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“Um, yes?”

He nods once. “Good, let’s bring it upstairs.”

And then he looks into my car for a moment, his eyes searching, and reaches down to pop my trunk. “Come join me when you’re ready.”

I get a quick peck on the lips and he’s already striding to the back of my car, carrying my bag behind his shoulder like it’s not unusual.

By the time I calm my heart and tell myself that this is completely okay and nothing to panic over, he’s already getting an enthusiastic hug from a squealing Avery who seems to be bursting with excitement. Jackson’s there to tuck her into his side the moment she’s free and they share a look of complete adoration. These two were apparently crazy about each other for years but because of Jackson’s reputation, her brother Chase never thought he’d be able to settle down. I saw plenty of people try to sleep with him and it was clear they were hoping for seconds, so I don’t blame Chase too much, but thinking about how much time they missed out on when they’re so happy together tugs at my heart.

Everyone looks over at me when my door closes and I will my cheeks to not turn scarlet while I plaster a confident smile on my face and keep my eyes fixed on anything other than the pastel pink bag.

“Sam, are you ready?” Avery asks, her eyes sparkling.

“I think so,” I reply honestly.

“You’re going to love it! I haven’t been able to go mudding in years. I swear whenever I was home the rain refused to behave.” Her excitement is contagious and my nerves settle a little more as we walk to the house.

Neither of them have bags. I suppose that makes sense. He likely has things at this house and she’s been one of Tommy’s best friends for well over a decade from what I’ve learned, so it makes sense there’s something here for her, too. Amidst the feelings of awkwardness, a little bit of belonging blossoms in my chest. This place is feeling like…it’s too early to call it home, but it’s becoming a place that’s comfortable already. Instead of being scared that it’s too soon even for that, I let that feeling grow.

Chapter 46: Tommy

Up in my room, Sam looks more comfortable. A little nervous still, so I drop her bag on my bed and walk over to her and wrap her up in my arms.

“Are you still worried about your bag?” I ask when she hides her face in my chest.

“A little? It’s a bit…huge.”

I chuckle into her hair. “I’m pretty sure people say to not worry about the size of something.”

She looks up with a smile on her face and I kiss her before she can start to worry again. Her breath hitches when my tongue parts her lips and then she melts against me, her hands working their way under my shirt so they’re on my back. Those fingers that she had wrapped around my dick what feels like ages ago, press into my muscles and keep me flush against her. As if I need any motivation to do anything with this woman.

She groans in frustration.

“Not quite the reaction I was hoping for,” I murmur against her mouth.

“We can’t get swept up in this when there are people expecting us to come downstairs. They’re waiting.”

“We’re all waiting for Courtney to get here. Do you think those two aren’t making out in some corner right now?” I ask, willing to bet money on that. “Plus, the rest of the guys are still in the stables. If it would make you feel better, we could spend a couple of minutes unpacking that duffle you brought.”

Her face becomes increasingly red. “I’m not sure you’re going to have space for it all,” she mumbles, pressing her face into my chest.

I tip her face up so she’s looking at me again. “Why on earth would I have written a list of things that I wanted you to bring here if I didn’t have a plan for where it all would go?”

Her eyes squint a little in skepticism as I take her hand in mine and lead her first to the closet, opening one side. I didn’t go overboard and make it look like she was supposed to fully move in, but there’s a full quarter of the space completely open that I gesture to. “For your work things, any dresses, and shoes.”

Those eyes go wide and I take her to the long dresser before she can comment on the closet. I open one of the small top drawers first. “For your unmentionables and socks.” Then I move and pull open two of the larger drawers. “For your shirts and then your pants.”

Finally, I walk her to the tall dresser, pulling the middle drawer open. “And for your sleepwear.”

Her eyes get a little watery and she blinks rapidly.

“Sam?” I ask softly, tucking her hair behind her ear.

“I didn’t pack enough,” she says.

Tugging her against me, I let out a sigh of relief. “We can make another trip, cowgirl, don’t you fret.”

She nods against my chest. “I need to find more space for your things at my place. You only have a drawer so far.”