2. Remi
Chapter 2
Remi
Holy mother of all that is good, he’s gorgeous. Dark hair that looks like it’s perfectly tousled and deep, soulful eyes that catch the light just right. And dimples in both his freaking cheeks. I can hardly breathe. He looks like he could have just stepped off a movie set—seriously, the kind of guy who can melt you with just a look.
Winston gives a little bark, probably sensing the shift in my focus. Good boy. I give him an appreciative pat, but my thoughts are all over this man. He appears to be in his late thirties, and while I can’t see all of him since he’s sitting in that beast of a truck, I can tell he has a confident aura. This guy radiates hotness.
“You too.” He smiles, glancing down at me with eyes that seem to sparkle even from a distance. The sun is shining just right, casting a halo-like glow around him.
Winston decides this is the perfect moment to flop down into a bit of shadow, panting happily as if he’s just completed a marathon. I can’t blame him. This is definitely more entertaining than my morning routine back home.
“So, how’s the transition to small-town life treating you?” he asks, genuinely curious. It catches me off guard because, honestly, most people have looked at me like I’m some kind of fish out of water since I got here.
“It’s definitely an upgrade from the city hustle,” I admit, trying to keep my tone light while my heart pounds away in my chest.
“Would you and Winston like a ride home?” he asks, and I’m tempted, but there’s no way I’m getting in the truck with him right now. No freaking way. It’s going to take the entire walk back to Uncle Jasper’s house to get my unruly heart and hussy girly parts under control.
“Thank you, but I think Winston needs to walk a little more.” And I need the time to come to grips with the feelings my uncle’s neighbor has caused deep in my soul.
“Then I guess I’ll see you at the barbecue on Saturday.” Fudgemuffin. He’s going to be at my uncle’s little “get-together” this weekend. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get myself under control by the time I have to deal with him again.
“See you then,” I tell him and give a little wave before turning to finish my walk.
I end up carrying the spoiled pooch the last few blocks back to Uncle Jasper’s house. Seriously, that little fluffball has more energy than a toddler on a sugar high until he decides his walk is over. At that point, he gives up and lays down, stubbornly ignoring my efforts to entice him to finish the walk. After running in circles, barking at every squirrel and leaf, and managing to trip me at least twice, he refused to move another step.
As I step through the front door, the familiar scent of freshly baked cookies hits me and causes my stomach to growl.
“Hey, Remi! Did you enjoy your walk?” Uncle Jasper calls from the kitchen, where he’s putting together lunch. He lifts his head, a smile spreading across his face as he dusts his hands off on a dish towel.
“It was an adventure, that’s for sure!” I reply before bending down to unhook the leash from the excited little dog’s collar.
“Need help with lunch?” I ask as Winston runs off to drink from his bowl.
“Not a chance. You’re on relaxation duty today. I have it all under control. You just sit there and talk to me,” he teases, throwing a wink my way that makes me roll my eyes. “Was Winston a good boy on the walk?” he asks, returning to his chopping board.
“He was.” I slide onto one of the barstools, trying to sound casual even though my heart does a little leap when I think about my uncle’s handsome neighbor. “Your neighbor stopped to make sure I didn’t dognap Winston.”
“Piers?” My uncle glances up with a raised eyebrow.
“That’s the one.” The man who freaking makes my heart beat in a crazy rhythm.
“He’s such a nice young man.” Uncle Jasper glances over at me, and I can see the scheming going on in his mind.
“I guess.” I shrug and change the conversation.
My eyes pop open to the sound of chirping birds with the bright Texas sun streaming through the curtains. Today’s the day of Uncle Jasper’s barbecue, and I fully intend to make a splash. Throwing off the covers, I swing my legs over the side of the bed, barely able to stifle a yawn. It’s going to be a busy day, and I have to find the perfect outfit.
I hit the shower first, letting the hot water work its magic to wake me up. Standing under the spray, I can’t help but think about the day ahead and the chance to see Piers again. He’s been occupying a good part of my mind. The guy is mysteriously charming, and the thought of him makes my heart do this ridiculous little flutter.
After what feels like an eternity of hot water and daydreaming, I step out, wrap myself in a towel, and head to my closet which is filled with a sea of boxes. Each one has a brief description written on the side.
I rummage through my options, flicking through sundresses, tank tops, and skirts. Anything that has “simple” in the title is a solid option, but I don’t want to look too meek.
Finally, I lay my eyes on a cute, light blue sweater dress I bought on a whim. It’s November in Texas, so I’m hoping I don’t broil. Oh well. Sometimes beauty hurts.
After slipping on the dress, I stand in front of the mirror, turning all the way around to make sure there’s nothing out of place.
I pull my long hair up in a messy bun and apply a tiny bit of makeup then head downstairs, still buzzing with nervous energy. Uncle Jasper is already in the kitchen, humming along to some classic rock tune, preparing his famous burgers and fries.
“Good morning. How did you sleep?” he asks as I make my way to the kitchen counter.
“Like the dead,” I retort, pouring myself a cup of coffee. “It’s so nice to have a queen-sized bed instead of the little twin bed I had in Dallas.”
“I’m glad you’re comfortable here,” he says with a wink, handing me a spoon to stir my coffee. “And I love having the company.”
“It’s great being here,” I say as Winston walks over and sniffs my ankles.
After we finish setting up for the barbecue, guests start arriving. I’m on the back deck talking to one of Uncle Jasper’s friends, hoping the one person I’ve been waiting for arrives soon. I’m starting to give up on him when I feel the hair on the back of my neck stand up.
I turn to find Piers walking out the patio door, and I swear the world slows down for a moment. He’s wearing blue jeans and a red and black plaid shirt, the kind that should be a cliché but looks like pure perfection on him. The shirt clings just right, accentuating a form that’s definitely more on the solid side than the chiseled, gym-rat type I’d half-expected.
My heart flips when I catch sight of him. He’s extremely tall, and while I imagined him with a six-pack, he’s a little broader but not in a bad way. It’s like he’s built for comfort and strength. There's something about his solid frame that fills me with unexpected warmth. Perfect for cuddling , I think as my brain spirals down a rabbit hole of daydreams.
“Hi, Cookie.” Piers grins, and those dimples of his deepen with a smile. Each one hits like a soft punch to the gut, and I swear my heart does this ridiculous little half-flip.
“Cookie?” I need to know, trying to appear cool while internally freaking out over how charming he looks.
He chuckles, and I can already feel the corners of my mouth twitching up at his laughter. “Because you smell as sweet as fresh-baked cookies.” He steps closer to me, and I catch a whiff of his earthy scent. Oh, man. I’m in so much trouble here.
I feel like I’ve known him forever, which confuses the holy heck out of me. “Oh.” It’s the only response my befuddled mind can come up with. “Uh… do I get to make up something to call you?” Like maybe, all mine.
“You can call me whatever you want, Cookie.”