Page 79 of Now and Then

I clear my throat in an attempt to tamper down my sudden surge in anger.

“Sutton,” Navy says, “is one of my best friends, and I know whatever is going on between you two right now is serious for her. I don’t want you getting involved with her if you’re looking for another right now or fling or whatever your specialty is.”

I clench my jaw, forcing myself to keep my voice even. “Not that I have to explain anything to you, but I’m allowed to date, even if it seems like a lot. And, no, it wasn’t because I was playing the field or going through girls for fun. I dated so much because Sutton was unavailable, and I was trying to find someone who made me feel half of what I feel for her. So, as much as you’re worried about Sutton being a right now for me, you couldn’t be more off-base. I realized years ago that my heart belongs only to her. And now that we’ve found our way to each other, you better believe I won’t be letting her go.”

Navy’s shoulders relax, and she steps back from the counter. “Okay.”

“Okay? That’s all you’ve got to say after coming at me like that?”

“Just need to see if you’re one of the good ones.” She turns to wipe down the counter.

I am dumbstruck. I know Sutton, Navy, and Greer are protective of one another, but I never thought I’d be on this end of it, with Navy playing bodyguard for Sutton against me.

“And?” I question. “What’s the verdict?”

“Time will tell.” She side-eyes me. “Just know, if you break her heart, I break your kneecaps.”

I chuckle. Navy looks all sweet and innocent, but I know she’d do it.

“You’re scary as fuck. You know that, right?”

She winks and goes back to her work.

I’m still fired up when I get in my truck. I get why Navy is worried. It’s not like I’m immune to my own reputation, but like I told Sutton, I was loyal and upfront with every woman I spent time with. I couldn’t help it that my heart didn’t want to be with any other woman but Sutton.

And unfortunately, she had found love, at least for several years. I couldn’t have known that she and Brandon would eventually break up. Sure, I was hoping, but at the time, I knew I owed it to myself to try to find someone to create a life with. And boy did I put in a lot of effort to convince my heart to love other women. It just never did.

When I pull down my dirt drive, I’m surprised to see Easton’s crew loading up supplies and trash. Maybe they’ve actually made progress.

“Hey, Hunter,” Easton says when I step out with my food in hand.

“You guys work on Saturdays?” I shake his hand.

“Not usually, but we wanted to finish these floors.” He tips his head toward the house, motioning for me to follow him. “Cabinets are here too, so we’ll install those Monday. Other than that, it’s just basic cosmetic items on the list, which Sutton’s already started on.”

Inside, the kitchen is a blank slate with no cabinets or countertops and what looks to be a brand-new farmhouse sink in the corner.

I nod along as Easton lists everything out. “I thought it was going to take you guys forever,” I say, “but you really picked up the pace.”

The house is blessedly quiet except for the familiar sound of country music coming from upstairs. I smile, picturing Sutton dancing along to each song like she always does. I place our lunch on a saw horse and turn back to Easton. “And I’m assuming new countertops are on the way as well?”

Easton smiles. “Those are ready too. I’m headed there now to pick up the slabs.”

“Easton, it’s Saturday. You know you don’t have to work on the weekend.”

He shuffles his feet back and forth. “Nah, it’s all good. I don’t live here full-time, so I don’t really know anyone around town. Not much to do, ya know?”

“What are you doing next Saturday?” I’m thinking of Greer’s Halloween party. It’s not like me to randomly invite people to parties I’m not hosting, but I don’t think Greer will mind, and it sounds like Easton could use a night off.

“Not sure. Probably frozen pizza and a movie. I’m supposed to leave soon, but I’m thinking about staying a little longer.”

“Uh-uh,” Sutton says, rounding the corner. “That won’t do. You’re coming to Greer’s party.”

Easton arches a brow. “I’m not really a party kind of guy anymore.”

Sutton rolls her eyes. “You’ve never been to one of ours. It’s a Halloween party, and rumor has it that the costume competition is going to be stiff this year.” She winks at me.

“Um . . .” Easton looks at the ground.