Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 95712 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95712 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Nodding, I said, “Rhett wanted to make sundaes, and he mentioned how Emeline made such great ones. He asked if she could come back to the house, so that’s what we did.”
My parents exchanged a knowing look before returning their attention to me. “So is this official?” Mom asked.
“Is what official?”
She folded her arms over her chest. “Don’t play that game with me, Levi Tucker. Are you two dating? I mean, she went out to dinner with you boys, then came home for sundaes?”
I sighed. “We’re dating, yes.”
“What happened to not dating anyone and just spending time with Rhett?” my father asked.
A prickly feeling of annoyance danced across my skin. “Are you saying I shouldn’t be dating?”
Dad held up his hands in defense. “I’m not saying that at all. You were the one who said it.”
I shrugged. “Things changed.”
My mother smiled again. “I’ve always adored Emeline, you know that. I say you follow your heart.”
“It’s not like that, Mom. My heart doesn’t have anything to do with it.”
She raised a brow. “I see. So, it’s a purely sexual thing for you then. Does she feel the same?”
I let out a disbelieving laugh. “Did you seriously just ask me that?”
Dad nodded. “I believe she did. Does Emeline know this is purely physical?”
I scrubbed a hand down my face. “I didn’t say it was like that at all.”
“You said your heart wasn’t part of it, so that tells me it’s physical. I see how that young lady looks at you, so I think she should know if this is one-sided,” Mom stated.
I stared at my parents. “Mom, I don’t want to label it anything yet, that’s all. We literally went on our first date tonight, and Rhett was with us.”
“Where were you last night?” she asked, attempting to hide the smile she was fighting to hold back.
My gaze bounced between them. “Why are you treating me like a sixteen-year-old right now?”
“Because this involves Rhett also, Levi. If this is some kind of itch you want to take care of, you probably should consider not involving your son. He’s going to get confused,” Dad said.
“And I don’t want to see Emeline get hurt,” Mom added. “It was painfully clear to everyone that she had a crush on you when she was in high school, and it’s even more clear now that those feelings still exist.”
I rubbed at the back of my neck. “It wasn’t clear to me.”
“You were too wrapped up in Caroline to notice anything or anyone else,” my mother said, turning and opening the freezer. She took out the chocolate ice cream and told my father to get two bowls.
Glancing behind me to make sure Emeline wasn’t there, I focused back on my mother and father. “This isn’t just physical, Mom. When I’m with Emeline, she makes me feel alive in a way I’ve never experienced before. When I talk, she pays attention and treats me like I’m the only person in the world at that moment. She isn’t worried about something on her phone or what her hair looks like. She’s present. And seeing her with Rhett…”
My mother smiled softly.
“Something inside of me is sparking, and I thought I didn’t want a relationship right now—and hell, I probably shouldn’t be in one. My divorce isn’t even final yet. But I find myself thinking about her nearly all the time.”
Dad cleared his throat. “I hate to tell you this, son, but your heart is very much in this.”
With a giggle, my mother nodded. “You deserve happiness, Levi. Don’t try to keep your heart out of this relationship. Follow it and let it help guide you. With Caroline, you followed your head and did what you thought was right. This time, let your heart be part of the journey.”
I walked over and hugged my mother, kissing her on top of her head. “Why are you both so wise?”
She laughed. “It’s called experience in our old age.”
“Nonsense, you’re not old.”
Pushing me playfully on the chest, she said, “Go check on poor Emeline. Rhett probably has a row of books lined up for her to read before he’ll let her leave.”
Hugging her once more, I headed back upstairs, where Rhett did indeed have four more books lined up for Emeline to read.
Emeline leaned against her car and smiled at me. “I had fun tonight.”
“I hope my parents talking you into playing dominoes wasn’t too much. I told them you were most likely tired after the long day and week.”
She waved off my concern. “I loved it. It reminded me of playing with my grandparents when I was younger.”
“Shit, don’t tell them that. They’ll think they’re acting old and give up their favorite game.”
Emeline giggled, then looked around and exhaled. “I should probably get home.”
I took a step toward her and cupped her cheeks. “The last twenty-four hours have been…” My voice trailed off.