Almost Home (NG2)

A deal

Robbie woke and put his pillow over his head and groaned. His night out was confusing. He had laughed more than he could remember, but Phoebe was bound to be his undoing.

Why was it he wanted the girl he shouldn't and didn't want the woman he had? It was impossible to forget she was next to him all night. He couldn't ignore her, but each time they spoke in the loud bar, it was a mistake. They leaned into each other's ears and her scent engulfed him.

The moment her lips brushed his ear, he felt it in his jeans. She was an enchantress trying to trap him. She wasn't a girl at all, but a woman. Once again, she had black lace peeking out around her cleavage. Most men were fascinated with Cayla's figure, but after having it to himself, he was enthralled with smaller, perky beauties.

The cottage was empty. His parents went home for the rest of their vacation week. He didn't blame them. As much as he loved the cottage, their house was roomier and his mother's kitchen was a chef's paradise.

He'd be content in the cottage for a while. Eventually, he would need to find a place and buy furniture and dishes. The list was endless. Living with Cayla spoiled him.

Without his dad to get the coffee, he bundled up and walked to The Landing. He wasn't sure if he was relieved or disappointed Phoebe wasn't working. Maybe he should have stayed in Nashville.

Reed drove up to celebrate a late Christmas with Sasha. Robbie put on his new wetsuit for his first experience of winter surfing. Once on the beach, he had Reed take a picture of him so he could send it to Nash. Remarkably, his suit kept him warm in the forty degree water.

Reed said, "I don't stay out long. A half a dozen waves are usually enough."

They had three or four decent rides when Phoebe appeared. Robbie felt a familiar feeling when Reed teased her. He thought he was done with the unsettling feeling when he left Cayla and her handsy admirers.

Before they separated in the direction of their cottages, Reed said, "I'll stop by on my way out. I want dets on your move."

Reed was heading back to Boston to see in the New Year. Rob had no plans for the evening. Although it should depress him, he was just glad not to be at another one of Beau's parties.

A hot shower and warm clothes felt amazing. He made a late lunch. His mother left food, but he needed to shop. He had finished his sandwich when he heard a rap on the door.

Reed dressed warmly, too. He walked in and looked around. "This place never changes." Rob smiled. "Good times on rainy days."

"You're really here for good?"

He nodded. "I start work on the third."

"And you're single?"

Robbie nodded. "I ended it a week before I left. Things were heading south. I knew she wasn't wife material."

"We're too young for wives."

"Probably. I was wasting time, and I wanted out of Nashville."

"You just wanted to come home and have some of your little girl. Christ, she grew up good."

"She's six years younger than me."

"So what?"

"She was in middle school when I started college."

"She's not in middle school now. I might just ask her out the next time she hands me a cup of coffee."

"Don't!"

"Jealous?" Reed laughed.

"No." Darn straight, he was. "She'll turn you down."

"Maybe. Maybe not. If she does, it's because she has the hots for you. She's too old for it to be a cute crush."