Going All In: Saddle Creek Sisters, #1

Chapter 1

Any closer and he would be kissing her back bumper .

Hands tightly gripped the steering wheel of her pink Volkswagen bug as Hadley James inwardly cursed the jerk in the pick-up truck behind her. He had been riding her back bumper since they left town. She gritted her teeth. Seriously, what was his problem? She was already going five over the speed limit which is five more than she typically liked to go. Besides, this was Saddle Creek, Tennessee, for crying out loud. It’s not like anyone here is ever in a hurry to get anywhere.

Hadley goosed the brake pedal, smiling when the truck backed off a few paces. Good. Maybe that was enough to get him to stay back. She caught a glimpse of a Georgia plate, making her wonder who the mysterious bumper rider was. Whoever it was, they were a long way off the main highway which meant they were either taking the backroads through Tennessee, or they were here to visit someone. Something told her it was the latter.

The pie plate resting on the passenger seat shifted, and Hadley made a grab for it, catching it just before it slid to the floor. Phew. Momma would have killed her had she dropped the pie before getting it to Marilee Williams. Marilee’s husband, Harold, had just suffered a stroke. Like all the rest of the women in Saddle Creek, Adeline James was keeping the Williams’ household stocked with food and baked goods until Harold recovered. It’s what a good Southern woman did when their neighbor was sick, or so Hadley was told. Today’s offering was Adeline’s award winning pecan pie.

Based at the foot of the Smoky Mountains, Saddle Creek’s rolling countryside blew past her window as she drove, eyes flickering back and forth from the road to the mirror. Tennessee was beautiful this time of year. Gorgeous red, orange and yellow foliage winked at her from the swaying tree line above the road, and for a brief moment, Hadley forgot about the annoying driver behind her to simply enjoy the scenery.

This was her favorite time of year, when the air was filled with the sweet aromas of fall and the turning leaves put on a colorful display that was unlike anything else she’d ever seen. Folks came year round to enjoy the flavorful artistic culture of Saddle Creek, but it was the fall foliage that really drew a crowd. Normally cooler this time of year, they were enjoying the last tendrils of unseasonably warm weather before the cold snap settled in. Not that Hadley was complaining. That just meant packing away her favorite cut off shorts and cowgirl boots could wait another week.

Rounding the bend, the Williams’ home came into view, and Hadley sighed in relief. Surrounded by a classic white picket fence, the country style farm house sat nestled in a meadow of trees and wildflowers. Hadley would never get over the sense of peace and tranquility she got whenever she stopped by. It was one of the many reasons why she always volunteered to drop things off for her momma.

As she drew closer, Hadley’s eyes strayed to the tire swing that still hung from the old oak tree in the front yard, bringing with it a flash of memories. Tucker Williams. Wistful, a smile curved her lips. They had dated senior year in high school, but in the end, went their separate ways. He was set on going to Atlanta to become a lawyer, and Hadley was set against leaving Saddle Creek. There were times when she wondered what would have happened had he stayed in Saddle Creek. Would they have gotten married like the whole town figured, or were they just being starry eyed children, too young to know what they really wanted out of life?

Hadley sighed again, willing the memories away as she turned into the drive. No sense dwelling on the past, she chided herself, glancing in the rearview mirror as the truck approached the driveway. See ya, she smirked, her smile fading when the truck turned into the drive behind her. She jerked her eyes forward, sucking in a sharp breath. What the heck? Was he following her? Maybe her childish stunt of pumping the brake pedal had set him off. Her hands grew slick with sweat, heart pounding in her chest.

Well, if he was expecting an apology then he was going to have another thing coming, she firmly decided, stopping in front of the house and killing the engine. She wasn’t the one in the wrong here. Pie in hand, Hadley stepped from her car, ready to give the driver a piece of her mind. How dare he ride her back bumper like that and then follow her?

The truck rolled to a stop next to her car, a plume of

dust from the gravel driveway rising between them. Coughing, Hadley waved the dust away with her free hand, eyes narrowed. Wow, this guy was a first rate jerk. Hand firmly planted on her hip, she watched as he threw open the driver’s side door and climbed out. Her eyes widened, time standing still as he ambled around the side of the truck.

Holy buckets, was that...

Tucker. Stunned, his name came out breathlessly, a myriad of emotions slamming into her like a Mack truck. Tucker Williams, her first love, her first heartache, stood in front of her, hands stuffed in the front of his jeans, a sheepish grin on his face. Hadley must have pictured this meeting a million times in her head over the years, but nothing could have prepared her for the real thing.

Hey, Hadley.

Just like that, she was transported to another time and place when the sound of his voice was enough to make her knees tremble. It flowed like honey over her skin, sweet sounding and sticking in all the right places. The burning desire to put him in his place had long since dissolved, and when he moved closer, bringing his earthy scent with him, she all about melted into her cowgirl boots. Dang, he still smelled good.

He hadn’t changed much, she surmised, studying him under thick lashes. His dark hair was shorter than she remembered, though just as thick, and there was still a curious twinkle in his deep blue eyes. He was lean muscled, broad chested, and towered over her five foot four stature a good five inches. It was the same old Tucker, only a more grown up version of the boy she once knew. And boy, oh boy, had he grown up.

Her hands tightened around the pie plate until her knuckles turned white.

So, you’re the jerk who’s been riding my bumper the past ten miles. Frazzled by his nearness, her words came out harsher than she meant them too, and she bit her lower lip. Smooth, Hadley. Real smooth.

The corner of his mouth lifted in a full on, cocky grin that was purely Tucker, sending her stomach into somersaults. Still riding that brake pedal, I see.

She arched an eyebrow. Maybe I wouldn’t have to ride it if you knew how to drive.

And your tongue still has its bite, he added, chuckling softly, though I’m not surprised. His voice grew soft, all traces of humor vanishing as uncertainty flickered in his gaze. It’s good to see you, Hadley.

Hadley shifted her feet, looking away. It was good to see him too, but she wasn’t about to tell him that. No, what she needed to do was drop the pie off and get out of here before she did, or said, something really stupid.

Wish I could say the same thing. Hadley snapped her mouth shut, feeling her cheeks heat. Wow, that totally didn’t come out the way she meant it to. I mean…that’s not what I meant.

Clearly amused, he folded his arms over his broad chest. "What did you mean to say, Had?"

The old nickname rolled easily off his tongue, as if the last ten years hadn’t even happened, and they were right back to where they’d left off. How easy it would be for her to fall into their old comradery, to laugh and flirt with him like they used to…

Hadley shook her head, chasing away the thought. Now that had bad idea written all over it. She had a life built here in Saddle Creek, he didn’t. They’d chosen their separate paths a long time ago. End of story.

I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean it that way. I meant under these circumstances. I’m sorry about your daddy.

His expression tightened anxiously, and for a moment he looked like that young lost boy who didn’t know

he was doing. It was gone before she could blink, making her wonder if she hadn’t just imagined it.

Thank you. His voice was gruff with emotion, and he paused to clear it.

So she hadn’t imagined it. Compassion swamping her, she forgot about the years they’d spent apart and stepped closer, putting a hand on his arm and giving it a gentle squeeze. He’s in good hands. Momma says Dr. Richards is the best cardiologist in the area. He’ll be okay.

Tucker covered her hand before she could draw back, and Hadley lost herself in the warmth of his gaze as everything around them fell away. Her skin prickled with awareness where it touched his, his masculine scent filling her nostrils and lodging deep in her lungs. Only two small steps separated them, and she fought the urge to move closer.

Thanks for saying that. His voice was husky, tinged with emotion. It means a lot knowing you’re here.

Knowing she was here, as in he no longer was. The reality of his words slapped her in the face, and Hadley withdrew her hand. Where else would she be if not in Saddle Creek? The words were on the tip of her tongue, but she held them back. Now wasn’t the time. Tucker wasn’t here to take a trip down memory lane, she reminded herself. He was here to help out while his daddy was sick, nothing more. The sooner she got that, the better.

Not a problem, our family is happy to help. Clearing her throat, she jiggled the pie plate. I’m here to see your momma. Is she home?

He opened then closed his mouth, as though he wanted to say something but thought better of it. Instead, his eyes dropped to the pie plate. Leaning in, he gave it a sniff. Any chance that’s for me?

Like I would bring you a pie. Lips twitching with a smile, she pulled the plate out of reach to head to the porch. This is for your momma.

Tucker fell into step beside her, letting out a low whistle. That’s harsh, Had. And here I thought all you Southern Belles lived to make pies for their menfolk.

Hadley stopped dead in her tracks, mouth hanging open. For their menfolk? He couldn’t be serious.

Tucker grinned, the lopsided smile sending those darn butterflies through her stomach again. Didn’t your momma ever tell you you’ll never catch a man if you don’t bring him a pie?

She couldn’t resist his playful smile, and a smile

reluctantly formed on her lips. She may have mentioned it, except you aren’t the type of man I’m looking to catch.

His smile faded, and something she couldn’t identify shimmered in his gaze. There was a time when I was the man for you.

Hadley swallowed, hands trembling where they clutched the plate. What was that supposed to mean? Did he regret where they left off? That couldn’t be it, she scoffed, willing the thought away. The past was the past. They both knew he wouldn’t be staying in Saddle Creek. Once his daddy was up and moving, he’d be gone again and things would be right back to where they used to be. That was a long time ago, Tucker.

The screen door opened before Tucker could respond, and Marilee Williams’ willowy form stepped out onto the porch, her blue eyes widening in surprise. Her chin length, white blonde hair swung around her face in a myriad of curls, framing the delicate features of her smooth skin. If Hadley didn’t know it, she would have guessed the older woman to be more in her late thirties rather than the fifty-six she truly was.

"Well, isn’t this a nice surprise.