtouselanguageandrulestodoit.Ilikedthestrategy.Iwent
tooneofthetoughestlawschoolsinthecountrytolearnitall.ThenIworkedatalawfirminSilicon
Valleyforthreeyears,eightyhoursaweek,workingmyassofftryingtoprovemyworthandget
promoted.”

“Okay,”JessesaidwhenChasewentquiet,butitwasmorethanhalfquestion.Shescratchedher

headthroughamessytopknot.

ChasemetJesse’seyesassheshookherheadandstruggledtoexplain.“Imeant...IguessIjust

meanthatbeingalawyer,youformhabitsabouthowmuchyouworkandhowhardyoustriveto
accomplishthings.Ilovetraveling,Iabsolutelydo.Butthosehabitsarehardtobreak,sothere’sa
partofmethatfeelslazy.Andhangingoutwithyouandyourfriends,whenyouaren’tonvacationbut
justdoingthingsonyournightoff...”

Jessehuffedoutalaugh,butthensortofsquintedandofferedbluntly,“Igethardworkandbeing

boredbytoomuchfreetime.Butfromwhatyousaid,itseemslikeyoudon’tneedtomakemoney.So
unlessyouplantotravelforever,justenjoyyourvacation.”

“YouthinkI’malittlecrazy,”Chaseguessedwithonlyalittlechagrin.
“Ithinkit’samazingyouhaven’tfreakedoutaboutthisyet,”Jessecountered.
Chaserolledhereyesatherself,buttookJesse’swordsseriouslyassheswirledhercoffee

aroundinthethickceramicmug.Herfamilyandherbestfriendhadtriedtoaskheraboutthis—how
longsheplannedtotravelandwhatsheplannedtodoafterwards—butshe’dignoredthem.“Every
onceinawhile,Ithinkabouttryingtomaketheblogprofessional.”

Jesse’snosescrunchedalittlebutsheonlyrepliedmildly,“Ifyoudidthat,thenyou’dhaveto

interviewme,askmewhatIthinkmakesMaybelleagreat,successfultouristdestination.”

“Iwouldhavetoask,becauseI’mnotsureoftheanswer,”Chasesaidwithashrug.
“JustbecauseRickCarveropenedLaFontaine,bringinginposhfolk,jumpstartingtourism,

doesn'tmeanMaybellewasashithole,”Jessesaidincredulously,offended,hereyesflashing.“We
don’tdothatmuchtodrawinvacationers,Ms.Cade.Wehaveaforestpreserve,threewarm,clean
lakes,afantasticartgallery,andwe'renearmountains.”

Chasecounteredsharply,“Isthatwhatyoulove,thegalleryandthelakes?”
WhenJesseclampedthebuttofhercigarettebetweenherteethasthoughitwereacigar,Chase

winced,guiltswampingher.She’dusedherlawyertone,accusatoryandincredulouswithadashof
cynicaldisbelief.Notonlydidshehatehearingthattonecomeoutofherownmouth,butJessedidn’t
deservetohaveitaimedather—theotherlocalsChasehadbefriendeddidn’tdeserveiteither,evenif
theyhadn’theardheruseit.

Shecrossedherlegs,smoothingonehandoverherthigh,andapologized,“I’msorry,thatdidn’t

comeoutright.Iloveitherealready;I’mjusttryingtofigureoutwhy.”

ThetensionbledoutofJesse’sbodyandshehookedonebootupontoherotherknee,cocking

oneeyebrow.“Ineverlivedanywherebuthere,soIcan’tgiveyoualist.Somekidstalkabout
escapingtoabigcity,butIneverwantedtogoanywhere.IfIleave,it’stogotoShenandoahNational

ParkorRoanokeforaconcertorsomething.Thisishome,goodandbad,boringandfun.Tourism
bringsinmoney,soit’sbeengoodtous,financially.Butit’smorethanjustmoney.It'sgoodforallof
us—notjustthekids—tomeetpeoplewithotherkindsoflives.”

“Thosearefacts.Thatcan'tbewhyyouloveit,”Chasecommented,stillperplexed.
“Aren'tsomeplacesjustspecial?”Jesseaskedwithasimpleshrug.“Andifyou’veneverfeltlike

this,thenmaybeseeingthatisenough.Youdon’tneedtogetexactlywhy.”

HumbledandflooredbyJesse’ssimpleloveofherhometown,whichitseemedneitherofthem

wereabletodissectorexplain,Chasefeltherthroatclose.

Impulsively,shegotupandhuggedJessehard,smilingatJesse'smutedoomphofsurpriseasshe

awkwardlyreturnedit.Chaseletgoandadmitted,“I’msorry;Ishouldn’thavepushedyou.Only...I’ve
lovedplaces,butitalwaysdefinitelyfeltlikeavacation.Buthere,youknow,goingoutwithyouand
yourfriends,it’snot...”

“Noproblem,”Jessesaid,herfaceasredasChase’sfelt.“Youjust...sitandenjoythatcoffee.I’d

bestgetbackin,”shestammeredbeforesheleftveryquickly.

Chasedroppedbackintothechair,wincingsincetherewasnocushion.
Formaybethefirsttimesinceshe’dleftMonterey,sheseriouslyaskedherselfwhatshewas

doing.Shecouldn’tspendtherestofherlifetraveling,unlessshedidturntheblogintoaprofessional
thingandwasabletosustainthatforyears,whichshedoubted.She’dstarteditasawaytohelpher
adjusttohernewlife.Ithadbeenagreatwaytohelphertotalktopeopleandstayintouchwithher
familyandSunnywhileshetraveled.Ifotherpeoplestumbledacrossitandleftcomments,thenshe
washappy.Butwouldshereallywantherlifetorefocusonatravelblogwheresherecommendeda
place,activityorfood,orreportedonnewfoodtrends,fashionsandlocalcustoms?Wouldshereally
wanttodissectwhyshelovedMaybelleorfigureoutwhyotherpeopledidtoo?

Shesighedandwinced.
No.Ifsheweretodothat,thenshe’dstoptryingtofindoutwhoshewantedtobe,whichwaswhy

she’dstartedtraveling.WhileshewasintheprocessofbuyingTroyoutofthehouse,aftershe’dquit
thefirm,shewasalreadycompletelystir-crazy.Evenbeforeshe’ddecidedthatshewantedtobea
lawyer,shehadn’tbeenarelaxed,aimlessperson.LazingaroundherhouseinMontereyhadn’tbeen
helpingher.She’dstaredatherbankaccountbalances,andthenshe’dswitchedappsandscrolled
throughthedailyflightdealsatabunchoftravelwebsitesuntilshefoundsomethingthatsounded
perfect.

Fourdays,fivenightsinthehistoricalFrenchQuarterinNewOrleans—theBigEasy,the

birthplaceofjazz!Dealincludeshotel,airfareandcarrental!

Afterallofthis,afterhowfarshe’dcome,shedidn’twanttohidebehindablog.
But,shecouldn’tletherselfgetanymoreattachedtoMaybelle,either.
Thiswasavacation,whethershebloggedaboutitornot.Sheneededtojustfollowheritinerary

andexplorethecounty,notmakefriendsorlosesightofthefactthatshewastryingtoregainalittle
moreofherselfandlearnalittlemoreaboutherselftoo.

Hermouthfirmedwithresolve.

CHAPTERTEN

Aden

EverydamntimeAdentriedtodopayroll,somethingdidn’tadduporhegotaprogramerror,

buthe’drathersithereanextratwohoursthanaskLedatohelp.Shewasinsufferableaboutit,asif
hercateringmanagementjobinNashvilleafewyearsbackmadeheranexpert,whilehewasjust
somebackwoodsbarbarianwhocouldn’ttype.

Adenleanedbackinthedeskchairandblewoutafrustratedbreath.
Itdidn’thelpthathewasstillvaguelyhungoverfromTristan’sbarbeque;itfeltliketherewasa

not-so-gentlevicegriponhistemplesandhisstomachwasalittleuneasy.

“Areyoudoneyet?”Ledablaredfrombehindhim.
Hejoltedupandtwistedaroundtoscowlather.“I’vegottime,”hetoldher.
“Notenoughtimeforfinishingintimeifyou’redaydreaming,”sheretorted,flashingagiant

shit-eatinggrin.

Beforehecouldsnapbackthatshe’dstolenthesmilefromDunk,shewasgone.
Onehanddroppedtohisstomach,rubbingitabsentlyasheremindedhimselfwhyhelovedhis

job,evenwhenitincludedtime-consumingcraplikepayroll.HedecidedthatheshouldjustletLeda
doiteverytime,insteadofbeingastubbornidiotwhoinsistedthattheysplittheresponsibilityfifty-
fifty.He’ddoneeverythingaloneforalmosttwoyears,betweenhisparentshandingWildHartsover
andLedacomingbackfromNashville;hecouldturnoverpayrollonehundredpercenttoherfora
coupleofyearsandnotfeelguilty.

Hehunchedbackoverthecomputerandpainstakinglyfixedeverything,thenprintedthechecks

andstuffedtheminenvelopesfortheemployeestopickuponFriday.

Pushingupfromthedesk,hegroanedandstretchedhisneckandshoulders,hatinghowtightthey

alwaysgotwhilehewasatthecomputer,andwentintothekitchen.

“Hey,boss,”thesouschefcalledfrombehindacloudofsteamatthegrill.
“CanIgetabaconburgerandcurlyfrieswhenyouhavetime?”
“Surething,boss.Givememaybetwenty.”
“Thanks,”Adensaid.“Also,don’tforgetit’stheSheriff’sbirthdayandeventhoughtheydidn’t

makereservations,Ledaheardthey’recominginaroundeight.”

Thesouschefnodded.“Heard.We’llgetgoingonmoresalsaandribs.”
Heheadedforthehoststandtoseehowmanyreservationswereonthebooksfordinner,buthis

cellrang.Hepulleditoutofhispocketandpickedup.“Hey,Mama.”

“Hey,son,”BertieRiveausaid.“How’sitgoing?”
Narrowinghiseyes,AdensteppedoutsideandstartedtopaceacirclearoundWildHarts.His

parentshadalwaysbeenbigfansofjabberingawaywithcustomers,charmingthemandcajoling

themintohavinganevenbettertimethantheyalreadywere.ButtheRiveausdidn’tcalleachotherto
chat,andsoherepliedwarily,“It’sgoingfine,Mama.”

“Uhhuh,uhhuh,”shesaidimpatiently,likeshedidn’tbelievehimatall.“Anythingelseyouwant

totellmeandyourDaddyabout,Aden?”

“No,”hesaid,trailingouttheword.“WhydoyouthinkIhavesomethingtotell??”
“Yoursister—”Adengroanedandbracedforit.“—PutupsomepicturesfromTristan’spartylast

night.Youwereinoneofthemtalkingtoagirl.Anewgirl.”

“Thisismynightmare,”hemuttered.
“Whatwasthat?”sheaskedsharply.
“ItwasprobablyJesse,”hesaid,louderthanstrictlynecessary.
“UnlessJesseRileyshrunkafootandputalltheheightintoherbra,Idoubtit.”
Adenwinced.“Thanksforthatvisual,Mama.”
“So?”
“It’sjustsometouristwhowastaggingalongwithJesse,”hereplied,makingafaceandinwardly

apologizingtoJesse,whowouldcertainlygetacallfromBertietoo.

“Jesse’smakingfriendswithtourists?”Bertieexclaimedincompletesurprise.“Ialwaysthought

thetwoofyouwerepeasinapod,hatingallthoselovelytourists.”

Adentosseduphisfreehandintheair.“Idon’tknowwhatgoesoninhermind,Mama,”hesaid.

“Jessesaidsheseemslonelyorsomething,andDunkmethertoo.”

“Hmm,”Bertiesaid.“Shelooksbeautifulandhersmileinthepictureisverynice.”
Aden’slipsremainedclampedshut.Therewasnowaythathewasgoingtosayasinglewordin

responsetothat,orBertiewouldbeoffandrunningwithit.SheandLedahadalwaysharassedhim
aboutfindingsomeone—anyone—otherthanGinger,andherefusedtogiveheranyideasby
agreeingtoherassessmentofChase’slooksorsmile.

Evenifitjustsohappenedthatheagreed,atinybit.
“Wehaveseventyonthebooksfortonight,”hefinallyliedtoher,“plusit’stheSheriff’sbirthday,

soIneedtogomakesurewe’regoingtohaveenoughtogetthroughthenight.”

“Ofcourse,”Bertiesaidbriskly.“Iknowhowitgoes,”shelaughed.
“Iknowyoudo,”Adenmuttered,thinkingthatheshouldgohomeandgrabsomeindustrial

strengthaspirinbeforehisheadacheturnedintoamigraine.“Bye,Mama.”

“Bye,now.”
Hewenttogettheaspirin,andashefilledaglasswithwater,hismindwentbacktothenight

before...tothatkissthenightbefore.Goddamn,hethoughtashetossedtheaspirinbackandchugged
thewater,he’drunofflikeateenager,tooshockedandwhatevertoknowwhattodo,otherthanget
awayfromherandthatdizzyingmouth.

Hescrubbedhishandsoverhisfaceandgroaned.Heknewthatheshould’vesaidsomethingafter

thekiss—even‘thankyou,’whichwouldhavebeenhorrifying—beforeshehadhadthechancetoask
ifitwasthefirsttimehe’dkissedanyonesinceGinger.Sincethathadbeenmoreorlesswhathewas
thinking,he’dfrozen.Itwasamiraclehe’dmanagedtogetsomethingoutaboutgoingbacktothe
partyinsteadofblurtingthatout.

Shakinghisheadsharply,eventhoughitsentastabofpainthroughhisskull,hestalkedbackover

toWildHartsandgotbacktowork.Hehadalife,anditdidn’thaveanyroomforactinglikea
teenagerjustbecausehe’dkissedaprettygirlataparty.

Eventuallyhewasbehindthebar,servingbeersandcocktails.Hemechanicallyaskedthe

customersabouttheirkidsortheirnewcarsandrememberedtosmile.Itwasaslowafternoon,
probablybecauseitwashappyhouratthe3Brothers,andinsteadofwonderingifWildHartsshould
startuponeoftheirown,hewasjustgratefulthatitwasslow.

Or,hewas,untilhecaughthimselfthinkingaboutthatkissforthetenthtime.
“Hey,Aden,”Ledasaidassheduckedunderthebarandcameover.
“ThanksforsiccingMomonme,”hesaidbeforeshecouldgoon.“Whythehelldidyoutellher

anythingaboutsomepicturesomemoronputupofmeandChaseCade?”

Ledasnickeredandpulledouthercell,thumbedaroundforaminute,andthenflippedthescreen

towardshim.Shehadoneofthosecellsthatwasmorelikeasmallbookthanabusinesscard,sothe
picturewasbigandclear.Itwasn’tofthemonthepier—he’dbeenexpectingthis,sinceifithadbeen,
hismotherwouldhavesaidsorightaway—itwasnearthepooltable.Itmust’vebeenrightafter
TristansuggestedthatAdentakeheroutsidebecausetheyweremostlyturnedtowardseachother,
Aden’shandreachingtowardsherbacktoguideher.Herheadwasangledup,herbangsbrushing
overoneear,hersmilebright,whilehelookedmorelikeagrumpydeerinheadlights.

“Whotookthat?”
“Dunk,Ithink,”Ledarepliedcarelessly.
“QuittellingMomshit,”hesnapped.
Ledarolledhereyesandshovedhim.“Lookather.She’sliketheperfectrebound.”
“Rebound?”Adenyelped,hiseyesdartingallaroundtomakesurethatnoonehadoverheard.

Withaquickstep,hewasrightinhissister ’sface.“Whatthehellareyoutalkingabout?”

“Re-bound,”sherepeatedslowly,asifsheweretheemceeataspellingbee.“Thesexyouhave

afteryoubreakupwithasignificantother—well,inGinger ’scase,insignificant,”sheexplained,then
stoppedtosnickeratherownhilariousjoke.

Grindinghisjaw,hesqueezedout,“Iknowwhatthefuckareboundis.”
“Well,youneedone,”sheretorted.
“Idonotwanttotalkaboutanything...sex-relatedwithyou,Leda!”hesnarled.
“IcouldcallDunkinstead.Wouldthatbebetter?”shecountered,crossingherarmsandsmirking.

Adenhauledhimselfbackandshuddereddramaticallyinhorrorattheidea.“Ididn’tthinkso.AllI’m
sayingis,youneedareboundsothatGingerisn’tthelastwomanyouhadsexwithanymore.You
gottawipethatslateclean.Resetyoursystem.”

TherewassomuchwrongwiththisthatAdendidn’tevenknowwheretostart.
Hegaveherhisbestglower.“I’mnotaslateorasystem,Leda.”
“Butshe’sliketheworstvirusever.Yougottavaccinateyourself.”
“Shutupwiththeseawfulmetaphors,”heordered.
“You’llthankmelater,”shesangasifshewerethebestsisterever.“Becauseuntilyourebound,

you’llhavenochoicebuttocomparewomenandsextothatshe-beast.”

Furiousaboutthewholeexchange,hescowledandscrubbedeverysurfacebehindthebarwithas

muchforceashecouldwithoutbreakinganything,bottlesrattling.

Herefusedtogiveonesecond’sconsiderationtorelationshipadvicefromLeda.Notonlywasshe

hissister,forGod’ssake,butitwasn’tlikeshehadgottenoverherownshittyrelationshipandwas
nowflourishinginahealthyrelationship.No,she’dbottledthatshitupandandnowsheswipedatany
manwhodaredtoapproachherandshotthemdownviciously.Ifanything,heshoulddotheopposite
ofwhatshe’dsuggested.

“Aden?”hisbartenderventured.
“Yeah,”hesnapped.
“Uh,areyouokay?You’reextra...”
Whenhedidn’tfinish,Adenlookedoverandfoundhimmakinganexaggeratedscowl.Hewanted

totalkabouthisemotionalstatewithhisemployeeevenlessthanhe’dwantedtolistentoLeda,buthe
madehimselftakeadeepbreathbeforehesaid,“I’mfine.”

“Okay,becauseifyouwanttohideinthebackbecauseGinger ’shereonadate—”

Adenfrozeatthat.
“Yeah,”hesaid,nodding,“she’sneartheback.Can’ttellwhotheguyis.”
“Iseriouslydon’tgiveashit,”Adenbitout.
Thebartender ’seyesblewwideandhepracticallyrantotheoppositesideofthebar.
Adenfeltbadforasecond,buthegrittedhisteethandstartedcuttinglimewedges.
HeknewwhythebartenderthoughtitwasGinger ’spresencethathadhimonedge;he’dworked

hereforalmostfouryears.Hemust’veheardGingerbitchingatAdenwhentheywerefightingand
cooingathimwhentheywereonagain.Hemust’vewatchedGingercomeinwithsomeotherguyto
makeAdenjealous.Inthepast,AdenhadeitherbeenscramblingtokeepGingerhappy,zig-zagging
acrosstheminefieldofthingstosaythatwouldn’tpissheroff,orscowlinganddistractedwhileshe
waswithsomeoneelse.

Butthathonestlywasn’tthecaseanymore.
HeknewitseemedharshthatGingerdidn’taffecthimanymore,butitwasjustwhathad

happened.EveryonehadalwayscalledhimtheonlysteadyRiveau.Itwasacompliment,asfarashe
wasconcerned,evenifalotofpeoplemeantitasasortofhalf-disparagingteasethathe’dneverdone
anythingwildlikeeveryoneelseinhisfamily.Therewasnothinghecoulddotochangethefactthat
hewasreliableandprettydamnhardtorattle,andhewouldn’twanttochangethat.Partofhowthat
playedoutinreallife,though,wasthathe’dstuckwithGingerthroughtonsofcrap,loyalevenwhen
hereallyshouldn’thavebeen.Butevenhehadhislimits,andGingerhadpushedhimpastallofthem
bytheend;onceshe’ddonethat,hehadtoldheritwasoverforgood.

Andhe’dmeantit.
Mostpeoplehadtogetusedtobeingalone,tosleepingaloneandnothavinganautomaticplus-

onetopartiesorweddings,andtohavingalotoffreetimeallofasudden.Iftheirrelationshiphadn’t
beenon-again,off-again,orifthey’dbothworkedninetofiveorbothworkedevenings,heprobably
wouldbehavingjustashardatimeasmostpeopleadjusting.Buthewasusedtoallofthatalready.

Whathehadn’texpectedwasthat,insteadofhismomandLedabugginghimaboutditching

Ginger,nowlotsofpeoplewerevoicingopinionsabouthowheshouldmoveon.

Thisone—areboundwithChaseCade—tookthecake,though.
Asifhewerethetypeofmanwhocouldjust...havesexwithawomanwhowaspracticallya

stranger,whenitwouldmeannothing.Howwouldthatpossiblyhelphim?

Notthatheneededanyhelp,damnit,therewasnothingwrong.
“What’dthatlimeeverdotoyou?”Ledapracticallyfuckingchirped.
“I’mtakingyouradvice,”hesaidsarcastically.“I’mpretendingit’sGinger ’sfavoritepairof

shoes.Orherfavoritelipstick.Igobackandforthbetweenthetwo.”

Ledaflashedhersharkiestgrinandencouragedhim.“That’sthespirit!”
“You’renuts,”hemumbled,shovingthelimesintotheircontainer.
“Well,Ginger ’sabitch,”sheproclaimed.“ShecrashedyourcarintoMr.Wilder ’semptyhorse

trailer.Shegotsomadthatyouhadmorevotesforpromkingthanshegotforpromqueenthatshe
stabbedyourfootwithherhighheelonthepodiumwhileyouwerebeingcrowned.Youwereinanair
castforlikeamonth.Oh,andshegaveyouchlamydia!”

Whensomeonestartedlaughinghisassoff,Adenwhirledtoglowerathim.
“Youneedtorememberthatyouwastedthirteenyearsonthatskank.”
AdenlungedtograbLeda’sarm.“Shutup,”hehissed.“Ifyouwanttotellmeagainhowstupid

youthinkIamandhowmuchofabitchyouthinksheis,fine,doit.Butdoitathome,whereevery
singleoneofourcustomers—includingGinger—can’thearyou.”

“Whydon’tyougohome?”Ledasnappedback.“Wecanhandleit.Can’twe?”
Shedirectedthesecondquestionattheotherbartender,whoagreedhastily,“Definitely.”Thenhe

helduphishandsatAden.“If...ifyouwantmeto,boss.”

“Haveityourway,”hemutteredasheyankedoffhisapronandshoveditatLeda.
Feelingstrangled,hestompedoutofWildHarts,throughsomewoods,andintohishouse,the

doorbangingshutbehindhim.Oncehewasinhisroom,heangrilystripped,hearingaseamrip,and
gotintotheshower,wherehemadethewaterextra-hotandthepressurestrongenoughtobeatagainst
hisneckandshouldersinaconcentrated,spikystream.

Onehandfistedagainstthetilesandheleanedhisforeheadagainstit.
“Justbreathe,damnit,”hetoldhimselfashisotherhanddugabsentlyintothemusclethatran

fromnecktoshoulder,whichwasastenseasacablewire.

Withasharpinhale,hisbodyrememberedwithsavageclaritythewayChase’shandshadclutched

himthereasshe’dstraineduptokisshim.

God,ithadbeensogood,everythingaboutitso...freeofhistoryandexpectations.
Hehadn’thadtothinkaboutanythingbutthekiss.Ithadn’tbeenorchestrated;ithadbeenmessy

anduncalculatedandnatural.Thethicktasteofthewineshe’dbeendrinkingwasthrustintohis
mouth,strokedontohisteethandtongueandpalate.Whiletheyhadkeptkissing,itmeltedawayuntil
itwasjustthetasteofherandthetasteofhim,mixingtogether.Herbodyhadfallenagainsthis,
thoughhe’dbeentoolostinthekisstodomorethanenjoyitsheat.

Hereachedforhispainfullyharddick,grippingaroundthebasetighterthanusualandjerkingit

inshort,roughstrokes.Hegroaned,digginghisforeheadharderintohisfistashismouthgaped
openwhilehethoughtaboutwhatcould’vehappenedafterthatkiss,iftheyhadn’tbeenonapierwith
somanypeoplearound.Hecould’vehoistedherupontotherailingandwrappedherthighsaround
hishipsandheldhersecurelyagainsthimwithonearmaroundherwaistandback.Hecould’ve
kissedheruntiltheirmouthswererawandtheirthroatsweredry,untilhelearnedwhatkindsof
noisesshemade—

“Ah,”hegaspedashecameinlong,intensespurtsagainstthetilewall.
Maybetherewassomethingtobesaidformakingnewmemoriestowipeouthismemoriesof

Ginger,Adenthoughtmuzzilyashewashedhisbodyandrinsedoffthetiles.

CHAPTERELEVEN

Chapter11

Chase

WhenChasewokeuponFriday,the4thofJuly,shestretchedlazilyandlookedupattheceiling,

tryingtodecidewhatshewasgoingtodotoday.

MaybellecelebratedIndependenceDaywithaparade,anexhibitionbaseballgame,acarnival,and

fireworks.She’dspentthelastfourdaysdoingeverytouristythingtherewaslefttodo,stickingto
heritinerary.She’dtriedoutthediner,touredArcherFarmsanditstastingroom,andgoneonatrail
ridewiththeMeyers’RidingSchool.She’dshoppedatSusie’sBoutiqueandgonetoalectureatthe
libraryaboutMaybelle’shistory.She’deatenatLorenzo’sCocktailLoungeandgottenaspa
treatment.She’dtakenadaytriptoJeffersonNationalForestandreturnedtothosepaintingsatGilded
Superstitions.

Andeverytimeshe’dinteractedwithJesse,LedaandeveryonebutAden,she’dkeptitwarmbut

alsoshort,tryingtosticktoherplantobecasualbecauseshewasonvacation.

Buteverytime,shehadtowillfullyignorethepartofherthatknewthatshewasmissingoutona

chancetomakereallastingfriends.Whichwaswhyshewastornthismorning,becauseyesterday,
JessehadinvitedhertotheRiveaus’annualbarbequeatWildHarts.Whenshe’djoinedintheHoli
celebrationsinIndia,ithadmadeherfallmoreinlovewiththecountryanditspeople,andMaybelle
wasalreadywrappedaroundherheart.

Feelingindecisive,shewalkedoutsideandcalledherbestfriendwhileshepacedtheinn’sback

gardens.

“Hey,what’sup?”Sunnyasked.
“Hey,”sheanswered,“soIcouldgotoacarnivalorabarbeque,but—”
“Barbeque,”Sunnyinterruptedpromptly.“Carnivalsareforkids.”
“Butthebarbequeisasocialthingforthelocals,notatouristthing.”
Afterapause,Sunnyasked,“Istheresomethingwrongwiththat?”
Chasemadeasortofnon-committalnoise.“No,Imean,notreally.YouknowIwanttotalkto

peopleandlearnabouttheirlives,but,Idon’tknow,maybesinceI’minVirginia,andnot,like,
London,Ifeellikegoingtosomebody’sbarbequeisthesameas...”

“Makingfriends,”Sunnyfinishedwhenshetrailedoff.
“Yeah,well,I’monlyhereforafewmoredays.WhywouldIwanttoputmyselfouttherelike

thatandfindoutIreallylike...them...andthenjustleave?Idon’tthinkfriendingthemonFacebookis
goingtokeepfledglingrelationshipsaliveforever,Sunny.”

“ThatsoundslikelawyerChase.”ChaserubbedherforeheadasSunnycontinuedwithatouchof

impatience,“Youdon’thavetogoifyoudon’twantto,butifyouwantto,thengo.Whycan’tyou
makefriendswhileyoutravel?Ithinkthatyoucanhavelastingfriendshipsonline.Sowhynotgoto

thebarbeque,makefriends,andconnectwiththemonsocialmediabeforeyougo?Thenyouwon’t
beatourist,you’lljustbevisitingfriends.”

InsteadoftellingSunnythetruthaboutthatkisswithAdenandhisreaction,whichhadhumiliated

her,sheconfessedanothertruth,“I'mnogoodatthisbalance.TroytoldmeI’mtoonicetobea
lawyerandtoomuchofabitchtobeafriend,andhewasright.”

Sunnycursed,ripewithexasperation.“Troywasaclass-Adouche.Helovedtheideaofyoutwo

beingthislawyerpowercouple,butthenhedidn’tactuallywanttodateorlivewithalawyer.He
wanted,like,somewomanwhocooksandshit.Douche.”

Chaselaughedalittlepainfully.“Washewrong,though?”
“Yes,youidiot!”Herbestfriendgroaned.“Whenwemet,youwereballs-outallthetime.You

madefriendswitheveryoneandyouhadsomuchfunchallengingpeople,offeringupadifferent
perspectiveabouteverything.Youwereinterestedineveryoneandwhatmadethemuniqueandwhy.
WespentdaysdebatingthemeritsofromanticcomediesandwhichseasonofTheLWordwasthe
craziest.It’slike...ifthedoucheyex-boyfriendinLegallyBlondegotElleWoodsbackintheend,
becausehewantedthestarlawyerathisside.Andthenwasjustpissybecausehewasn’tthestar.”

“Itwasn’tallTroy’sfault,”Chasesaid,notjustasacounterargumentbutalsotoremindherself.

“Itriedsohardtobeagoodlawyeranddothesocialthingthatwentwithit.IoverdiditbecauseI
didn’treallywanttobedoingthatwholething.”

“WhydoyouthinkIgottogetherwithyourfamilyandhadanintervention?”
ChasehadtolaughatSunny’sindignantcomeback.
“AndI’veneverlovedyoumorethanthedayyoutoldmethatyouquitthefirmandneededmeto

comesitwithyouwhileTroymovedout,”Sunnywenton,shiftingintoamoreserioustone,
reassuringChaseliketheverybestfriendshewas.

“It’sbeenmonthsandI’mstillrelearninghowtobemewithouthidingbehindallthelawyercrap,

evenifI’mhappyandenthusiasticagain,”Chaseconfessed,slumpingagainstamapletree.“Imean,I
can’teventhinkaboutgoingtoabarbequewithoutfreaking.”

“Shit,”Sunnymuttered.“Look,Idon’twanttoinvalidateyourfeelingsorwhatever,butI’m

callingbullshitonthis.Youarenotseriouslyfreakingoutandcallingmeforadvicebecauseyou’re
afraidthatabarbequemightleadtofriendships,areyou?”

Allofasudden,thewholesituationstruckChaseasridiculousandsheburstintolaughter.“No,”

shegaspedoutonceshe’dcaughtherbreath.“Uh,it’s...aboutaguy.”

“There’saguy?Yes!Whatguy?”Sunnydemanded.
“Myfirstnight,IwenttoabarwiththemanageroftheinnI’mstayingat,”Chaseexplained,the

wordstumblingoutoverherembarrassmentatthewayshe’dblownthatkisssooutofproportion.
“Herfriendsownabar,siblings,andtheguyisnamedAdenandhe’scrazygrumpybutsuperdamn
fine.Like,he’sgotthesebicepsandthissurpriseone-twopunchofhissmileandhislaugh...Soyeah.I
wenttoapartythenextnightwithhimandabunchofotherpeopleI’vemetanddrankalotofwine
andkissedhim.”

“Hellyeah,”Sunnycrowed.
“Yeah,buthe,like,blewmeoffrightafterandnowit’sweird.Andthebarbequeishostedbyhim

andhissister,”shegroaned,“ortheirbar,I’mnotreallysure.”

Sunnysnorted.“IfIstoppedgoingplaceswhereImightrunintowomenI’vekissed,I’dhaveto

stayathomeallofthetime,oronlygooutin,like,Idaho.Don’tbeadumbass.”

“Hey!ItwasmyfirstkisssinceTroy,”Chaseargued,weakly.Atthat,Sunnycouldn’tholdback

herlaughteranymore,practicallyhowling.“Shutup!”shescreeched.

“OhmyGod,sorry,”Sunnygasped.“Maybeyou’reoutofpractice?”
“It’skissing,nottennis,”shegroused.“AndI’mtotallyagoodkisser.”

“Soyouwanttokisshimagain?”Sunnyaskedslyly.“Solooksexyandshowhimhowawesome

youare.Throwoutthelet’s-try-that-againsexyvibes.Howcouldheresist?”

Chasesmackedherforehead.“Hejustbrokeupwithsomeoneafterliketenyears.”
“Thenhe’sdefinitelyupforit;takeadvantageandgetthosebiceps!”Sunnyencouraged.“And,

sinceyouareatourist,it’snotlikeyou’llseehimafterifit’sawful.”

“Gee,”Chasesaidsarcastically,“thanksforthepeptalk.”
Sunnydidn’tanswerforasecond,butwhenshedid,shespokequietlyandfirmly.“Youarehappy

again,butyou’renotonehundredpercentyouagainyet.Don’tputupnewwallswhenyou’realmost
donetearingdowntheoldones.Whateveryouwant,goforit.”

Chaseshookherheadasthepressurebuiltupbehindhereyes.
Forsevenmonths,she’dbeentryingnottothinkaboutbefore,whenshewasstressed,

overworked,unhappyandindenialaboutallofit.Nowshe’dtraveledjustenoughawayfromthat
placeandforwardtodiscoverthatthepainofthatperiodwasmostlyfaded.But,sheadmittedwitha
wince,whilethepainhadfaded,therewerestillscars.

“Okay,”sheagreed,hervoiceshaky.“Okay,thanks.I’llgotothebarbeque.Thanks,Sunny,”she

repeatedfiercely.

“Iloveyou,CharlotteSeliaCade.”
“Iloveyou,too,”Chasetoldher,thenendedthecall.
Shetookasecondtobreathe,toletallofthatsinkin.
“WhateverIwant,I’mgoingforit,”shetoldherself,almostbelligerently,asshesetherjawand

wenttogogetready.

CHAPTERTWELVE

Aden

AdensurveyedHughesFieldwithbone-deepsatisfaction.Theparadehadendedanhourago,and

noweveryonewashere,wheretheexhibitionbaseballgamebetweencurrentvarsityplayersand
alumniwouldstartsoon.Itwasoneofhisfavoritethings.Thebleacherswerefullandtherewasasea
ofchairspasttheoutfield,andthespectatorswerebuyinghotdogs,icecreamanddrinksfrom
concessionswhiletheplayerswarmedup.Thelocalradiostation’ssportsannouncerandthelocal
paper ’ssportscolumnistbanteredovertheloudspeakerswhiletheMayorandtheSheriffwalkedover
toAden.

“Mayor,Sheriff,”Adensaidashenoddedandshooktheirhandsinturn.
“Coach,”theMayorsaidashedugaquarteroutofhispocket.
Ashetosseditintotheair,theSheriffchose,“Tails.”
“Tailsitis,”theMayorsaid,holdingupthequarter.
“Ithinkyoushouldcoachthisyear,Aden,”theSheriffdecided.
Adengruntedandthetwomenstrolledoffasheshovedastickofguminhismouth.
He’dneveradmitit,buthelovedtheannualcointosstoseeifhe’dcoachthevarsitykidsorplay

againstthemonthealumniteam.Thegamewasalwaysacontestofyouthandagilityversus
experienceandwiles,andhelovedparticipatingoneitherside,whetherhecoachedorplayed.Itwas
justthatheloveditmorewhenhegottocoach.

“LookslikeCoachRiveauisonthekids’teamthisyear,”theannouncerdeclared.
“Yup.Thirdyearinarownow,”thecolumnistpointedout.“Isuredomisswatchingthecoachon

thefield,butthekidslookthrilledhe’sgoingtobeontheirside.”

Adenbitbackasmirkasthekidstooktheirspotsonthefieldandanalumhe'dcoachedduringhis

firstyearsteppeduptotheplate.Lowandinside,hewantedtotellhispitcher,buthewasn’tallowedto
useinsideinformation,asitwere.

Thecheerleadersscreamedforthevarsityboysouttherewhilethevarsitysoftballgirlswhowere

playingtooglared.Nowthathewaswellandtrulysingle,thesightmadehimwince.Almosthalfhis
lifeago,he’dbeenthejuniorvarsityshortstopandGingerhadbeenthecheerleaderwhogottossed
intotheair.Theyhadn’truninthesamecircles;herparentsbelongedtoLaFontaine,theunofficial
countryclub,whilehishadpouredtheirprofitrightbackintoWildHarts.Butshe’dlethimfeelher
upatHomecoming,sothey’dstarteddating.They’dalwaysfought,thebreakupsandmake-upsjust
partoftheirroutine.

Atleast,untilLedahadtoldGingerthatshewaslookingfatandshe’dscreamedthatshewas

pregnant.Inthepast,he’dalwaystakenGingerbackbecausenothinginhislifereallychanged,so
whyshouldhechangegirlfriends?Butwhenshe’dadmittedthattheguyshehadbeenseeinghad

gottenherpregnantanddidn’tcare,he’dfinallygivenheranabsoluteno.Ifhewantedkids,he
wouldn’thavehadanyproblemwithraisinganotherman’sbiologicalchild.Buthedidn’twantkids,
oratleasthehadn’thadtheurgeyet.Moreimportantly,hedidn’twanttobewithawomanwhoonly
wantedhimbecausehewassteadyandwouldtakecareofherandthebaby.

Ledahadthreatenedtokillhimifhecavedin,buthehadn’tneededtobethreatened.
Maybeshewouldfinallyquitthreateninghimoncehedidmoveon.
Almostunwillingly,hisgazeslidovertoChase,whoworeagiganticgoldheadband,tightwhite

pantsandagreenhalterinhonorofMHS’scolors.Hehadn’tseenhersincethatnightatTristan’s,
whenhe’dbeenfocusedonhisphysicalattractionandtryingnottoactatotalfoolwiththekiss.The
attractionhadn’tgoneaway;itwassomuchstrongernow,afterhe’djerkeditimaginingthem
together.Butnow,withhindsight,thepartthatmadehimflushedandnervouswashowgoodtheir
conversationhadbeen...

She’dbeenintownprobablyjustabitlongerthanaweek,yetsheseemedtoknoweverydamn

person.Shewasshamelesslycheeringforbothteams,lookinggenuinelytornwhensomeonemadea
greatplaythatruinedsomeoneelse'sattemptatagreatplay.Itwaslikethosedramamasks,half
frown,halfsmile.Hewisheditdrovehimnuts—shewasatouristandsohewastryingdamnhardto
forgetthatkiss—butitwaskindofendearing.Ifheweren’tapartofthegamehimself,ifhedidn't
enjoybeingapartofitsomuch,he'dprobablybedoingthesameexactthing.Onlyquietly.

“Shit,”hebreathed,thensnappedoutofitandtriedtoconcentrateonthegame,onthewaythe

alumswereholdingup,andtomakesurethekidsweren'tbeingshow-offs.

ButChasekeptdistractinghim.
Then,suddenly,sheappearedathissideinthebottomhalfofthefourthinning.
ShehadgottenaMaybelleHighballcapfromsomewhereandwaswearingitbackwards,tuftsof

herbutteryhairfloppedoverherforehead.Shedidn’tsayanythingtohim,justputherfingerstoher
lipsandwolfwhistledwhenDunkfouledaball.

Dunklookedoverandwinkedatherbeforesteppingbackintothebatter ’sbox.
Hedidn’thaveagoddamnedcluehowheshouldact,sincethelasttimehe’dseenher,they’d

kissedwhileshewasdrunkandhe’dbailedrightafter.ButthenhethoughtaboutJesse’sobservation
thathecouldn’treacttoChasethewayhewould’vereactedtoGinger.

SoheresolutelyshovedGingeroutofhissubconsciousanddidwhathewanted,whichwastoask

dryly,“Istheresomethingyouwanted?”

Hiswerefixedonthegamesohecouldn’tbesure,buthesworehefelthereyesrunhimupand

downbeforesheansweredcheerfully,“Theview’sbetterfromdownhere.”

“Okaythen,”hesaid.Headjustedhisownbackwardscap,thendughishandsintohispockets

becausehershirthadthesesparklesaroundherhipsthathewantedtotouch.“Ifyou’redownhere,
everyonewillwanttobetoo.Can'thavethat,”hegrumbled,knowinghewasfullofshitandthatitwas
obviousashell,buthewasn’tsureatallthathecoulddohisjobcoachingthevarsitykidswithher
rightnexttohim.

“Youthinkso?”sheasked,andthesasswaslaidonsothickthathecuthisnarrowedeyesoverat

herdespitehisbestintentions.Shemadeashowofinspectingthehordesofpeople,whoweren’t
movingtowardseitherdugout,andraisedabrow.“Ithinkyou’resafefromaninvasion,slugger.No
one’sevennoticedI’mhere,”shescoffed.

“Peoplearegoingtotalk,”heinsisted,“andIdon’treallylikethat.”
“Whywouldpeopletalk?Becausewekissedlastweekend?”
“Yeah,that,”hemumbled,feelinghisneckredden.
Whenshestayedsuspiciouslysilent,hecorralledanemotionthatfeltlikesharpdisappointment.It

wastotallyunexpected;heshouldjustberelievedthatshehadn’tbroughtupthekissandthen

proceededtolethimknowhowpissedshewasaboutit.Butshewasgivingnoindicationthatshewas
pissedorhurt,andinhisexperience,ifawomanwasfeelingthatway,shedamnwelllethimknowit
rightaway,withoutholdingback.

Anddidn’tthatremindermakehimrelievedthathe’drepressedtheurgetoseekheroutand

explainhisreactiontothekiss?Maybeifhehad,shewouldhavejustlaughedifhe’dhetoldher
Gingerwastheonlyonehe’deverkissed,beforethatnight.

Orworse,shecouldhavepitiedhimbecauseshewasaworldtravelerwhokissedthebartenders

everyplaceshewentandhewassomedumbguywho’donlykissedtwowomen.

Hethrewawayhispieceofgumandshovedinafreshone,thenroaredattheumpireformaking

aniffycalltoletsomeofhisfeelingsslipfreeforasecond.

“I'mnotheretostiruptrouble,”sheremindedhim,asifshecouldsensethathewaswinding

himselftighterandtightertryingtobehimselfandyetbecalmandnormal.“Besides,it’snotlikeI’m
goingtobackseatcoach.Ineverplayedsoftball.”

Hechewedfuriouslybecausehereallywantedtosmoke,notjusthidebehindholdingacigarette,

whichwasararedesiresincehehadn’tactuallysmokedregularlyforaboutayear.Pushingthataside,
hemutteredgrumpily,“Well,Idon’trockthateasilyanyway.”

Hereyestwinkledrelentlesslyasshesaid,“I'lltrytonottostiryouup,Aden.”
Whatashame,Adenthought,barelyabletostophimselffromsayingitaloud.
Onenightstandshadneverappealedtohimbefore.Itwasprobablywhyhe’dletChasestepback

aftertheirkiss,insteadofgrabbingherupagainthewayhe’dbeenimagining.But,damn,didtheidea
appealtohimnow,screwthatitwasLeda’ssuggestion.Asfarashecouldtell,theonlyrequirement
foraonenightstandwasmutualattraction.Hemightbeobliviouswhenpeopletriedtoflirtwithhim
mostofthetime,butheknewenoughtoknowheandChasewerebothattracted.Iftheyweren’t,a
singlekisswouldn’tbesostuckinhisheadthatithadbeenhisonlymasturbatoryfantasysince,for
God’ssake.

Therewasabigdifference,though,betweenafantastickissfueledbymutualattractionandaone

nightstand,sohemumbled,likeatotalasshat,“Seriously,don’ttry;myexisinthestands.”

“Whocaresifyourexispissed?”shescoffed.“I’minnocentlywatchingaballgame.”
“We’llsee,”hesaid,hisvoicetight.
Butshedidn’tsayanythingelsefortherestofthegame,justshriekedandbounceduntilthe

varsitykidswonbyarun,andwhilehewashigh-fivingthem,shevanished.

Ledasaunteredoverwithapairoficecreamcones,handedhimthechocolate,andsmirkedasshe

statedlikeitwerearoyalproclamationorsomething,“Shelikesyou.”

Adenbitviciouslyintohiscone,thengroaned,thewordsmangledbecausehismouthwas

instantlynumbfromtheicecream,“Yeah,well.Likehertoo.Foratourist.”

Ledasmirkedharder,annoyingthecrapoutofhim.“Whowouldn’t?”
“I'mgoingtogopickupthelastofthethingsweneedforthebarbecue.Willyoubeokay

handlingthingsuntilIgetthere?”heasked,deliberatelycondescendingsoshe'dgoaway.

Givinghimherbestdeathglare,shetossedherhair.“JesseinvitedChasetothebarbeque,soyou

betterquitbeingacavemanorshewon’tmakeoutwithyouagainlikeshedidatTristan’s,”sheshot
back,thenstalkedtowardshercarbeforehecouldretort.

Shakinghishead,hesaidgoodbyetosomeotherpeoplebeforehedroveovertotheconvenience

store.Histhumbtappedthewheelashethought,againsthisbetterjudgement,aboutwhatitwouldbe
like,whatitwouldmakehim,ifhedidsleepwithChase.

Whenhegottothestore,herefocused,takinghistimegoingupanddowntheaisles,more

finickythanusual.Thebarbequewasaboutfriendsandcommunity;hisfamilyofferedupWildHarts’
yard,providingbeerandaband,andeveryonebutthesuperuptightpeoplelikeMarthaShoreandher

friendscame.Theybroughtfood,atetoomuch,flirted,andforgottowatchtheirtongues,andthen
everyonemigratedonovertothefireworks.

Oncehewasdone,heheadedfortheregister,whereoneoftheowner ’skidsranghimupwhile

theownercommented,“We’reclosingupinanhourtoheadovertoyourbarbeque.Damnexcitedto
seeyourbrother;didn’tknowhewascomingthisyear.”

“Who?”Adenasked,hismindmilesaway.Butthenitcaughtupwithwhathe’djustheardandhe

jerkedhiseyesover.“Didyousayyou’reexcitedtoseemybrother?”

“Yeah,theHerreragirlswerejustinandsaidhe’splayingontheSquare...”
“Thanksforthehelp,andI’llseey’alllateratourplace,”Adensaidinapoliterush.
Hereturnedtohistruck,chuckedthesuppliesinthebed,andstrodeuptheblocktotheSquare,

andthenheadedforasmallcrowdnearthegazebo.

HesuckedinabreathwhenhesawSethonastoolwithaguitar,shakinghishairoutofhisface

andflexinghisfingers.Itwasahabitualpairofgesturesandtheybroughtwiththemadelugeof
memories.Seth’smusicwaspowerful,butnotalwayseasyorsimple,andforasecondAdenfeltthe
unwantedstingofenvyasSethstartedtosing“LongNeckBottle”withthatslyshadowofasmilehe
had.Hiseyesshoneandfromhere,helookedaboutthesameashehadthelasttimehe'dbeenin
Maybelle:ashorter,unshaven,unrulyversionofAden.

Heplayedwithsuchabsorptionthathedidn'tseeAdenuntilafterthesongwasdone,whenhe

liftedhiseyestoremindthecrowd,“Ihopey’allwilljoinusthisafternoonfortheannualbarbecueat
WildHarts—”

Asthecrowdclappedandscattered,Seth,hiseyesonAden,slidoffhisstoolanddangledhis

guitarfromonehand,openinghisotherarm.Adensteppedintoclamphimcloseinabearhug.They
steppedapartandSethmurmuredwatchfully,“Hi,Aden.”

“Comeon,”AdensaidashebenttograbSeth’spack.Heturnedandstrodebacktowardshistruck

whileSethstrollednexttohimwithhisguitarcaseoveroneshoulderandthestoolheftedhigh.
“Didn'tknowyouwerecoming,”hesaidaslevellyashecould.

Sethgaveapurringnoiseofamusementandcountered,“It’scalledasurprise.”
“Well,heythere,stranger,”Gingercalledoutfrombehindthem.
Shudderingtoahalt,soclosetohistruckthathisbodyitchedtolungeforthedriver ’ssidedoor

anddivein,Adencursedunderhisbreathandtookabeat.

HiseyescutbacktoSeth,whowasclampedbetweenGinger ’sarmsasifshewerekudzu,he

thoughtuncharitably.Sethsaid,hisrichvoicesubtlyflatlikeitalwayswaswhenhehadtotalktoher,
“Hello,Ginger.Whatasurprisetoseeyou.”

“Hi,sugar,”shesaid,layingitontoothick.Shesnappedherhairbackoveroneshoulderand

casuallyslungherpurseoverherbig-assbelly.“Whatasurprise.IthoughtyouweregoingtoPrague
next.”

“Whyareyoustalkingmybrother?”Adendemandedindistaste.
Flickingherfakenailsdismissivelyathim,sheretortedasifheweredenserthanarock,“I

followSethonsocialmedia.Ilikedtoknowwheremyboyfriend’sbrotherwas.”Shegaveastudied
shrug.“GuessIforgottounfollowhiminFebruary.”

“YoumeanwhenAdendumpedyourmanipulativeassforthelasttime,”Sethcorrectedviciously

inastrangelyabsenttone,andAdentensedfurther,worriedbyit.

Ginger ’sfakelookofnonchalancemeltedintopointy-facedfury.
Adentookguiltypleasureinthewayshealwaysturnedred,unevenly,whenshewasone-upped

likethat.“Sowhydidyoucomeoverhere,Ginger?”heaskedwearily.

“Toseeyou,Aden,”shepurred,thenpoutedwhenhedidn’treact.
Inthepast,hewould’velostcontrolofhismindandhiscrotch.Hewould’vealreadybeentelling

herallwasforgiven.Butnow,shelookeddesperateunderthepout,andhefeltnothingmorethan
sorrythatshewasscaredshecouldn’ttakecareofherself.

Thenshedoubleddownonthepoutandlightlyscrapedhernailsoverhisarm.
Hecouldn’tstoptheflinch,evenhisbiceprejectingherselfishness.
“IalreadysaideverythingIcouldeverwanttosaytoyou,”hetoldher,stone-faced.
Shetriedtorally,takingadifferenttackassheforcedatinklinglaugh.“Oh,Ade,you’resucha

man.Allyousaidwasthatyoudidn’twanttotalktomeforawhile.”

“Icouldhaveelaborated,”hemutteredwithagoodamountofbite,“andtoldyouthatIdon’twant

toevergetbacktogetherbecauseIspentaboutadecadetoolonggoingalongwithwhateveryou
wantedwhenyouneverlistenedtowhatIdoanddon’twant.”

“Ilistened!”shegaspedinoutrage.
Heclenchedhishandsintofistsandangledhisupperbodyafractiontowardsher.“You’regoing

tobeamother.It’sgreatforyou,butItoldyoumorethanoncethatI’mnowherenearreadyfor
fatherhoodandmightneverbe.”Herthroatconvulsedingenuinedismay,buthe’dkeptthisshit
bottledupfortoolong,sohecontinuedharshly,“Ifthatweremybaby,Imight’vefeltdifferently,or
keptlettingyoudumpmeand‘takemeback’wheneveritstruckyourfancy.Solet’sjustadmitit’s
betterthiswayforeveryone.”

Thatlastbithititsmark.Shealwaysfoughtbackthehardestagainstthethingsthatwerethetruth.

“Don’tbesilly,”shesnapped,herpitchshrill.“Boyssaytheydon’twantkidsallthetime,justlike
theysaytheydon’twanttogetmarriedortakeonresponsibilities.”

“Tobefair,”Sethinterjected,savingAdenasawaveoffrustrationbeatagainsttheinsideofhis

skull,“hedoesn’twanttogetmarriedeither.”Ginger ’sjawdroppedandthenherwholeface
scrunchedinfurywhenheadded,“Or,nottoyouanyway.”Hismouthquirkedfractionallyashe
lookedoveratAden,heftinghisguitarcase.“Readyyet,bro?”

“Justgetin,”Adengrowledashetossedthepackandstoolintohistruckbed.
“AdenRiveau,justwhatdoyouthink—”Gingersputtered,tryingtograbhisshirtashebrushed

byherandopenedthetruckdoor,thenclimbedinbehindthewheel.

HewrenchedthekeyintheignitionwhileSethslidinacrossfromhim.
Overthecranky,loudengine,helookedGingerdeadintheeye.“No,Ginger.”
Sheturnedasicklycolor,andheactuallythoughtitwasasignthatshewasn’ttotallyevilthatone

handcrepttocupthebottomofherbellytosoothethemboth.

Whenheonlykeptstaringherdown,herfacefinallyspasmedandthenshespunandwaddledoff

ashaughtilyandangrilyasshecouldatalmosteightmonthspregnant.

Adenbuckledhisseatbelt,ignoringhowtremorsranthroughhishandsminutely.
Heaimedthetruckforhome.
“Youseem...well,”Sethsaidafteracouplemiles.“Thatwasactuallyprettyhealthy.”
TornbetweenbeingthrilledtoseeSethandhurtthathehadn’tknowntoexpecthim,hesaid

perfunctorily,“Ireallyappreciateyourvalidationthere,Seth.”

OneofSeth’shandsrandownhisguitarcaseasthoughhewerepettingacat,asclosetoa

nervousgestureasSethgot.“I’msorryifmysurpriseupsetyou,”heapologizedquietly.“Ididn’t
knowthetimingcouldbebad.It’sthebarbeque,soitseemed...”

Takingadeepbreath,Adenforcedeachofhisfingerstoeasetheirstrangleholdonthesteering

wheel.“It’snotbadtiming.”

“O-kay...”Sethmuttered.“How’sLeda?”
Adenmaynothavebeeninanykindofmoodorstateofmindtotalkabouthimselfrightthen,but

hecouldkeepSethpreoccupiedtalkingaboutLeda.“She'snotallthathappy,butIdon'tknowwhatto
saytoheraboutit.”Hehookedarightatthetraintracksandwenton,“ThatidiotLuciusCavillasked

heroutlastweekandsheHulkedout.”

“Ishetheonewiththemoleonhischinortheonewho’spigeon-toed?”
“Theonewiththemole,”Adentoldhimwithasurgeofannoyanceatthistinyexampleofhowfar

fromMaybelleSethhadgone.“Terry’stheonewho’spigeon-toed.”

InsteadofparkingatWildHartslikehe’dplannedsincehehadallthestuffintheback,Aden

drovetotheirhousebecauseLedawouldgomentalifSethjustshowedupatthebarbequewithoutany
warning.“Leda’srunningtheBBQsetupandkeepinganeyeonthekitchenandourboozeinventory,”
hesaid.“Gointothehouseandwait,willyou?”

SethmutteredsomethingunflatteringaboutAdenunderhisbreath.
Adenchosetoignorethatandsaidpointedly,“Houseisunlocked.”Hewalkedangrilyovertothe

lawnnexttoWildHarts,whereDunkandMunnwereunfoldingmassivepicnictablesonloanfrom
twoofthechurches.“Hey,y’all,”hecalled,“where’sLeda?”

“Gettingusbeer,”Dunkcalled,pumpingafistintheair.
AdensmiledalittleatDunk'sperpetualenthusiasmashewenttofindLeda,whowasbehindthe

bar,loadingbeerbottlesintooneofthebussers’plastictubs.

“Hey,”hesaid.
Shemusthavecaughthismoodbecauseshestoppedwhatshewasdoingimmediately.
“Solisten...Seth’satthehouse,”hetoldherlamely.
HerfacecontortedfromsurprisetopleasuretothatoddmixofdismayandhurtAdenhadfelt,

beforesettlingfirmlyontemperassheexploded,“Whatthefuck?Let’sgo!”

Shehurtledhome,Adenatherheels,andflungthescreendooropensohardthatitsmashedinto

thefridge.ShepoweredtowardsSeth,whowasputtingwaterinthecoffeemaker.Somewatersloshed
downthesideofthemachinewhenLedapunchedhiminthestomachandthenhuggedhim.“You—
youasshole,”shecried,grippinghimtightly.

“Hey,darlin,”hemurmuredasherubbedherback.
LedashovedawaywithanothercurseandmovednexttoAden,crossingherarms.
Askids,they’dfought,ofcourse,butthey’dbailedeachotheroutasmuchasthey’drattedon

eachother.They’dbeenthickasthieveswitheachother ’sbestfriends.LedahadmovedtoNashville
soonafterhighschoolandSethwenttocollegethreeyearslater,whenAdenwastwenty-three.The
differencewasthatLedahadcomehome,bringingthemtogetheragain,whileSethstayedgoneall
butafewweeksayear.Thatmeantthatnowitwastwoagainstone;AdenknewthatLeda’snarrow-
eyedimpatiencemirroredhis.

“Ishould’vecalled...”Sethapologizedagaininresponse.“Iwanttotalktoy’all.”
“Isanythingwrong?”Adenasked,morecalmlythanhefelt,withabadgutfeeling.
“Not...really,”Sethprevaricated,draggingthewordsout.
Aden’shandstilledonthemugshewaspullingoffthedryingrack.
Thesiblings’personalitieswereverydifferent,buttheyhadthesameparents;theyallspokewith

Dad’scadenceandMom’stightnesswhentheywerefeelingsomethingstrong.Theyallpulledtheir
browstogether,makingaditchoverthebridgeoftheirnose,whentheywereserious,justlikeMom.
Andtheyallkickeduponesideoftheirmouthsinself-deprecationwhentheyhadsomethingtouchy-
feelytobesaid,thewayDaddid.

Sethwasdoingitall.
Adendemandedtoknowtestily,“Whichisit?We’retoobusytodaytodickaround.”
Seth’sconcernoveritshowedinhiswhiteknucklesasheadmitted,stiltedinsteadofmeasured

andrhythmiclikeheusuallywas,“I'mthinkingofmovinghome.”

Therewasastunnedsilence,thenLedaechoedblankly,“Home.Here,home?”
“Yes,”Sethsaid,thenflushed.“Yeah,hometoMaybelle.Aboutthehouse—I’mnotcertain.”He

blewoutabreathandpushedhishairawayfromhiseyes,lookingatthembothintently.“Irealizethis
issuddenforyou,butit’snot,tome.I'mreadytosettle.”

Ledaguffawed.“Settledown?Wife,babies,steadyjob?Getreal,Seth.”
“Hedoesn'tmeanlikethat,”Adensaid,givingLedaalook.Seth’sdecisionsmightalwaysseem

suddenfromtheoutside,butAdenknewhealwaysthoughteverythingthrough,sometimestoomuch.
Now,ashestudiedSeth,henoticedtheshadowsunderhiseyes,andtheshinehe’dhadinhiseyes
whilesingingontheSquarehadbeenextinguished.“Whathappened,Seth?”heaskedasheresisted
theurgetocrosshisarms.

Sethlookedoutthekitchenwindowandforcedout,“Canwetalkaboutitlater?”
AdenandLedaexchangedareallyworriedlook,butLedaassuredhim,“Youdon'thavetohouse

huntorsomething.Thehouseisallofours;youhavearoomandastudio.”

“Okay,”Sethsaid.“Mystuff'sshippingin,butthere’snotthatmuch.”
“Seth.Evenifyouneededmorespace,whocares?”sheasked,lookingathimlikehewascrazy.

“Thebasementandtheatticbarelyhaveanycrapinthemrightnow.”

“Oh.Yeah.Iforgot.”
Aden’sworryoverSethdoubled,buttheRiveauswerestubborn.Iftheyfought,itcouldgoonfor

weeks,anditwouldalwaysendinadraw.Adenwantedtopushhimaboutwhatwasgoingon,but
therewasnopoint;Sethwouldnevertalkbeforehewasready.

Sohejustadvisedhisbrother,“Stopfreakingout.Movein,putyourorganicherbalshitinthe

cabinets,leaveyourguitarstringseverywhere,andearnextracashplayingatWildHartsifyoufeel
likeit.”

“Extracash?”Sethrepeatedinaweirdtone.
“You'reanequalpartnerinWildHarts,”Ledapointedout.“Remember?”
“Wellalrightthen,”Sethsaid,tooeasily.
Adenkepthismouthshut,butLedahadtoopenherbigone.
“YouraccountatMacavoyBankhasbeengettingmonthlydepositsforthelastsixyears.You

forgotaboutthat?What,areyourichorsomething?”sheaskedsarcastically.

Astartled,breathlessburstoflaughterpassedSeth’slipsashetuggedononeear.“Er,Iliveon

whatImakefromgigs.RoyaltiesandtheWildHartsmoneygetputintosavings...”

“Royalties,”Ledascoffed.“Howgrown-up.”
“Sothisisawesome,”Adenmuttered,“butI’mgoingovertoWildHartsnow.”
“Hopingthesexpot’scomingafterall?Shecanhelpwiththattension,”Ledajeered.
“ForChrist’ssake,shutup,Leda,”Adensnapped,stompingout.
He’dalreadybeenannoyedbyhavingtoadjusttoachangewhenhebecametrulysingleforthe

firsttimesincehewassixteen.Inthelastweek,hisattractiontoChaseCadehadsurprisedthehellout
ofhim.Andnow,thingswerechangingagainwithSeth’sannouncementthathewasmovinghome
andmovingin,itseemedlikeforgood.

Hedidn'tlikesurprises,hedidn'tlikechange,andhedidn'tliketourists.

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

Chase

Afterthebaseballgame,ChasewenttoLaFontaineResortandSpa.Shehadacoupleofhoursto

killbeforethebarbequeatWildHartsandthoughtthatmaybeshe’dusehergiftcertificatefora
massagefromSunnyaftergettingsomelunch.Therestaurantwasabitmorecountryclubandabit
lessinternationalhotelthantheexteriorarchitectureandthelobbysuggested.Butshelikeditsholiday
decorationsofblueandredribbonswoundaroundvasesofwhiterosesoneachtable.Also,theysat
herinthesunniestsection,whereshecouldfeelthewarmthonthebackofhershoulderswhileshe
sat.

Bythetimetheserverbroughtheranappetizer,sweetpotatofrieswithahousemade

marshmallowdip,shewasstillalittleflushfromteasingandflirtingwithAdenatthebaseballgame.
Anormalwomanwouldhavebeenannoyedbyhisgruntsandabbreviated,barely-civilresponses,but
they’donlymadeherlikehimmore.

Morethanthat,thequickparryandthrustoflanguagewastheonlythingshemissedaboutbeing

alawyer;thatclashofintellectandhumor,whethermismatchedorlike-minded,hadalwaysturned
heron.Thatwasoneofthereasonsshe’ddecidedtogointothelegalprofessionalandprobablyone
ofthebiggestdrawstoTroy.Somehow,though,thesensethatAdendidn’twanttoargueordebate
withher,buthadfullyengagedwithherdespitethat,onlywrencheduptheheat.

Embarrassedthatsomethingthatcouldbarelybedescribedasbanterhaddonethis,shegulped

andranonehandoverherfaceandtriednottothinkaboutittoodeeply.

But,shegaveherselfcreditwherecreditwasdue:shehadsashayedintoAden’sdugoutwithout

anykindofinvitationandsaidwhateverpoppedintoherhead.Shehadfeltnoburningneedto
confronthimaboutthekisstocleartheairortotalkaboutwhatitmeant.Shehadbeenhappyjust
givingintotheimpulsetogotalktohim,andevenifherflirtingskillswereterriblyrusty,shehadn’t
feltself-consciousatall.She’dsimplyfeltlike...herself.

Withaquietgroan,shedrankwaterandletherserverwhiskawayheremptyplate.
Notwantingtothinktoohardaboutthat,either,incaseitjinxedherorfreakedherout,she

ordereddessertinsteadofanentree,sincethebarbequewasn’tthatmuchlater.Shewaspleasedbythe
fluffy,sweetchocolatemoussethatcamewithtinysparklersinit.

Assoonasshewasdone,though,shesettledthebillandwalkedoutside,knowingshedefinitely

couldn’trelaxenoughtoenjoyamassagenow.Itwasbarelyfive,becauseshewastoobuzzedwith
lusttohavetakenhertimewithherfood.Itwasprobablytooearlytoshowupatthebarbeque,but
whydenyherselfthechancetospendtimewithAden,andtheotherswithwhomshewantedtomake
friends?

Onceshe’dmadeuphermind,shepoweredofftowardsherrental.

Someonecatcalledherandshewhirled,onefingeralreadypointedinpreparationforaverbal

ass-kicking,onlytofindDunkhangingoutofthewindowofhispick-up.

Shedroppedherhandandgroaned.“Dunk,that’sjust…Whatareyou,sixteen?”
“Don'tworry,honey,”heansweredwithanunapologeticgrin,“itwasonlytenpercentadmiration

andninetypercenttoseeyourface.Whatareyouuptooverhere?Ithoughtyouwerecomingtothe
barbequeatWildHartsandthentothefireworkswithus.”

“Oh,well,”shebeganasshebeamedandflushedwithpleasureathisalmosthurtlook,“Iwentto

eatatLaFontaineafterthegame,butIwasjustabouttodriveovertothebarbeque.Myrentalcar ’s
rightacrosstheparkinglotoverthere.Whatareyoudoing?”

Dunkleanedtoopenthepassengerdoor.“I’monmywaytopickupTristanandhisgrillsincehis

4x4isintheshop.Whydon’tyouhopinandletmedriveyou?Youdon’twanttobotherwithyour
carifyoucanhelpit.It’llbehelltogetitoutofWildHarts.”

“Okay,”shesaid,“butIwasgoingtostoptopickupsomechampagne.”
“Noproblem.Let’sgogetTristanandthenwecanstopoffattheliquorstore.”
Chasesettledintothewarm,crackedleatheroftheworn-outseatasDunkdrovethroughLa

Fontaine’sparkinglotandaroundthelaketoTristan’shouse.Inthedaylight,itlookedevenmorelike
afairytalecastlecrossedwithaFrankLloydWrighthouse.Shecockedherheadandstudieditwhile
Tristangothisgrillloadedupinthetruckbed.

Dunk’struckhadbackseats,soTristanclimbedinandgreetedthem.“Hey,y’all.Chase,you

lookedlikeyouwerehavingagreattimeatthegameearlier.Liketheview?”

Hesoundedsly,soshetwistedaroundandarchedabrow.“Yes,Idid;Maybelle’sbeautifulandI

haven’tfoundaviewIdidn’tlikeyet,”shereplied,refusingtorisetothebait.

Whilehegavealowchuckle,Dunkjumpedinandstartedtoanalyzethebaseballgame.Tristan

answered,althoughhesoundedmoreindulgentthanpassionate,andChaseleanedbackandletthesun
hitherclosedeyes.SheonlyopenedthemwhenDunkthrewthetruckintopark,thecabrockinga
little,andsawthattheywereattheliquorstore.Shezippedinsideforthechampagne,andinunderten
minutes,theywereoffagain.

“Holyshit,”Tristansaidsuddenly,lookingdownathiscell.
“Whatisit?”Dunkaskedasheflickedacuriouslookoverhisshoulder.
“Seth’shere,”hesaid,bothsurprisedandhappy,ashereachedforwardtosqueezeDunk’s

shoulder.“MyauntjusttextedandsaidshesawhimsingingontheSquare.”

DunkhummedwhileheparallelparkedinatightspaceacrossthestreetfromWildHarts,since

theparkinglotwasalreadycloggedwithvehicles.“SethisthethirdRiveau,thebaby,”heexplainedto
Chase.“Hedoesn’tlivehere;he’samusicianandhetravelsallovertheworld,sortofjustcircles
backhereeverysixmonthsorso,whenhecan.”

Chasesubtlytuggedherpantsbackupintoplaceafterthebigstepdownfromthetruckandraised

bothbrowsinsurprise.She’dknownthatSethwasamusicianwhodidn’tliveintown,butshehad
assumedhelivedinNashvilleorL.A.ShefounditstrangethatAdendislikedtouristswhenhis
brothertraveledtoo,evenifitwasforworkinsteadofleisure.

“Whatkindofamusician?”sheaskedastheywaitedtocrossthestreet.
Withasmile,Dunktouchedherbackandguidedhertowardsthelawn,wherepicnictables,

campingchairs,grills,coolers,astage,andalotofpeoplemadeupthebarbeque.“Well,hewasa
musicalprodigy,nokidding.”Heraisedhisvoicetocompetewiththecountrymusicplayingthrough
speakers,alivelysongshedidn’trecognizeatall.“Hewenttocollegeupnorth,buthelitoutafter
maybeayeartobeinabandthathadagoodshot.”

“Great,”sheexclaimedastheywoundlazilytowardsMunnandJesse,pausingsothatthemen

couldsayhellopeople.“Ibethe’llhavelotsoftravelideasforme.”

Dunkstoppedandsquinteddownather,thenadmonished,“WithSeth,youneverknowhowlong

he'llstay.LetAdenandLedagettime,please,beforeyouquizhim?”

“Okay,”sheconcededastheyreachedJesseandMunn.“Hi,”shesaid,andtheylookedoverand

smiledastheyhelpedDunkandTristansetdownwhattheycarried.“Thisissomebarbeque,”shesaid,
awedbyhowmanypeopleweretherealready.

Itwasloudandboisterous,asiftheenergy,camaraderieandcommunityoftheballgamehad

beencompressedandmovedhere.Exceptwithgrillsandcountrymusic.

“Well,therearereallyonlyafewtimesthatwelocalsdostuffjustforourselves,”Jesseexplained

asshedumpedsomecoalsintoTristan’sgrill.“There’sthisbarbequeandanotheronLaborDayat
ArcherFarms.OnHalloween,theHarts,thefoundingfamily,throwagiantparty.AndonNewYear ’s,
Ihaveadoattheinnandletpeopleinuntilthere’sabouttobeafirecodeviolation,notthatthe
ownersknowthat.”ShegrinnedandpointedatthebottleofchampagnerisingoutofChase’spurse.
“Doyouwantmetoputthatinacooler?”

“Thanks,”shesaidasshehandeditover.“IgrewupinSanFrancisco,andthere’salwaysholiday

parades,neighborhoodstreetfairsforfoodandartsandcrafts,moviesintheparks,andmusic
festivalsinGoldenGatePark.Butnothingquitelikethis.”

Jessewipedherhandsonherjeansandshrugged.“We’reinthistogether,”shesaid.“It’sour

county,ourcommunity,andourbusinessesalldependoneachothertoo,really.”

“Don’tyoulethermakeyoubelieveit’sahighandmightythingabouthowweallsticktogether,”

Dunklaughed.“SmalltownslikepartiesandbeerandcelebratingAmerica.”

Chaselaughedtoo,andshookherhead.“CanIhelpwithanything?”
“Justsitdownandputyourfeetup,darlin,”Dunktoldher.
“Whydon’tyoubeabig,strongguyandgogetmoreice?”Jessesuggesteddryly.“Andfindout

wherethehellAdenandLedaare,sinceSeth’salreadyouthere.”

Helaughedandsnaggedanemptyredcooler,thenheadedtowardsWildHarts.
Asecondlaterheroared,scaringChasesoshejumped,“Lookatyou,prettyboy!”
Amanrosegracefullyfromacrouchnexttoaspeaker,tiltinghisheadasDunkdroppedthe

cooler,andrepliedinadeep,richvoice,“It’sgoodtoseeyoutoo,Dunk.”

Hespreadhispalmsinanartisticmotionofbothapologyandwelcome,andthenDunksmacked

intohim.Theylaughedinagenuinelyjoyous,carefreewaythatChasethoughtthatshe’donlyseen
betweenfemalefriendsastheyclappedeachother ’sbacks.

AdenandLedawalkedovertothem,andDunkslunghisarmsaroundAdenandSeth’snecks,

grinninglikeamaniac.Ledarolledhereyesandtossedherhair,butonesideofhermouthwascurled
upatinybit.JesseandMunnflowedaroundChasetojointhem,Munnrubbingonehandhardover
Seth’sbedheadwhileJesseyelledsomethingdelightedly.

Theyallfitinthecircle,belongingsoeffortlesslythatitmadeChaseyearn.Itwassoforeignand

uncomfortablethatsheturnedtoTristantosay,asifshewereconcludinganargument,“Howabout
youtakemeoverthereandteachmealittlecountrylinedancing?”

AlookthatwasalmostlikepaniceruptedonTristan’sface.
ButthenDunkpoppedup,Adenandtheotherscomingalongbehindhim,andsavedTristan.

“Don’tletthefactthathe’sgoingtoMITfoolyou,”hesaid,stickingoutabentelbowinofferingto
Chase.“He’swaytoomuchofabadboytolinedance.C’mon,allowme.”

“Sorry,”Tristansaid,althoughwiththesametoneashemight’vesaidThankGod.
ShesmiledatTristan,thentookDunk’sarmandtoldhim,“Okay,Coach.”
HerbreathcaughtwhenAden,showingoffhisprofileoverTristan’sshoulder,laughed.
Twindesires—tobetrulyapartofthisgroup,andtobethecauseofthatcarefreelaughterof

Aden’s—rippedthroughChase.Suddenly,shewasannoyedatherselffortryingtogetawayfrom

them,evenifshewasonlygoingfiftyfeetawaytolinedance.SheshouldbestayingnexttoTristan’s
grill,drinkingsomeofthesweetteaJessewaspouringforeveryone,andtryingtomakefriendsand
getlaid,likeSunnyhadtoldherto.

Instead,sheletDunkbringhertotheedgeofthedancearea,wherethereweren’ttoomany

peoplebecausemostpeopleweregrillingdinner.Shegrippedhishandmaybeashadetootightly,
knowingshewasgoingtobeterribleatthis,surroundedbypeoplewho’dpresumablybeenline
dancingtheirwholelives.

“It’snothingfancy,”Dunkexplainedashegotthemintoposition,andsomethinginthewayhe

beameddownathermadeherthinkheunderstoodthatshewasalittleonedge.“It’snotlinedancing
rightnow,youcanprobablytellthat.It’scalledthetwo-step...”

Hebegantoteachher,agoodmixtureoflight-heartedlymakingfunofhimselfand

demonstratingthemoves,pretendingtobethewomanhalfthetime,makingherlaugh.

Whenthenextsongstarted,heledheratabouthalf-speed,andshesplithertimebetweenlooking

attheirfeetandlaughing.Thepeoplearoundthem,someofwhomshe’dmetoratleastseenonher
visitstostoresandrestaurants,toldhershewasdoingjustfine.

“You’reanatural,”hepraisedherashecarefullyspunherunderhishand.“ButJesse’swavingat

me.Thesteaksareprobablyalmostdone.Iwouldneverstrandyouinthemiddleofasong,”he
apologizedprettydamncheerfullyashereachedpastChaseandsnaggedsomeone’sarm,dragging
AdenintosightandmakingChase’shearttrip.“Idon’tknowwhattheoppositeofcuttinginiscalled,
but,Aden,canyouhelpmeoutandtakeover?”

“Can’tsaynotothat,”hesaid,maybedrylyormaybejustuncomfortably.
“Seeyouinafewminutes,”Dunksaid,joggingofftowardsTristan’sgrill.
ChasemadeamovetoputherhandonAden’sshoulder,buthetwitched.
“Do—doyoudance?”sheallbutstammered,unintentionallydrawinginhisincrediblesmell

whenshetriedtotakeacalmingbreath.Shehadn’tbeenthisclosetohimsincethey’dkissed,because
he’dkeptatleastafootbetweentheirbodiesinthedugoutearlier.

“Yeah,”headmittedasifitpainedhim.
“Getmovin’orgetgoin’,wouldyou,Aden?”Munnsuggestedasheandhispartnernearly

collidedwithAden,sinceheandChaseweren’tmovingintheseaoftwo-steppers.

Munn’spartnerlaughedgood-naturedlyandpushedthebackofAden’sshoulder.“Dancewiththe

prettywoman,AdenRiveau,”sheordered.“Don’tbeanidiot.”

“Iwouldn’twantthat,”hemuttered,steppinginandtakingherhandabittoohard.
Chasefinallysetherhandonhisshoulder,wantingsobadlytomoanatthemuscularslopeunder

herpalmandfingertips,risingandshiftingashebegantolead.

“So,uh,yourbrother ’sintown?”Chaseasked,flickinghereyestowardshisface.
“Itwasasurprise,”hesaid,withalickofaciditythatwasclosertoLeda’stypicalbitternessthan

hisusualtone.“Anditputusoffschedulegettingthisallsetup.”

Realizingthatshe’dsteppedintosomethingthatwasn’tassimpleasitseemed,shenodded,

smilingbrightly,andasked,“Isthisthekindofmusicyoulike,country?”

Asthesongtransitionedtosomethingslower,orthesongchangedaltogether,shewasn’tsure,he

tiltedhischindownandofferedheradifferentsmilethantheothers.“No,darlin,”hedrawled.“I’m
notabigfan,butit’sthemostpopulargenrearoundhere.”

“Whatwouldyouratherbedancingto?”
“Honestly?”hemumbled.“I’dratherdancetoBritneySpearsthantheEliYoungBand.”
Shelaugheddelightedlyattheidea,losinghertenuousholdontherhythmandbumpinglightly

againsthim,becauseitwastotallyobviousfromthewayhe’dallbutsneeredBritneySpearsthatpop
wasn’thisfavoritegenreeither.“I’dpaytoseethat.”

Hegrunted,lookingaway,andshesworeitwastohideaflush.“What,uh,whatkindofmusicdo

youlike?”heasked,jawfirmingastheystartedmovingagain,afractioncloserthantheyhadbeen
before.“I’mguessingyoudon’tlistentocountryeither.”

“MaybeJohnnyCashsometimes,butthat’sit,”sheconfirmed,feelingsomethinglighteninher

chestwhensherealizedthathewasquitepossiblytryingtogettoknowher.“Iloveindividualsongs
morethanIlovespecificalbums,andIusedtogoseelocalbandseveryweekend.ButwhenIbuckled
downforschool,Itotallylosttrackofnewmusic.”

“Ihearallthenewpopcountry,orwhateveryouwanttocallit,overthespeakersatwork,”he

saidwitharesignedshrug.“I’vebeentheresixdaysaweekbasicallysinceIwaseighteen.Iknow
everytoponehundredcountrysongfromthelastelevenyears.”

Shecouldn’thelpbutsmileimpishlyandguess,“Torture,huh?”
“It’snotallbad,”heconcededbegrudgingly.“ButwhenI’mofftheclock,Idefinitelylistento

othertypesofmusic.Weallwentdowntoabigalternativerockmusicfestivalrightaroundhigh
schoolgraduation,anditblewmymind,I’dneverreallyheardthosebandsbefore.Itwasgreat.”

Thesongendedthen,andAdenseemedtoflushagain,asifhewereembarrassedthathe’dspoken

somuch.Hishandflexedaroundhers,hisotherhanddraggedalongherbackandribsasitfellaway,
andthenheloosedherhandandpulledhiswholebodyaway.“Well,uh,thatsteakmustbedone.Munn
madethedryrub,soit’llbegreat.Igottomakesuretheband’sreadytogooninjustalittlebit.So
I’ll...I’llmeetyouoverthere.”

“Okay,”shesaid,buthewasalreadymovingaway.
Thatwas,shethoughtasshewoundoffthedancefloortowardstheothers,probablythemost

awkward,excitingdanceshe’dhadintwentyyears.Itwaslikehighschoolformaldances,wherethe
hormoneshadbuzzedbuteveryonewassoinexperiencedthateverythingwasamazingbut
mortifying.Thedancehadn’tbeenmortifying,butithadhadthatsameknife-edgedanticipation.If
he’dseemedeventhetiniestbitmorecomfortable,shemight’vewoundherarmsaroundhisneckto
bringtheirbodiesclosetogether.

Dazedbythefantasy,shealmosttrippedwhenJessebroughtherbacktorealitybysaying,“Hey,

Chase,here’syourplate.Didyouhaveanicetimedancing?”

“Youdidn’thavetomakeoneforme,”Chasesaid,evenassheautomaticallytookthepaperplate

ofsteakandbakedpotatoesfromJesse.Shefeltsillyassoonasshesaidit,becauseshehadn’tthought
tobringanyofherownfood,andhersillinesswasrewardedbywrylooksfromallofthem.
“Thanks,”shesaidlamely.“Thissmellsgreat,Munn.”

Astheysat,Chasefeltastrange,almostproprietarysatisfactionasshetookitallin.
“So,whatareyougoingtosayaboutusinyourblog?”Dunkaskedoncehe’ddevouredhalfhis

steakandallofhispotatoesandsomehownotchoked.“HowamazingMaybelleis?”

Chasesmiledalittlecrookedly.“It’smorelikeatravelogue,andI’mnotsureyet,”shesaid,then

addedwithaglanceofacknowledgementtowardsJesse,“butI’vebeenhavingagreattimesoI’mnot
tooworriedaboutit.IwasintheMiddleEastrightbeforeIcamehere,onatourofWorldHeritage
sites,anditwasamazing,butreallyexhausting.”

AdenwalkeduptothetablenexttoTristan’sgrillandspearedasteak.
Thesinuousflexofhisthickforearmmadehercrossherlegsagainandkeeptalking,afraidher

fantasywouldgetthebestofherandshe’djustgetupandgreedilygrabhim.

“Socominghere,toMaybelle,gettingtoswimandvisitthegallery,gotothebaseballgame,”she

concluded,“allofthisisrelaxingandnice.I’mgladIdecidedtocome.”

“That’smorethanyou’vesaidatoncesofar,”Tristancommented.
Sherepliedwithashrug,tryingnottostareatAden’srightkneeinherperiphery,hisjeans

thinnerandfadedoverit,asifhe’dkneltinsawdust.Adenonhisknees.

Beforeshecouldgatherherwits,hisarmandhandcutacrosshervision,holdingoutacan.

“Here,”hemuttered,“it’sahardciderwithagingerundertone,fromArcherFarms.”

Hersurprisedgazesweptuphisarmtostudyhisexpression.“Thankyou,”shesaid,acceptingthe

canbeforeshepoppedthetabandtookatentativesip.Crisp,bubblyciderfilledhermouthandshe
hummedinappreciationwhileheraisedonebrow.“It’sreallygood.”

“I’mgladyouthinkso.”
Flooredspeechlessbyhissweet,thoughtfulgestureandsincereresponsejustthen,shewas

gratefulwhenJesseobserved,“Sethlooksgood.”Shehookedonearmaroundthebackofherchair
andthensaid,herwordsoff-handbutherfaceseriousandsharp-edgedwithit,“Ledarushedbywhile
y’allweredancingandsaidthathe’smovingback.”

“That’stheplan,”Adenmurmured,andChasehadtolook,findinghimstoic.
“Noshit?”Dunkexclaimed.“Excuseme,y’all,Igottagotellmymamaaboutthis.”
JesseandTristanshooktheirheads.“Thoseboyswerestucklikegluewhilewewerekids,”Jesse

toldChase,andChasehadtheimpressionthatherdesiretosharestoriesoutweighedherusual
reticencetowardsidlechitchat.“LedaandIwerearound,andusuallyshewastheringleader,withall
oftheterribleideas.Buttheboysalwayshadtheirownadventureswithoutusgirls,theirownsecret
language.Theyusedtospendhoursonthesmallestlake—whichdidn’tusedtohavemorethanoneor
twocabins—andrunoffabigtreebranchandsomersaultintothewater.Dunkbrokehisarmonce.”

“AnddidyouandLedahaveyourownadventures?”Chaseaskedwithaquicksmile.
“Sure,”Jessesaid.“WespentawholesummertryingtogetsomeonetogiveLedaatattoo—I

thinkweweremaybesixteen...Yeah,wemust’vebeen,becauseIremembertakingmymom’s
Bonnevillearound.Wetriedandtried,butnoonewantedtoriskhermama’swrath,eventheoneswho
wouldnormallytattooteenagers.”Shegaveacrackoflaughterandadmitted,“Idon’thaveadamn
clueanymorewhatshewantedtogetdone.”

“Whataboutyou,Chase?”Tristanasked.
Chasecuppedherchininherpalmandthoughtashereyessweptacrossthedimmingsky,smoke

fromthegrillsseemingtocurlaroundtheclouds.“Oh,wewerewildtoo,mysiblingsandI.Butwe
didn’tgetintotroubletogether—welikedtotrytogettheothersinbigtroublewithourparents.We
diddifferentthings,sincewegrewupinacity.Sneakintoclubs,skateboardonchurchsteps,gethigh
inthepark,gotomusicfestivals...”Atthatlast,shecouldn’thelpbutmeetAden’seyes,whichlooked
hoodedbutmaybesurprisedtohearshe’ddoneanythingsodeviant.“Theyintroducedmetosomuch
newgreatmusic,too.”

TheytossedoutafewmoreanecdotesabouttheirsiblingsandthenMunninvitedhertodance

again.Aftertwohardciders,shefeltmoreconfidentthanshehadbefore,andshehappilyaccepted
eventhoughshereallyonlywantedtodancewithAden.Shewantedtoslideonehandfromhissolid
waistaroundtohisbroadback,andaskhimifhelikedworkingsixdaysaweeksincehewaseighteen
atWildHarts,andamillionotherthings.

Butinstead,shedancedwithMunnandDunkandafewothersshe’dmetsofar,andtimeflewby

untilJessestrolledovertotellthemthatitwastimetopackupandheadovertothefireworks.
Laughingalittlebreathlessly,theydidbothinshortorder,andthenChaseandTristancaughtaride
withDunkagaintothefireworksbehindtheZionAMEchurch.

TheyclimbeddownandDunkleanedintoretrieveagianttupperwareofsomething.
“Youmadefood?”Shepeeredatit,tryingtoseeitclearly.“Isitlikeayogurtthing?”
“It’sfruitsalad,”Dunklaughed,rufflingherhairasifshewerehislittlesister.“Mymamamadeit

forSeth—she'salwayslovedhim—andleftitinthetruckforus.”

ItwassaidwithsuchsimplicitythatChasehungattheedgeofthecrowdforamoment,feeling

herchestbackupalittlebit.Althoughshe’dglossedoveritearlier,asachildshe’dbeendifferent

fromhersiblings,fancifulandoff-beatandpronetotangents,whiletheywereliteral-mindedlike
theirparents.She’dfeltloved,butacceptedratherthanunderstood.Whenthey’dgatheredwithSunny
totellherthatshewaslosingherspirit,tryingtofitintoamoldandajobthatwasn’ther,thedistance
hadstartedtolessen.Butthisgroupwaslikeadreamteam,theirinterconnectednesseasyand
enviable.

“Chase?Whatareyoudoing,darlin?”Dunkcalled.
Shesnappedoutofyetanothermelancholicmomentandwadedintothecrowdtocatchupto

DunkandMunn.Sincemostofthepeopletheyexchangedhelloswithhadjustbeenatthebarbeque,
theymovedprettyquickly,butforthosebriefminutes,shestillfeltthatshewasapartoftheireasy,
enviabledreamteam,too,eventhoughshewasn’t.

Sethspottedthetupperwarethesecondtheirtrioreachedtheirgiant,fadedplaidblanket,andhis

softbrowneyeslitup.“Isthatyourmama’sfruitsaladforme,Dunk?”

Adentwistedaroundandsnaggedit.“Complimentstoyourmom,stud.”Hepoppedayogurt-

smotheredberryintohismouth,histoughmienmeltinginablissfulexpression.

Chase’smindblankedcompletely,onlysnappingbackwhenLedasnarkeddismissively,“Ibetyou

forgottheCitronellas,didn’tyou,Dunk?Justlikeaman.”

“Yourclawsareshowing,”Dunkgrumbledashefloppedontotheblanketandpromptlydropped

hisheadonLeda’sthighs,sighingcontentedly.Sheshovedathim,swearing,buthewastooheavyand
solid.“Mm,”hemumbled,“niceperfume,honey.”

HismoveleftChaseandSeththeonlyonesstillstanding,andChasestudiedSethexactlylikehe

studiedherback.“Hi,”shesaid,“I’mChaseCade.YoumustbeSethRiveau.”

Heleanedintoonejuttinghipandaskedinadrytone,“Howcanyoubesosure?”
Aloudwhizmadeeveryonejump,thenoohwhenabluefireworkexplodedoverhead.
“Seemslikeyouwereadoptedintothetribeovernight,”hecommented.
Hesoundedalittleenvious,asifhemightfeelseparatedorestrangedsincehehadn’tlivedin

Maybelleinalongtime.“That'sniceofyoutosay,”shetoldhim.

Heacceptedthiswithanod,thoughhelookedlikewasgoingtosaysomethingelsewhenAden

askedfromtheground,“Wouldyoumindsittingdown?Dunkcan’tseeshit.”

“Oh,sorry...”Chasesatinoneofthesmallemptyspacesontheblanket,leavingthespaceright

nexttoAdenfreeforSethtotake,andsheleanedbackonherhands.

Everyonewassprawledout,achainofislandsinthenear-darkness.Adenlayonhisback,his

fingersinterlacedunderhishead,quietasusual.LedabickeredwithDunkwhileJesseandMunntook
gentledigsatSeth,whosmiledandmurmuredrepliesChasecouldn’thear.Theirfaceslitupand
plungedintoshadowasthefireworksreallygotgoing.

Adenshiftedandaneongreenfireworkreflectedoffthefaceofhiswatch,catchingChase’s

attention.Whilehesilentlywatchedthesky,hereyeswanderedacrosshisfaceandupperbody.Ifit
hadn’tbeensoloudandpublic,thedarknessandhisrelaxedposewould’vebeeninviting;shewanted
tolaydownandcurlupwithhim,feelthatstrongarmwraparoundhersothatshecouldpretendshe
wasarealpartofthingsforabit.

Butshedidn’tknowwhathewoulddoifshedidthat.Soshejusteaseddownontotheblanketand

putherheadclosetoAden’selbow,herhandsfoldedonherstomach,andwatchedthefireworksas
thecrescendobuilt,hereyesonlystrayingbacktohisfacenowandthen.ShegaspedwhenAden
shiftedandhiskneebrushedherthigh,thesoundthankfullycoveredupbythefinaleandtheentire
crowdoohinguntilitwasover.

“Betterthanlastyear's,”Dunkdeclaredastheycleanedup.“Hey,Chase,Iforgottotellyou,the

SheriffsaysyoushouldcometoMondaynightpokerifyou’rehere.”

She’dmettheSheriffandhiswifeatthebaseballgameandfoundthembothlovable,butthe

casualinvitationstoppedherdeadanyway.Whatisitaboutthisplace,whereallofthesepeopleare
tryingtopullmeintotheirlivesasifit’snobigdeal?shethought.

Indignantly,Ledacried,“Heneveraskedmetotheall-boyspokergame!”
AdencrossedhisarmsandgaveLedaasternstare.“That'sbecauseyoucan'tplaypokerwortha

damn,notbecauseyou'reawoman.Don’tgetallupsetovernothing.”

“HowdoyouknowChaseisagoodpokerplayer?”Ledademanded,pouting.
ShecuthereyestoChasewhileJessepointedout,“Youdon'tevenlikepoker.IbetChase’splayed

in,like,MonteCarlo.Theyprobablywantanew,worthyopponent.”

“Thanksfortheinvite,butIdon’tthinkI’llbeabletogo,”Chasefinallyhadthechancetoanswer

Dunkdiplomatically.“AlthoughIdolovepoker.”

Ledasnatchedtheblanket,snappingoffgrassandcrumbs,andtookoff.
“Ohhell,”Dunkmuttered,blowingoutabreathbeforeheranafterher.
MunnclappedSethonthebackandsaid,“Comeon,we'regoingtoDunk'stoshootsomehoops

anddrinkcheapbeer.He’llbringLedaaroundinalittlebit,don’tyouworry.”

“Soundsnice,”Sethsaid,agentle,almosthiddensmileshiftinghismouth.
ChasewasconfoundedthatshefoundAdensosexyandappealing,yetfeltnothingwhatsoever

aboutSeth,wholookedpracticallyidenticalexceptforbeingshorterwithagentlywornfinishanda
differenthairstyle.

“Whataboutyoutwo?”Jesseasked,calmgazearcingfromChasetoAdentobundlethem

together.HertonewasperfectlynormalandyetChasecouldtellclearasdaythatJessehadseentheir
kiss,orsomeoneelsehadseenitandtoldheraboutit.

“You’reseeingeachother?”Sethaskedinfascination,practicallygaping.
WhenChaselookedupatAden,hiseyeswerealreadyonher.Helookedthoroughlydisgruntled,

probablybecausepeoplewerespeculatingabouthim.Itwould’vebeenhighlyamusing,exceptthatit
hurtthathelookedsodisgruntledbytheveryimplicationthattheyweretogetherinanyway.She
could’veswornhefeltatleastsomeofthecuriousheatshefeltwhiletheywerebanteringatthegame,
anddancing,andwhenhe’dbroughthercider.

Herbackwentup,allthatyearningandwhatevershovedbackintothedepths.Adenwasajackass

andshehadhadagreattimewitheveryoneelse,butshewantedtobealonenow.Soshesmiledalittle
sharply,ignoredthehintofapleainthetightnessofAden’sjaw,andtoldJesse,“Idon’tknowabout
Aden,butI’mdonefor,soI’mheadingtotheinn.”

Therewasalong,tautpausewhereAdennarrowedhiseyesatJesse,clearlyblamingherforthe

pause,andthenhestated,“I’llmeety’allatDunk’safterItakeChaseback.”

BothSethandJessehungthereforafewseconds,asiftheyexpectedsomethingelsetohappen,

oractuallyexpectedAdentosaysomethingmore,butthentheyshruggedandleft.

“C’mon,I’mparkedtheotherway,”Adenpracticallygrunted.
Awareofwhathedidn’twant,andthefairlysignificantcrowdstillaroundthem,takingtheirtime

astheyfoldedblanketsandrepackedcoolers,shegrabbedhiswrist.Shewalkedinthedirectionhe’d
pointed,tugginghimalongbehindher.Shecouldseepeople,somesheknewbutmoststrangersto
herstill,watchingher,watchingherhandaroundhiswrist.

“Guessyouandyourbrotherdidn’thavetimetocatchupifheaskedyouthat.”
“Nooffense,butyouweren’tthefirstthingontheagenda,”hesaid.Whenshesighedalittle,he

madeapainedexpressionandbitoff,asifhersighweresomesortoffeminineultimatumor
something,“SethandIdon’ttalkthewayyougirlsdo.Hecallseverycoupleofmonths.Iaskhimif
he’slearnedanewlanguageandheasksifIlearnedhowtocook.Hetellsmeourmomcallsand
emailstoomuch.Maybewetalksportsifit'stherightseason.Thenoneofuscomesupwithan
excuseandwehangup.”

Itwasn’tlikeshe’dbeenwonderingwhyAdenhadn’trushedtotellhisbrotherthatthey’dmetor

kissed,oranything,soallshecouldcomeupwithtosayrightthenwas,“Yeah,well,youdorealize
youdidn’tanswerhisquestion,right?”

Shecouldactuallyhearhimgrindhisteethbeforeherepliedvehemently,“Itoldyounottomake

everyonetalkaboutme.NowIhavetoexplainyoudraggingmeacrossthisendlessdamnfield,and
explainthistoSethontopoffindingoutwhathappenedtohim—”

Hesoundedsopissed,insharpcontrasttohowsmugandsatisfiedwithhisplaceinlifehe’d

lookedatthebaseballgame,hisfeetanchoredsowideapartashe’dblusteredathertogoaway.But
maybeshe’dmisreadthingsalldayandwhatshe’dthoughtwassharedheatandstiltedattemptstoget
toknowherhadbeennothingbutpoliteness.Afterall,hehadavoidedheraftertheirdrunkenkiss,
andhecouldhaveonlydancedwithherbecauseitwouldhavebeenincrediblyrudeofhimnotto
have.Evenifallshewantedfromhimwasaflingwhileshewasonvacation,feelinglikethisabout
herselfwould’vehurt.

Almoststumblingstraightoffthecurb,shecaughtherselfandusedthemomentumtofacehim

headon,thenlashedout,“ItshouldonlytakeafewsecondstoexplaintoSethoranyoneelsewho’s
nosyenoughtoaskthatyouletmeholdyourhandonlybecauseI'mtoomuchofapainintheassto
fightaboutit,especiallynotinpublicwhereI'djustmakeasceneinafeeble,misguided,undoubtedly
failingattempttostiryouup.”

Hesnappeddefensively,“Noneedtosayallthat.I’lljusttellSethyou’reatouristandignore

everyoneelsewhotriestoaskmeaboutsomethingthat’snoneoftheirbusiness.”

Heatflared,likeatrulyawfulsunburn,undertheskinofherfaceandupperchest.
Thelightchangedandeveryoneflowedaroundthemtocrossthestreet.
Buttheystayedputandherstupidheartbeatfasterashestareddownather.Hisreactionhadbeen

harsh,butshe’dgoadedhim,tooharsh,tooacidic,andshehadsoundedcontemptuousand
condescending.Shedidn’tknowwhattosay,notsureifhedeservedanapologyorifshewantedto
givehimoneregardless,andsothesilencestretched.

Finallyshesighed,“I’mjustgoingtocallacab,soyoucangotoDunk’s.”
“What?Why?”hedemanded,lookingcompletelyblanklikehehonestlydidn’tgetit.
“Seriously?”sheblurtedout.“AllIdidwassaythatyoudidn’tanswerSeth’squestion,andyou

jumpeddownmythroatlikeItoldhimthatwe’re...”Herthroatclosedandherwordslostalloftheir
steamandtrailedoff.Shedidn’twanttofinishthat,becausetherewasnowaytopossiblyfinishthat
withoutsoundinglikeamelancholy,insecure...tourist.

Therewasanincrediblytense,awkwardsilenceandthenAdenslumpedbackagainstsomeone’s

car,makingitrockalittleattheimpact,andscrubbedbothhandsoverhisface.

“Sorry.”
Itwassomuffledbyhishandsthatshealmostmissedit.
“Thatsoundedlikeitwouldbetheworstthingintheworldformybrothertothinkthat...that

we’reseeingeachother,likethat,whereI’dtakeyouhomeandnotleaveagain...”

Chasesuckeditup,tryingnottoworrythatshewouldcomeofftoobitchy,andpointedoutas

calmlyasshecould,“You’vesortofmadeitseemlikethatwouldbetheworst.”

“Damnit,”hemuttered,hisjawtickingashestuffedhishandsintohispockets.“There’s

somethinggoingonwithSethandIdon’tknowwhatitisyet,”heexplained.“Ican’tmakehimtellus
whatitis.ButIdon’twanttopretendlikeIdon’tknowandjustyammerawayabouteverylittlething
that’sgoingonwithme.That’swhywehaven’tcaughtupyet.”

SomehowChaseknewthateventhoughitwasn’ttheexplanationshereallydeservedforwhyhe

wassoupsetbytheideathatanyonethoughttheyweretogether,itwasmoreimportanttohimthathis
brotherwashurtinginsomewaythanthatChasewashurtinginsomeway.Itdidn’tmakeherhurt

lessenany,butitdidmakeherpauseandacknowledgehowloyalthatmadehim...Evenifitalsomade
himajackassinthatmoment.

“I’msorryyou’llhavetowastetimeyammeringthatyouofferedtodrivemehomecauseyou’re

aniceguyandmycar ’satLaFontaine,”shefinallymanagedtosaywithanappropriatebalanceof
sarcasmandsincerity.“Butifyou’regoingtodriveme,webettergetgoingorit’lltakeyousolong
togettoDunk’sthatSethandeveryoneelsewho’stherereallywillthinkthere’ssomethinggoingon
betweenus.”

“Okay,sure,”hesaid,hisvoicepinched,andshewastootiredfromtheemotionalrollercoaster

toeventrytodecipherwhatitmeant.

Shefollowedhimtohistruckandclimbedinwhilehestalkedaroundandgotbehindthewheel,

thenslammedhisdoorshutwithunnecessaryforce.Thescalebetweeninsecurityandmelancholy
tippedsothatshejustwantedtobeinhersweetroominthegable,soakinginthebig,deepbathtub.
Butfornow,shewaslockedinatruckwithAden,soshefiddledwithherpurseuntilsheremembered
thechampagne,pullingitoutgratefully.

“I,ah,meanttosharethisatthefireworks,sincewedidn’topenitatthebarbeque.Willyoutell

everyonethatIappreciatelettingmetagalongtoday,andopenitatDunk’s?”

Thegearsgroundashesaidtensely,“Ifthat’swhatyouwant,ofcourseI’lltellthem.”
SilencefellagainuntilAdenparkedattheinn,thetruckidlingasshegotout.
Butasshepassedbyhisrolled-downwindow,shehesitatedandmadeherselfturntowardshim

andsmileandsayasifnothingwerewrong,“Thanks,Aden.Goodnight.”

“Okay,goodnight,”heparrotedgrufflyasshehurriedawayfromhim.

CHAPTERFOURTEEN

Aden

Aden’sfingersdugintohisthighswhileChase’shipschuggedfromsidetosideasshewalked

away,hersexyheelsstrikingthestonesonthewalkwaylikeahammeronnails.

Withajerk,hetorehiseyesawayandwrenchedthetruckintogear.
Ithadbeenbarelysevenmonthssincetheonlyrelationshipinhislifeendedforgood;just

becauseheandChasesharedthatdrunkenkissonTristan’sdockinthemoonlight,itdidn’tmeanthat
heneededtowonderwhatitwouldfeelliketodoitagain,ordomore.

Butasheshiftedintodrive,thelightflickedoninthegableandhewasarrestedbythesightof

her,framedbythewindow,herarmsraisedhigh,surelymeanttoeasetension.

“Fuck,”hegroanedonahardexhalation.
Heturnedthetruckaroundandparkedagain.
Thingshadgottenoutofhandandheknewitwasallhisfault.Hecouldpinpointthemomenthe’d

fuckedup:hisreactionwhenSethhadaskediftheyweretogether.Well,hisdumbassnon-reaction.It
wasclearfromthewayChasehadsnappedathimthatshehadmisunderstoodhisreaction,andhe’d
onlyreinforcedthat,likeaprick.Really,he’dfrozenandthemomentdraggedoutandhe’dfelt
incredibly...inexperienced.

Whichwasstupidandjustplaincowardly,sincehe’dadmittedtoLedanoteventwelvehoursago

thathelikedChase.Thatwaswhyhe’dboughtherthehardciderandgivenheroneascasuallyas
humanlypossible,allthewhilefeelinglikeafourteen-year-oldofferingtocarryagirl’sbooks.And
thenthatdance...Hegroanednow,rememberinghowgoddamnedawkwardhe’dbeen,tryingtochat
likethatwassomethingheknewhowtodo.Butevenafterthosecringe-worthy,awkwardmoments,
she’dcurleduponhisblanketnexttohimatthefireworks,sofuckingclosehe’dfeltthephantomof
hersnuggledagainsthim.Forpossiblytheonlytimeinhisadultlife,he’dwishedheweremorelike
hisbrotherorhisguyfriends,whowerecharmingorroguishorcheesy,butallhadaneasewith
womenhedidn’t.

Hisgutschurned,buthecursedagainandwalkedintotheinn.Theoldermanwhocoveredthe

deskifJesseandMunnwereoffwasthere.Henoddedandsaid,“Evenin’,sir.”

“Evenin’,Aden,”themanechoed,thensquinted.“Heretoseethelady,then?”
“Mightbe,”hemumbledashekepton,alowchuckledriftingafterhim.
HeknewtheDogwoodaswellasheknewthelayoutofWildHarts,sohewentswiftlytothegable

room.Beforehismindcouldcatchuptohisfeet,hewasknockinglightly.

Afterafewseconds,Chasecalledalittlestridently,“Yes?”
Withawince,hismindcaughtuptohisactionsandhesaidinanely,“It’s,uh,Aden.”
Sheunlockedandopenedthedoor,thenstaredathim,sohestaredrightback.

Intheminutesbetweensayinggoodnighttohimandopeningthedoor,she’dstartedtogetready

forbed.Herhairwasloose,somestrandsliftingfromstaticelectricityinthedryairasifshe’djust
brushedit,andherfacewasdampandmake-upfree.Insteadofthegetupshe’dhadonallday,shewas
insoftfloralpajamashortsandalooset-shirt.Herfeetwerebare,smallbutalittlewide,asifthey
keptherasfirmlyplantedonthegroundashe,andthatabnormallyfancifulthoughtmadehimblow
outabreath.

“Wastheresomethingyouwanted,Aden?”sheasked.
Herpolitetonewasthesameonethatheusedwithobnoxiouscustomers.
Itannoyedthehelloutofhim,propellinghimtoscoopheragainsthimandmutter,“DamnrightI

wantsomething.”Hekissedher,hisarmbracedacrossherback,andwhenshekissedhimback
immediately,hetookonehandandcuppedtheswellofherass.Heslidhisotherhandintothesoft
blondewavesbehindherearandshehummedlowinherthroat,makinghimthinkoftangledlegsand
sweatyskinslick-slidingtogether.

Notknowingwhatthehellhewasdoing,histonguepickedupitsdeeptempoasherhands

skittereduphisarmstohishead,throwingoffhiscapsoshecouldgrabhishair.

Hestruckoutwithabootheelblindlytoshutthedoor,thenshuffledheraroundandupagainstit.

Theirheightswereamismatchformakingoutlikethis,buthedidn’tgiveashit.Herlipswerefull
anddemanding,andsheyankedhandfulsofhishairrhythmically.

Whenonehandletgotolatchontohiswaist,hegroanedandshiftedhishandstoherhips.Ginger

workedhardforhertonedbody,andthathadneverbotheredAdenuntilthemomenthegothishands
onChase’ships.Herealizedhe’dbeenmissingthishiswholelife.Herbodygave,andgave;there
weresecretsburiedinhermouthandinthesoftcurves.Thelushflareofherhipscurledintoher
waist,thenherribsunfurleduptosupportherheavybreasts.Heslidhisfingersupoverthewornout
cottontee,andhecursedinpureappreciationforthewayshepushedintohispalms,hernipplestight,
theirweighttangible.

“HolyGod,”hemoaned.
“Aden,”shesaid,makingastrangledsortofnoise,“thebed.”Hemumbledsomethingblankly.

“Thebed,”sherepeatedinagaspashisthumbsstrokedhernipples.

Thewordssankin,andsweatsprangupathisnape.“Wait,Imeanttoapologize,I—”
“Doyouhateme?”shecuthimoff,sharpyetbreathless.Hisheadwhippedbackandforth,and

herlipsquirkedslightlybeforeshefiredoffafollowup.“Doyouwantme?”

“Isn’tthatobvious?”heretorted.
Shegrabbedhishipsandbegantomaneuverthemunevenlytowardsthebed.
Hetriedtothinkofacleverwaytogethisbootsoff.Buthefailed,sohehadtojustdropintoa

crouchanddoit.Whenhestraightened,hishandsathisbeltbuckle,hefroze.Whilehe’dbeengetting
ridofhisboots,she’dgottenridofhershortsandtee.Shewasonthebednowinawhitebraprobably
designedbyengineersandtinypurplelacepanties.

“HolyGod,”herepeatedhoarsely,shovingdownhisjeansandreachingahandtothemiddleof

hisbacktodragoffhisshirt.

“You’retanallover,”shemoanedinashakyvoice,“oh,crap,that’shot.”
Anydoubtshemighthavecontinuedtoentertainabouthislimitedskillswereutterlyabsent—his

mindwasutterlyabsent.Allthatwasleftwereinstincts,andheobeyedthemwithoutquestionbecause
shewaspantingandhecouldfuckingsmellherarousal.

Hebentdownandlickedacrossoneofherankles,theanimalinhimrumblinginappreciation

whenherlegkickedout.Hislipsandthelightstubbleofhisbeardskateduphercalves,switching
fromlefttorighterratically,stoppingonlytotonguethebacksofherkneeslikehe’dtonguedher
mouth.Shewasmoaning,herthighstwitchingsteadilynow,asifaconstant,lowcurrentwererunning

throughher.Bothofhishandssmoothedupherthighsandhisfingerscurledaroundthelacestraps
overherhips,tighteningherpanties.

Asshetradedamoanforawhimper,henippedherthroughthelace,thencoveredherwithhis

mouth.Whenshegaveonesharp,breathygasp,heforgottoworryifhewasmissingoutbynotbeing
inher.Therewasnothingbuthismouthasitsuckedher,thewayherpantiesstrangledhisfingers,his
noseasitrubbedherclit,andhischinasitwasflankedbytheundercurvesofherass.Therewas
nothingbutthetwitchesofherthighsagainsthisears,andthestickinessthatsaturatedthelaceand
madehismouthwater.

Therewasnothingbutthosethingsuntilherthighsclampeddownonhisearsforasecondand

thensprangwideasherhipsshotbackandherribsshotup.Hewasalmostoverwhelmedbythe
incrediblesightofherrisingabovehim,thoughthelookonherfaceburnedimmediatelyand
permanentlyintohismind.Finally,herbreathstutteredout,asifshe’dhelditduringthelengthofher
orgasm,andhermusclesallstilledinconcert.

Withthatmovement,Aden’sinstinctsfledandhismindflippedon,likeafirealarmsuddenlyset

off.Stiffly,hecrawledbackwardsandsatbackonhisheels,onlyrealizinghowclearlyshe’dseehis
arousalwhenhereyesdartedtowardsit.Nowhismusclesheldstill,excepthiscock,whichtwitched
likeherthighshaddone,reachingforthatgivingflesh.

Impatientwithhissuddennerves—heknewarealorgasmwhenhefeltit,afterall,evenifChase

wasonlythesecondwomanhe’dgivenoneto—hestaredatheranddeliberatelywipedhismouth.
Incredibly,afterallofthat,sheblushedahot,unevenred,anditstrokedhisegoenoughtorockhim
forwardtoplantonehand,thickveinsonthebackofit,nexttoherneck.Thoseseafoamgreeneyes
widenedashelaidhismouthonhersagain.

Shewasclosemouthedforafewpainfulheartbeatsbeforehertongueslippedintohismouth

sluggishly.Herarmsdrapedoverhisshouldersasifshestilldidn’thavefullcontrolbackyet,and
kepthiminplacewiththatlighttouchforalongtimebeforeshepulledaway.Hereyeslockedonhis,
herpantsbuffetinghischin,whileherhandsreachedforhisboxers.

Atthefirstbrushofherhandsacrosshisdick,heshuddered.Therewasn’tmuchspaceinsidehis

boxersforherhands,ortotughisdickfree,either,sincehewascrouched.Butshewrappedboth
handsaroundhim,herfingersoverlappedbutwithsomepartsofhisdickuntouched,andsqueezed.
Foralittlewhile,staringather,hedidn’thaveacluewhatshewasdoing,sinceshewasn’tpumping
orusinghergriptoleverhimtowardherpussy.

Thenallofasudden,herealizedshewassqueezinghimasthoughherhandswereherpussy,in

thesamerhythmofherownrecentorgasm.

“Doyouwant—”hegaspedhoarsely,notevenknowinghowheshouldfinishthat.
Carefully,shewiggleddownandsqueezedhimfasterandtighter,andstartedtoshiftupanddown

asbestshecouldfromthatangle,nowfullybetweenhislegs.Herincrediblebreasts,fallenoutofthe
cupsofherbra,supportedherhands,andtheleakingtipofhisdickgrazedagainstonewithevery
stroke.“IwantedyouinsidemewhenIcame,”shewhispered,settingoffsparksinthebaseofhis
spine,“butyouwould’vehadtostoplicking.”

“Oh,fuck,”hegroaned.
ThecombinationofwhenIcameandlickingandhisviewofthemtogetherpushedhiminto

sensoryoverloadandhelostit.Hishipslockedandhisorgasmburstthroughhimuntilhegaspedlike
afishonthehookandpitchedsidewaystocollapsenexttoher.

Heturnedhisheadandfoundherwatchinghim,wide-eyed.
“Thatwas...”shebegan.
Allofasudden,hisheartwaspounding.Hescrambledintothebathroom,tooawareofhisdick

floppinginhisboxers,surelylookingdumbnow.Hedampenedatowelwithwarmwater,then

broughtittoher,barelyabletolookatherhandasitswipeduphismess.

“I,uh,”hemuttered,overcomebyembarrassment,“bettergetovertoDunk’s.”
“But—”Chasebegan,strugglingtositup.
Buthecouldn’tstaytohearwhatshehadtosay,notwhentherewasalowbuzzinhismind.Less

thanaweekafterhe’dfirstlaideyesonher,he’dcomealloverherhandsandtits,forGod’ssake...It
hadbeenyearssincehe’deventriedtobringupsomethinglikethatwithGinger.Whathadhebeen
thinking?WhytheholyfuckhadheletJesseandLeda’sridiculousideasaboutreboundstakeoverhis
brain?Hehadtogetoutofthere.

Hestumbledintohispants,bootsandshirtasuncoordinatedasthoughhe’dgoneskinnydipping

inthefallandwashalfwaytohypothermia.

“Aden,”sheyelledashewrenchedopenthedoor.
Justcapableoflookingoverhisshouldertomeethereyes,heshookhischinandsaid,beforehe

gotthehelloutofthere,“I—it’sbetterthisway.Ididn’tlie,IdowantyouandIdon’thateyou.ButI
don’twantwhatyouwant.I’msorryaboutthe...touristcomment.”

CHAPTERFIFTEEN

Aden

Thenextafternoon,Adenandhisotherbestfriend,JackHoney,leapedupontothefloatingdock,

thengrabbedtheirbeachchairsandJack’scoolerfromtheboyswho’dbroughtthemoverinamotor
boat.TheboysspedoffasAdencalled,“Thanks,y’all.”

AdenhikeduphisshortsandunfoldedhischairsothatitflankedJack’scooler,thensatand

lookedatalloftheactivityonthepublicbeach.Therehadbeenacharityeventhereevery4thofJuly
hiswholelife,theonlyvariationbeingwhichcharitywasgiventhemoneythatwasraised.The
SheriffhadaskedJackandhimtohelpbykeepinganeyeoutontheeventsfromthefloatingdock
last-minute,andtheywerebothhappytohelpout,evenifJackwasalittletiredbecausehe’dbeen
goneforaweekataworkconference.

Besidehim,Jackwasquiet,hislegsstretchedoutandcrossedattheankles,sophisticatedinhis

chinosandshort-sleevedbutton-downashisinquisitivegazesweptthesceneinfrontofthem.The
beachwasjustascrowdedasHughesFieldhadbeenyesterdayfortheexhibitionbaseballgame,and
ifAden’smindweren’tafuckingwreckfromthenightbefore,hewould’vefeltthesamesatisfaction
andconnectednessnowashehadthen.Instead,itwasallpanicandembarrassmentandfoolishness
thathefeltrelatedtoChase.

Exhalinghard,Adenpulledoffhiscapandrakedonehandthroughhisthickhair.
JustwhenhehadgatheredupsomewordsandmaybeahypotheticalortwoforJack,Dunk’s

voice,cheeryandamplifiedbyabullhorn,carriedouttothem.

“Hey,y’all!Readytogetthisgoing?”heaskedrhetorically,pumpinghisfistwhileeveryone

cheered.AdenrolledhiseyesasDunkstoodupononeofthelifeguardtowers,encouragingeveryone
tocheerlouder.“Welcometothisyear'sAnnualLakeSwim,benefitingMaybelleCountyHospital’s
PediatricsWard!”

“Wholetthatidiotemcee?”Jackaskedwithaslightsmile.
Adensnorted.“Ithinkhebribedthemayor.Weloveoursports;themayorwouldneedabetter

reasontodenythejobtothefootballcoachthanYou'rekindofanidiot.”

“Tootrue,”Jackmurmuredasheflippedopenthecoolerandtookoutapitcherofsweettea.
“Iwishwehadsomebeer,”Adenmuttered.HeglaredattheSheriffandLeda,eventhoughthey

couldn'tseeit.Adenhadn’tmindeduntiltheSheriffhadconfiscatedtheirbeer,honestly.“Butatleast
we’refarawayfromthegossips,Iguess.”

JackpursedhislipsandtoldAdenforthemillionthtime,“Foramanwhoownsabar,you're

reallyveryantisocial.”

Itwasanoldjoke,Adenastheclichédantisocialbartender,buthenevermindedthemildcensure

buriedinJack'sidleamusementbecauseitlethimknowthathewasunderstoodandaccepted.Itwas
oneofthethingshelovedbestabouthistown,evenifitalsogaveeveryonelicensetobeineveryone

else'sbusiness.

“Although,”Jackmusedslyly,tiltinghishead,“Iheardfromnolessthanthreepeople,

anonymously,thatyouwereactuallysocialwhileIwasgoneforthelastweek.”

Adentuggedthebrimofhishatlowoverhisforeheadandgrunted.“I’llbet.”
“Sethsaidyoudidn’tanswerwhenheaskedifyouandthisnewfriendofoursareseeingeach

other,”Jackwentonmercilessly,alawyertothehilt.“Youthinkingaboutit?”

Adenwatchedadozenseniorcitizenssloshintotheshallowsforthefirstevent.
“IknowI’mnotwithGingeranymore,okay,butIstillforgetthatI’mreallysinglesometimes,”

hesaidquietly,withoutlookingawayfromtheseniorsastheylayontheirbacksandpreparedforthe
Geezers’FloatingContest.“IstillhaveDVDsthatIconsiderours.WeweretogethersolongIcan’t
rememberwhoevenactuallyboughtthem.”

Theseniorsbeganslippingunderforasecond,onebyone,untilonlyonewasleft.Dunkroared

outhiscongratulationstoherastheyallmadetheirwaytoshore.

“Doyoufeelsodifferent,beingsingleversusbeingwithGinger?”Jackaskedfinally.
“Iguessnot,”Adensaid,withasortofslow,uselessanger.
Neitherofthemsaidmore,forthetimebeing,astheywatchedthefootballteamstarttheBanana

BoatPeel,aracearoundacircuitofbuoys,thefirsteventthatrequiredtheirattention.Theboys
passedbycloseenoughtoheartheircursesandbragsastheyslicedby.

“Werewethatstupidwhenwewerethatage?”Jackwondered.
“WithDunkthere,wewerefuckingworse,”Adensaid,gratefulforthenewsubject.
“Yeah,hewasawalkinghardon,”Jacksaidwithatouchofself-awarenostalgia.
AdenlookedoveratDunk,whowastakingadvantageofthebreakinhisemceeingdutiestoflirt.

SomethingfrozeinAden’schestasherealizedthatthewomanwasChase.

Memoriesfromthewholedayyesterday,fromthedugouttothebedattheinn,floodedthrough

hismindalloveragainandthenervesandthepleasureechoedthroughhisbody.

FollowingAden’slineofsight,Jackdidadouble-takeandwhistled,liftinghishandtoshadehis

eyessothathecouldseemoreclearly.“Holyhell.Isthatthewoman?”

“ThatisChaseCade,”Adensaidflatly.
HischesttwistedasJackhummedthoughtfully.“She’sgotabuildlikeSophiaLoren.”Hanging

offarungofthelifeguardtower,sheswungclosertoDunk,laughinggaily.Jackaddedinamusing
way,“Ididn’tthinkwomencamelikethatanymore.”

Jack’sinnocentwordchoicemadeAdenflushandscowl.
Jack’ssharpgazefocusedonAdenandimmediatelysawstraighttotheheartofitlikehealways

did.“Youlike-likeher.Shit,ImissedalotwhileIwasinRichmond.”

“Fuckoff,Honey.”HecrossedhisarmsdefensivelyatJack.“Idonotlike-likeher.’”
“Yousureashellsomethingher,”Jackretorted.“Comeon,what’shappening?”
“Nothing!”hesnarled.
“Goaheadandpretend,”Jackshrugged,“butyourteam’srowingherouthere.”
Jerkingaround,Adensawthatsomeofhisjuniorvarsitybaseballplayerswererowingher

straighttowardsthefloatingdock,whichwasagainsttherulesandreally...notcool.

“Whatthefuckisshedoing?”hegrowledashefumbledforhispackandshovedacigarette

betweenhislipssothathecouldhidebehindit.

“Whatareyoudoing?Putthataway,”Jackreprimandedhim.“Youdon’tneedthat.”
AdenglaredatthecigaretteinsteadofJack,buthedidashewastold.
WhatthefuckamIgoingtosaytoher?He’drunoutlikeatotaljackasslastnight,noteventrying

toexplainthattherehadn’tbeenanythingwrongwithher,orthethingsthey’ddone.Hehadn’tknown
howto,asatwenty-nine-year-oldman,tellherthathe’dbeenscaredshitlessbecauseshewasonlythe

secondwomanhe’deverbeenwithlikethat.

Buttherewasnotimetofortifyhimselfbecauseshewasheadedhisway.
Afteratensesecondwhenthebananaboatsgoinghellbent-for-leatherontheirthirdcircuitand

therowboatalmostcollided,therowboatreachedhimandJack.

“Eddie,”AdengreetedhisJVfirstbasemenwhilehisheartbegantopoundharder.
EddiegrabbedtheladdertoholdtherowboatsteadywhileJack,everthegentleman,glidedover

andofferedChaseahand.AdennarrowedhiseyesinwarningatEddie,whowasstaringatherass
withtheattentiontodetailofateenagedboyfacedwithawoman.

“Aw,crap,”shecrowed,bouncingasshewhirledaroundtotakeinthefullview.
Adensatbackdown,resigned,andtuggedthebillofhiscapdownloweroverhisface.
“Thanks,Eddie,”shegushed,“I'llcomebythebikeshoptomorrowandhelpyoueditthat

WutheringHeightspaperforsummerschool,okay?Bringicecream,andwe’reeven.”

“Sure,MizCade,”Eddiepromised,hisvoicecrackingwithexcitement.
Astheboysleft,Chaserakedherhairawayfromherfaceandgrinnedatbothmen.
“I’mJackHoney,”Jackofferedeasily.
“Ohh,”shesaidknowingly,andAdenclenchedhisjawashewonderedwhatgossiphadmadeher

goallgirlyoverJack,whohadacharmthelocalwomencalledmysterious.“Interesting.Youdon’t
seemanythingliketheothertwo—thisonehereandDunkupthere.”

Jacklaughed,hissuavelawyerlaugh,andChasewatchedwithwhatseemedlikekeeninterestto

Aden.Jack,likeDunk,wasawareofhischarm,onlyhedidn'tblastitateverywomanontheplanet
likeDunk.“I’mtheclassyone;theymakemelookgood,”JackjokedasAdentensed.Jackcould
makefunofhimselfandbehonestatthesametime,abehaviorthatbroughtwomentohimwhetherhe
wasflirtingornot.Adendidn’twanttostakeaclaimoranything,buthisbloodpressurespiked
higherwitheverysecond,goingthroughtheroofwhenJackoffered,beinggallantlikeajackass,
“Wouldyouliketosit?”

Shewavedofftheofferandfloppedontothedock,whichdidn’thelpAdenrelaxbecauseshe

scootedtoputherbackagainsthischaircasually,asifnothinghadhappenedlastnight.“Idon’tknow
whatyoudidtomeritbeingouthere,”shedeclared,“butthisisthebestjob!”Shepunctuatedher
enthusiasmbyclaspingAden’sforearm,whichcontractedbeneathhertouch,bothbracingagainstit
andstrainingclosertoit.“Youcanseeitallfromoverhere,thewholemessy,happything.”

“Adenwasjustcomplainingthathe’dratherbeanywhereelse,”Jackreplied.
Sincehewasn’tsmokingandcouldn’ttakeadragrightthen,hescratchedhisnose.Heheldhis

handsothatwhatpartsofhishotfaceweren’tshadowedbyhishatbrimwerehiddenbythebackof
hishandandhisfingers.

“Washe?”Chasetwistedsoshecouldlookathim,herliftedfacegivinghimabreathtakingview

ofherloosehairticklingherbreastsandslidingdownbetweenthem.Hereyesnarrowedsubtlyasshe
saidarchly,“Seemslikeyoufeelthatwayalot.”

Sheuntwistedsharplyandhealmostjumpedwhenthebareskinofoneofhershouldersscraped

lightlyoverhisbareleg.

Nowthatshewasn’tglaringaccusinglyathim,hewasabletogrumbledefensively,“Onlytime

I’vebeensomeplaceandwishedIwasanywhereelsewaswhenBillyDavidsonkickedtheshitoutof
Dunk,Munnandme.”

“Iforgotaboutthatone.”Jackchuckled,onesideofhismouthkickingupwhenAdenglaredat

himoverthetopofhissunglasses.“Ifnotforme,y’allwouldprobablyhavewoundupchumon
Billy’snextfishingtrip.”

“Whatweretheydoing?”Chaseasked,asifshewereontenterhookstolistentoJack.
“WeweretrespassingontheDavidson'sfarm,”Jackexplained,spreadinghishandslikewhatare

yougoingtodo?“ThethreeofthemwereskinnydippingandBilly’slittlesisterMarie,whocouldn’t
havebeenmorethanten,andsomeofherlittlefriendssawus.Theyranscreamingtotheranchandit
wasonlymybrainsthatslowedBillydown.”

“Whyhangoutwithsuchidiots?”Chaseasked,andheknewwithoutadoubtthatallofthe

fiercenessdrivingthewordidiotswasaimedonlyathim,notDunkorMunn.

“BeingfriendswithAden,DunkandMunnsavedmefromalotoftraumaasakid,”Jackoffered

inhiscalmway.“IwassmartandsmallandIcorrectedtheotherkids.”

Chasepusheduphersunglassesandnoddedslowly.“I’mthemiddlekid,butIhadtoprotectmy

sisterandbrotherfromthingslikethat,too.They’rebrainiacsandgetexcitedaboutequationsand
astronomy.”Sherubbedonehandupanddownhercalfabsently,andAdencouldonlyrememberher
handsmovingupanddownonhimthesamewaylastnight.“Luckilytheyhitpubertyandgotexcited
aboutboysandgirlsandlearnedhowtotalktonon-relatives,sotheydidn’tneedhelpfrommevery
muchafterthat.”

Shebouncedtoherfeetsuddenly,everythingjiggling,andcried,“Look!”
Adenlooked.
Itwastheday’smostpopularevent,anenormousgameofchickenthattheadultsplayed.Only

couplesentered;AdenhaddoneitwithGingeralmosteveryyearsincetheywereeighteen.Sojust
seeingthewomensettleonthemen'sshouldersmadehiseyetwitch.

Inhisbestlong-sufferingtone,hetoldher,“Theydon’tshovetiltheypusheachotherover,they

hiteachotherwithfoambats—see,Dunk'shandingthemout.It'ssafe.”

“Awesome,”shebreathed,wide-eyed,thentorehereyesawaytolookdownathim.“Aren’tyou

goingtostandupsoyoucansee?”sheasked,herfrownsomehowflirtatious.

Whenhe’dfirstseenher,wearingthefirstofmanyoutfitshefoundincrediblysexy,she’dlooked

likeaflirttohim.Buthe’donlyseenherflirtwithhim,maybe,althoughotherthanthewhat’sthe
juiciestthingyou’vebeentoldoverthebar,hewasn’tsureshe’dreallytriedthathard.Goingdownon
herwasthesexiestexperienceofhislife,andhefeltanunfamiliar,reluctantappreciationforheras
hesawhowenthralledshewasbytheLakeSwimevents.Itintriguedhim,herealizedasshereturned
herfocustothegameofchicken,andintriguedmeantalittleinterested,inadditiontojustplainliking
her.

Butbottomlinewas,shewasatourist;hervacationwouldendandshe’dtakeoff.
HestoodandsidledovertoJackwhileDunkroaredintothebullhornagain.
“Ionlyjustmether,”Jackbegancalmly,“butsofar,Ihavetoagreethatshe’sgreat.”
Afteranexcruciatingminute,Adenmumbled,“Butshe’sallwrongforme.”
Jacklaughed,runningonehandalonghisjaw.“Well,astothat,Ican’treallysay.WithGinger,

youaskedheroutbecauseshewantedyouto,andyoufoughtwithherbecauseshe’dstartitandyou
followedherlead.Andyoualwaystookherbackbecause...well,actually,I’mnotsurewhyyou
alwaystookherback.Butyou’redonewithdoingwhatGingerwants,right?Sohowdoyouknow
what’sallwrongforyouanyway?”

WhileAdenwasthinking,Dunkcried,“UpnextaretheSingingMermaids!”
“What’sthat?”Chaseaskedexcitedly.
“Littlegirlssingsomecampsongsininnertubes,”Jackexplained.
Chase'sfacemeltedintoasoft,sweetsmile,thenshedidthatbounceagain.
Aden’simaginationsuppliedanapproximationofwhatitwouldlookandfeellikeifshewere

bouncingontopofhimlikethatwhilehewasburiedinherasfaraspossible.

“Imetthosegirlsmyfirstday,rightbeforeImetDunk.Let’sgoseethem.”Totallydistractedby

hisfantasy,Adengaveathoughtlessnod.“Yes!Wecanjustswimover.”

“Swim?”Jackexclaimed,hisvoicerisingincredulously.

“Howelse?”sherepliedasshekickedoffhersandalsandflexedhertoes.
“I'mnotwearingcut-offs,”Jackenunciatedcarefully,brushinghishandsoverhisimmaculate

linenslacksandEgyptiancottonshirt.

AdeninformedChase,“Jackhereiswhatnicepeoplecallfussy.”
“Fine,”sherepliedwithashrug.Then,withacasuallyintimatemovement,shetuggedatAden’s

poloshirtandtoldhim,“Leaveyourstuffandcomeon,Aden,please?”

“Idon't—”Adenstarted,butwhenhesawthethrustofherjaw,likeLeda’swhenshewasina

ragingtemper,hegaveup,eventhoughhefeltadeepsuspicionthatitwasatrapsomehow.“Hangon
totheseforme.”HeshovedhispackandlighterintoJack’shands,thenhishat,sunglasses,keysand
wallet.“Andifsomeonestartsdrowningduringoneoftheevents,forfuck’ssake,jumpin.”

NarrowinghiseyesatAden'scondescension,heagreed,“Ofcourse.”
Withoutanywarning,Chaseflungherselfintothewater.Herheadbrokesecondslaterwithaloud

gaspandalaughthatrangoutsoloudlythatpeopleonthebeachturned.

Adengroanedanddovesmoothlyintothecoolwater.
Heknewthateveryonewasgoingtoaddthisrightontothehand-holdingafterthefireworkslast

night,andfirstthingtomorrow,wheneveryonewasbackatworkanditwasn’taholidayanymore,
they’dbeonhiscase.Hismomwouldhearaboutitandask,asifhislifewasn’talreadyawkward
enoughrightnow.HecouldonlyprayGingerwouldn’tconfronthimaboutittoo,althoughaftertheir
showdowntheotherday,hethoughtnot.

Allthesame,hekeptpacewithChaseuntiltheyhitthebeachnexttooneofthepiers.
Asherakedhishandsthroughhishair,ChaseskippednearertotheSingingMermaids,

mesmerizedbytheirperformance,andhestoodstifflyalongsideher.Itwasawkwardandtortuous,
andhehadnoideawhatwasgoingthroughhermind.Shewasactinglikenothinghadhappened,but
why?Wassexjustnobigdealtoher?Heknewitcouldn’tbebecauseithadbeenawfulandshe
wantedtoforgetaboutit,hewasn’tthatlowonself-esteem.

Buthewasn’tconfidentenoughtoaskheroutright,definitelynotrightnow,anyway.
Sowhentheperformancewasdone,hejustwentalongbehindherovertothetablewherehis

sistersat.Theentireswimteamcrowdedaround,waitingtocollecttheirprizes.

Hewasonlyafewsecondsbehindher,butshewasofcoursealreadyintroducingherselfto

everyoneandsayinghitoDougieShoreliketheywereoldfriends.AdenlovedMaybellelikehe
lovedtheearth,inawaysoessentialtohimselfthattherewasnothingtounderstandaboutit;heloved
Maybelle,sohelovedeveryoneinit,forbetterorworse.Hecouldn'timaginehimselfwithoutitand
theShoreswereapartofit,apartofhisfamily'sstory,too,evenifhethoughtpeopleonlymentioned
theoldfeudtoannoyhim.

“Hey,Aden,thisisDougieShore.Haveyoutwomet?”
Herfacewassuchanopenbookthathewonderedifsheinterviewedpeopleforherblog.Because

ifshedid,herfacewouldtellherintervieweewhethershethoughtwhattheyweresayingwasboring
orthegreatestthinginhistory.

Still,hegavethekidthenod.“Goodjob.”
Withagentlesmile,Dougiereturnedthenod.“Thanks,Mr.Riveau.”
“Okay,goawayandhavefunwithyourfriends,”Chaseordered,thenmadeanhonest-to-God

shooingmotionlikeanoldladytryingtoscatterchickens.

ThenshegreetedLedaandtheSheriffandstartedtochat,laughingwhileAdenstoodlikea

tongue-tiedfoolandwishedthebackofhisneckwasn’titchingfromalltheobservanteyes.Hefelt
likeafifteen-year-old,thinkingthateveryonecouldtellwhatthey’ddonetoeachotherlastnight.And
hefeltsmugatthememory—buthealsotwitchedattheideaofotherpeoplereallyknowingaboutit
orspeculatingaboutwhatitmeant.

“Aden,”Ledasaid,annoyed,clearlyrepeatingherself.Shelookedathimlikehewasahick,an

expressionsheusuallyreservedforDunk,andstated,“Chasewantsasnack.”

“Allright,”hesaidslowly,notpreparedtobealonewithheratall,butLedawassettinghimup

andhecouldn’tavoidthiswithoutbeingoutrightrude,“let’sgothen.”

TheSheriffdrummedhisthumbonthetable,squintinginadmonishmentatAden.
Guiltily,Adenpickeduphispace.
Chaseasked,“WhyistheSheriffgivingyouthelookofdeath?”
“Iwasrudetoyou,”hesaidashesteeredhertowardsoneofthefoodstands,abatteredwood

tablewhereTheresaArcherwasgatheringherhairbackandclippingitwithabarrett.“Hey,”hesaid,
kissinghercheekaftersheliftedontohertoes,hersmall,roughhandsstrongonhisshoulders.She
letgoandheldoutherhandtoChasewhilehemadeintroductions.“Theresamakesthebest
smoothies.Justtellherwhatyouwant.”

Chase’sconsideringgazeflickedoverhimforahotmomentbeforesheshiftedittothewide

arrayoffruit,vegetablesandyogurtdisplayedincolorfulbowlsandbasketsonthetable.She
hummed,alow,sweetsoundAdenhadheardlastnight,whichresonatedthroughhisbody.Hefelthis
cockstarttohardeninpainful,slowincrementsinsidehiswetboxersandshortsandwonderedwhat
thehellChasewasplayingat.

Whileshemulledoverthechoices,Theresagatheredtheingredientsforhisregularorderand

asked,“You’reatravelwriter,Ms.Cade,didIhearthatright?”

“Notreally,no,”shecorrectedalmostapologetically.“IamtravelingandIdohaveablog.ButI

wouldn’tsayI’matravelwriter.MyfriendheardaboutMaybelleandsinceIwasontheEastCoast,
shethoughtI’denjoycominghere.Shewasdefinitelyright.”

“Thatsoundsadventurous,”Theresasaid,thoughnotwistfully.Adenhadworkedatherfamily’s

orchard,ArcherFarms,whenhewasateenagerandhadalwayslikedher.Shewascompetentand
uncomplaining,androotedinawayhethoughthewastoo.“Doyouhaveahouse,orareyoua
nomadlikeSeth?”sheaskedwithaquicksmileforAden.

ChaseeyedthesmoothieTheresahandedAdenappreciativelyasshebegan,“Ihavealittleplace

nearMontereyinCalifornia,butI’vebeensublettingit—”Sheinterruptedherselftoaskexcitedly,
“CanIhavevanillayogurt,peachesandbanana,please?”

AsTheresareachedforthem,sheasked,“Doyouloveit,travelingandblogging?”
Adenrealizedthatthiswassomethingheshouldknowtheanswerto,sincethey’dcomeallover

eachotherlessthanadayago.Sowhilehewasantsybecausehe’dneverlikedsmalltalk,helistened
intentlywhilehefeignedresignationandsippedhissmoothie.

“Luckily,myfamilyandbestfriendhelpedmeleaveawork/lifesituationthatwasn’tworkingfor

meanymore.Theydidn’thelpme‘discover ’traveling,buttheyweresosupportivethatIdidn’tfeel
horriblyguiltytryingthisout.Iftheyhadn’t,I’dstillbemiserable,”Chaseconfided.“Ialwaysthought
Iwasprettysophisticated,youknow,sinceinSanJosethere’speoplewho’veimmigratedfromlotsof
places,ortheirfamiliesarefromlotsofplaces.AndI’vereadallaboutEgyptandIndiaandItaly,you
know.Butseeingsomuch...It’sshownmehowsmallIam,intheschemeofthings,inthebestway.”

HertumbleofwordsfelloffasTheresapassedoverherfrothysmoothie.Shetriedit,thensighed

insoftpleasure.“Thissmoothieismagical,”shepraisedTheresa.

“Thankyou,sweetheart,”Theresasaid,moregenerousthansheusuallywas.
“Howlonghasyourfamilyhadtheorchard?”Chaseasked.
“Wellnow,we’veownedthelandforaboutseventy-fiveyears,”Theresarepliedasshesettled

intoonehip.“Butwechangedcropsandstartedtheorchardthirtyyearsago.”

Chasehummedagainandswallowedsomemorebeforeshereplied,“Ithinkit’samazingtohave

afamilybusinessforsolong.Howluckyforyou—andAdenandhisfamily,too—thatevery

generationhasatleastonepersonwhowantstokeepitgoing.”

“Itchangesovertime,especiallywhenlotsofkidsmoveawaywhentheygrowupnow,”Theresa

said.“TaketheHoustons,forexample.EmmettstillownsandrunsHACC,buthisgrandsonTristanis
theonlyotherHoustonwhoworksthereatall,now.”

“Doyouhaveanykids?”sheaskedafternodding.
“Ido,”Theresaconfirmed,“ason.He’sstillinhighschool,andGodknowswhathewantstodo

withhimself.”Shechuckledandsaidconspiratorially,“Personally,I’mnotsureifhehasthe
constitutionforthefarmlife,andsomeofmyrelativeswouldbehurtifhedecidednottoworkthere,
but,youknow,wejustwantourkidstobehappy,right?”

Chaselookedasthoughshewerethinkingaboutthat.Adentriedtodecideifhewasoddly

fascinatedbytheglimpseintothissideofChaseorjustannoyedbyheroptimistic,rose-tintedviewof
herlifeandfamilybusinesses.Thensheoffered,“Itwasdifferentforme;myparentshadnoillusions
thatIwouldfollowintheirfootsteps,sotheyhadtwentyyearstogetusedtoit.Butmaybeit’seasier
sincemysiblingsdidfollowintheirfootstepsandkeepupthetradition.”

“Hownicethattheyletyoudecide,”Adensaidbeforehethoughtitthroughandrealizedthatthis

wasalmostexactlywhathe’dsaidatthe3Brothersthatgothimintotrouble.Chasesquintedathim,
hereyessharpashewatchedherformulateaquestion.Buthedidn’twanttotalkaboutthat,soheused
theapproachofagaggleofpeopletochangethesubject.“WeshouldletTheresagobacktoit,”he
said,noddingatthem.

“Okay,”shesaid,anddamnedifshedidn’tsoundasdisappointedasakidtoldshecouldn’tride

therollercoasterforathirdtime,whileAdenkissedTheresaagain.

ChasetwirledaroundontheballofherfootandAdentookastepaway,butthenshetwirledright

backaround,lookingsheepish.“I'msorude.Howmuchforthesmoothies?”

“Don'tworryaboutit,”Adentoldher,embarrassedthathe’dforgottentoo,“I’llgetit.”
“Butyourwallet’sonthefloatingdockwithJack,”Chaseremindedhimpractically,“andwhile

youwerezoningout,IgotmypursebackfromLedaandtheSheriff.”Asiftoproveit,sheheftedit
upandduguntilshecameupwithherwallettriumphantly,andAdenbelatedlynoticedshe'dalso
pulledonapurplesundresswhilehehadbeenzonedoutafterthey’dcomeashore.“So,howmuchdo
Ioweyou,Theresa?”sheaskedagain.

“Sevendollars,”Theresatoldher,givingAdenanapologeticlook.
WhenChasegotherchangeback,shepromptlyploppeditallintothetipjarwithoutfanfare,asif

atravelerwithablogwholivedoutofasuitcasecouldaffordacavalierattitudetowardsmoney.She
wavedatTheresaandtheyheadedbacktowardsthebeach.

JustasreliefsettledoverAdenbecauseLedawasinsightandhewouldbeabletoescapeChase

andthediscomforthefelt,shehadtosay,“Hey,Aden,aboutyesterday—”

Hischeeksheatedunderhisbeardstubble.“You’retoodamnnosy,”hemumbled.
Butbeforehecouldfinishhishalf-startedthought,orsayanythingelse,sheveeredoffintothe

grassandstompedawayfromhim.Swearing,hetrailedafterher,thendodgedaroundhertoplanthis
feetsothatshehadtocometoanabruptstop.

Hereyesjerkeduptohisandshetuckedherbangsbehindherearsasshesaid,asquietlyasshe’d

chastisedhimafewdaysago,“There'snothingwrongwithwantingtounderstandpeople—especially
ifthey'reyourfriendsoryouwantthemtobe.”

“Peopledon’twanttobepokedatlikethat,”heshotback,becausehebelievedit,butalsoasa

deflectionfromtheconversationshe’dtriedtostartaboutlastnight.Withallthechangesinhislife—
beingsingle,Sethmovinghome,andChasepoppingupallover—hefelthistemperstruggleagainst
itsrestraints.“Itwouldserveyourightifyoumetsomeoneyoucouldn’tfigureoutandhewas
impervioustoyourmethodsforuncoveringfeelings.”

Theexpressionshegavehimwaspatientonthesurfacebutsomethingelseentirelyunderneath,

butallshedidwasstateevenly,“That’sanawfulthingtosaytosomeone.”

Ahugewaveofguiltwashedoverhim.Ifhewerehonest,hehadnoproblemwithhercuriosity.It

wasjustthatshepushedalotofhisbuttonsanditfeltlikeshediditonpurposesometimes,andhe
didn'tappreciateit.Worse,hedidn’tunderstandhowshecould’vebouncedovertothefloatingdock
andnotevenblushed,asiflastnightwasalreadyforgotten,whilehewashavingahardtimethinking
ofanythingelse.

“Chase,listen,I—”
Shebrokein,afrissonofangermakingherwordsburn.“Youdon’tunderstandwhyIwantto

understandpeoplebecauseyoudon’tknowanythingaboutme.”

Heshiftedhisweight,uncomfortable,feelinglikehisskinwastootightoverhismuscles.He

didn’tsayanythingrightawayinanswer,becausehehonestlydidn’tknowwhathewassupposedto
do.Bythispointinamisunderstanding,Gingerwouldhavebeenscreamingathim,draggingthe
nightbeforeandhispatheticescapeintoit.ButChasewasjust...waitingonhim,oneeyebrowcrooked
highandhefeltalmostpanickedbythepressureofherexpectantexpression.

“AllImeantwasthatbuyingasmoothiefromTheresaArcherwhileshe’stryingtoworkisn’tthe

righttimetogettoknowher,”heevadedalmostdesperately.

“WhenshouldItrytogettoknowpeople,Aden?”shecountered.“Accordingtoyou,I’mjusta

tourist.Atourist’swholepurposeinyourworldistospendmoneyinyourtown,right?Sowhen
shouldItrytogettoknowTheresaArcher,iftheonlywayI’lleverencounterheristobuystufffrom
her?Byyourlogic,theonlypeopleinyourworldwhoareallowedtogettoknoweachotherarethe
locals,whoalreadyknoweachother.”

Stunnedbyherquickwits,hefeltlikehewastenstepsbehindher,totallylost.
“Idon’tunderstandhowyoucanhaveabsolutelynocuriosityaboutpeopleyoumeet,”shewent

on,relentlessly.“Forexample:lastnightwehookedup.Doyouhaveanycuriosityaboutmeatall?
Doyouhaveanydesiretoaskmeanythingaboutmyselfatall?”

Floundering,hismouthworkedlikeafishdyingondryland.
“BecauseIhavewhatIwouldconsideraprettyheftyamountofcuriosityaboutyou.”
“I...There’snothingtoknowaboutme,”hepracticallystammered.
“Well,here’ssomethingaboutme,volunteeredfreeofcharge,”shetoldhim.“Inlessthanaweek,

I'vefalleninlovewithMaybelleandmostofthepeople.”

Hecouldn’thideawinceatherunsubtlemostofthepeople.
“Idon’thaveverymanyfriendsatall,sothat’sareallybigdealforme.Almosteveryonehere

hasmademefeellikeI’mapartofthecommunity,evenifIwon’tbeapermanentpartofit.Thatis
alsoareallybigdeal.Itmeanssomuchtome,IjustdonatedathousanddollarstotheLakeSwim.So
quitactingalldistantandhighandmighty.”

“Athousanddollars?”herepeated,reachingoutforthatlikealifelinesohecouldignorefallen

inlovewithMaybelleandmostofthepeople.“ButIthoughtyoudon’tmakeanymoneyblogging.
Howcouldyoupossiblyaffordtogiveawayanymoney?”

“Goddamnit,Aden!”sheyelled,hercomposureutterlyfallingapart.
Shestormedofftowardstheparkinglotadozenyardsoff.
Adensworecolorfullyashefollowedher,again.
Hethuddedagainsttheinsideofherrentalconvertible’sdriver ’ssidedoorwithapainfulcrack

beforeshecouldpullitshut.Hestoodthere,hischestheaving,leaningover.

“Whatthehelldoyouwantfromme?”hegrowleddesperately.
“You’resoshittyattrustingpeoplethatyoucan’tsay,‘Oh,Chase,howgenerousofyou,’”she

cried,thenshovedathishipsothatshecouldspringbackoutoftheconvertiblethesecondhegave

herahalfafootofspace.

“I—itisgenerous,”herepliedmindlessly,“ofcourseitis,thatwasn’t...YousaidIdon’tknow

anythingaboutyou,soIwasjustasking...”hebumbled,notevensureifhewaslyingorskirtingthe
truthorjustmakingshitup,justtryingtokeephertherelongenoughtobeabletothinkhiswayout
ofthis,notevensurewhyheneededto.

Hermouthpulledintoaperfectcircleofincredulity.“Areyoukiddingme?That’swhatyouwant

toknowaboutme?Youwanttoknowmyfinancialsituation?”

“What?No—”hetried.
“Myparent’stinybiotechfirmsoldwhattheyworkedonforfifteenyearsandtheygavemy

siblingsandmesomeoftheprofit,abouttengrand.Itwasn’tmuchintheschemeofthings,really,
givenhowmuchtheymadeandreinvestedintotheircompany.”

“Okay,”hesaid,soundingconfusedbecausehestillwas.
“Ididn’tneedit,though,becauseIwasacorporatelawyeratatechfirmandIworkedsohardthat

Iwasfortypoundslighter,butImadeclosetothreehundredthousanddollarsayear,”shebarreledon
furiously.“SoIdon’tgiveashitwhatyouthinkofhowIchoosetospendmymoney,andIdon’tgive
ashitaboutwhatyoutoldyourbrotheraboutwhoIamorwhyJesseaskedwhatweweredoinglast
night—”shegasped,runningoutofair.

Hisstomachseizedandhemovedsuddenly,graspingherfaceinbothhands,andshewentquiet.

Upclose,hereyeswerewateryandhewasashamedofhisbehavior.

Fortwolong,excruciatingsecondshethoughtaboutkissingher—hewantedto.Shehadbared

herselftohim;hecouldn’trememberanyoneriskingthatwithhim,andnotjustover-sharingwith
theirbartenderorremindinghimofatruthhealreadyknew.

“Iapologize,”hewhispered.
Herchindropped.“Areyoualwayssomistrustfulanddefensive?”
Hepaledandpacedaway,hishandsclampedonhiships.
“Therearesomenewthingshappeningaroundhererightnow,”hegroundout,unabletolayitall

outasbrutallyasshejusthad,measureformeasure,eventhoughheknewthatheowedherhonesty.
“That’shardforme.Idon’tlikechange.”Hehesitated,thenadded,“Andthisismylife,whereIlive.I
don’tlikefeelinglikeI’mbeingjudged,comparedtoeveryotherdamnedplaceandpersoninthe
world,Chase.”

“That’snotwhatI’mdoing!”shecried,fallingbackawayfromhim.
Hegrowled,furiousandbristling,hismindsnappingbackintofocus.“Isn’tit?BecauseI’m

prettysureyoujusttoldme,usingbig,fancywords,thatI’maninsensitivejackasswhoonlywantsto
knowhowyouhavemoneybutnotwhoyouare.”

Hereyesgrewwide,butsheheldhergroundandsaidwiththesharp-edgedlogichenow

recognizedassomethingshehadincommonwithJack,anotherlawyer,“Sinceyou’vebeenmakingit
perfectlyclearthatyoudon’twantmetotrytogettoknowMaybelleoryourfriendsoryou,I’mnot
leftwithmanyoptions.AllIcandoiscompareyoutootherpeople.EvenifI’dbehappytoaskabout
whoyouareandwhatyouwant.”

Wordsstartedtotumbleoutofhim,comingfromallsortsofdifferentplacesinsideofhim,

reactingtoallofthethingsshe’dsaidandallofthethingshethoughtshemeant.

“WhydoyouevencarewhoIamorwhatIwant?Idon’tgetit.Youdon’tknowafuckingthing

aboutmethatshouldmakeyoucare.Butifyouwanttoknow,here’smytruth.I’mnotaswildasmy
parentsorLedaorSeth,soeveryonetreatsmelikeaboring,hyper-responsiblefreak.Mysiblings
splitassoonastheycould,thenmyparentsgotsickofrunningWildHarts,sotheyboughtanRVand
leftsixyearsago.Leftmeinchargeofeverything—andLedacamebackwhenherlifefellapartfour
yearsagoandthenyesterdaySethturnsup.DoyouthinkanyoneeveraskedmewhatIwanted?”

Hercheeksburstintoadeepflushandhewatchedherbreastsriseandfallinhitchingwaves.

“Theyshould,Aden,”shewhispered,hervoicestrangledandhigh.“WhenIwasatmymost
miserable,myparentsandmybestfriendSunnyconfrontedmeaboutit.Theywereright,andIstarted
tochangemylife—Ibrokeupwithmyboyfriend,Iquitmyjob,Iwenttraveling,Istartedmyblog--
andI’vebeenhappy.”

Itwaslikeshe’dpunchedhim,forcingalltheairfromhisbodyandcausingittoseizeupinpain,

asshedemonstratedinonebrutalhitthewayshisownfamilyhadlethimdown.Buttheywerehis
familyandhelovedthem,andtheyhadneverdonethosethingstohurthim,notwhentheystilldidn’t
understandhowithadmadehimfeel.Hecouldn’tletherinsultthemthatway,couldn’tadmithow
muchshesawcorrectly.

“You’rehappybecauseyou’rerunning,”hecountered.“You’renotdealingwithwhatmadeyou

sounhappyinCalifornia.Youwenttolawschoolandifyoumadesomuchmoney,youmusthave
beenreallygoodatit.Iknowthosejobsdon’tfallintopeople’slaps.Insteadoftryingtomakeit
work,youran,andyoumightbehappynow,butyoucan’tjusttravelforeverandwhenyoustop
running,you’llbejustasmiserableasbeforesoonenough.”

“Yousonofabitch,”shesobbed.“SonowIknowhowyoufeelaboutmethen.NowIknowwhy

yousaidI’mnotsupposedtostiryouuporpry.Inevershouldhavewantedtoseesomethingmorein
you,nevershouldhavewantedtobelievethatthatfirstkissorlastnightmeantsomething.Fortunately
foryou,I’llgoandnevercomeback!”

Adenwascuttothecore,andshockedbyhowvisceralthepainwas.GingerhadsaidI’llgoand

nevercomebackadozentimes,butithadnevercausedthishorriblefeelingthathewaslosing
somethingvital.Whenhadthingsgonesowronghere?EverytimehetriedtotalktoChase,itonly
madethingsworse,herdefensesandhisclashingsothattheyjusthurteachother.Hedidn’tknow
whenhisfeelingsforherhadstrengthenedwaypastlikeandattraction,buttheyhad;nothingelse
couldexplainthispain.BecauseChasehadsaidI’llgoandnevercomeback,anditwaskindof
breakinghisstupidheart.

Sohegratedout,hisvoiceawreckofaraspthatmadehimflush,“Iguessthere'snothingelseto

say,then.”

Asifhewerehypnotized,heheldperfectlystillasshelaidahandonhischestandkissedhis

cheekgently.Shepulledbackandstaredathim,herbrowsdrawingtogether,andhewassoupsetand
confusedthathedidn’tknowwhatelsetodo.

Afteraminute,shewhisperedasthoughshewereexhausted,“Goodbye,Aden.”
Likeastarstruckteen,hecouldn’thelpbuttouchhislips,butthenhefelthischeeksgeteven

hotterasshespedawayfromhimforwhatheknewwouldbethelasttime.

CHAPTERSIXTEEN

Chase

Thenextmorning,Chasestartedtopackblindly.
Shewasrunraggedandfrayingattheedges,andmaybeithadsomethingtodowithAdenand

thatwholemess,buttherewasmore.She’dbeentravelingatafastpace,andherlasttriphadbeen
exhaustingandintense.IfhertimeinMaybellehadbeennothingbutfun—befriendingJesseandDunk
andLeda,andenjoyingthefoodanddrinks,theartgallery,thefireworks,andTristan’sbarbeque—
thenrightnow,she’dfeelrejuvenated.

ButthatmesshadhappenedwithAden,andshewasworseforthewear.
She’dfeltasthoughtheywereintheirownbubblewhentheywereinbed,andinsteadofbeing

surreal,ithadfeltmoreimmediatethananythingshecouldremember.

Butassoonashe’dpoppedthebubblebymakingabreakforit,she’dbeenwrecked.
Whathadshebeenthinking,dreamingofbeingwithhim,forevenasecond?Itwasallthemagic

oftraveling,nothingmore.Thebasiccomponentsoftheirlives,thevaluesthatcircumscribedeachof
them,werecompletelydifferent.Herhousewasthreethousandmilesawayandanyresponsibilities
shehad,sheplacedonherself.Adenhadallowedhimselftobetheresponsibleone,pressuredby
irresponsibleparentsandselfishsiblings,andheheldtheworldatbay,scaredofchangeandnew
peopleofanykind.

She’dtriedtorespectthoseboundariesatthebaseballgameandtheLakeSwimbypretendinglike

nothinghadhappened.Thecrowdsatboth,andJackHoneyonthefloatingdock,hadhelpedtoo.But
hercontrolonheremotions,onthatsillyyearningtobebackinthebubblewithhim,hadslipped
whenhe’dcomeoutofthelakewetandirritated,butsolicitousallthesame.Watchinghimwith
Theresa,sogentleandrespectful,hadgivenhersuchhope,butthenhe’dburstthatbubble,too,when
he’djudgedherandthenhurthersobadlywithoutreallyevenarguingwithher,somehow.

Enoughwasenough,then;shewasgoingbacktoMonterey,whereshe’dpickamuchmore

enchantingandenthrallingplacethanMaybelleCounty,Virginiatogonext.

Whenshereachedforsomethingelsetoshoveintohersuitcase,sherealizedthatshewasdone.

SosheslidintoflatsandtrippeddowntothefrontdesktotellJessethatshewasleavingearly.
Droppingherkeyasthoughitwereamilliondegreeshot,shecouldn’tlookJesseintheeyeasshe
toldher,“Morning,Jesse.Ineedtocheckoutearly.”

Jessecurledherfingersaroundthekeyanddidn’tpretendshewasclueless;shejustdrawled,

“Wellnow,thereisanearlycheck-outfeeoffifty-fivedollars,MizChase.”

“That’sfine,”Chasesaid,coolandunapologetic,butthenhervoicebuckledandcrackedasshe

finished,“becauseit’sallmyfaultanyway.”

“Adengothammeredlastnightatthepoolhall,”Jessestated,crossingherarms.“It’snothis

thing.Everyonewassoscaredofhim,nooneaskedaboutit.IfSethhadn’tbeenthere,wewouldn’t

havebeenabletogethimhome.Sowhatthehellhappened?”

Crumpling,Chase'sheadthuddedonthedesk.“Idon’tknow,”shemoaned.“Onesecondwe’re

gettingsmoothiesandthenextI’minthemiddleofaJaneAustenthing!”

“Whatdoesthatmean?”Jesseaskedinfrustratedconfusion.
“Itmeansthathesaidsomethingdouchey,”shecried,hysterical,“soIsaidhedoesn’tknow

anythingaboutme.HetoldmeI’mjudgey.Therewassomethingabouttrust.ThenItoldhimIwas
leavingandnevercomingbackandIbookedthenextavailableflightoutofherefromRichmond,
whichisn’tuntilsixtonight...”

Jesserubbedherforehead.
“Soundslikethepartintheromanticcomedywheretheheroinetakesoffandtheguywaitstoo

longtogoafterher,”DunkcommentedfrombehindChase,surprisingthecrapoutofher.Whenshe
glaredathim,heheldouthishandsinanI'm-innocentgesture.“Uh,sorry.Iwalkedinandyouwerea
tinybitloudsoIcouldn’thelpbuthearsomeofthat...”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout,Dunk?”Jesseasked,herfacescrewedup.
“There’snothingromanticorcomedicgoingon,”Chasesnapped.
Heswaggeredoveranddisagreed,“There’sdefinitelysomethinggoingon,Ms.Cade.Wesaw

y’allkissatTristan’sbarbequeonthedock,andthenafterthefireworks,Adendroveyouhome,butit
tookhimdamnnearanhourandahalftodoit.Andlastnight...”

“So?”Shethrustoutherchinandglaredathim.“It’snoneofyourbusiness.”
“Howyoufeelmaynotbemybusiness,buthowAdenfeelssureis,”Dunkpointedout,andthe

partofherthathadbeenalawyerhadtoadmireasimple,neattruthlikethat.Sinceshecouldn’targue
it,sheglared.“Andhesucksatsayinganythingabouthowhefeels,unlesshe’swatchingsports.All
theRiveaussuckatemotionalthings,eveniftheywillfightwitheachother.Butlastnight,Adendrank
aton,andallthewhilehewasclammedupwaymorethanusual.Hecanbegrumpy,buthe’shardly
everangry.”

Chase’sfacewentslackinsurpriseandwhensheglancedatJesse,shelookedstunned.
Dunkplunkedhishandsonhiswaistandlookedmutinous.“What?Jockscanpayattentionto

feelingsandshittoo,youknow!Whydoeseveryonealwaysassumejuvenileandimmaturemeansthat
I'malsodumbasapost?That’selitistorsomething!”

“You'reoverestimatingthesituation,”Chasetoldhimasfirmlyasshecould.“Icameherefora

vacation,andImetalotofawesomepeopleandhadsomefun.Endofstory.”

Dunk’sfacefellindisappointment.
“Youthinkhe’sfeelingsomethingforChase?”JesseaskedDunk,hervoicepained.
“I'mnotsolvingamurder.”Herolledhiseyesandwavedhishandsvaguely.“I'mjustsaying,

GingerCartmanispregnant,andAden’sjust,like,whatever,we’redone.Butsomethinghappens
betweenhimandChaseattheinnonthe4th—somethinggood,Ibet—andyesterdaysomethingelse
happensaftertheLakeSwimthatputhimintheworstmoodever,andthenhetiedoneonlikeI’ve
neverseenhimdobefore.”

Chase’seyespoppedwide.Aden’sex-girlfriendwaspregnant?Thatwaswhyhe’dtoldherwith

suchunflappablecertaintythatitwasforsureoverbetweenthemnow?

Withawince,asifshecouldn’tbelievewhatshewasabouttosay,Jesseconceded,“Dunkdoes

kindofhaveapointthere.AdenandGingerdatedoffandonforsolong,Ithoughtthey’ddothat
forever,exceptGingergotpregnantbysomerandomguy...andheneverdatedanyoneelse,and
never,uh,tookanhourandahalftodropanyoneoff.”

Dunksnortedandmuttered,“Neverhadsexwithanyoneelse.”
“Dunk,trylookinguptheword‘circumspect,’”Jesseyelledasshewhackedhim.
Whilehegruntedandgrabbedhisshoulder,Chase’smindflashedbacktotheothernight.Hehad

beenmagically...appreciativeofherandincrediblycreative,touchingherlikenooneelseeverhad.It
hadfeltlikeeverymovementwasorganic,oneflowingintothenext,notperfectlysmoothbutallthe
richerforthat.Butwhatwerethechancesthatamanwho’donlysleptwithonewomancoulddothat?
Herheartsank.Itwasmorelikelythathe’djustusedhisroutinewithGingeronher,not
spontaneouslyexploredtheirdesirelikeshe’dimagined.Thathisroutinemoveshadgivenhersuch
pleasurejustmadehimlucky.

“HeprobablygotdrunkbecauseofGinger,”Chasesaidflatlyintothetensesilence.“There’salot

ofhistorybetweenthem,andhardlyanyhistorybetweenus.”

“You’resuchacynic,”Dunktoldherdisapprovingly.
Chase’smindandheartracedalongtogetheratthesamehighspeed.
Jessedemanded,“Ifyou’resuchanexpert,howcomeyoudon’thaveawife?Huh?”
Afteraflinchatthewordwife,Dunkplowedon,hiseyesfixedonChase.“Adencaresaboutyou,

Iknowhedoes.Butyou’relikeanalien.You’refromsomewhereelseandyou’regoingbackwhere
youcamefrom.Hedoesn’tlikerisksandnevertakesthem.Notever.Thatwaswhyhewasacrap
athleteandwhyhetookoverWildHarts.Heneverhadanotherjob,otherthancoaching,andthatwas
offeredtohim,hedidn’tgoafterit.”

JesserantedbackatDunk,“JustbecausehealwaysknewhewantedtorunWildHarts...”
ButChasestoppedlisteningashermindwhirledandherheartskipped.
Howcouldamanwhohadbeenwithonewomansincehewassixteenuntilsixmonthsagolike

herafterlessthanaweek,especiallywhenallthey’ddonewasinsulteachother,sometimeson
purposeandsometimesbyaccident?Itwouldbeimpossible.

Besides,whateverhadbeenbetweenthem,oneorbothofthemhadbotchedit.
Chasehadstayedatherlawfirmlongerthansheshouldhave;she’dbeentryingtomakethejob

andthelifethatwentalongwithitwork,butthingslikethatcouldn’tbeforced.Shebelievedin
makinganeffortifsomethingdidn’tcomeeasily,butthatwasn’tthesameastryingtomoveor
reshapeanimmovable,unchangeablething.Adenmighthaveaccusedherofrunningandithadhurt
likeasonofabitch,butmaybeitonlylookedlikerunningtosomeonewhowastooscaredtochange,
evenifthingsweren’tright.

Sosheinterrupted,“Guys!ImadeadecisionandI’mstickingwithit.Ihadalittlepanicbecause

yesterdayfeltkindofintense,butIdon’tliveinMaybelleandI’mtraveling,andAdendoeslivein
Maybelleandrunshisfamily’srestaurant.Iwon’tgiveupmylifeandIwouldneveraskanyoneelse
todothat.Sothanksalotforcaringsomuch;Idon’tmakefriendseasilyandIappreciateit.”

“Appreciateit—”Dunkexclaimedinoutrage.
“I’mgoingtogetmyluggageandthenI’mheadingoutfortheairportinRichmondsothatIcan

gohometoMonterey.Dunk,canyougetamessagetoajuniornamedEddie?IpromisedhimI’dhelp
himwithhispapersoIneedyoutogethisemailandtextittome.”

“Yeah,IknowEddie,but—”
“Idon’twanthimtothinkIforgotmypromise,”sheplowedon,voicecracking.“I’llcallyoutwo

soon—tellLedaI’llcallhersoontoo.”

Withthatterriblekiss-off,Chaserushedupthestairsandoutofsight.
“Well,”Jessesaid,bothbrowsuptoherhairline.“Doyouthinktheymightactually...?”
Dunkgasped,thenyankedChase’spursetohimandpawedthroughitmadly.
“Whatareyoudoing,Dunk?”Jessehissed,tryingtograbthepurseback.
Heslappedherhandsawayandmadeanexclamationoftriumphasheliftedthekeystoherrental

caroutofthepurse.HedangledtheminJesse’sface.“I’mtakingherkeys.”

“Dunk—no,whatthefuckareyou—”Jessesplutteredinoutrage.
“They’reinlove,”heburstout.“I’mgoingovertoAden’s.Shecan’tgo!”

Then,asJessestartedtorusharoundthedesktograbhim,Dunkspunandtookoff,fasterthan

she’deverbe,andskiddeduptohistruck.Jumpingin,heroaredawayandleftJessewithhermouth
hungwideopen,waitingtotakealloftheblame.

CHAPTERSEVENTEEN

Aden

AdenwaswatchingSportsCenteronthecouchwithSethwhenDunkburstthroughthescreen

doorandthenstoodtherewithhisarmscrossedoverhischest.

“Hey,”Sethsaidalittleuncertainly,mutingtheTV.“What’sup?”
“What’sup?”Dunkrepeatedinahiss.
Dunkwasalwayseasy-going,sohishisspiercedthenauseatedfogofAden’svicioushangover.

HedraggedhiseyestoDunk,wholookedfurious.Adenlethisheadfallbackagainstthecouchand
gaveDunkhisbestdon’t-fuck-with-me-right-nowface.

“What’supisthatthismotherfuckerisanidiot!”Dunkyelled.
Aden’sglareintensified,andhisbrainthrobbedpainfullyatDunk’svolume.
“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Sethaskedagain,soundingfrustrated.
“ChaseCade,”Dunkpronouncedatabellow,stabbingonefingeratAden.“Idon’tknowwhatthe

hellyoudidtomessthisshitup,butIamsopissedatyourightnow.”

“Youdon’tknowwhatthefuckyou’retalkingabout,”Adengrowled.
“Oh,yes,Ifuckingdo,”heretorted.“IswungbytheinntopickMunnupandfoundher

completelybreakingdownatthedesk.She’sleaving,man.Like,she’sleavingnow.”

Atthat,Adenjerkedlikehe’dbeenshocked.Herockedupoutofthecouchandtohisfeet,his

eyespinchedfromthestrengthofhisglareasheputhishandsonhishipsanddemanded,“Whatare
youtalkingabout?She’snotsupposedtobeleavingyet.”

Evenheheardthedesperationinhisvoice.
“Youdumbshit,”Dunkrepeatedtriumphantly.“Whathappened?”
“Nothing!”Adenroaredunexpectedly.
“Idon’tthinkthat’sright,”Sethmurmured.HetouchedAden’sshoulder,butAdenjumpedand

thenshookoffthetouch.“Isawthewayshewatchedyouatthefireworks,andyoutookareallylong
timetodropheroffattheinn.Somethinghappened,didn’tit?”

Adenswallowedhard.
Hewasabartender,forGod’ssake;helistenedtootherpeople’sproblemsandkepthismouth

shut.Hedidn’thaveproblemstoshare,andifthingsmadehimangryorfrustrated,likewhenWild
Hartshadbeenfoistedoffonhimwhenhewasbarelytwenty-three,hejustlivedwithit.WhenGinger
hadyelledandbrokenupwithhim,he’dacceptedit;whenshehadcriedandaskedtobetakenback,
he’dacceptedthat,too.

Andsuddenly,hewaspissedoffaboutit.
“Itdoesn’tmatterwhathappened.Icould’vebeen,like,PrinceCharmingandbeenthisgreat

gentlemanandsaidalltherightthings,andshe’dstillbeleaving.”

“Sothat’swhatthisisabout?”Jackaskedcalmlyashesteppedintotheroomandslippedoffhis

sunglasses.HemovedshouldertoshoulderwithDunkandhookedhissunglassesthroughtheneckof
hisshirt,onebrowquirkedhigh.“You’rejustbeingacowardandnottellingheranythingabouthow
youfeelorwhatyouwant?”

“Youtoo?”Adensnapped.
“Dunkcalledandsaidheneededbackup.Hey,Seth.”
“Hey,Jack,”Sethmurmured.“Goodtoseeyouagain.”
Adenyankedonehandthroughhishair,cursing.“Iamnotbeingacoward.So,Ilikeher.So,I

messedaroundwithherthatnight.So,itwasn’tlikeanythingelse.What’sitmatter?Everytimewe
talk,it’slikeafightbutit’snot,wedon’tgetanywhere,itgoesincircles.Ithurts—Ihurther.Herlife
istravelingallovertheworld,andmineisrunningWildHartswithLedaandcoachingbaseball.I’ma
reliablesmall-townguyandshe’ssome...”

Hisvoicetrailedoff.Hecouldn’tcomeupwithapithy,dismissivethingtosayabouther,hejust

couldn’t.Histhroatclosedupandhegrowled,“There’snothingIcoulddotochangethat.”

“Yes,thereis,”Sethdisagreed,quietlybutfirmly.“I’mhome,Itoldyou;I’mnotgoinganywhere.

Ifyouwanttotakesometimeoff,thenyoucandothat.Youknowthat,right?Iranplentylong
enough.It’smyturn.Maybeit’syourturntorunoffanddosomethingirresponsible,likebegthat
beautiful,smartwomantogiveyouachance.”

“Idonotwantherlikethat,”Adengrowled,nearlypanting.
Jacksnortedinhisgenteelmanner.“Please;you’renotfoolingus.Youhadtonsof‘breaks’with

Gingertohaveflingsorfindanothergirl,butyoudidn’t...You’renotstillinlovewithGinger,are
you?”heasked,butAdenknewthatitwasn’treallyaquestion.

“Idareyou,”Dunktaunted.“Idareyoutogoafterher.”
Agonized,andoverwhelmedbySeth’ssimplepromisetohelpoutatWildHartsifneeded,Aden

pacedinatightcircleinfrontofthem.“Ican’t,”hemuttered,lookingdownattheworncarpet.“I’m
notthatguy.Nottheguytocatchagirlattheairportand...”

“She’snotattheairport,”Dunksaid.Withoneofhisshit-eatinggrins,Dunkfishedasetofkeys

outofhispocket,keyswiththeplasticfobonitthatrentalagenciesused.

“Youdidn’t,”Adengrowled.
“Youdidn’t,Dunk,”Sethgroaned.
“Oh,Idefinitelydidstealherkeys,”Dunkcrowed.
“Ididnothearthat,”Jack,thecountyprosecutor,saidunderhisbreath.
DunkpitchedthekeysatAden,whocaughtthemreflexively.
Hisfingersshiftedaroundthem,themetalsscrapingalmostinaudiblytogether.Helookedupat

hisbestfriendsandhisbrother.Theywerelookingathimwithsympathy,whichwasembarrassing,
butalsotherewasencouragementbeneathit.Insteadofbeingtoldthathehadtotakeonanother
responsibility,theyweretellinghimthathecouldshedtheresponsibilityofWildHartstemporarilyif
hewanted—thathecouldtakeonChase.

Chase,whowouldn’tneedhimtotakecareofherorfixherproblems,likeGingerhadalways

demandedandneeded.Chasewouldwantapartner,throughandthrough.Andwhatdidhewant?He
closedhiseyes.Justthechancetobewithher.Justachance.

“Go,”Jacktoldhimwithquietforce.
Adensnappedintomotion.Heshovedhisbarefeetintosneakersandgrabbeduphisowncarkeys

fromthekitchencounteronhiswayoutthedoor,andhebarelyheardDunk’sshoutofexcitement.He
drovetotheinnwithoutafuckingcluewhathewasgoingtosay,orwhathewantedtodo.Chasehad
beenrightwhenshe’dsaidthathedidn’treallyknowthatmuchabouther,andJackhadbeenright
whenhe’dsaidthatAdenhadneverreallygoneoutsidehiscomfortzoneorfoughtforsomething.

Sowhywouldsheeverwanttotakemeon?hethoughtdesperately.
Butasheparkedatashitangleandjoggedupthelawntothefrontdoor,hethoughtthatmaybeit

didn’tmatter.Asheturnedthehandle,hethought,finallyhewasgoingaftersomethingthathewanted
forhimself.Whenhewalkedin,hewasexpectingChasetobeinthefoyer,gettingmadatJesseor
stalkingaround,butshewasn’t.

ItwasonlyJesse,doingpaperwork.“Hey,”shedrawled,lookingupathimandtappingapenon

thetopofthedesk,“abouttimeyoushowedup.She’sinherroom.”

“Okay,”heexhaled.“Okay.”
Hewentuptothegableroomandknocked,exactlylikehehadtheothernight.
Andwhensheyankedopenthedoor,sheglaredfuriously,buthereyeswerealittleredandher

mouthwasalittleweakasshedemanded,“Doyouhavemyfuckingkeys?”

“I’veneverbeenonanairplane,”heblurtedout.
Shetookahandfulofhist-shirtanddraggedhimintotheroom.Liketheothernight,hestumbled

andkickedthedoorshutwithabootheel.Shelethimgoandwhirled,wearingastripedstretchydress
thatwasmoldedoverherbreastsandwaistandthenfellsoftlyaroundherlegs.“BecauseIwantmy
keys,”sherepeatedmulishly.“I’mleaving.”

“I’veneverhadsushi,either,”hesaid.
“What?”shecried,fistingherhandsathersides.“So?”
“AndI’veneverbeenunemployedortakenmorethantwodaysoffatatimeforavacationorsick

days.AndwhenmyparentstoldmethattheyboughtanRVandweregoingonsomeopen-endedroad
trip,ItookthekeystoWildHarts,too.Ididn’ttellthemhowIfeltaboutanyofit.Iacceptedit,and
thenIwentintoworkthenextdayastheboss.”

Somethingsoftenedslightly,hethought,inhereyes.
Hiscouragewasbolsteredalittlebythat,sohekeptgoing,eventhoughitfeltlikehewas

gropinghiswaythroughapitch-blackroom.“AndI’mso...comfortablehereinMaybellethatInever
wantedtotrytochangeanything.Idon’tlikechange.IlikemysteadyjobandlivinginthehouseI
grewupin.Ilikedhavingonegirlallmylife.”

Chasescowledatthat,wanderingovertothewindow.
“ButthenImetyou.”
He’dmeantittocomeoutromantic,butitcameoutaccusatory.
Sheturnedback,herscowlevenfiercerandhershoulderjerkedinashrug.“Idon’tknowwhat

you’retalkingabout,Aden.AllIdidwasbugyouandtheninsultyou.”

“Well,maybeIthoughtsoatthetime,butyoualsomademe...”Thewordsendedbecausehis

throatclosedupagain.Hedidn’tknowhowtosayit,butthenshebitherlipandhethoughtthatmaybe
shewaswaiting,thatmaybeshewantedtoknowwhathefelt,maybeasdesperatelyashewantedto
knowhowshefelt.“Youmademewantthings.”

“Whatthings?”
Butthatwastheendofeverythingheknewhowtoputintowords,notthathiswordssofarhad

beenparticularlyclear.“Idon’tknow,”headmittedgruffly.

“Youwererightwhenyousaidourlivesarereallydifferent,”shesaidquietly,alittlesadly,

lookingaway.“I’vetraveledforthelastsevensolidmonthssinceIquitmyjob.Eventhedifficulttrips
haven’tmademeloveitanyless.IlovewritingtheblogandIlovebeingnosy,asyouputit.Iwantto
meetathousandmorebartendersandaskthem—”

Adenbarelysuppressedagrowlatthatandstrodeovertoher.Hedidn’ttouchher,buttheywere

onlyaninchapart.Shetiltedherheadup,herbangsfanningawayfromhereyesfromthesudden
movement.

Heburiedhisfaceinherneckandrepeatedemphatically,“Idon’tlikechange.”Herchinscraped

downthesideofhishead,asifsheweretiltingittolookdownathim.“ButIthinkIneedit.I’venever
reallygoneaftersomethingthatIwanted,andI...”

Hecaughtherhipsandmeanttosimplylookather,butshekissedhim,herbodylaidalonghis.

Sheletoutaquietmoanandhewasastonishedandawedandthrilledbyhowmuchhewantedher.
DuringallofhisbreakswithGinger,noonehadcaughthisattentionandhehadnevermindedmuch
atall.

TherewereathousandandonequestionstoaskChase,aswellasahundredandonethingsto

discussandfigureout.Butasshekissedhim,desireandcuriosityandasenseofadventurousness
surgedthroughhim.Hecouldtellbyhowsheclungtohimthatshewasrighttherewithhim.Sohe
smoothedthestrapsofherdressandbraoffhershouldersandtookthedressdownhertoslidetothe
floorinapool.Whileshegaspedintohismouth,hestrippedoffherbraandskatedhismouthalong
herthroattotheupperslopeofonebreast.Thenheshiftedtolookather,tolethereyespierceinto
hisashetookinherbeauty,andwhenhefelthersigh,asifinrelief,heclaimedhermouthagain.

Shepusheduphist-shirtuntilhehadtoletgoofhertotakeitoff,andafter,sheundidhisbutton

flyandpusheddownhisjeansandbriefs.Shehummedinpleasureasherhandsscrapedoverhiships
andthighs,thenpulledawaytogetridofherpanties.

Hegulpedatthesightofherfullynakedasshewenttoherpurseandtookoutacondom.He

claspedherjawandkissedherwhilehepressedherintothesheets,coveringherbodywhollywith
his.Theirskinheatedandmeldedtogetherastheykissed.

Sheslidherlegsalongtheoutsideofhisuntilherthighsclaspedhiships,thenranonehand

gently,sweetlydownhisshouldersandsides.Hiseyesfellclosed,droppinghisheadtoher
collarbone,assheraisedherhipstobringhercoretotheheadofhiscock,startingtopusharoundits
flaretotakehimin.

Itfeltsofuckinggood,buthestiffenedandgasped,jerkingbackaninch,“Condom.”
Hermouth,swollenandslickedwithmoisturefromtheirdeepkisses,pursedasifsheweregoing

toargue,butinsteadshefishedaroundthesheetsuntilshefoundthecondom.Shetoreopenthepacket
andgentlypressedhisribsuntilheeasedbackandshecouldseewhatshewasdoing.Herfingertips
rolledthecondomdowninslowincrementsuntilitwasallthewayon,andthensheshiftedherhands
tothebaseofhisspine.

Shedrewhimcloser,herhipstiltingashisarchedsothathecouldpressandretreatsteadilyuntil

hewasallthewayinsideofher.Hewantedhersobadly,evenashethrustinandoutofher,thathis
armscollapsed,hisforearmsbouncingdownontothemattressalongsideherhead.Hisribs
shudderedfromhispantingbreaths,scrapingbackandforthoverhernipplesandmakingherwrithe
asherthighslockedtightlyaroundhiships.

Wheneverheletgoofhermouthtonipthetendonsofherthroatorsmoothherhairoffherface,

shebitherlipandhuffedoutaquick,impatientbreath,asifshecouldn’twaittokisshimagain.Soit
didn’ttakeverylongforhimtobeonthecuspoforgasm,histeethgrittedsothathelookedlikea
fool,buthewantedtowaitforher.

Hefistedhishandinherhairanddraggedherheadsidewaystochangetheangleoftheirkiss,

whileheadjustedtheangleofhisthrusts.Shecriedoutintohismouth,makinghisearsring,andwith
ayell,hegaveintohisownorgasm,thensankgratefullyontoher.

Chaselookedoverattheclocksometimelater.“Myflightisatsix,”shemurmured.
Aden’swholebodyclenched,furiousandhurt.“Okay,”hewhisperedhoarsely.
Sherolledonhersidetocoverhernakednessasshegulped,reddening.
“Shit—I,no,”hestammered,chestconstrictedinfear,“wait.”Hemadeanabortedmovetograb

herthigh,thenswallowedhardandsatup.Hetriedtoclearhismind,whichwassluggishfromhis
hangoverandlanguorousfromhispowerfulorgasm.“Ishould’vesaidthisbeforewe,uh,kissed,”he

said,feelingdumb,“thatIlikeyou.”

Herheadtiltedandhereyesnarrowed.“Okay,”sheallowed.Eventhoughhewantedtoreachout,

heheldbackandscootedupthebedtositagainsttheheadboardinstead.Hedugapillowoutfrom
underhisribs.Chasemethisgazesquarely.“Ilikeyou,too.ButI’mnotsurewherethatleavesus.”

“If,uh...”Adenclearedhisthroatandwishedthathecouldsmokeintheinn,sincetheritualgave

himanexcusetotakepausesbetweenhiswords.Thenhisnervesunwoundwhenherealizedthat
Chasewaswaiting,allowinghimtofindthewordstoanswerherathisownpace.“Ifyoulivedherein
Maybelle,ifIaskedyouout...”

Herlipspartedandhereyebrowsdrewtogetherdelicately.“DunkandJessetoldmeabouthow

drunkyougotlastnight,”shemurmuredalmostabsently,asifshewerethinkingtoohardtopay
closeattentiontothewords.“Itsoundedtomelikeyou’restillprettymessedupaboutyourex-
girlfriend.Yourapparentlyverypregnantex-girlfriend.”

Adenshotupofftheheadboardandstaredslack-jawedatChaseforwhatfeltlikeforeverbefore

hegatheredhiswitsenoughtoreply,“I’dbeheartlessifItoldyouhonestlythatIhaven’tbeen
thinkingaboutGingerandallthecrapthathappenedbetweenussincewebrokeup,butlastnight...
this...doesn’thaveanythingtodowithher.”

Hestretchedoutonehandandsmoothedhisfingertipsacrosshercheek,tiltingherchinupsothat

theireyesmetagain.“Sethishometostay,andlastnighthetoldmewhy.”Justmentioningitmade
himsqueezehislipsintoalineandstruggletobreathe,thesadnessoverwhelminghimforafew
sawingbreaths.“Ican’t—it’snotmystoryandIwouldn’tfeelrighttellingyou,yet.Butit’spretty
damnheavyandthat’swhyIgotdrunk.”

Hermouthfirmedassheswallowedvisibly,herthroatcontracting.“Iwon’tpressyouaboutwhat

happenedtoSeth.But,um,Dunksaidthatyourexis...youronlyex.”

Clearinghisthroat,headmittedlevelly,“That’strue.”
“SoifyouaskedmeoutandIknewthat,Idon’tknowifI’dbereadyforthat,”sheexplained

carefully.“Youtoldmehowlongyoudatedher.I’dbe...concerned.”

Atthat,Adenlaughed.“‘Concerned?’”herepeated.
“Yeah!”sheexclaimedindignantly,evenwhilesheflushed.
Adenscrubbedhishandsoverhisface,hisstubbleitchinghispalmsthenmumbled,“Willyou

comehere?”Heslidsothathewasalmostlyingdownfully,gratifiedasshecurledupagainsthisside
andsortofburiedherfaceinoneofhispectorals.“Okay,then,”hedeclared,staringupattheceiling
ashishandcuppedherhip,“I’monlytellingyouthisonce,andIwillkillyouifyoueverbreathea
wordofittoanyone.EspeciallyLeda.”

Chasesnortedandnodded,dragginghertempleupanddownbrieflythroughhischesthair,sort

oftickling,raisingtinysizzlesalthoughhisbodywassatisfiedfornow.

“It’skindofhard,inan...infamousfamily,tohaveanythingthat’sonlyyours,andGingerwas

onlymine.Noonelikedher;Ialwaysknewthat,”hetoldherarchly.“ButIneededthat,especially
whileDunkandJackwereawayatcollegeandonceLedaandSethhadgone.”

“Youwerelonely,”shewhispered,caressinghisshoulderandchestasifabsently.
“Iwentalongwithwhateverhappenedwithoutprotest,withoutcaringmuch,untilwefoundout

thatshe’spregnantwithsomeguy’sbaby,andshewantedtotakemeback.”

Hewantedtocrackthetensionandlightenthemood,sureshewasabouttosaythatifhehad

reallylovedGinger,hewouldhavetakenherandsomeotherguy’sbabyback.Buthe’dneverbeen
funny,andhedidn’twanttomakelightofGinger,notwhenshe’dbeenwithhiminonewayor
anotherforsomanyyears.Sohedugdeep,fightingallofhisclose-mouthedRiveauandbartender
instinctstoofferupsomethingdeeperthananalyzingwhyhe’dbeenwithGinger.Hewantedtogive
hersomethingconcretetoprovethathewasagoodbet,despitehissurlyattitude,hisoneex,andhis

extremedislikeofchange.

“LastnightIfelt...helplessafterwhatSethtoldme,”heforcedout,lookingdownatherfiercely.

“AndIfeltstupidforactinglikegettingintoafightwithyouwasthishugedealwhenhe’sdealing
withthisthingthat’sreally...awful.Itputitallinperspective.”

“I’mtryingtotakedownallofmywalls,too,”sheadmittedsoftly.
Hesurgedupononeelbowandtookhersoftmouth.Sheloosedthissoftwhimperandhewas

unabletoresisttheneedtokeepkissingheruntilsheslidherlipstohischinandthenwiggledsothat
shewassittingupagain.“I’msorryeverythinggotsooutofcontrolyesterday,”shewhispered,her
handturningoversothatshecouldtangleherfingerswithhis.“Ireallydolikeyou,Aden.Butmy
flightisstillatsix,andIneedtoleavebyoneifI’mgoingtomakeittoRichmondandgetthrough
securityandallthat.”

Hiseyesflickedautomaticallytotheclockonthenightstand.Twelvethirty-five.
Thisincredibletimewithherwasonlyreinforcinghowmuchhelikedherandwantedtobewith

her,buttheclockwasstillrunningandhistimewasalmostup.

“Cancelit,”heburstout,muchlouderthanhe’dmeant.
Hegaveheralevellook,butunderneathit,hewasfreakingout.He’dneverreallyevenaskeda

womanout,forGod’ssake,andhe’djustdemandedthatshecancelherflight.

“Youcouldstayhere,uh,withme,”headded,feelinglame.
“I’mnotagoodprospect,”shesaidafterwhatfeltlikeafullminuteofhersuckinginquick,

hitchedpants.“AndIknowIcan’ttravelforever,butthat’swhatI’mdoingnow—”

Allbutgrowlinglikeananimal,AdentackledChasetoherback,laughingloudandfreeasshe

squawkedandclutchedhisshoulders.“I’mnotaskingyoutostoptraveling,”hechuckled,raisingan
eyebrow.“I’maskingyoutoextendyourvacationaweek.”Hewatchedherlovelymouthwidenintoa
softsmile,knowingitwasidiotictoenjoywatchinghersomuchafteronlyaweek.“Maybetwo,”he
amendedwithagrin.

“You...youreallywanttostartsomething?”
“Cancelyourflight,Chase,”hemurmured.“Let’sseeifthiscouldbesomething.”
Thosegloriousmermaideyesglowedandsheslidherfingersintotheshort,softhairsatthenape

ofhisneck,swirlingthem.“Why,AdenRiveau,”sheteasedinaplayful,exaggeratedimitationofhis
drawl,“areyouaskin’meoutonadate?”

Helaughed,droppinghisheadtosinkhistonguedeeplyintohermouthagain.
“Yeah,”hetoldherbreathlesslyafewminuteslater,heartandbodybuzzinghappily,“butonlyif

youdon’tmindifwehavedinneratthedinerwitheveryonetonight.”

Herchestroseandcaught,thentrembled,butbeforehecouldsootheorreassureher,she

smoothedonearmoverhisstomachandthenpickeduphercell.Sheswipedandpressedafew
buttons,thenlaiditdown,genericholdmusicblaringout.

Heraisedoneeyebrowandsheofferedsimply,“Theairline,tocancelmyflight.”
Herbubbly,almosttriumphanttonemadehimrumblewithlaughteragain.

CHAPTEREIGHTEEN

Chase

AssoonasChasehadcancelledherflight,happierthaneverwithherdecisiontoalwaysbuy

refundabletickets,sherosefromthebedandmeanderednakedtowardsoneofthewindows.Aden
wasinthebathroom,theshoweralreadyrunning,andshewouldabsolutelygojoinhim,butshe
neededaminutealonefirst.IftherehadbeenanydoubtsaboutwhetherAdenlikedherornot,or
whethertheywereafantastic,organicmatchtogetherinbed,shecouldn’tbelieveitnow.Thatwasn’t
tosaythatshehadcompletelylosthermind;shewassweating,nowthatshehadcancelled,not
rescheduled,herflightoutofVirginia.Herheartwaspoundinglikeafranticthing,too.

Whichwaswhyshewastakingabeattoleteverythingsinkin.
Thatmorning,shehadbeendistraughtandutterlyconfused,packedandreadytorunheadlongall

thewaybacktoMonterey,whereshe’dbeenplanningonforgettingMaybelleandeverythingthathad
happenedhere.Instead,barelythreehourslater,shewasremindingherselfthatshewasan
independent,grownwomanwithnotieswhocoulddecidetostayinMaybelleanotherweek—ortwo,
shethoughtwithashysmirk—andgooutonsomedateswithAdenRiveauandthen...andthen
something.

“Ohshit,”shegasped.
Ithadsureashellfeltsuddenwhenshe’dquitthefirm,brokenupwithTroy,andleftCalifornia,

butinretrospect,itcertainlyhadn’tbeenimpulsive.Herunhappinessandfeelingsofbeingtrapped
andsqueezedhadbeengrowingforawhile.AndduringherfirsttriptoNewOrleans,shehaddone
somanyamazingtouristythings,butshehadalsocomeupwithmeticulousplansandrulesabout
whatshewasdoing,howshewasgoingtobudget,andwhyshewasdoingitandwhatshewantedto
learnandregain.

Herdecisionstodayhadbeenimpulsive,bothheroriginaldecisiontofleeMaybellelikeabatout

ofhellandherreviseddecisiontostayheretogoonadatewithAden.

Butthen,intothecrestingfreak-outofepicproportions,sheheardherbestfriend’sadvicefrom

earlierthatweek.Whateveryouwant,goforit.Wasn’tthatalso,basically,whatAdenhadtoldherhe
wasdoing,whathewantedtodobecauseofher?Goforit?

“Yougotthis,”shetoldherself,marchingfirmlyacrossthegableroomtowardsthebathroom.

“YouareabadasssexywomanwithaJDandbigboobs.Gogetit.”

Withalittleshimmy,shepushedopenthedoorandlookedupandaroundatallofthesteam

comingoutoverthetopoftheglassdooroftheshower.

“That’salotofsteam,”shecommentedloudlyassheshutthedooragain.
Therewasanabortedsqueak—afootslippingontheslickbottomofthetub,shededucedwhen

Adenyelped,“Fuck!”Shewatchedhiselbowthunkintotheglassbeforehetwistedandpulledopen

thedoor,lookinglikehehadthedayhe’drunintohersoakedfromtherainstorm,except,well,naked.
Gloriouslynaked.“Iwasexpectingyoutosaysomethingwhenyoucameinhere,butIthoughtI’d
hearthedooropentoo,”hehalf-accused.

Shesaunteredacrossthetileandsteppedintotheshower,intohim.Herhandsglidedoverhis

stomachandsidesandsheaskedsaucily,“Areyouabigfanofsaunas?”

Ittookhimasecond,butherolledhiseyeswhenherealizedthatshewasstillmakingfunofhim

forthebillowingsteam.“Youcould’veturnedonthefan.”

“HowwouldIteaseyouifIdidthat?”shemurmured,herhandswandering,slickingoverhis

musclesandlightbodyhair,learninghimwhenhewasstandingandwhenhewassoapyandrelaxed.
“Youknowyou’regoingtosmelllikemysoapandshampooandconditionernow,right?”

“I’llsmelllikeyou,”herumbledback.
Herheadshotup,startledbyhowlowhistonehaddropped.
“Arewedueatthedinertomeeteveryoneatacertaintime?”sheasked,notashamedintheleast

thatshesoundedalittlebreathless.

“Yeah,atsevenorso.”
Hereyelashesflickeredassheshiftedtowatchwatercascadedownthestrongcolumnofhisneck,

poolingagainsthiscollarbones.“That’splentyoftime,”shemurmured.

Withagroan,Adenshovedhisfaceunderthespray.“Pleasegiveaguyabreak.I’mnotnineteen;

Ineedalittletime.AndI’mstillhungover.Howaboutwenap,then...havemorefun,andthengohave
dinnerwithmysisterandbrotherandallourfriends?”

Shesnickeredwhileherinsedouthishair,thenhemanhandledherasidetoclimbout.
Ithadbeenawhilesinceshehadshoweredwhileamanmovedaroundintheroom

companionably;itfeltsweet,butnerve-wrackinginthatwaythatwasalsopleasurable.

Still,shehurriedthroughhershower,findinghimdressedonlyinbriefsandonhiscellwhenshe

cameoutinhertowel.Shereopenedhersuitcase,realizingthatshe’dneedtodosomelaundrysoon,
andslidintoblackpantiesandascoop-neckedwhitetee.

Whenshelookedover,shefoundhishandsempty,hiscelltossedaside,andsmiledwhenshe

realizedhemust’vesimplybeenwatchingher.Shesatdowncross-leggedonthebednexttohimand
grabbedhishand,thenchangedhermindandmaneuveredthemuntiltheywerelayingdownlegs
tangledandarmslightlytouching.“Areyouworriedaboutmeetingupwitheveryone,sincetheymust
knowwhatwe’redoing?Orareabouttodoagain?It’snotlikeit’llbeasscarringasthesextalk...
right?”

Hescowledather,butnowthatthey’dreallytalkedtoeachother,startingtoopenup,shecould

seetheamusementandfondnessthatmadehiseyessofttoo.

“I’lllive,”hetoldherdryly,thenstretchedouttoadjusttheblinds,probablystilloverlysensitive

fromlastnightandwantingitalittlelesssunny.

“So,”shesaid,alittleunsureofwhattosaynow,becausetherewasstillplentytodiscuss.But

whileshewasthinkingitthrough,Aden’scellrang.Hecutanassessinglookoverather.Shetookin
theslightchallengingsmirkandshehadtocomment,asmildlyaspossible,“‘Cochise,’nicechoice
foryourringtone.Noonemakesrocklikethatnow.”

“Hm,”Adensaid,butthecornerofhismouthcurledupevenmore.
“Doyouneedtogetit?”
“No,it’sSeth’sring.IfIdon’tanswer,he’llcallDunk.”
Shecouldn’thelpbutlaughproudlyattheideathatAden’sgrapevinewasbuzzinglikecrazy

todaybecauseofthetwoofthem,andsherockedforwardtoplantasmackingkissonhisjaw.

Hesmoothedahandacrossherlowerbackandofferedherthatquietsmile.“ItalkedtoJackto

catchhimup.He’stellingDunkandJesseandeveryonethatyou’reextendingyourtripandthatwe’ll

seethemlater.HesaysI’mluckyI’mnotinthedrunktankrightnow,eatinglunchwiththedeputy,”he
saidwiththatdryashellamusement,rubbingthesideofhisnosewithaknuckleinembarrassment
maybe.“Ifthelotofusevergetarrestedforrecklessendangerment,willyoudustoffyourpowerful
lawyerskillsandsaveusfrombigticketsandthedeputy?”AdenmurmuredintothebaseofChase’s
neck.

“Ifyouneededmeto,thenIwould,”shemurmuredback,feelingasthoughtheglowing,absurdly

smittensmileshewastryingtohidewascompletelyobvious.“Dunk’sluckyhe’snotinacellright
now,too,”sheadded,tryingtojokeandrelax.

“There’sgoingtobehardfeelingsthere,huh?”Shegavehimthescarylookshe’dusedduring

cross-examinationsduringdepositionsandtrials,andhehelduphishandstodemonstratehewasn’t
thethreat.“I’mwithyouonthis.JustbecauseI’mnotgoingtokillhimforstealingyourkeysthisone
timedoesn’tmeanhe’soffthehook—”

“Soundslikethat’sexactlywhatitmeans,”shelaughed,thenlaughedharderwhenhislookturned

intoascowlthatmanagedtobesheepishatthesametime.

Suddenlyhergoforitpromisetoherselfcollidedwithhercautiousside,andsheblurtedout,“So

whatexactlyisgoingonhere?AmIlikearebounddateforaweekormaybetwo?Becauseafew
daysago,youwerereallyintothewholetouristsbadthing.”

Adentookadeepbreath.“You’reextendingyourtripandwe’regoingtofigureitoutaswego,”

heansweredcalmly.“Seewhatthisis,whatwewantittobe,ifanything.”

“HistoryshowsthatI’mnotgoodatthat,”Chaseadmittedsoftly.
“NowIwishIweretakingoffwithyou,andtohellwitheverythingelse,”Adenbitout.Chase’s

lipspartedattheideathathe’dthoughtaboutit,especiallybecauseshecouldn’tdenytoherselfthat
theofferhadbeenatthetipofhertongueabunchoftimesearliertoo.“Sethsaidhe’dhelpoutat
WildHartsifIwantedtotakeavacation,”hecontinued.

Shetightenedherfingersminutelyaroundhisandsaid,oncehe’dlookedbackather,“I’dreally

likethat.”

“Yeah?”hepracticallycroaked.
“Onlyifthemeallaterwitheveryonedoesn’tkillyou,”sheteased,practicallycroakingherself.
Hescratchedalongtheedgeofhisjaw.“Avacationwillbenice,”hetoldher,andshecouldn’t

helpbutlickherbottomlipwhenhesaidwillinsteadofwould,aplaninsteadofatheoreticalidea.
“LedaandIhavetoteachSetheverything,sincehe’sneverevenwaitedtablesortendedbar,letalone
runarestaurant.Someonewillhavetocoverthebar,andifLedadidthat,we’dhavetofindsomeone
tocoverherresponsibilities.”

“Ledawouldbepissedashellifyoujusttookoff,”Chasereasoned.
“Rightfullyso,too,”Adenagreed.“I’dfireanyonewhocalledoutthedayofforanythingother

thanillnessorinjuryoranactualfamilyemergency.”

“Andifthisweekgoeswell,andifwegoonavacationandthatgoeswelltoo,thenwhat?”Chase

pressed,knowingshewasgoingintointerrogationmode.Butthiswasn’tthevacationflingfantasy
cometolife,thiswassomethingpotentiallymuchmore...real.

Aden’smouthdidthatamazingcurlingthingagain.Itwasn’tasamazingashisfull-blowngrin,

butitshowedoffhishiddencleverness,whichsheappreciated.“There’salwayslongdistance.I’m
usedtobreaks,”heremindedher.“I’musedtodryspellsand...lookingaftermyself.”Chasecouldn’t
helpbutsnicker,andthenheslidhisfingersoverhercheekashisself-mockingsmileeasedinto
somethingsweeter.“Andwehavecells;we’lltalkalot—oryouwill,”headdedarchly.“I’llpractice
getting-to-know-youconversationtopics.”

“What’syouropeningquestiongoingtobe?”sheteased,mouthquirked.
“Soyou...werealawyer?”hetried.Shehummed,thesoundfullofamusement,andheprotested,

“I’dlistenifyoutoldmeaboutit.Ilikelisteningtoyoutalk.”

Chase’sheartstuttered.Itwasherfault—she’dshovedthemontothisseriouspath,way,waytoo

soon,sheknew—soshetriedtolightenthingsup.“A+in‘Listening,’”shesaidwithasmuchsilly
mock-seriousnessasshecouldmuster.“Buthowwillyoudoin‘Change?’”

“Probablybelowaverage.Howwillyoudo?”hecountered,gentlysomehow.
Shewincedalittle.“Itdepends,doesn’tit?”
“Onwhat?”heaskedashisbrowsshotupandhearchedbacktoinspectherexpression.
“Well...”Sheslidherhandthroughherhairandthenshrugged.“IknowIdon’teverwanttobea

corporatelawyeragain.ButyouwererightwhenyousaidI’llhavetofigureoutwhatIamgoingto
dowhenI’mdonetraveling,wheneverthatis.ButI...”

Hermouthwaslikeacottonball,butshemetAden’ssteadygazeandbeganfirmly,“Somethings

Idon’tthinkI’llchangemymindabout,Aden.”Henoddedslowly,thumbstrokingthebaseofher
wristwheretheystillheldhands.“I’veneverwantedtogetmarriedorhavechildren.I’vedated
peoplewhoIthoughtunderstoodthat,andthenaftersomeamountoftime,they’dstarttalkingabout
thefutureinthoseterms,asiflovingthemmeantI’dchangedmymind.I’mnotsayingI’llnever
changemymind,I’mjustwarningyouthatImayneverchangemymind.”

Hewasstillforalongmoment,eyesshiftingminutelyacrossherface,andfinallykissedher,

movingsoslowlyagainstherlipstofillhermouthwithhistongue.Herstomachflippedinalong,
pleasurableroll,thensqueezedinafaster,rougher-edgedpleasurewhenhepulledbackandgrinned.
“You’recrazytotellmethatnotevenaweekintoknowingeachother,”heinformedher,“butthat’s
thereasonwhyIdidn’ttakeGingerbackwhensheasked,afterwefoundoutthatshewaspregnant.
I’veneverfeltthatneed,sofaranyway.”

EverythinginChasestilled,allofthosequestionsandworriesstillingtoo.“Iwonderedaboutthat.

Iknowyouaren’tthetypetorefusetoraiseanotherman’skid.”

HisAdam’sapplebobbedasheswallowed.“IfIhadwantedtohavekidswithGinger,thenthat

wouldn’thavematteredtomeatall,you’reright.”

Chase’smouthfirmedandshetoldhimblithely,“I’mgoingtokidnapWildHarts’bartender

sometimeinthenearfuture.”Aden’sthumbpressedhardintotheinsideofherwrist,butshedidn’t
lookdownatit.“AndIoweJesseforintroducingusthatnight.”

“Justsendher—orbringher—someCaliforniawine,”hemumbled.
“Youlookalittleshell-shocked,”sheobserved.
Heshookhisheadonce,decisively.“Ifeelgreat.”
Hisarmslidsolidandwarmaroundherwaistandshesighedlongandsilent,feelingherworld

changeevenasitdoubledinsize.“Wehavealittlebitoftimebeforewehavetoleaveforthediner,
whereI’msureLedawillgiveusthethirddegreeandDunkwillbesosmug.So,”sheburbled,“let’s
talkaboutwhatotherearly2000sringtonesyouhave.”

Aden

Fourmonthslater

Aden’sstomachlurchedastheplaneseemedtodropwaytoomuchatonce.Hisdryeyeswere

focusedintentlyontheviewouthiswindow,reassuringhimselfthattheyweren’tfalling.Hegrunted
whentheycurvedharder,onehandgrippedaroundhisseatbelt.

“Youokay?”Sethmurmuredfromnexttohim.
“Great,”hecroakedout.
Sethgaveasoftchuckle.“It’lltakemorethanthreeflightstogetusedto,butthisisnormal,”he

reassuredhim,andAdenthoughthewasonlybeinghumoredalittlebit.

“Shutup,I’mfine,”Adengrumbled,thenswallowedhardassomehotbilecreptuphisthroat

whentheysurgeddownwardsagain,thecarsontheroadsbelowthemlookingthesizeofashoebox.
“Inlessthantwohours,I’mseeingChaseagain,”hesaid.

“Yeah,”Sethagreed,squeezingAden’sarm.“You’llseeher,makelove,comewatchmeplay

somejazz,andtellherthatyou’reinlovewithher.It’sgoingtoworkout,Aden.”

Hepushedoutabreath,andifitwasshaky,Sethhadthegracenottoteasehimaboutit.Sethhad

summedupAden’splansneatly,buttherealityofdoingthat,oftellingChasethathewasinlovewith
her,wasn’tanythingeasyorneat.Buthewoulddoit.

“TellmeaboutBuenosAires,”heorderedSeth,needingsomethingtotakehismindoffthe

extremediscomforthefeltastheirplanecontinueditsfinaldescent.

“Istayedatthisgreathostelthatwaslikelemonyellowontheoutsideandtomatoredonthe

inside,andmeandtheguyshadourownroom,threebunkbeds,”Sethtoldhim,spinningoutthe
storywithmoredetailthanheusuallybotheredtotellAden.“Weplayedthreenightsatthislittleclub,
Iwasdoingthissortoftangoguitarthingandbeingabackupsinger—tough,sinceIhaven’tsungin
Spanishinayear,maybe...”

InthefourmonthsAdenandChasehadbeendatinglong-distance,Adenhadhadtolearnhowto

gettoknowsomeonehehadn’tgrownupwith.Althoughheusedtothinkthattextingwasimpersonal,
nowheloveditbecauseitgavehimthetimetothinkaboutwhattoaskandworkupthecouragetosay
whatheneededto,tosharehimselfbackequally.Anicebyproductwasthathewasbetterat
conversationingeneralnow.HereallyappreciatedChaseforhelpinghimlearnthatrightthen,since
itmeantthathewasabletokeepupaprettyeffortlessback-and-forthwithSethabouthistimein
BuenosAiresuntiltheyfinallylanded.

Whilethiswasonlyhisthirdairport,hewasn’tsurehe’deverbeabletofeelcomfortableinthem.

ToomanyofthepeoplearoundSethandhimwereinsucharush,anxiousandannoyed,orthey
ambledalongliketheywereatacountyfair.Sethfellsomewhereinthemiddle,probablybecausehe
wasatairportssoregularly;hestrolled,buthecoveredalotofground,anexpertatslippingaround
peopleandluggageandstrollers.Adenwaslessagile,buthemadeupforitwithhisgrumpy
demeanor.

Theyreachedtheirbaggageclaimandassoonasthey’dretrievedtheirstuff,headedoutsideso

thatAdencouldsuckinfreshairandSethcouldwaitforhisride.

Aminutelater,abeat-up,ancientBeetlechuggedtoastopatthecurb.SethclappedAdenonthe

shoulder.“That’sNavarro.We’regoingtoswingbytheclub,thentothehotel.Thefrontdeskwill
holdyourtickets,andtheshow’sgoingtostartatmaybenine.”

“Okay,we’llseeyoulater,”hesaid.

Sethtookanothersecond,though,facegentlingashestudiedhisbrother.“Takeyourtimetalking

toChaseabouthowyoufeel.Don’tblurtitoutinanairport.”

HenoddedandSethnoddedbackbeforeAdenheadedbackinside,settlinginoneoftheseatsnear

theluggagecarouselstowaitforChase,whowasduetolandinanhour.

Afterheansweredacoupleoftexts,hetriedtorelaxandmessaroundonsocialmedia,buthe

gaveupandslidhiscellinhispocketafterlessthantwentyminutes.

Duringthelastfourmonths,heandChasehadreallygottentoknoweachother,mostlythrough

texts,butalsowithphonecallsorvideochats.Somedaysitwasanalmostuninterruptedflowonwhat
bandstheylikedortheirfavoritefoods,andotherdays,itwasnothingbutaseriesofpicturessent
backandforth.Obviously,Chase’spictureswereusuallymoreexciting,sinceshe’dgoneto
Montreal,Iceland,Scandinavia,andTaiwan.HispicturesweresurreptitiouscandidsofLeda,Dunk,
andtouristswhowerefunnyorlookedfunny.

Heblewoutabreathandtippedhisheadback.
Theydidn’tagreeoneverything,ofcourse,buttheyagreedonthefundamentalthingsthatneither

would,orshould,compromiseon.Everylight-heartedargument,whetheritwasaboutifThe
MagnificentSevenwasabetterexplorationofthemethanSevenSamurai,orifFrenchwinewasthat
muchbetterthanCaliforniawine,onlymadehimmoreinterested,andenamored.Everypictureofher
grinningorlookingthoughtfulnearaworkofartjustmadehimwanttobetherewithher,orjust
madehimwanthertocomebacktohim,andstay,evenifonlyforawhile.

Thefivedayshe’dspentatherhouseinMontereyinAugusthadbeenanutterlyunique

experience.Hehadbeenpainfullyawareofallofhisfirstsduringthevacation.Ithadbeenhisfirst
timeonanairplane,firsttimerentingacar,andfirsttimeeatingIndianfood.Ithadbeenhisfirsttime
havingsexoutdoors,onherdeckwithagorgeoussunsetbehindherasshe’drisenandfallenonhim
untiltheskywentblack.Butthosefirsts,andthealmostoverwhelmingfeelingshe’dhadforherasa
result,likegratitudeforexpandinghisworldandheart-swampingpleasureandhappiness,were
priceless.

Allofwhichmeantthathewasallthewayinlovewithher,noreservationsleft.
Whichmeant,inturn,thathe’dneverfeltmoreterrifiedormoreexposed.
Lostinhisownmind,hejerkedtohisfeetinonesharptugasifshockedwhenheheardChase’s

laughter.Shewasonlyayardaway,breastsandbackpackbouncingasshehurtledtowardshim,and
hecaughtherupassoonashecould,armsunderherass.

Hekissedherlaughter,groanedwhenhertasteandsmellfloodedhissenses.Oneofhishands

liftedtocradlethebackofherhead,thumbstrokingbehindoneear.

“OhmyGod,Imissedyousomuch!”shebreathed,clingingtohim.
“Hi,darlin,”hemurmuredhoarselyasheforcedhisgriptogentlesothatshecouldslidebackto

herfeet,thoughhekepthisholdofher.“Howwasyourflight?”

Shesmiledandcountered,“Howwasyours?Youstilllookalittlegreeninthegills.”
Heshiftedsothathewashuggingheragainsthisside,pickeduphisbagwithhisfreehand,and

startedwalkingoutside.“Itwasworthit,”hemanagedtosayevenly.

Asigh,smallandpleased,hethought,puffedagainsthischestwhenshepressedherfaceclosefor

asecond,interruptingtheirwalkingforaheartbeat.“I’msoglad.”

“Seth’salreadydoinghisthing,”hesaid,alittlegruffandabrupt,stilluneasywithhowexposed

hefelt,“sowehavesometime.I’dliketogetcheckedintothehotelfirst.”

“Hotelsoundsgood,”sheagreed,andheheardthesmirkinhervoicebeforeheglanceddownat

herprofiletoconfirmthatitwasthere,asharpupcurveofherlips.

TheytookataxitotheirhotelintheFrenchQuarterandChasehandledthecheckinsinceshe’d

bookedthereservations,andalmostbeforehewasready,theywerealoneintheroom.Itwasnoisy,

thecityexuberantandjustplainloud,buttheywerefinallyalone.

Shetossedherbackpackandpurseontooneofthechairs,methiseyesandcockedoneeyebrow

high,andstartedtotugoffallofherclothes.Adenwantedherfiercelyandhadbeencravingherlike
thissincethesecondhe’ddrivenawayfromherhouse,butheleanedbackagainstthedoorandjust
watchedher,eyesnodoubtbrightandhungry.

Withoutlookingawayfromher,heunlacedhisboots,unbuttonedhisflannel,undidhisbelt,and

unzippedhisfly,hisbreathscomingquickasherskeptpace.

“I’vemissedyou,”sherepeated,butthistimethewordswerequietandseriousasshestepped

close,herhandssmoothingwithslowreverenceoverhischestanddownhissidesbeforeshelocked
theirmouthstogetheragain.

Theygothimnakedtogether,alittleuncoordinatedsinceithadbeentwoandahalfmonthsand

theywereimpatient,andthenhescoopedherupagainandcarriedhertothebed.Hesatdown,her
kneessinkingintothesoftduvetoneithersideofhim,smoothinghishandsfromhershoulderstothe
curveofthesmallofherback,pressingherintight.

Herbodyrolledandhisshudderedastheirtonguestangled,hisfingersdugintothesideofone

thighandherbutteryblondwaves,nearlytoherhipsnow,lungsbursting.

Hepulledafractionofaninchbackwithagasp,bottomlipsstillclingingwetlytogether,andsaid

raggedly,“You’resobeautiful.”Almostdesperately,sheroseandwritheddown,whimperingagainst
histhroat.Hishandsmoved,flowingalonguntilonewasbetweentheirbodies,strokinghercenteras
hepromised,“Patience,darlin;I’vegotyou.”

Shegrippedhisfacehardandkissedhimonawhimper,herbodyopeningaroundtwoofhis

fingersassheplungeddownuntilherclithitthepalmofhishand.Herthighswerelockedsotightly
thatwhensherockedintohishand,shepushedhisknucklesagainsthiscock,buthecouldn’thave
caredless.Heonlywantedtogiveherwhatshewanted,andhestrainedalmostashardasshediduntil
shebrokewithasobagainsthim.

Fumbling,hegotthemallthewayonthebed,Chasesprawledbeneathhimashepantedonhands

andkneesaboveher,staringatthegleamofherorgasmonhisfingers.

“Idon’teven—I—whateveryouwant,”shebabbled,archingupwardshelplessly.
Withamoan,hisheadhungbetweenclenchedshouldersandheswepthistonguearoundthe

undercurveofherleftbreastbeforetakingasmuchintohismouthashecould.Hegroanedwhileshe
shiveredandclungtohishair,herlegsslidingrestlesslyagainsthis,histongueandlipsworkingher
nippleoveruntilshecursed.Sohemovedtoherotherbreast,itsweightheavyagainsthischin.It
consumedhimuntilahandwrappedaroundhisrightwristandshovedatitasChasebegged,“Touch
meagain,ohGod,Aden...”

Everymuscleinhisbodyalmostgaveout,buthecaughthimself.
“Whateveryouwant,darlin,”hewhisperedagainstherbreastbone.
Heshuffledbackwardsanddroppedtothebedbetweenherthighs,runninghisnosealongthe

creaseofonehip.Shecriedoutshakilywhenhebegantolickher,long,lightlickssinceshe’dcome
notthatlongago,andpushedonehanddowntoholdhiscock,desperatefortouchbutmoredesperate
toshowherhowmuchhewantedher.

Sometimelater,whenhewashypnotizedbythewayshewasworkingagainsthistongueandlips,

sheflungherlegsoverhisshoulders,presseddown,andthencamewithanincoherentstringof
words.Assoonasshestoppedpulsingonhistongue,shejerkedhardandsatup,andhepushedupon
hisfreearm,browscreasedinconfusion.

“Holyshit,youare—Aden—letmesee,”shepleaded.
“...What?”hecroakedout,handaroundhiscockfreezingwhenhereyesfixatedonit.
Lookingintohiseyes,shelickedherlipsnervouslyandsaidshakily,“Letmesee.”

Allhecoulddowasshakehisheadalmosthelplessly.Hehadn’tevenrealizedthathe’dbeen

pumpinghiscock,buthowcouldhenothave,withwhatshe’dbeendoing?

“Ican’tkeepmyeyesopenwhenyoutouchme,andIwanttoseeyou,”sheexplainedina

tremulousvoice.Thenhermouthflowedintoasecretsmile,onethatincludedhim,invitedhimin,
andpromisedthatshewasgoingtokeephim.

Beforehecouldfullyabsorbanyofthat,hisassflexed,pushingtheheadofhiscockpastthe

loosecircleofhisfingers,andhecouldn’thidethepleasureitcaused.

Chasemoaned,asifwatchinghimcausedpleasureinhertoo,onehandstrokingthesoftskinof

herbelly,andhecouldneverhaveimaginedtheecstasyofbeinghersolefocuslikethis.Helost
controlofhistechniqueandshovedthroughhisfingersoverandover,hiseyesflickeringfasterthan
hecouldthinkbetweenherfingerslowonherbellyandherwetopenlipsandherblown-widesoft
greeneyes.

“Fuck,Ichangedmymind,”shegasped,rearingupandcurlingherfingersoverhisaroundhis

cock,andthenguidedhimoverheragainasshelaidback.Whensheangledtheirfingersandraised
herthighshigher,herfeetbracednearhisknees,shetoldhim,“Ihatecondoms,soIgotonbirth
controlafterMonterey.I’mprotected.”

Hefeltsweatbreakoutasthoseglorioushipsswiveledandhehadnochoicebuttoechoher,to

followher.“Chase,”hewhispered,“I’venever—I’vealwaysusedcondoms.”

Shecaressedhisfaceandswiveledherhips.“Iwanttofeelyou,Aden,tohaveyou.”
“Youhaveme,”hegaspedmindlesslyastheirbodiestookoverfully,herbodyasgreedytotake

himashisbodywastofillherup,theirhipsslammingtogether.

Still,forallthepowerandspeedoftheirmovements,forallthathisorgasmwasstartingtoform

alreadyinhistinglingfingersanddrawn-upballs,hisheartwassteadyandsure.Hekissedher
languorously,notlettingtheirbodies’urgencytakeovertheirkiss,andkeptonehandcuppedlightly
aroundherneck,thumbarcingoverherheart.

“Aden,”Chasesobbed,andhisorgasmbrokeoverhimlikealightningstorm.
Whenhecamefullybacktohimself,hipsstillworkinginlittleruts,shewasstillshakingaround

him,stillsobbingharshlyinhisear,facehiddenbeneathherhair.

Apartofhimknewthatthiswastheperfectmomenttotellherhowhefeltabouther,butbecause

therewasmoretothatconversationthanlove,hedecidedtowait.Heshiftedhisweightcarefullyso
thattheywerestilljoined,buthecouldholdhercloseandletherrideoutthetears.“It’salright,
sweetheart;ItoldyouI’vegotyou,”hewhispered.

Herfingersdugsharplyintohisshoulders,butitdidn’thurthim.
Theystayedlockedcloseuntiltheyneededtocleanup,thendriftedintoalightdoze.
WhenAdenwokeagain,hesawthey’ddozedforaboutanhour,sotheygotreadyandwentto

findsomewheretoeatbeforeSeth’sgig.HeletChasedraghimuponestreetthenanother,untilthey
foundarestaurantwhosemenulookedinterestingtothemboth.

Whiletheyatefantasticcrawfishétouffée,theytoldeachotherstoriesthatwerebettertoldin

person.AdentoldheraboutDunk’santicstryingtoaskoutDanielaTorresandChasetoldhimabout
thepainintheasscouplewhohadbeenrentingherhousesinceOctober.SheaskedmoreaboutSeth’s
musicaleducationandwhatkindsofmusicheplayed,andheavoidedaskingherwhereshewasgoing
nextandforhowlong.

Afterdinner,theywalkedaroundtheFrenchQuarter,holdinghands.NewOrleanswasnothing

likeAdenhadeverexperienced,muchmoreofeverythingthanhe’dimagined,andinthepasthe
would’vebeenitchyandannoyed.ButhisRiveauancestorshadcalledthiscitytheirhome,untilhis
great-grandfatherhadmigratedtoMaybelle.Hewouldn’tsaythathefeltanydeeporspiritualaffinity
withit,butheunderstoodwhySethlovedplayinghereandwhysomanypeoplelovedtovisitand

throwthemselvesintoit.

“Weshouldheadovertotheclub,”Adensaid,puttingtheclub’saddressintohisphonetopullup

amapofhowtogettherefromwherevertheywererightthen.

“I’msoexcitedtohearhimplay,”Chasetoldhim,grippinghishand.
Theybothstartedwalkingalittlefaster,eagertogetthere.Chase’sskirtflutteredaroundher

calvesandagainsthisleftlegastheywent,andhefeltmorecontentthanhehadinyears,andhe
droppedakissonhercheekastheywaitedtocrossatalight.

“I’msogladMarie’sworkingout,pickingupsomeofLeda’sresponsibilitiessoshecanpickup

someofyours,”Chasecommentedastheyslidaroundabacheloretteparty.

“Me,too,”Adenagreed,“she’sagoodkid.Ididn’tthinkshewouldbeauthoritativeenoughto

keeptheserversinline,sinceshe’ssoshyandnice.”

Chaselaughedandbumpedagainsthimastheyroundedanothercorner.“Itprobablyhelpsher

feellikeshecandoit,knowingthatLeda’sbackingherup.”

“Well,Ifeelbetterknowingthatthere’sgoodbackupforwhenI’maway,”hereplied.
“I’mreallyrelievedthatyou’renotstressingoutaboutit,”sheadmitted.
Heshookhisheadandtoldher,“I’mnotstressed,sinceI’vebeenobsessivelyreadingallposts

withWildHartstagged,andallofthehashtagsaboutLeda,ofcourse.”

“Hashtags?”Chasesnickered.
“Yeah,IalmostwishDunkhadn’ttoldmeaboutthem.”
“Whatarethey?”shepracticallybegged,tugginghimcloser.
“#whenAdensawayismyfavorite,”hesaidpromptly,makingherdissolveintosnickersagainas

theymadethefinalturnfortheclub.“Butthere’salso#Ledagoesnuclearand#watchoutginger,which
Iprobablyshouldfeelbadabout,but...”

ChasedancedinfrontofAdenandthrewherarmsaroundhisneck,laughingasshebouncedonto

hertoes,neckstretchingupforakiss.Hecurleddownsoshecouldkisshim,lovingthewayhecould
feelherbreastsstillshakingwithlaughterasshecrushedthemagainsthisribs.Thefewtimeshe’d
madethemistakeofkissingGingerwhilelaughing,he’dwoundupwithhisearsringingwhenshe
whackedhim.Solaughingandkissing,andbeingplayfulandlightheartedinandoutofbed,wasa
revelation;hehadn’tevenknowthathecouldbeanyofthosethings,sincehewasgenerallytoosurly
forthat.

Heendedthekissreluctantly,brushinghisthumboverherchinandtheedgeofhersmile.Asthe

lightchangedandtheycrossed,Chasetoldhimabouttheothertimeshe’dbeenhere,onherveryfirst
tripaftershe’dquitIngelson&Barnes,messedupbutelated.

Oncetheyreachedtheclub,theypulledouttheirticketsandwentinside.Adenautomaticallynoted

asarestaurant/barowneritslayout,decorandgoodatmosphere.Itsmelledlikebourbonandfried
seafood,andlittleroundtableswereflungoutfromasmall,softly-litstage.Peopleweredressedas
casuallyastheywere,withahandfulofwomeninthatsortofalt-pin-upstylethathethoughtChase
wouldlookfuckingfantasticin.

Theirtablewasreserved,aboutthreetablesbackfromwherethepianowassetup,sincethatwas

whatinstrumentSethwouldbeplayingtonight.Theysettledin,orderingfancymartinisbecausewhy
thehellnot,andChasetoldhimaboutthisnewtravelappshelikeduntilthelightsdimmedanother
handfulofdegreesandthebandcameout.

ChaseclappedenthusiasticallywhileAdengaveamutedwhistle.
Sethlookedsomehowevenmorelikeamusicianthanheusuallydid,somekindofscarfthing

aroundhisneckthatwould’vemadeAdenlookcompletelyridiculous.

“Goodevenin’,NewOrleans,”thesaxophoneplayersaid.
Withoutanymoreintroductionorfanfare,thedrummertappedoutasoftone-two-threewitha

brushonhissnareandtheystartedtoplay.Adendidn’tknowanythingaboutjazz,otherthanthefew
songsthateveryoneknew,like“Ain’tSheSweet,”buthisfootkeptthebeatwhileChase’sshoulders
swayedsoftly.

Aftertheopeningpiece,whichlastedprobablytenminutes,Chaseturnedtohimandgrabbedhis

fingers,pinchinghard,andsaidintotalawe,“He’ssoamazing.Imean,everyonesaidheis,but...”

“Yeah,”Adensaid,glancingoveratSeth’sshadowedface,“Iknow.”
“I’msojealous,”shesighed,droppingherchinintoherhand.
“Metoo.”
“Youare?”
Hegrinnedathersurprise.“Whywouldn’tIbe?EvenIcantellhe’stalented,and...”Heshrugged,

stillnotalwayscomfortablewitharticulatinghisemotions,eveninsuchalimitedcontextlikethis.
“Lookathim.Helooksathome.Healwaysdoes,whenhe’sperforming.Recitals,marchingband
halftimeshows,onstage,practicingathome,doesn’tmatter,healwayslookslikehe’sexactlywhere
healwayswantstobe.”

“Ilikethat,”shesaidsoftly.“I’mevenmorejealousnow,”sheadded,almostwistful.
“You’llfindthat,”heleanedintowhisperinherear,knowingwhatshemeant.
Herheadturnedsharplyandhereyespiercedhis,vulnerableandseeking.
“Iwanttotalktoyouaboutthat,”shewhisperedhaltingly.
Hopesurged,butthesmallpartofhimthatwasafraidmadehimdiptokissherquicklyandthen

ask,“Doyouwanttodance?”

“Yes,”sheassuredhimpromptly,evenashebroughthertoherfeet.
Thereweren’ttoomanypeopledancing,butthelightingwasdimsohedidn’tfeelexposed,and

besides,hewasn’tinMaybelle.ItwasliberatingtoknowthatnoonebutChaseandSethknewhim,
andthatnoonewasjudginghiminanywaythatmattered.Theyswayedandinchedaroundinavery
simplecircle,onepairofhandstangledagainsthisheartwhilehisotherhandpalmedherhipandher
otherwristdrapedoverhisneck.

Theydidthatforalmosttwohours,onepieceflowingintothenext,dippingbacktothebarfor

anotherroundofmartinis,thenlaughingastheydancedwiththem.

ButwhenSethslidoffhispianobenchandbroughtanold-fashionedmicrophonestandtocenter

stageandstartedtosing“DreamaLittleDreamofMe,”Adenstopped.

HisholdonChaseturnedfierceandherbreathsspedup.
“Canwegonow?”sheasked.
“Yeah,”hebreathed,andhewassofocusedonbeingalonewithherthathewouldn’thavebeen

abletodescribehowtheygotfromthedancefloortotheirhotelroomagain.

Theywounduponthebeautifulthird-storyprivatebalconyfortheirroom,thestreetbelow

decoratedbystringsofbrightlightsandtheairheadywithjasmine.Itwasnearlydark,onlysliversof
theirskinandclothescatchingthelight,anditfeltunbearablyintimate,awholeworldofmoonlight
andhushedexpectationsjustforthem.

“I’mthinkingofgoingtoPositanoforChristmaswithSunny,”Chasesaid.
Herecognizedthetone,bothitsmisdirectionanditschallenge.
“Isthatwhatyouwant?”heretortedbetweenshallowbreaths.
“Youcouldcometoo,wecouldinviteSunny’sgirlfriend,”shewenton.“I’dlikethat.”
“Whatelsewouldyoulike?”heaskedroughly,feelingfreeandrecklessforthefirsttimeinhis

life.Heknewwhatshewastryingtoask,tryingtosay,andheknewthatshewasstrongenoughto
handlehisinevitablemisstepsandjoyfulandcuriousenoughtooutwithisgrumpiness.Notjustin
textsandcalls,notjustduringvacations,butalways.Heneededthat,andsheneededhimaswell,his
dependabilityandhishomeandhiswonderfulgroupoffriendswhowerealreadyhers,whethershe

believeditornot.

“I’mnotexpectingyoutochange,”sheoffered,liftingoneshoulderinasophisticatedkindof

way.“IhavebeentryingtofigureoutwhatIwant.Youandtheotherswhosayitareright.Ican’tbe
unemployedforever.ButIdon’twanttostoptraveling.”

“AllIneed,whenyougoorIleaveyou,isapromiseyou’llbeback.”
Shockedevenashisheartsoared,hewatchedtearsriseandslipintothesmallhollowsbeneath

hereyes,thentrackdownhernose.Hesmoothedthemaway,andthelastofhisdefenses,thelastof
hisself-delusions,thelastofhisfearswerewashedaway.

“S-sorry,”shestuttered,hervoicewatery.“It’sjustthatthatsoundslike...likeyou...”
“Doesit,now?”hedrawledsoftly.“Maybeit’stheperfecttimetoanswerthatquestionofyours—

whatthejuiciestthingIeverheardoverthebarwas.”

“What?”shemumbled,voicecrackedandbrowsdrawntogetherinconfusion.
“Aguyleanedinandtoldthisgirl,Whereveryoucome,that’swhereI’llcometoo.Wheneveryou

come,that’swhenI’llcometoo.Becausemyheart’syourheart,andmybody’syourbody,andyour
pleasureismypleasure.Because...myloveisyourlove.”

“Holyshit,”shewhisperedhoarsely,herfingersdiggingintohiswaist.
“ButI’mnotthatsmoothorthatclever,”hesaid.Heletloosetheplayfulnesshe’dalwaysfelt

werehisparent’sdomainandsigheddramatically.“Iprobablywould’vejusttoldthegirlIwasinlove
withher.”

Chasesurgedupandplungedhertongueintohismouthforasingle,deepstroke.Hervoice

shaky,shesaid,“Ipreferyoursimpledeclaration.”Withanotherloudswallow,shesuckedinabreath,
methiseyes,anddeclared,“I’minlovewithyou,too,Aden.”

“ThankGod,”hemuttered.
“AndIreallywanttomakeaplan,”shestartedtorambleashewatchedpanicriseinher,“because

Ilikethem,too,evenifyouprobablyimagineI’mmoreofagypsytype.”

Hecouldn’thelpbutlaughatthatone.“Ihatetodisagree,darlin,butyou’renot.Youcamouflage

itallyouwantwithyourbouncingandyourbrightclothes,butyou’rejustasboringandmethodical
asme.Youwantaplacewhereyoubelongandamanwhobelongstoyou,andyou’vegotit.”

Hisbreathcaughtashertearsspedup,andhetuggedhertothewickerrockingchaironthe

balcony,sinkingdownandbringingherontohislap.Shecurledup,herhiponhiskneesandherarms
awkwardlyaroundhiswaist,herheadoverhisheart.

“WhileyouwerethinkingaboutPositano,Iwasmakingaplan,too,”hewenton,sensingthatnow

shewastheonewhoneededsometimetothinkbeforeshespoke.“I,uh,Imovedoutofthehouseand
rentedthetopfloorovertheflorist’s,twoblockssouthofthelibraryonCentral.It’s,it’sgottwo
bedroomsandskylights,abunchofclosets.”

“Youdid?”shewhisperedfaintly,andthenbegan,“I...Ihaveaconfession,too,then.”
“Oh?”heasked,sweepinghishandupanddownherbacktosoothethemboth.
“AfterTaiwan,IstayedwithSunnysinceI’mrentingoutmyhouse,andIstartedfeelinglikeit

was...stupid.SoI...IaskedJessetokeepaneyeoutinMaybelle.”

Hetorquedhisspinesohecouldstaredownather.“Pleasetellmeyoudidn’tbuysomeplacein

Maybelle,”hegroaned,“becausethatwouldbeawesomebutunfortunate—”

“No!”sheprotestedhastily.“Ididn’taskhertokeepaneyeoutforrealestate...Iaskedhertolet

meknowif,um,ifanyjobscameupthatImightmaybebeinterestedin.”

“Jesus,”hestammered,hismindracingashesiftedthroughtheendlessreamsofgossipandnews

aboutthecountyhewasconstantlyexposedto,until...“ElénaLandal.”

Chasehummedagainsthiscollarbone.“Smartman.She’sstartingherfourmonthsofmaternity

leavefromtheHartFoundationinthreeweeks,andI’m...hertemporaryreplacement.”

Heheardherswallow,adryclick,andheletoutawhoopofsheerexuberance,gettinghishands

inherhairandhermouthonhis.

“Wow,uh,whatareyougoingtodowhenItellyouthatIbookedtheseatnexttoyouonMonday

ontheflighttoRichmond?”shemumbledwhenheeasedbacktostareather.

Laughingalmostwildly,herosetohisfeetandtookherhands,backingintotheroomandoverto

thebed,wherehesatdownandburiedhisfaceagainstherbreasts.

“Whateveryouwant,darlin,”hetoldher,promisedher,feetstillgroundedsolidandsureagainst

thecarpet,buthisheartdancingfreeandhighintheskyalongsideChase’s.Hetookherwaistand
easedherontohislap,abeautifulechoofhowthey’dbeguntomakeloveonlyhoursago,and
whispered,“Areyougoingtomoveinwithme?”

“IthinkIcanacceptthoseterms,”shewhisperedbackagainsthishair.
Hecuppedherjawandkissedherlongandsweet,thenmumbledblissfully,“Sealedwithakiss.”

TheEnd.

AbouttheAuthor

Zoehasbeenwritingsinceshewasalittlegirl,growingupnorthofChicago.Sincethen,she'slived
inOhioandSanFrancisco,andnowlivesnearBoulder.Shehasajobthatsheloves,butitdoesn't
soundexcitingtoanyoneelse.Shedoesyogaandtakesdanceclasseswhenshecan.Shehasa
husband,whoreadsherromances,andanamazinglittlegirl,whoiswaytooyoungtoreadwhatZoe
writes(yet).She'sinspiredbyherfamilyandfriends,booksandart,andalloftheplacesshe's
traveled.

Youcanfindherat

www.facebook.com/ZoeLeeBooks

and@zoelee_booksonTwitter.

Document Outline

Contents
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Acknowledgements
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Epilogue
About The Author

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