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EMILY

“I cave, totally and completely. I’m so in over my head.

The need to want to be with Tate is crazy.

Is this how it felt with Deke?” I ask my sister at work this morning.

It’s a rarity that the two of us open together anymore.

Nat has been taking more opening and closing shifts, making it to where we rotate.

It’s awesome in one respect but also so annoying because I feel like I’m missing my sister and work friends.

We now need to hire a couple of new staff.

Summer is coming to a close, college students are heading back to their dorms, and I’d like to say Beach Babe slows down in the fall and winter months, but that would be a lie.

We live on a beach, and it’s a tourist destination as well as snowbirds.

“That all-consuming, can’t get him off your mind, ready to pack a bag and follow him even if it was to live in a yurt?

” This is why I’ve held off on telling Kelsey anything to do with Tate and me.

I love her, would do anything for my sister, but where she needs to feel secure in every aspect of life, I’m more of a free spirit, take-things-as-they-come type of person.

Clearly, there’s this man who’s about six foot three, two hundred pounds, all man, muscular in the way that he’s worked construction in some form of way his whole life, has killer hair in the sense that most women would die for, soft with a wave, a small beard that feels delicious whether it’s rubbing against your cheeks, neck, breasts, or between your thighs.

His golden skin is bronzed literally to perfection, and he’s got eyes that you could melt from and a personality that’s pretty freaking spectacular when he’s not inundated with work shit.

“Well, you may as well hook me to a pole because I’m hooked,” I grumble. Kelsey laughs. I’d throw something at her, but right now, all I have is a breakfast sandwich and a coffee at my disposal. Tossing those would be downright wasteful.

“If he’d ever get home, it would help. As much as I liked Tennessee, it’s not like I could work there.

” I’m sitting with my legs crossed on the floor.

Kelsey has her back to the desk, ankles crossed.

We have furniture out front and in the office but prefer to sit on the ground to hash out life topics.

“While we’re on this topic, tell me what your thoughts are if we branch out.

If we do that, it could mean lots of traveling for us both.

I could totally handle a Florida location seeing how Deke and I are there just about once or twice a month.

Would you be interested in taking over a different state?

” We talked about my idea some since I’ve been home, not super in depth, just on a casual basis to get the feelers out for Kelsey and what it could mean for Beach Babe.

“Florida would work, but if we want to keep Beach Babe as a brand, I don’t think Nashville is the place for us to be.

It’s bright lights, rhinestone tassels, boots, and leather.

What I have been looking at is Outer Banks, North Carolina.

Tate isn’t home much; I’m not tied down, so maybe I’ll take a trip and check out the atmosphere? ” I offer.

“I think that’s a great idea. Maybe Tate can meet you down there.

I don’t know how far away it is from Nashville, but I’d bet he wouldn’t mind.

I’m going to talk to Deke. I know the Harts could do the construction once we find a solid storefront in Florida.

That would leave you in the lurch for North Carolina, and no offense, sister of mine, you kind of suck as a general contractor.

” Kelsey is not wrong. I think five gray hairs sprouted when I attempted to be.

It caused my sister to want to run away, and I thought Deke was going to strangle me.

“Tell me something I don’t know, and yeah, I’ll talk to Tate, but it’s not like he’s ever in town, and talking to him on the phone is pretty hard at the moment seeing how he’s been in such a bad mood.

I think that’s what has my panties in a wad the most. I’m trying to be a friend while also being a lover and not labeling it because I know this was my choice as well as his.

” I hold my hand up before Kels can blow.

She will, I know. “But it’s hard, Kels. He’s so lost lately, and that makes me sad. ”

“While yes, that does suck, you two agreed on it, and you can’t go asking for something more since this was what you were both after.

I will say this, though: book the trip on your next two days off.

Heck, take some vacation days. You need it.

See if he wants to come with you to North Carolina.

If he doesn’t, that sucks, but it also tells you where he’s at, and it’ll put you where you need to be, too.

” Ugh, being the older sister, she’s so full of wisdom. How annoying is that?

“You’re right, and don’t start; I’ve already said it once this year.

That just made it twice I’ve apologized.

I am currently at my max capacity.” That sets both of us in a fit of laughter.

Sometimes, it’s really good to talk to the person who knows you better than you know yourself and gets you completely.