Breaking Stars (The Celebrity 2)

“This is it. Miss Em rents out the converted barn in the back, and some of the rooms in the main home as well, if she needs to. I know for a fact that all the rooms are available right now,” he added as he turned the truck off and opened the door. His cowboy boots hit the side of the truck with a bang before his feet landed in a pile of mud, sending a splash of the brown goo into the air.

I was definitely not dressed for walking around in mud. Surveying the area around my feet, I looked for the least soggy area and made a jump for it. “So, how do you know so much about the house?” I asked as he headed for the front porch.

“It’s my mama’s,” he said over his shoulder before the screen door slammed shut and he disappeared inside.

His mom’s?

Oh crap.

Meeting Mama

Paige

A woman I assumed was Tatum’s mom stepped outside the house, wiping her flour-stained hands on the front of a well-worn apron. “Hi, Paige, I’m Emily Montgomery.” She extended a clean hand.

Wavy brown hair framed her face, and her blue eyes twinkled as she grinned at me. Apparently she knew who I was. There was recognition in her eyes, as well as a sort of giddiness in her demeanor. She seemed happy and inviting, a far cry from the welcome her son gave me.

“Hi, Mrs. Montgomery. Thank you so much for letting me stay here.”

She nodded her head and waved a hand in my direction. “It’s no trouble. No trouble at all.”

“I really do appreciate it.”

“Would you like some sweet tea?” she asked with a smile, and my own dropped a little.

“I don’t know what that is,” I admitted sheepishly.

“It’s sweetened sun tea, dear. It’s a Southern tradition.”

“You sweeten it yourself?” I asked, feeling like a complete imbecile.

“You bet.”

“Well then, I’d love some.”

As she walked toward the front door, she stopped abruptly and turned to face me. “Oh dear, I hope you like dogs.”

“I love dogs,” I said, noticing the large chocolate lab behind the screen door, wagging its tail back and forth.

“Thank goodness. This here’s Buster. He’s a big love, but he gets in the way sometimes,” she said. “Tell me something else, dear. Would you prefer to sleep in the main house, or would you like some privacy in the back house by yourself? I can get it fixed up for you, if you’d prefer.”

I thought about it for a second, then said, “I’d love to stay in the main house with you, if you don’t mind.” I didn’t want her going to any more trouble than I’d already put her through.

“That would be lovely. Truly lovely. Come on then,” she answered before yelling, “Tatum Alan Montgomery, come help this young lady with her bag right now or so help me, God—”

“No, Mrs. Montgomery, it’s okay,” I started to argue, but Tatum appeared at my side and lifted my duffel with two fingers.

Buster bolted for me as soon as the door opened. I bent down and squeezed his face affectionately before scratching behind his ears. “You are so handsome, aren’t you?” I planted a quick kiss on top of his nose, and he licked the side of my face. I laughed and stood up straight, noticing that Tatum was watching and waiting for me.

His eyebrows lifted as he walked away, his manly scent drifting toward me as I followed behind him. “Your room’s in here. Mama’s making dinner. She’ll cook breakfast, as well. I’ll order that tire first thing in the morning.”

“I’m not in any rush,” I offered, hoping to slow him down, but he didn’t take the bait.

“Well, I’ll try to get it here as soon as I can, but it might take a couple days.”

I shrugged. “That’s fine.”

“The bathroom’s across the hall.” He pointed toward an open door. “Mama’s room is at the end,” he explained, then walked away. “Come on, Buster.”