When Nick deepens the kiss, I throw a pillow at their heads.
“Can you take that into another room, please?”
The two lovebirds laugh and stumble out, but the giggling doesn’t stop. I hear another door shut and then a thump, followed by a moan. I cover my ears and flop back on the bed.
This is going to be a long summer.
The next three days drag on in about the same fashion, slow and steady, and there’s always a moment when I have to hide in my bedroom and cover my ears or risk being scarred for life. There’s nothing worse than hearing your brother bring his wife to the big O.
Jessa had to work today, so after she left, Nick joined me on the deck for a cup of coffee and a bagel. The weather is beautiful this time of the year, and I enjoy the peace and quiet as I lean back in the chair, look up at the clouds floating across the bright blue sky, and take a bite of my breakfast.
“So, how do you like Rock Springs?”
“I’ve been here before,” I say, wiping cream cheese from the corner of my mouth.”
“I know, but never for an extended period of time.”
“It’s nice. I haven’t really left your house.”
“Why not?”
I give my brother a look. “I can’t believe you have to ask.”
He sets his coffee mug on the small table between us. “You’re not in LA, Nora.”
“I know that.”
“Rock Springs is a tight-knit community. Everybody knows everybody. Jessa grew up here. She’s resp
ected and loved, and when I married her, the community took me in. Everyone knows you’re my sister, and they’re protective of that as well. Stay away from the arcade, bowling alley, and movie theater—where your potential fans hang out—and I promise you won’t get bombarded.”
“You’re right. I shouldn’t be so worried. It’s just weird stepping out by myself. I’m used to having Bo around.”
“Welcome to freedom.”
Freedom. I take a breath of the crisp, clean air, and blow it out. “Is that what this feeling is?”
“You’ve worked your ass off. You deserve a breather. While you’re here, you’re just my bratty little sister.”
I swat his arm. “I’m not a brat. But you’re right. I need to enjoy my time off. Who knows, I might venture into town later and check out the scenery. I’ll probably wait to actually shop until I have someone with me, but that doesn’t mean I can’t get out of the house for a while. Do you guys have Uber here?”
Nick rolls his eyes. “No. And even if we did, you can’t take an Uber. I want you to live a little, but you still have to be safe. Take my old truck. The keys are hanging by the back door.”
“Wait, you’re not talking about that beat-up Ford, are you?”
He grins. “Her name is Bessie.”
“No way! You still have that thing? It’s ancient. I’m surprised it hasn’t fallen apart.”
“It has a few times, but I keep fixing it. Well, Gray keeps fixing it.”
“Why?”
“Because.”
“Oh my God, are you blushing?” I lean forward in my chair, but Nick turns his head.
“No.”