CURT POVI roll my shoulders and crack my neck as I throw my keys on my kitchen counter. The smile on my face is enormous, and I know it isn't going anywhere for a while. I just expressed myself, and the girl that I like returned my feelings.   I get undressed and jump in the shower. I need to wash the diner off of me before Granddad shows up to pick me up. He hasn't relented on his rules which includes him driving me to the meetings to know I am going. I don't mind him driving me. He usually shows up early, and we talk about what is going on in the family.   I still haven't spent much time with my family. I feel too ashamed. None of them saw me at my worst, not as Shelby and Grammy did, but I'm still not ready for that step. I want to be at my best before showing my face again. Mostly due to Hailey's pregnancy. I want Dylan and Hailey to see that I am stable enough to be in their child's life.  Their next visit should be in a

SHELBY POV  When Curt pulled up in front of the diner to pick me up, my stomach tightened, and my face began to turn pink. I want to keep Curt for myself, but he should also know Lynn is interested in him. I won't blame him if he chooses her over me.   I open the door and sit down in his cologne-filled car. Having his smell wrapped around me like a warm blanket helps me relax. The scent of him brings clarity to my mind and helps me focus.    "How was work," Curt asks, sounding light and happy.   "Very busy and draining. I felt off the whole day since I woke up late; it was weird," I say, shooting him a small smile.     The car falls silent, and I begin to fiddle with my fingers. I take in every crack and rigid callous. Lynn's manicured and lotioned hands come flying into my mind. I sigh and clear my throat. Well, here goes.   "So something interesting did happen in the kitchen

SHELBY POV CAUTION CHAPTER    I roll my eyes as Ralph says, yet another sexist joke. Today is the fourth day of his training, and I can not be happier. Tomorrow we will be on different shifts; thank the Lord. Usually, I have more patience, but Fridays are one of the hardest days of the week. The diner is super busy in the morning, and the station is super busy at night. I can not wait for the seventh. Working two jobs has been challenging. I made a promising decision when I put in my two-week notice here. Working at the diner full-time should increase my pay by 5-10%. Plus, I am excited to never work with Ralph again. The man gives me the creeps.   "Since we only have an hour left, I will let you run the register by yourself. I am going to go ahead and start the cleaning duties. That way, we get out of here right at closing," I say while putting some much-desired distance between myself and Ralph.   He eye

CURT POV   "So you will know when you are here next week? Are you going to do a reveal," I ask while shutting my fridge and shifting the phone to my other ear.   "Yeah, we did the genetic testing. We will all find out together. Dylan and I decided not to open the envelope until we are all together," Hailey answers happily, and I smile.  Man, I have missed my friend. "So, what is your plan for school," I ask before taking a drink of water.    "I'm going to take some time off. I'm still undecided, and I don't really enjoy college if I am being perfectly candid. It feels pointless. I enjoy customer service. I like talking to people all day. I have no problem being a cashier for the rest of my life. I just feel like I don't need a degree," Hailey explains while sighing.   "I get it. I still have no idea what I am going to do," I say before plopping down in my lazy boy. &nb

CURT POV   I slowly unwrap myself from Shelby's sleeping form. I cover her with the blanket and press a quick kiss to her forehead. She didn't even finish the movie before passing out on me.   If I didn't have to blow out the candles and put away the leftovers, I wouldn't be leaving her side. But the last thing I need is a fire. I look down at my sleeping beauty one last time.   She really surprised me tonight. I've never seen her this dolled up. The dress she chose looks perfect on her. Her hair is usually up, so I forget just how long it is. She looks like an angel—my own personal slice of heaven.   I clean up as quietly as I can. I place leftovers in the fridge and the rest of her Twix in a ziplock baggie. I place her flowers in my tallest glass I have because I don't own a vase. When I'm finished, I return to the couch, and my brain freezes.   The couch isn't large enough for us both