Read Online Begin Again by Christy Newton - Free Book Online Page A

sister.
    â€œRose, it’s me. Got a minute?”
    â€œI always have time for my baby brother. What’s up?” It was good to hear her voice.
    â€œI’ve met someone amazing, but she’s different, and I don’t know how to let her know how I feel without pushing her away.”
    â€œThat’s great! I mean that you met someone, not the other thing.”
    Ryan laughed.
    â€œHow is she different?”
    He pulled his SUV into the garage and lifted the cage with Lucky sound asleep inside. “She’s been through a terrible tragedy, and she doesn’t know that I know about it.”
    â€œJust be your sweet self, and she’ll see how you feel.”
    â€œI’ve tried that.” Ryan sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. “I really like her, sis. A lot.”
    â€œI’d say so since this is the first time you’ve ever asked me for advice about a woman.”
    â€œShe’s everything I’ve been looking for my whole life.” He closed his eyes and pictured Maisie’s face the first time he had gotten a smile out of her. “You know I haven’t even kissed her yet?”
    â€œReally? I’m proud of you. All your life you’ve gone for the girls that throw themselves at you. My little brother has finally grown up.”
    â€œHa ha. Don’t get me wrong, Maisie is a knockout. She just doesn’t know it. And she has a pure heart.”
    â€œMomma and Daddy told me about your visit. I think they like her as much as you do. Can’t wait to meet the woman that finally caught my brother’s heart.”
    He sighed. “Should I tell her how I’m feeling? She tends to push me away if I get too close.”
    â€œActions first — the words can come later. Who knows, maybe she feels the same way.”
    â€œThanks, sis.” Ryan disconnected. He got out the critter food and fed Rex and his temporary visitor. He hoped his sister was right. If Maisie didn’t feel the same way about him — well, he couldn’t even think about it.
    â€¢ • •
    Ryan opened the door to his longtime friend. Jacob, who stood about six inches taller than him, reached out to shake his hand, and Ryan pulled him in for a manly hug.
    â€œGood to see you, man.”
    Ryan nodded. “Glad you made it. Come on in.”
    Jacob looked around as he walked inside. “Nice place.”
    â€œThanks. I’m just renting this place. It was the best I could find on short notice, but I do plan on looking for a home to buy next year.”
    Ryan walked his buddy around his place. When they got to the kitchen, Ryan opened the refrigerator. “Soda?”
    â€œSure,” Jacob said, taking the can from him.
    They went back into the living room and sat down.
    â€œSo how many more pets are you planning on getting?” Jacob chuckled as he glanced at the rabbit cage.
    Ryan smiled. “Rex, the rat, is mine. I’m holding onto Lucky for a friend.”
    â€œBusiness is good?”
    Ryan set his can down on the table. “Great. There is a big need for my services in this town.”
    Jacob took a long swig of his drink. “I’m happy for you, man. I do miss watching games with you, though.”
    â€œI know. But, hey, the drive wasn’t too bad, right?”
    He shook his head. “Not bad at all.”
    Ryan knew his friend needed to talk about more than the small stuff or he wouldn’t be here in his house. “So what’s up? Any dating?”
    â€œNah.” Jacob crushed the empty can. “I can’t really see getting involved with anyone else.”
    Something was definitely on his friend’s mind. “You’re young. You’re single.”
    â€œI know. I still can’t wrap my head around her cheating on me.” He paused. “She wants me back.”
    Ryan’s eyes widened. “Wants you back?”
    Jacob nodded his head. “She said it was a