Free Can't Let Go by Michelle Lynn Page A

realize the conversation I could have had with them. Girls are nosey and usually dig until they reveal the truth. Which surprises me with these two, because they let it go fairly quick.
     

     
    SOON, CITYSCAPE IS left behind when farms and countryside fill the windows of the car. Jessa follows Brady’s Camaro down a long driveway and parks in front of a four-car garage. If I thought I was out of my league before, I’m certain I am now. I had thought Dex’s mom’s house was enormous, but this one is on a whole other scale. A dark, almost old but modern house rests in the middle of open land. It resembles something an architect would design and definitely doesn’t fit the mold of the other farm houses we passed getting here.
    The girls step out of the car, giggling about something I never heard. All the guys wheel their expensive luggage while Dex swings my ripped duffle bag across his shoulder. He stays back with me, allowing the foursome to lead the way.
    When the door opens, a guy a little more like I’m used to smiles down at all of us. Here’s a guy like back home. Short dark hair, tattoos inked across his body, and small gages in his ears. They all shake hands or hug each other, showing how close friends they all are.
    After all the hellos to everyone he knows, his eyes find mine. “Hey, I’m Trey.” He introduces himself, holding his hand out for me to shake.
    Slowly untying my fingers from nervously playing with my purse strap, I hold my hand out. “Chrissy,” I answer, and Dex comes to my side. His hand rests on the small of my back igniting a surge of electricity shooting up my spine.
    “Sorry, Chrissy’s an old friend,” he adds.
    Trey gives me a welcoming smile. “Welcome,” he greets, and I actually calm a little bit from his gracious demeanor.
    Following everyone else into the kitchen, the girls take seats on the stools while the guys stand behind them. Something isn’t like the other rings in my head. Leaning against the counter to keep a distance, I silently listen to his friends catch up.
    “Hopefully that wide grin means you won her back?” Dex says, clasping his friend’s shoulder as beers and drinks slide around the kitchen island.
    “Yeah, she can’t deny this gorgeous face for that long,” Trey jokes and they all laugh.
    “Hmm … always conceited.” A shorter brunette walks in and everyone turns around to her voice. I, on the other hand, can’t take my eyes off of Trey. I’ve never in my life witnessed a man so elated from a girl’s appearance in a room. His eyes follow her around as she greets everyone, and his tongue licks his lips when she turns his way. When she wraps her arms around his waist, nuzzling into him more, he closes his eyes briefly, as though saying an extra prayer that she’s his.
    “I have to take it where I can. It’s hard not being the gorgeous one between us two,” he compliments her, and she shrugs it off. I’m not sure I’ve ever had anyone say something remotely romantic like that to me.
    “Good one,” she says, rolling her eyes and a pink flush stains her cheeks.
    “Let’s leave these guys and have some girl talk. I’m entirely pissed off at you for not waiting to get your nails done until we got here.” Jessa teases the brunette, pointing at her with her already polished nail. Glancing down at my own, I wince at my out grown cuticles and erratic chipped lines from my constant biting.
    “Come on, guys, we can go outside,” Trey says, waving them toward the screen door. “Where are the girls?” He peers down at her and asks. They have kids? Maybe I’m not so out of my league here.
    “Outside playing with your parents and Derek. Aunt Holly and Uncle Clyde are upstairs resting.” She raises her eyebrows multiple times.
    He bends down and whispers something in her ear, making her face light up like she’s seeing fireworks for the first time in her life.
    As the guys leave, Dex glances back one more time before following.
    “Later,