Are you gonna kiss me or not?

Jackson Miller


Ashlyn Price




Levi Miller


Hailey Brooks

JACKSON
Somethings never change in this town, the was the constantly feeling Jackson felt. Yes, he did love his town and couldn’t really see him moving somewhere else. It just plain and boring with knowing everyone in this small town. But that was the price of living in a small town and quite frankly there was nothing he could or would do about it. That morning when his alarm began ringing at 5 ‘o’ clock on the dot, Jackson reached up, quickly hitting the snooze button. You would think that after this being a daily routine for so many years that his body would be used to this, however, that was not the case for him. After hitting the snooze button for a good time or two, the young cowboy finally climbed out of bed. Once his feet hit the floor, Jackson wasted no time in getting ready for the day. That was a usual routine as well - shower, tooth brushing, dressing in a shirt and work jeans along with boots, and finishing up with running his finger through his hair and placing a cowboy hat on his head. Ready to take on the day that lied ahead, Jackson made his way downstairs into the kitchen. A small smile appeared on his face as he saw the coffee pot brewing. If it wasn’t for coffee, Jackson knew that he would not be able to function correctly. Stepping up to the pot, Jackson quickly reached up in the cupboard, grabbing a mug. Pouring himself the cup, Jackson took his first sip of the warm liquid, letting the good cup of Joe soothe down his throat. Not letting another minute waste, Jackson carried his cup out to the barn, starting his morning routine. He knew his older brother, Levi, would have already started on some of the chores.

About two hours later, when things were settled around the house, Jackson finally made his way up to the store, knowing that his mama would already be up there. Strolling in through the store’s front door, he smirked brightly as he sees his mama at the counter. He nods to her, going straight to the back to get some of the inventory started. He began to go through what stock they had before glancing over the list of new inventory that they just got the day before, knowing that another shipment would be coming in later that morning. He kept up with this for a while until it was time to delegate this task to one of the few extra hands that would come in. It wasn’t all the time that they would have the extra help, but when they did, the Millers definitely would take it - just never expect it. Making his way into the store, Jackson made his way behind the counter as he started greeting some of the customers and other individuals as they came in.

Like his usual self, Jackson would help anyone who came into the store. Making the usual, average conversations with some of the regulars, Jackson went to check on some items for certain customers then took care of business with them. He even got caught up on the lock town gossip, some of the latest being his older brother's ex was back in town, which meant Levi didn't know yet or just wasn't going to accept it until he physically ran into her. Creating small talk with the folks who asked him, Jackson didn't have much to say, but boy was he ready to see his brother's ex if that was the case.

Once the regulars were taken care of, Jackson went back to restocking the store, looking over inventory, and handling a very more deliveries that they had received that morning as well.

---

HAILEY
Back Home - two words Hailey thought she would never catch herself saying. She truly thought that once she was out, she would be out forever. A small sigh escaped her lips as she came up on the small town’s welcome sign. Many memories came back flooding her mind as she drove down Main Street, seeing what things hadn’t changed and what little changed had actually happened. She knew that this small town would always have its ways that it was set in and nothing was going to change them. Driving down the town, she glanced out her window as she drove by, noticing the very familiar named shops and others buildings that made their small town. How long had it exactly been since she was last here? A good couple of years or so for sure. At least since the last time her father had gotten remarried and that had been easily 3 year ago. Taking a right turn off of the main street, Hailey drove into a parking lot, looking up to the apartment building complex that she had found right off the main street. This was happening and she was really okay with it - this was much needed. Stepping out of her Ford Explorer, Hailey opened the back of the SUV, looking at all the boxes she had managed to stuff into her vehicle. She reached back for a file folder she had in her laptop case.

“You know this was the best thing for you.’ She reminded herself as she closed the hatch. Walking into the apartment complex office, she went to have a small chat with the manager before going back to her SUV. Driving around to the correct apartment building along with parking in her specific spot. Opening her hatch back open once more, Hailey picked up a coupe of bags before making her way to her apartment. Upon reaching the door, she stuck the key into the keyhole, turning the key before pushing the door open. Allowing the door to open all the way, Hailey peeked in. “Home Sweet Home.” She spoke softly Stepping inside, she placed the bags onto the floor before going to inspect the apartment. It was honestly perfect.

A good couple of hours was spent unloading her SUV, knowing that her others belongings would be coming tomorrow via a moving truck. Which she was more than okay with, considering she was already feeling slightly overwhelmed with being back in her hometown. Once she had everything either placed somewhere or at least in the general area where it was going to be set up, Hailey went to grab her phone. Of course she had a million texts from friends back in the City who wanted to know if she was okay, did she make it, how long was she going to be gone, and was she ever planning to come back. She sighed, deciding she would answer those texts later. Looking to check the time, Hailey realized she had tons of time to kill. She had already met with the Hospital she was working at; however, she thought a nice little stroll down the town would help her come to more terms with being back home. Making her way into town once more, Hailey made her way downtown, before getting back in to go check out some of the old places she used to go, along with driving by her old ex’s family’s house knowing good and well that it would be a great condition and that they family was still living there. As she drove down the country road, Hailey knew that her SUV would be able to handle these roads, so nothing could go wrong…right? That was until she went to drive by the Miller’s place when she drove in some mud, managing to actually get her SUV stuck. “What the -“ She stopped herself, realizing she had hit the muddy, muggy, swampy part of this road. “Dammit!” She yelled out of her frustration as she got out of the vehicle. It hadn’t even hit her on whose house she was practically in front of.

ASHLYN
Just one stop. Ashlyn thought to herself as she pulled off the highway. She had to get some food and freshen up. She tried following the signs to but soon she was all turned around. "Lemon Biscuits." she cursed and leaned forward opening her glove compartment. As she leaned in she felt the hot air coming out of her vents. "Really? Now you want to stop working?" she wanted to curse and hit the damn car but she pursed her lips and turned off the air conditioner. She rolled down the windows and the warm air whipped her hair around. At least the movement of air was drying some of the moisture from her face.

Ashlyn sighed and looked up. Okay now she was totally turned around. She opened the map. This didn't even seem to be the right map. She could find the highway but there was nothing where she was currently driving. "What in the name of sweet peaches?" She looked up at the road and went to set the map down to make a turn. The map whipped out the window and Ashlyn gasped. "You've gotta be kidding me." she hissed and hit the steering wheel. She pushed back in her seat looking at the map fly somewhere through a corn pasture. Totally gone. There was no way she was romping through some far to find that map. It was useless anyways. She assured herself.

Ashlyn looked around driving the way she had been planning to go. She saw nothing but farms. She had thought that when she had pulled off for a quick stop she wouldn't miss the signs. Her radio had even turned static. She hit the search button and a country song started to play through the radio. She shook her head. She had stoped listening to country music when she had gone to college on the west coast. It was like swallowing a rock to listen to it again. Country music hit you strong with emotions and visuals and that was the last thing she needed now was to think about the past or feel. Suddenly Ashlyn was driving through the smallest town she had ever seen. She looked around and raised a brow. Well there had to be a store around here some where that she could get something to eat and freshen up. She let out a sigh of relief at the little store as she turned down the road to get there. It was just off the main road.

Pulling up to little store she shut off her car parked between two trucks. She got out looking up at them. She ran a hand down the front of her form fitting blue dress that stopped just above her knees. She looked the picture of modern class as she walked to the door her heels carefully picking through the gravel. She she opened the door a ding went off. She looked up at the bell and stepped farther into the shop. She looked around. There was no sign posted for a room for her to freshen up in. She looked around seeing some man putting cans up on a high shelf.

The way his muscles pulled at his shirt as he moved. She was captivated instantly with the shape and pull of him and that golden sun kissed skin. She blushed and looked away a moment collecting herself. She stepped closer her heels echoing in the little shop like loud clicks. She looked back at the man. "Excuse me."

---

LEVI
The roster didn't shut up like an alarm would. Levi rolled over and fell off the cot up in the loft of the bar. The hay stuck his bare chest. He groaned and pushed up. He sat back and grabbed his jeans. He shoved them on and hen put his boots on. He ran a hand through his hair and shoved his hat on pulling his arms through his flannel leaving it open. Levi moved down the ladder and moved tot he little sink in the barn. He turned on the water and splashed his face. He pushed out his toothbrush from the cabinet and freshened up. Once he was ready he buttoned up his shirt and grabbed the pitchfork moving back up the loft and starting to push hay down for the animals. It wasn't much longer when he heard his mother call for him. "Levi come eat." she said. She had brought him coffee and some grits. He hopped down and kissed her cheek. "Thanks Mama. Headed to the store?" he asked and she nodded. "I'll see you later baby boy." he patted his cheek. "Don't forget to take the dishes into the house this time." Levi promised and sat on a bundle of hay to eat. His mama always looked out for him.

Levi was out in the field when Nancy their gossip loving neighbor stopped by. "Levi." she flagged him down. He looked up and took off his hat whipping the sweat from his brow. "Ma'am." he gave her a nod and hopped off the tractor and moved over to her. "Mama's at the store." he said and she nodded. "Oh good that's right. I just wanted to stop by and see how you're holding up honey." she said and Levi tilted his head. "Work's been steady." he said and she nodded. "That's nice." she said and he knew she wasn't here to check up on him but to gauge his reaction. "I was just down at Old man Joe's place grabbing some potting mixture for my gardenias. They have been looking a bit weepish. And I over head him talking with Ms. Lucy Heartford who's good friends with Mrs. Brooks and she said that little Hailey was moving back. Guess something scandalous happened back int he big city and she had to come back." She said and stopped. Levi felt his pulse quicken. "Oh really now." he said. "Well I bet Father Paul would be glad to know he's sheep are coming home." he said reminding her of the sermon on Sunday about gossip as a sin. Her cheeks light up red. "My well I bet he just might like to know but I have to put a roast int he pot for dinner. Now you be a good boy Levi." she said hurrying off quickly. He chuckled and shook his head heading back to his tractor. Hailey Brooks. He hadn't thought of her in a few weeks. He couldn't deny she still popped up in his mind even after all these years. That she made appearances in his dreams. She was the one that got away.

Levi was just finishing up wish his work and was heading to the shop to take over for Jackson when he saw the SUV caught in the wet part of the drive. He had been meaning to fix that. He went over to the SUV and watched her get out of the road. He stopped feeling his heart aching and hammering in his chest. IT was really her. Of all damn places to run into her at. She got stuck in front of his house. Either she liked messing with him or fate had a twisted sense of humor. He ran his hand through his hair and put his hat back on. He pulled at his belt loops before walking over. "Hailey Brooks." he called his southern drawl thick as he said her name. He walked over to her. "You gone and got yourself in a sticky situation now didn't ya?" he asked. He squatted down looking at her sinking tire. "Been to long you forgot which part of the road to dodge." He looked up at her. "Well that's just fine. Come on in we'll get you some of Mama's sweet tea and call Beau with his tow truck to pull ya out." he said and stood putting his hand on his hips looking her over. Damn did the look of her not bring back all the feelings. She was older had a few new wrinkles he was guessing from the studying and the whoas of the big city but she was the same Hailey.

The store had been busy like always, but not just with customers and their regulars. By noon, Jackson could not count the number of people who had come in to tell him the news of his brother's ex. This was really making him want to stop what he was doing, call Levi, and give his good ole brother a heads up, but he figured he could tell him later. That there was no way Levi would run into Hailey before Jackson got home tonight. Listening to a couple of the older ladies gossip to him about Hailey which then turned into asking Jackson about when would he be finding himself a lady and all, the young brunette just shook his head. "Oh come on Jackson, you are such a fine, strapping man there is bound to a woman here who sparks your interest." Mrs. Wanda Peters said as she looked up the young man through her coke bottle glasses. Jackson smirked, shaking his head as he restocked the shelf she was standing by. "Oh Mrs. Peters, you ladies and your gossip. Didn't Father Paul just talk about this." He chuckled in regards to the gossip. "Oh Jackson, you know we are just looking out for you." The elder lady laughed as she filled her little grocery basket.

Going back over to the counter, Jackson continued to help out. Glancing over at the time, Jackson was checking the time to see how long until his brother would be here. It wasn't nothing he couldn't handle on his own. Going about. his business once more, doing the daily tasks the it came to managing the store. As he kept up with his tasks, Jackson heard the bell from the door go off, indicating that someone entered the store.

Like any other time, Jackson kept doing his job. His eyes focused on the items in hand. As he placed them on the shelves, Jackson finally looked over to see who had entered the store. The second his eyes laid on the figure he practically began glued. She was someone new and he didn't not know her AT ALL. He smirked as his eyes looked her up and down. He went back to restocking and counting the items on the shelves when heard the unfamiliar voice speak, excuse me.

Stopping what he was doing, Jackson turned his head once more. "Yes ma'am?" He asked as he straightened up a little. "Can I help you?"

---

When Hailey stepped out the car, she looked around realizing her surroundings. She thought she might get lucky with not running into anyone that she knew of the Millers. However that was quickly crushed when she heard a very familiar voice, one that she often thought of but never thought she was physically hear once more. She made her way around the SUV when she saw him - the man who she was in love with, but the man who's heart was broke because of her. As she locked eyes on him, little flutters that she hadn't felt in so long began to hit. How was it that after all these years, she still had feelings for this man - regardless of breaking his heart or not?

Keeping her sunglasses on her face, the blonde couldn't help but give her old flame a good look up and down, not daring to move her head, only using her eyes. Yep, Levi still had it - the looks, the hair, the tan, the voice. Girl needed to keep it together. She was hear to refocus herself and get away from her lying, cheating fiance...that was such a long story, and it was one she really just wanted to push to the back of her mind.

Staying next to her vehicle, Hailey watched Levi approach her. God this man almost never changed. "Yeah...." She said, trying to collect herself. She wasn't falling head over heels for him but boy was it odd being in his presence. When Levi suggested her coming inside and all, Hailey stopped dead in her tracks. Was this really happening? "Oh....okay." She said, slightly taken back by his instant kind gesture. Yes, she knew that was how Levi was when it came to people; however, she was truly expecting him to be different with her. "Let me just get my purse out of the car." She stepped over to the passenger's side, grabbing the bag before making her way over towards Levi, ready to practically take a step back in time as she walked next to him, not really knowing what to say.

Ashlyn felt bubbles floating in her stomach making it rise up into her throat as he turned those smoldering eyes on her. She took a breath hearing her mama's voice in her head. 'Close your mouth. Drooling over some boy isn't lady like.' Ashlynn blinked clearing the fog of her mind. "Yes, thank you. Might I ask where the powder room is?" she asked blushing. The pull of his mouth into that almost cocky smile had her heart thumping at her ribs. He was that boy mama warned her about. The boy that would steal her heart, leave her alone with a baby, a mountain of bill and empty promises. 'Just like your daddy did to me.' Ashlyn wished she could get her mama out of her head in these moments. Just enjoying the sight of a man wasn't gonna get her pregnant.

Ashlyn moved to the powder room as he pointed it out. She walked in and locked the door. She went to the mirror looking at herself. She straightened out her hair with her fingers before freshening up. She finished washing her hands and applied a little fresh lipstick. She smacked her lips and straightened out her dress before moving out and back into the store.

Looking around she moved over to the maps first touching one and then another. Her eyebrows pulled together as she tried to figure out which was going to be the best to get her back to the highway. She looked up to see that man close by. She took one of the maps over to him. "Hello again. Do you ming telling me which of these maps you think might help me? I'm trying to get back onto Highway 15. I must have missed a sign somewhere and I've gotten myself all turned around." she looked up at him her stomach clenching. She realized how close he was when he leaned in to look at the map in her hand. She could smell him. He smelled like earth after a thunderstorm on a hot day. She smell made her think of wild horses and young summer nights. Her eyes flicked up looking at him under her eyelashes.

---

Levi walked in silence with her to the house. He opened the door for her waiting for her to go in. As she did his eyes moved over her. She still looked good. He stopped by the phone in the hall and dialed the number to Beau. "Hey Beau. Yeah it's Levi. Good man. Yeah..." he was quiet a bit. "Yep I know. Speaking of we need a pull out of a SUV outside my place." He smiled over at Hailey. "Yeah she'll be inside with me just stop on by when you get here." he said and gave a couple uh huh's then said goodbye and hung up the phone.

"There. He said he's be down in 20 or so." he gave her a smile though is eyes where a little tight. He moved towards the kitchen. He pulled out two glasses and poured tea into them. "Mama made this tea just yesterday. Have a seat Hailey." he said and brought over her glass setting it down then sitting on the other end looking over at her. If he could have sat on the other side of the house and not seemed suspicious he just might have though he was almost pulling off nonchalant. "So you're back. You always did know how to get the town buzzin." Levi took a sip.

Levi wasn't sure what to say but they had time, twenty minutes seemed a long time when the clock ticking in the background was the sound that filled most of the silence. He sat back and rubbed the back of his neck. "You seen your folks yet?" he asked not wanting to get into how she was, or where she had been, or what she had been up to even. All of those would lead back t why she had left and there was no way they where ready for that. Regardless Levi was determined to prove to her that he wasn't hung up over her leaving, even if the entire town knew he was still hung up on her. He could still remember the last time they sat at this table together sitting right next to each other heads pushed together as they planned a future together over catalogs and brochures.