Page 62 of Legacy

“You’re mysterious.”

Keely snorted. “Not even a little. Although, there is another newbie in town. A nanny.”

“Tess?” I ask, speaking of the woman I hadn’t met.

“Yes. Her. She seemed really nice, at least, from the two seconds that I saw her at the diner. And she’s working for two different families right now, and they haven’t fired her yet. So there you go, there’s another transplant to town. And I’m already gossiping about it like I’m an Ashford Creek resident. I don’t think I like that.”

“The gossip? Or the being a resident?”

“The gossip. Because who knows what everyone’s saying about me?”

“Well, it doesn’t matter what they think. Unless they’re lying to your face about it. And now, I don’t know if I like this small-town feeling,” I said dryly.

“No, continue to like it. I promise it’s not terrible. I like it here. Promise is fantastic. And I’m learning all the new businesses and figuring out my routine. I know there’s a town meeting coming up, and I have no idea what holiday’s coming up next, but there’ll probably be a parade, and everything will be cute, and I’m really excited. Just like I’m excited to figure out what the hell you’re going to do with Callum.”

I cringed. “The problem is, I have no idea what I’m going to do with Callum. Or even if there is anything to do. He’s just not doing anything about it.”

“Okay then. Then maybe you make the move.”

“No. Absolutely not. I already did that once.”

“Then talk to him. Talking helps.”

“I don’t really like that. The whole communication is key thing.”

“Because it usually works?” Keely asked with a laugh. Keely’s phone buzzed, and she looked down at it and grinned. “And my time is up. I’m working the afternoon and evening shifts at the bed and breakfast because I decided to actually let my team open for me. It’s weird. Having a team.”

“You’re an amazing cook, though, because you made me breakfast,” I teased as I looked over at the kitchen.

“And you did the dishes. And that’s all that matters. You’ve got this, okay? Whatever happens, you got this. Just remember, secrets hurt. And I don’t want you to get hurt. You’re my friend. I like you. And I’m afraid of this small town without you.”

I smiled, and we stood up, hugging. And as I walked her out, I swallowed hard, wondering what the hell I was doing.

I watched as Keely drove away, and my heart thudded when, across the street, the front door opened. Callum stood there, an odd look on his face, and I held up my hand and waved. Like an idiot.

Well, that was brilliant.

His lips quirked into a smile for an instant, and I wanted to walk over there just to talk to him. To see what the hell was going on. But, of course, that never worked out. Instead, two cars pulled down the road and into my driveway.

“There she is, my baby girl. I haven’t seen you in forever,” my mom called out as she came forward, arms outstretched.

I looked over at Callum before forcing myself to break eye contact and let my mom hug me. “I saw you yesterday. I’ve only spent one night away.”

“You say that, and yet you’re my baby girl.”

“Mom.”

“Oh, shush. I just love you. Now, let’s get back to unpacking.”

I let out a sigh. “I’m nearly done.”

“You do realize that we have more stuff for you in the car, right?” my dad asked, giving me an apologetic look.

“Your house is going to be fully decorated at any moment. And if we were allowed to paint, we would be doing that too.”

“The owner said she’d be allowed to paint any room she wants,” a deep voice said, and I nearly jumped out of my skin.

I looked up at Callum, standing next to my brother, and tried not to look guilty. After all, Callum had just had his face between my thighs less than twenty-four hours ago. Totally normal.