Page 27 of Starting Over with You (Beer League Belles #2)

CHAPTER

TWENTY-FOUR

Kenni

Dean inherited his grandparents’ cabin when they passed.

I remember it being quaint and very old-ladyish when I was younger, but nothing could have prepared me for the place that Dean has made a home.

Dean refurbished the whole house, making it his own.

He kept a lot of the original elements of the home, which offers a stunning mix of old and new.

He replaced the standard windows with floor-to-ceiling ones, the natural light making all the rooms glow.

He used the same old bricks that Sadie used on her home to accent the front stoop.

The inside is all exposed wood, along with accent walls made with the bricks from the old homes on his great-uncle’s ranch.

He even swapped some of the doors with doors from the houses where he got the bricks.

Along the frames are little marks for kids I don’t know growing up, but then I notice a DM and SM for Dean and Sadie.

How sweet. It’s even sweeter when I notice that Skyye also has her growing marks on her door.

It’s beautiful .

Dean put in stunning herringbone flooring throughout the whole house, in such a soft pine that it makes the exposed dark wood and bricks stand out.

While it’s obvious this is a man’s home, I love the accents of Skyye.

He has photos of her everywhere, showing her at various stages throughout her whole life, along with lots of pictures of Sadie, Matt, and the kids.

This place is a home.

I lived in a 4,000-square-foot house for nineteen years, and while I tried to make it a home for my boys, it never felt the way Dean’s does. His home is like a hug that surrounds you in a pine and sandalwood scent while simultaneously making you feel all fuzzy inside.

I love it, and I’ve been breathless since I arrived.

Dean moved all my stuff into the guest room, which is way bigger than the one I had at Missy’s.

I can tell he cleaned and replaced the bedding with a set in a soft pink color that is my favorite.

The dark wooden dresser, I’ve already filled with all my things.

The closet holds all my clothes, and the Jack and Jill bathroom that I’ll share with Skyye is already packed with my products.

It’s wild, but I unpacked faster here than I did at Missy’s.

But I’m not giving that thought any of my time.

Dean had to go back to the firehouse, so I’m left to explore his home.

Skyye’s room is a Taylor Swift paradise, with all her records on the wall and even Taylor bedding.

I’m surprised since her room at Missy’s is bright green with ice skating memorabilia.

She has the best of both worlds, and I love that Dean and Missy work so well together to give their daughter everything she needs.

The door beside mine leads to Dean’s room.

I’m instantly hit with his scent, sandalwood and mint.

I inhale deeply as I enter and look around.

It’s done in dark greens and an off-white that makes everything pop.

He has a huge king-sized bed with hunter-green bedding that takes up most of the room.

The windows are floor-to-ceiling in here too and give the most gorgeous view of the mountains and forest. His boots are lined up by the dresser, and his cowboy hats are hanging on the wall.

On the wall above his dresser is a huge canvas photo of him in his firefighting gear, all covered in ash and soot from the fires in Gatlinburg a while back.

In his arms is younger Skyye as she kisses his cheek, and he holds her so tight, their love shines off the canvas.

It’s stunning.

A smile pulls at my lips as I run my fingers along his soft bedding, when a photo frame catches my eye.

At first glance, it looks like it’s only a photo of Dean and Skyye at the rink, him in his hockey gear and both of them beaming, but I see a Polaroid too.

I reach for the photo that is tucked into the side of the frame.

The Polaroid is of Missy, Sadie, Dean, and me at the county fair when we were in our teens.

I squint at it, my face breaking into a grin when I remember this moment.

We had saved for weeks to go, just to blow our money on rides and cotton candy.

I’m holding a funnel cake and looking at it like it’s God’s gift to the world.

Which, aren’t all funnel cakes?

But what has me clutching my chest is the way Dean is looking at me in the picture.

He’d bought me that funnel cake since I’d run out of money.

He did that a lot, bought me things when I wanted them.

Sadie and Missy would tease him for spoiling me.

But as I think back on it, what if it was more than that?

Because in this photo, his eyes are so intent on me.

A little grin tilts his lips, while Missy and Sadie are looking at the camera, laughing.

I run my finger along his sharp jaw and just soak in the image.

I can still taste that funnel cake, but I wish I had noticed he was looking at me like that.

I swallow and put the photo back before walking out of the room.

Before I do something stupid like lie down in his bed and wrap my body in his blanket.

I shake my head at my crazy antics and wander over to the kitchen.

I don’t know what is going on in my brain, but Dean is starring in all my damn thoughts.

I was so nervous that Missy would be mad I was moving in with him, but all she cared about was that I was leaving her.

I thought for so long they were secretly in love, but being home, I know that’s not the case.

It’s annoying how I feel it’s so wrong to lust after him.

Especially when it’s hard not to. With his flirting and smirks that put me in a tizzy.

What the hell are we doing?

It feels like we’re tiptoeing around each other, and that’s not how we do things.

It’s always been crazy comfortable between us, being around him as easy as breathing.

But now, I feel like I can’t catch my breath when he’s close to me.

I damn well can’t think when he’s looking at me.

It feels wrong but also right, and that’s confusing as hell.

I just got out of a nineteen-year relationship.

Isn’t there a rule that I have to be single for like half that?

I know the boys suggested I put a sock on the door and enjoy myself, but I’ve never been that person.

Missy and Sadie, sure. But for me, I was in love with everyone I slept with.

Or thought I was in love.

I groan as I enter the kitchen and reach for the door of the fridge. I need to run to the store to get my Poppis, but when I open the fridge, they’re there. A whole case of Ginger Lime, my favorite. How…

I grab one, furrowing my brow as I pop the top before pulling my phone out of my back pocket. I sit at the island, setting my phone down as I take a long pull and open my text thread with Dean.

Me

How’d you know I love Ginger Lime Poppis?

He answers right away.

Dean

Skyye told me. You have salt and vinegar chips too. Let me know if you need anything else.

My heart kicks up, but before I can write him back, my phone rings, showing a photo of Sadie and me at her wedding. I hit answer and greet her happily.

“Hey! You get settled? Sorry I didn’t come over to help. I had a day,” she says, and it’s almost like she’s out of breath. “Rae and Tillie had skating, and then Mitchell has hockey, so I’m running ragged. ”

I grin. “Enjoy it. Soon, they’ll be off to college.”

She groans. “Don’t remind me. I love them too much.”

“Oh, I know,” I say on a sigh. “But yeah, I’m settled. Dean has done so much with this place.”

“Right? It’s so gorgeous.” I can hear the smile in her voice. “And he kept true to our great-great-grandparents and more.”

“I know. I love it,” I say softly, sliding my fingers along the condensation on my can.

“That makes me so happy,” she gushes, and I can’t help but smile. “So, I want us all to wear matching dresses, white, with our boots.”

I snort. “Lord, why are we matching when it’s Matt’s and your anniversary?”

“Because I said so,” she says simply. “We’re gonna have a blast.”

“That’s a given.” Then I realize that with Sadie with Matt, and Missy with Nyle, it’ll leave Dean and me. How is that still happening as adults just as it did as kids? It makes me think the universe is fucking with me—or my brain is.

Something is.

I swallow down that thought, but Sadie is in my head. “Have you noticed that Dean has been flirty with you?”

I force a scoff, laughing. “What? No. Not at all. He’s just a goof.”

I’m met with silence, and I want to hide my face even though she can’t see me. “I don’t believe you one bit, Kenleigh Colburn.”

“Well, that’s rude. I’m your best friend.”

“And as your best friend, I know you know he’s been flirting with you.”

“No, I do not.”

“Wow, denial is not cute on you,” she laughs, but I just press my lips together.

I can’t unload on Sadie. She is his sister, and while we’re all best friends, I know she’s closer to Missy.

I don’t want Missy knowing I’m lusting after her baby daddy.

I swear, Sadie is in my head again because she says slowly, almost like I’m a child, “It’d be okay. ”

My heart is slamming into my ribs, and I press my hand to my stomach. “What are you talking about?”

“If you acted on your crush.”

I sputter, “What? Crush? I’m not crushing on your brother!”

“Kenni,” she says softly. “I’ve always noticed how you seek him out whenever he is around. I can’t forget how you cried when he got Missy pregnant?—”

“Those were tears of happiness,” I try, but my voice breaks, giving me away.

“Fine,” she says with a huff. “Be difficult. But know if something happened between the two of you, I’d be so supportive.”

What about Missy?

Shit, Skyye.

Jesus, my boys.

I squeak out, “Oh, the boys are calling.”

It’s a lie, and Sadie knows it. Her laughter is obnoxious as she sings, “Sure, but Kenni?”

My heart is in my throat. “Yeah?”

“He looks at you like you’re the Beer League trophy and he wants to hoist you above his head.”

“Oh my God,” I groan, and she only laughs. “Stop.”

“Love you.”

“Love you,” I say quickly, hanging up. I toss my phone onto the island and then cover my face as my feelings overwhelm me to the point of tears.

I shouldn’t be entertaining any of this.

I shouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of Dean’s flirting and those naughty little smirks, but damn it, I want to be.

I know that my marriage was over six years ago and that I don’t love Stratford, but am I ready to move on?

Maybe I’m reading way too much into this?

Flirting means he wants me, which could just be sex. Could I get down with that?

Feelings wouldn’t even be a thing. I can fuck without them—because I have so much experience doing that. I have had sex with three guys, two steady boyfriends and then Stratford .

Who am I kidding? If I slept with Dean, I’d want more. I don’t know if he is capable of that. And it’s all so fucking messy. He knocked up my sister!

Ugh.

I sit at the island for way too long, just doomscrolling through Reels as the sky turns black. I’ve made it through three Poppis, and I’m yawning when a text comes through.

Dean

Hey, just checking in to make sure you’re settled.

Immediately, I feel as if I’ve run a mile in seven minutes, which is not something I do. Ever.

Me

Yup, just hanging out.

Dean

Good. I’m about to go to bed and was just thinking of you.

I stare at the message, willing my fingers to move.

Me

What about me?

Dean

Just glad you’re in my home. I hope you’re comfortable.

Me

I am. Thank you again.

Dean

It’s my pleasure, honestly.

Dean

Text me if you need me.

I chew on my lip as I read the message again.

Me

I will.

Dean

Goodnight, darlin’. Have sweet dreams.

Me

Goodnight, Dean.

My nose starts to burn as the screen goes fuzzy from my tears.

Nineteen years and not once did Stratford wish me a goodnight or sweet dreams. His texts were always short, about the scores for the boys or letting me know about an event we had to attend.

Even before he started his affair, he never made me feel the way Dean does.

Dean makes me feel important, a very addictive feeling.

A tear falls down my cheek as another text sounds.

Ash

Love you, Mom. Hope you’re moved in okay.

Me

I am, sweetheart. Thank you. I love you.

Flint

Good, love you, Mom. Miss you.

Ash

I miss you more .

A choked sob leaves my lips, and I cover my mouth to push it back in.

My boys make me so happy, and for such a long time I thought only they were able to do so.

But then Dean Moore entered the chat.