Lexi pulls into Rhett’s driveway.
Nerves curl in her belly as she stares at her ring.
She wants to marry Scott, but…
She ignores the rest of that sentence and heads to Rhett’s front door.
When she gets there, Rhett answers it with a smile.
Lexi
Mama said I needed to talk to you.
Rhett’s eyes widen, but then he simply nods.
Lexi
You two must have some intense secret.
Rhett
You could say that.
Lexi
Are you ready to tell me?
Rhett
What did she say about your engagement?
Lexi
She wanted to know what you said.
Lexi
What the hell is going on?
Lexi
You guys are being so cryptic.
Rhett turns and heads toward the back of his house.
Lexi
Whatever you’re grilling smells amazing.
Rhett
You know I’m making your favorite.
Lexi
Is this to soften me up before you tell me the news?
Rhett
I’m not afraid to tell you. In fact, I’m excited.
Rhett leads the way back to his patio.
As Lexi follows, her anxiety spikes.
Rhett
Have a seat. I’ll get everything ready.
Lexi
Dish the dirt while you prepare.
Rhett
It’s good to have you back.
Lexi
I’m only here for a couple days.
What was that he muttered? We’ll see?
And when did he get so muscular and…well, hot?
No. She isn't attracted to Rhett. She ISN'T. She can't be.
She is engaged to another man — not the one she is ogling.
Lexi
You think this secret is big enough to make me stay?
Lexi
How could you possibly know that?
Rhett
Because I know you better than you know yourself.
Lexi
What’s that supposed to mean?
Rhett
I bought Sunset Ranch.
Lexi’s whole body goes completely still.
How does he expect her to react?
Lexi
You bought my parents’ old ranch? Why?
Rhett
Because I always wanted it.
Lexi pulls in a shaky breath.
Lexi
But that was my home. I never thought…
Rhett
At least with me owning it, you can visit anytime.
Lexi
Visit? Rhett, are you kidding me?
Rhett
I don’t understand…
Lexi
You bought my childhood home!
Lexi
The one I never wanted to leave.
Rhett pins her with a piercing gaze.
Lexi
I had little choice if I wanted to make something of myself.
Rhett
Are you saying I didn’t make something of myself?
Lexi
You know that’s not what I meant — don’t put words in my mouth.
Rhett’s eyes dart to her lips.
Rhett
I thought you’d be happy.
Lexi isn’t sure what she’s feeling.
She’s happy she can go to the farm whenever…
But confusion clouds her emotions too—
Because she feels a constant pull of desire toward Rhett—
One she can no longer ignore.
Her heart can’t take in all these feelings at once.
Lexi
I wish you would’ve told me your plans to buy it.
Rhett
I wanted to surprise you.
Lexi
Well, I’m definitely surprised.
Rhett sets their plates down and takes a seat next to her.
Their thighs brush beneath the table. Lexi’s heart rate kicks up.
Rhett
I’m moving in on Monday.
She turns her gaze to his.
She can’t help but take in his striking features.
Had she never noticed how handsome he was before?
Maybe she had, but she certainly never experienced this kind of attraction.
Lexi
I hated that we had to sell when dad passed away.
Rhett
I know. That’s why I’ve been saving.
Lexi
What? You did that…for me?
Rhett
I told you, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.
Rhett
We’re friends, right?
Lexi
But friends listen and offer a shoulder to cry on—
Lexi
Friends don’t buy houses to console their friends.
Rhett
Maybe I’m not just trying to console you.
Rhett
I have memories tied there, too.
Rhett
That’s where I met you.
Lexi’s breath catches in her throat—
And then her cell chimes from inside the pocket of her dress.
Lexi
I…I should get that.
Had he been about to kiss her?
Lexi realizes she wouldn’t have stopped him.
She takes one look at her screen and sees her fiancé’s name.
Rhett
Your man is calling.
Lexi shifts away to answer.
Scott
Hey, babe. Where are you?
Lexi
At a friend’s house.
Rhett lets out a bark of laughter.
Lexi gets up from the table and eases away.
Scott
I just got into town. I’m at your mom’s house.
Lexi clutches the phone and whirls back to face Rhett.
His dark brow is quirked and he’s wearing a crooked grin that grips her heart.
Lexi
You’re at my mama’s? I thought you were too busy to visit.
Scott
I canceled my meetings. I figured I should meet your family.
When she hears Scott say those words…
Lexi realizes an important part of her family is right here before her eyes—
Rhett. And she never wants Scott to meet him.
Lexi
Oh, well, I can be home in about 30 minutes.
Scott
Great. See you then!
Guilt consumes Lexi as she disconnects the call and sits back down.
It feels surreal — Scott is actually here, in her hometown.
Now she’s more confused than ever.
Rhett
So, your guy is in town.
Lexi
I will in a bit. I said I’d eat dinner with you.
Rhett stares for another moment before nodding.
But something has shifted in the dynamic between them…
And Lexi can’t figure out what it is.
Lexi
My mama said she knew about the farmhouse.
Rhett
Yes, I called her first to get her permission to buy it.
Lexi
And you couldn’t call me?
Rhett
I wanted to have everything in place before I told you.
Lexi
That’s how you’ve always been — so detail-oriented and organized.
Rhett
You say that like it’s a bad thing.
Lexi
I just…I guess I envy you.
Lexi
I can barely decide what to wear from day to day.
Rhett
Well, for what it’s worth, you always look stunning.
Lexi doesn’t even know how to respond to the compliment…
So they eat in silence, and then she drives away.
