by Ellie Hall
Hmm … Gavin’s right. “No, because he wasn’t worth the effort.”
His eyes sparkle with amusement. “Glad to know I made the cut.”
“You’re always worth the effort,” I chime. It’s time to make amends. I make a face. “I’m sorry about the milkshake. If I’d known that you weren’t engaged, I wouldn’t have gotten so upset.” I hold up a finger. “But you did bring that on yourself.”
“I guess so,” he laughs. “It was worth it to get you going. I had to know if you still cared.”
“Well, now you know.” I give him a playful shove in the chest and can’t help but notice how cut his muscles are. It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him how amazing he looks, but I’d better not show all my cards on our first night back together. Are we back together? I sure hope so!
“I’m gonna go and change clothes, and then we can dig into that pint of Chunky Monkey.”
My jaw drops. “You still have it.”
“Of course. I was saving it for just the right occasion.”
I give him a speculative look. “Tell me the truth, did you spot me in the grocery store and then make a beeline over to the ice cream section to grab the last pint of Chunky Monkey?”
He makes a zipping motion over his lips, his eyes popping with mischief.
“A-ha! You did!”
Mellow laughter floats from his throat. This is what I love—the banter that flows so effortlessly between us. Maybe we can pick back up where we left off. In many ways, we already are. That kiss was something.
“Okay, if we’re having a confessional, I may have been walking by the pizza place, and I might’ve seen you sitting at the table with Mac.”
His admission gives me great pleasure.
“I’m glad you saved me … err, my feet from that long, dreadful walk home.”
“I’m here for ya,” he winks. A second later, he clucks his tongue. “You are something to be reckoned with. In the matter of a week, you stabbed Collette with a pin and showed everyone your latest fashion trend with the bow on the bra hanging out of your shirt.”
My face flames. “That was an accident. My seatbelt must’ve unbuttoned my blouse.”
He continues, “You entered a beauty pageant and got back together with your old boyfriend.” He gives me an appraising look. “You certainly don’t let any grass grow under your feet.”
My eyes widen. “Are we back together?”
A crooked grin pulls at his lips. “You betcha.” He pauses. “Unless you’re one of those who likes to kiss and run.”
A giggle rises in my throat. “That’s just it. I’ve never been the type to kiss and run.” My heart is so light right now that it feels like it could fly up to the heavens. I can hardly believe that Gavin and I are back together. “As for the beauty pageant, you can thank my meddling mother for signing me up.”
“I wouldn’t be too hard on your mother. After all, she’s the reason we’re back together.”
My jaw drops a mile. “Huh?”
“It’s true.” He lets out a long breath. A few weeks ago, Sable came traipsing into the hardware store and announced that you were moving back home. She pinned me with one of her steely looks and said, “‘Don’t you think it’s about time you stop dinking around and tell Albany how you feel about her’?”
“What?” I sputter. “Mom did that? H—how did she know how you feel about me?”
“That’s what I asked. You know what she said?”
I shake my head.
Sable came back with, “‘Because I’ve got eyes, that’s why. You need to stop moping around and looking so down-in-the-mouth. Oh, and you need to stop dating all the wrong women and go after Albany.’”
“I told Sable that I would do just that if I thought you cared.” He grins. “I might’ve said something about how ridiculously stubborn you are and that if I did make a play for you, you’d probably throw it right back in my face. Sable agreed and said not to worry about that, saying she’d take care of everything.”
A disbelieving laugh rises in my throat. “Mom played me! She knew I would be ticked about altering Collette’s wedding dress.” My mind works to assemble the pieces. “Was Kitty Williams in on the charade? And Collette? I can’t imagine that they would be.”
“No, I don’t think so. I’m sure that Collette and her mom dreamed up that scheme about the wedding dress to drive a wedge between you and me.”
“Kitty and Collette thought they were playing me and using my mother to do it, but Mom was playing them.” I shake my head in admiration, a grin stretching over my lips. “I haven’t given my mom enough credit.” I chuckle. “She’s a crafty one. You just wait until I get home tonight.”
“Wait a minute. Don’t go home and call Sable out on the carpet. If you do, she’ll know that I ratted her out.”
“That’s true.” I think of something else. “If I play dumb, then I’ll have the upper hand.”
Gavin smiles in relief. “That’s the ticket.”
A wicked idea circles my brain. “I could pretend that my date with Mac went splendidly well. Mom’ll croak.”
Gavin’s brow creases. “Nah, that’s a terrible idea.”
“Why?”
He gathers me into his arms. “Because the only person laying claim to you is me,” he utters as his lips take mine.
6
The Beauty Pageant
The high school auditorium is packed to the brim. I stand off to the side of the stage and look out over the sea of people. I spot Gavin in the center, three rows back from the front. Dad is sitting beside him. My stomach churns, and I feel like I need to puke. Mom touches my arm. “Are you okay?”
“Why did I let you talk me into this? Why!” I growl, balling my fists.
“Take it easy,” Mom warns. “You’ve got this.”
“I feel like a fat blob.” I look down at my swimsuit, remembering my nightmare about being naked by my locker. This is almost as bad. I have to go out and parade in front of an auditorium full of people. No, not just people. Even worse, people that I grew up with. People that I know! Tears rush to my eyes. “Did you see how good Collette and Strawberry Lingerfelt look in their swimsuits?” I whisper. They are definitely the ones to beat.
Mom grabs my arm, her expression one of gritty determination. “Those other girls only wished they had curves like you.” She lifts her chin, her eyes flashing fire. “Collette’s got nothing on you.” A pleased smile curves her lips. “You got Gavin.”
“Thanks to you.”
Mom blinks in surprise.
I know I said I wasn’t gonna call Mom on the carpet, but I can’t resist the temptation. “I’m onto you. I know you used reverse psychology with the alterations thing.” My voice goes syrupy. “You laid it on thick with all that drivel about how you just don’t understand me.”
“Of course, I understand you,” Mom chuckles. “You’re my daughter. I know you better than you know yourself.”
Emotion wells in my chest. “Thanks for the nudge. I guess I needed it more than I realized.” I give her a tender smile. “You’re alright.”
Moisture fills her eyes. “You’re alright too.” Her voice hitches. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” My mom and I look at one another with a new understanding. It occurs to me that maybe I do have the right mother for me, after all.
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch sight of the emcee striding out on stage to begin the pageant.
“You’ve got this,” Mom assures me. “Go out there and show ‘em what Albany Jane Featherstone’s made of. I would tell you to make me proud, but it’s too late for that … I’m already proud.”
This time, I’m the one whose eyes go moist. “Thanks.”
The music starts, and I see the contestants lining up. I straighten my spine and suck in my stomach. “It’s showtime,” I say mostly to myself as I drape on my beauty pageant smile.
An hour later, my feet are killing me in these heels, and I feel like my mouth is about
to crack off my face from smiling so much. I have to keep reminding myself to maintain good posture, even though a dart of pain is shooting between my shoulder blades. I’m fortunate to have made it into the top three finalists. No surprise, I’m in the lineup with Collette and Strawberry Lingerfelt. Swarms of butterflies circle my stomach as I wait for the emcee to announce the winner. The ten-thousand-dollar prize has never felt so close or so far away. I look out into the crowd as Gavin catches my eye. The look of adoration on his handsome face makes my heart swell. He grins and gives me a thumbs up. Regardless of what happens on this stage, I realize with a jolt that I’ve already won the greatest prize of all—a chance to start over with the man of my dreams.
The emcee clears his throat. “The second runner-up is Albany Jane Featherstone.” I feel a whoosh of disappointment as I hitch up my smile and glide across the stage to accept the bundle of roses and crown that are presented to me. I didn’t win the ten thousand dollars. Now what? I guess I’ll have to come up with an alternate plan.
“The first runner-up is Collette Williams,” the host booms. “And the winner is Strawberry Lingerfelt.”
As Strawberry is crowned and takes her walk across the stage, crying and waving at the audience, Collette shoots me a smug look. “I guess I won this round.”
“Actually, Strawberry won,” I point out. “But when it comes to what truly matters, I’m the real winner.” I make a point of looking out at the audience and catching eyes with Gavin. I can almost feel the steam coming out of Collette’s ears. I feel a little guilty for the jab … just a smidgen guilty.
After the pageant is over, Mom approaches me, fuming. “This is all Nellie Kinsey’s fault. If it weren’t for her stupid blog and all that talk about you being a relationship wrecker, I know the judges would’ve picked you.”
“Spoken like a true mother,” I laugh. Maybe what Mom says is true. Maybe not. Strawberry Lingerfelt is a beauty with her mane of red hair and perfect figure. I feel like I came out okay taking third place, especially considering my lack of preparation. “I guess I’ll have to come up with a new plan since I didn’t win the prize money.”
Mom’s eyes light up. “No need for that. I’ve already come up with an alternate plan.”
Uh, oh. There’s no telling what Mom has up her sleeve. I’m almost afraid to ask. “What is it?”
A bright smile overtakes her face. “You and I are gonna open up a boutique together … as partners.”
My eyes bug. “What?” I shake my head. “Um, I don’t see how that would work. The two of us would kill each other.”
“Nah, we’ll be fine,” Mom chuckles. “The way I see it is that you have a great eye for clothing styles and design, but you’re a bit of a blunt instrument when it comes to dealing with people. You need me to buff out the rough edges. I know how to navigate the Kitty Williams of the town.” Her eyes sparkle. “Also, think of the business I can send our way as President of the Lake Pines Women’s Club.”
“I’ll think about it,” I say, knowing that Mom will eventually talk me into it.
After I change clothes and gather my things, Gavin and Dad meet us outside in the parking lot.
“You did great,” Gavin says as he enfolds me in a hug and kisses me on the lips.
“Thank you,” I breathe, relieved that the pageant is over.
“I especially liked the swimsuit part,” he murmurs. “You looked like a million bucks.”
My insides go soft as I smile. My phone buzzes.
“You’d better answer that,” Mom says. “It’s been buzzing like crazy for the past hour. Someone’s desperate to get in touch with you.”
I pull it from my purse. It’s Jeanine, my former boss. “Hello,” I answer.
“Finally!” Jeanine exclaims. “I’ve been trying to reach you for hours.”
“What’s up?”
“You’re not going to believe this,” she squeals, “but I just got funding by some new investors to open a store in Manhattan. I want you to come back and run it for me.” My mind spins as I look at Gavin, Mom, and Dad. All three of them are watching me.
“That’s good news,” I say to Jeanine.
“Good? It’s great! We’re in the driver’s seat. These new investors are in it for the long haul. They love what we did with the other store and want us to create the same model.”
“I’m kind of in the middle of something,” I hedge. “Can I call you back later?”
There’s a slight pause. “Sure. You will take the job, right? I can’t do it without you.”
“I’ll certainly give it some thought,” I say neutrally as I end the call.
Gavin gives me a searching look. “Give what some thought?”
Dad touches my arm. “What’s going on, butter bug?”
“Jeanine got funding to open a new store in Manhattan. She wants me to run it.” I look at Gavin and see the distress on his face. His jaw tenses as his features go stone hard.
“What’re you gonna do?” he asks.
A dry laugh leaves my throat. “I don’t know,” I answer. “This is so unexpected.”
Gavin gives me a long look. “I guess that’s that,” he mutters as he shakes his head and stalks away.
“Are you just gonna let him walk away?” Mom asks, frustration simmering in her voice.
I rub my hand across my forehead. “I don’t know,” I say as I turn to look at Gavin. My eyes trace the outline of his defiant shoulders. I can tell from his stiff gait that he’s wounded, angry. The feeling of loss that sweeps over me is a relentless tidal wave that’s determined to pull me under. “Look at him,” I bluster, “storming off like an idiot and not even giving me a chance to process my thoughts.”
Dad puts a hand on my shoulder, offering me a tender smile. “Butter bug, what’re you doing? You and I both know that no store is worth losing the love of your life. Go after him.”
Just like that, everything becomes clear. “It’s time to stop chasing the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow and start appreciating the beauty of the rainbow itself.”
“Huh?” Dad asks dubiously.
“Never mind. No time to explain.” I take off sprinting. “Gavin McAllister,” I yell.
He stops and turns around. “Yeah?” he sulks.
A smile plays over my lips. “You getting cold feet already?”
He grunts. “Not hardly. You’re the one who’s kissing and running.”
I bridge the distance between us and throw my arms around his neck. “You are the most frustrating man I know.”
Amusement lights his eyes. “Does this mean that you’re staying?” His expression is as hopeful as it is vulnerable. I realize just how much Gavin cares, and it warms me to the center.
I square my jaw. “You’d better believe I’m staying. It’s like I told you before, I’m not the kiss and run type.”
A low chuckle rumbles in his throat as his arms encircle my waist. “Good to know,” he murmurs as he captures my lips with his.
Coming home has never felt so right.
Connect with Jennifer Youngblood
Jennifer Youngblood is a bestselling author of clean and sweet romance, women’s fiction, and romantic suspense novels. For as long as she can remember, Jennifer has wanted to be an author. In those rare moments when she's not dreaming up another story, Jennifer loves cooking, spending time with family, and occasionally breaking away from her hectic life to take spontaneous trips to exotic and sometimes not so exotic locations. She couldn't survive in a world without chocolate, good books, family, and friends.
Want to read more romcom romance by Jennifer Youngblood? The Good Girls Don’t Come Last Series continues with Penelope Primrose’s story, Practically Perfect.
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Five Days With My (Super Hot) Ex
Kimberly Krey
When Nikki and her old high school flame go on a reality TV show, they’re locked in a home while the cameras roll. T
he goal? Help these high school sweethearts fall back in love. Is the old spark still alive or did it fizzle out long ago?
1
Day it all began
Five tutorials, four makeup sponges, three foundations, and two concealer sticks—that’s what it takes to cover one post-period pimple—a predictable occurrence which I have dubbed the Triple P.
I lift my chin and scrutinize my reflection as the mound comes into view.
Crap! I can still see it. But at least it’s not red anymore. Sure, there’s a crusty makeup scab on the surface that looks like a cat’s tongue. The color doesn’t match the rest of my face either. It’s the exact color of the tangerine tank top I bought but never wore because the lighting in the store lied big time. I never did take that back…
I groan. “Why?” Why, at the age of twenty-five, does the Triple P still have to invade my life? I should be mentally preparing for my Zoom call this morning, not researching tutorials made for puberty-ridden teens.
Your meeting, Nikki. Focus.
At least my hair looks okay. I bypassed that whole dye-your-blonde-hair-black trend that my friends went for, but now I’m starting to rethink that; maybe I’d be taken more seriously as a brunette.
I tear out of the bathroom and race toward my Zoom-call corner where the laptop, quintessential lighting, and a cold Diet Coke await.
In ten minutes, I’ll log onto a call with Millie from Millie’s Paper Supply, a potential investor for my small business called Box of Cheer. Scoring this meeting was a big deal. Huge. Millie is one of the biggest in the tissue paper business, and she’s considering investing in my company!
Box of Cheer sells colorful custom boxes filled with cheery things and ships them across the western United States. The sunshine box, for instance, filled with all things yellow, happy, and bright, goes best with Millie’s Lemon Twist tissue paper as a base. Add the Peachy Pie paper as an accent, and the colors pop! Ah, her line goes perfectly with mine, and I can’t wait to partner up.