Chapter 45 Sam
Toothbrush.
He included a toothbrush.
My heart is pounding in my chest like I decided to go for a run rather than stand just inside my entryway while my door bumps against me.
Tommy wants me to have a toothbrush of my own there. And pajamas. And socks, jeans, sweats, and at least one outfit for work.
I lock my door and put everything away as I walk into my bedroom, pulling out my duffle and setting it on the bed. It’s not until I have everything except my perfume and a few toiletries that he listed that it hits me: I”m packing so I can stay at Landen Acres. Judging by how much is on this list, he’s not planning for just one night. This is a list that covers several scenarios for when I might be over as well as what could be happening the next day.
I eye my drawers and shift a few things around so there’s one that’s completely empty and I sit down to write a list of things Tommy might like to keep here before getting ready for bed.
Per usual, I’m early. It’s just my little sedan parked to the side of the house.
A house that I’ve been invited to leave things at so I can stay over.
But how does their family dynamic work with four of the five brothers living under the same roof? The house is enormous, so I’m sure there’s some privacy afforded simply with the square footage, but would I be leaving for work with a Landen brother drinking coffee in his boxers?
Oh my, I’m not sure how I would handle that situation.
And what about other partners? Will there be people sneaking out in the middle of the night? Or will we all sit down and have breakfast together?
Movement catches my eye and, thankfully, stops my train of thought. Tommy steps out of the door to the office, the landline phone held to his ear as he leans against the doorframe. His smile brightens his face and he waves me over.
I turn off my car, grab my purse, and pause. Am I supposed to bring my duffle bag? Did he mean for me to pack everything on the list? Will I look like I don’t care if I don’t bring it up now? Do I pop the trunk to get it?
When I look back up at Tommy, his head is tilted to the side and he has a quizzical look on his face. Fantastic. He knows something is up.
Why on earth didn’t I pack my extra shoes and single change of clothes for today in a smaller bag so I could just bring that in and decide on the overstuffed duffle later?
I’m still in the same position when I notice Tommy walking to my car, slipping the phone into his pocket. While I’m feeling some relief that I can just ask him, my heart starts pounding in a panic because an SUV is pulling up beside me. Jacksy and Avery are here and now I have an audience. At least they’re on my passenger side.
Tommy waves at them from in front of my car and walks right to my door, which I open.
“Everything okay?” he asks, a slight frown on his face.
No hiding, Samantha Davies.
“I have a massive bag in my trunk and I didn’t think through actually bringing it in and if that’s what you wanted when you gave me the list,” I blurt. “And now people are arriving and I didn’t put my mudding change of clothes in a separate bag so now it’s going to look like I’m ridiculously high-maintenance if I need this much stuff for changing after getting dirty and I’m kind of stuck.”
Tommy’s face relaxes and I think he’s trying to not show any amusement. “Did you pack everything on the list?”
“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.