Page 2 of Redeem My Heart

Sugar, girls your size can’t wear shorts like that.

You really need to fix yourself up, Sugar. You never know who you’re going to see when you go out.

I got you this magazine, Sugar, because there’s the newest diet inside.

She means well, I suppose. Or not. Honestly, I don’t even know. I haven’t spoken to her in years. Not since she left my dad and me and my siblings. She still sends us birthday cards and I get the occasional email about the next diet fad to which I send a quick, ‘thanks,’ and leave it at that.

(XX - something about her sister)

Our brother Max, despite the fact that he’s younger than both of us, is fiercely protective. So he has no fucks to give when it comes to dear old mom.

It doesn’t take too much longer before we’re turning down the road that leads to the Whitmore land. I think it was originally just one big ranch, but Mr. Whitmore, the patriarch, parceled if off for his kids as they grew up. Now they each have their own spaces. I don’t believe Daphne nor Garrett, the two youngest, have started building houses out here, despite the fact that they’re both married.

When it comes to ranching families, the Whitmores are up there with Saddle Creek royalty. Only the Crawfords and Blankenship’s have more land each.

Lily turns down the gravel drive that leads to Grady’s house.

“I cannot believe you’re making me do this,” I mutter.

“I know, right? What was I thinking, bringing you somewhere they have free snacks, your favorite pop star, and fun to be had? I am the worst.”

I roll my eyes and then reluctantly follow her to the door where she doesn’t even knock, just opens it and strolls on inside. I can’t let her get too far ahead of me though because I really don’t want to be alone.

Yes, I grew up in this town. Yes, I was once friends with Daphne, the only girl in the Whitmore tribe. Still, I don’t like situations where I might stand out. I’m more of a blend into the background kind of girl.

Which maybe won’t be hard once we get past the introductions.

“Lily! I’m so glad you could make it,” a voice coos. And then there she is, pop sensation, Jess Munoz in the flesh. It’s kinda weird seeing her barefoot and in leggings and a t-shirt. I’m used to her being in sequins. Still, even dressed as casually as she is, she radiates star power. It’s not blinding, not like the one time I saw her in concert, but it’s there. Jess squeezes Lily’s shoulder, a testament that she knows my boss well and that she’s not really a hugger.

“I brought a co-worker,” Lily says, then shifts her body so I can step up next to her. “Jess, this is Sugar. Sugar, meet Jess.”

Sugar. Ugh, how embarrassing.

“You can actually just call me Shelby,” I say. “Sugar is just a nickname from when I was kid.”

Lily spins to face me. “Do you wish I wouldn’t call you Sugar?”

I shrug. “It’s okay. You’ve known me my whole life. But when I meet new people…” I let my words dwindle.

“Then I will call you Shelby,” Jess says, linking our arms together. “So you’re another native Saddle Creek-er?”

“I am. Born and raised.”

“Then you probably know my husband and my in-laws.”

“I do.” I glance around and thankfully don’t see the one Whitmore I simultaneously want to see and hope won’t be here. I turn to Jess. “Can I fangirl all over you for a minute? I know we’re in your house and that’s probably obnoxious, but OMG I really love your music.”

She gives me a genuine smile. “Thank you. Truly.”

We enter into the big open space that houses the kitchen and living room. The house is gorgeous and spacious and has obviously had some renovations done since Jess moved in. I’m about to comment on them, when I see Dane standing leaning against the island that creates a natural separation between the two rooms.

Just like that, all coherent thought vanishes, along with the nerves I had about meeting Jess.

Because it’s him. Dane. Looking as beautiful as I remember him being. Nope, he’s even more attractive.

Thick and big, like his older brother, Grady, Dane Whitmore is barrel-chested with a thick neck and massive thighs. His biceps threaten the t-shirt he’s wearing. He’s obviously got a tattoo sleeve on his right arm, but his left looks bare. There’s a hint of some ink creeping up from his shoulder to the right side of his neck.

And he’s scowling. Which somehow makes him even sexier.