Not A Small-Town Girl

"Danielle, I really enjoyed today. Rest well." David’s voice cut through her brothers’ fussing.

Danielle paused, slightly surprised that David hadn’t driven off yet. When he got out, he was surrounded by her brothers. "You too. Drive safe," she replied softly.

Her brothers exchanged a look as they watched the exchange. Though their parents had approved of David, they couldn’t help but feel protective. Danielle had only just come home, and they weren’t about to hand her over so easily.

"The world’s full of smooth talkers," Xavier muttered pointedly. "Danielle, don’t let yourself be taken in by sweet words."

"Goodbye, Danielle. And to you all as well," David said before getting in his car, showing no intention of trying to win over Danielle’s brothers.

Seeing David’s smug look, Danielle’s brothers glared after the car, watching it until it disappeared from view. Danielle found their over-the-top reactions amusing. "Why don’t we go inside?" she suggested gently, worried they might actually run after the car if she didn’t speak up.

voice, her brothers immediately softened,

take you shopping, but

plans for the next day, but seeing his enthusiasm, she

tomorrow!" Xavier beamed, more excited than when he’d won an acting

brothers groaned internally, cursing Xavier’s cunning

you serious? You’d just attract attention everywhere," Matthew said. "Danielle, you’d bebetter off going with

Joseph added quickly, not wanting

Austin chimed

at their eagerness. She raised a hand, signaling them to stop. "Alright, alright," she said with a playful smile. "I’ll go with Xavier tomorrow. I’ll spend time with

couldn’t contain his grin, puffing up like a proud peacock. "Don’t worry, Danielle. I’ll make sure we have the