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“I’m still in love with you, Lynn. I can’t breathe without you,” I choke out to no one but the air in my truck.
I look toward the stores in front of me and notice the late-night music store. Cliff, Brooke, and I used to come here when we were younger. I had no idea this place was still around.
Cliff and Pook would dance in the aisles looking so in love. We would all ride here in that beat up truck. I remember that one time Cakes came along. Cliff and I had to push that darn thing all the way home that night. Lynn sat in the bed of the truck singing and staring up at the stars.
I remember staring at her thinking she was the most beautiful girl I’d ever seen. I’d wanted to go talk to her daddy then, but I didn’t think it was a mutual feeling, and she was only seventeen.
God, that feels like a lifetime ago. I need to get some air and sort my shit out. Stepping out of the truck, I roll the sleeves of my dress shirt up. I’m still dressed in my shirt and slacks from dinner.
With my thoughts still jumbled, I stroll through the lot and walk into the store. My feet move me forward until I’m in the Country music section. I stand with my jaw working as I find Lynn’s last album. I pick it up and run my thumb across the picture of her beautiful face.
“The One Who Broke My Heart,” I mutter the title printed on the front and pull a face.
Each word tastes bitter in my mouth and sounds even worse to my ears. How many others have hurt her? How many has she allowed herself to give that beautiful heart to?
I swipe my forearm under my nose and grab the other two albums I haven’t heard, then head for the register to purchase the CDs. I just need to hear her voice.
“Oh, you’re an LG fan? I love her music. She’s amazing,” the clerk behind the counter says.
“She is,” I reply and try to give a weak smile.
“You’re gonna love this one. The emotions are so raw and real in this last album. You would think she wrote from experience.
“From that one interview, I believe it is. There’s a man in Texas is my favorite track. Moves me right to tears every single time. Man, that woman can sing.
“I love her country pop, but her ballads are everything. She’s a pretty thing too. I think my son is sweet on her,” she says with a dreamy smile. “That would be something, Lynn Galveston as my daughter-in-law.”
“Thanks, ma’am,” I bite out as I take my bag to leave. Taking a deep breath, I turn back. “You have a nice day.”
It’s not her fault I’m in a foul mood. Just the thought of someone else with Lynn burns me up. I know it’s irrational. I’ve had a whole wife for eighteen years.
I know my thoughts are insane, but I can’t get over them at the moment. I don’t know if I ever will. Lynn was meant to be my forever.
I get back to my truck with my thoughts all over the place. It’s only once I’m in the truck, I realize this is a brand-new model and I don’t have a CD player inside.
I curse under my breath and pull off for the ranch. I know there’s an old CD player there. Then I look at the time. Cliff will be getting up to work the ranch by the time I get there.
“Good, a distraction,” I mutter to myself.
I’ll give a hand on the ranch to keep myself busy and out of the city. Away from the hotel my heart is beating in.
CHAPTER 12
Jealousy
Lynn
I walk into the hotel ready to scream at the top of my lungs. My father is still a stubborn old goat. I get the feeling there’s a reason he doesn’t want me in those books.
He’s going to have to get over it and allow me to help. Dr. Curry has already said my father isn’t to work the ranch when he’s released. Even after physical theory he doesn’t believe it’s a good idea.
I noticed the devastated look on Daddy’s face. I want to help, but don’t know where to start without knowing what the financials look like. Feeding and caring for horses can be expensive. There’s the oil, but I have no idea what that’s bringing in.
I get the feeling Daddy is hiding something. He insists the only way he’ll give me the key to the books is if I talk to Trevor. I can’t do that again.
“Auntie Cakes,” Jess calls, pulling me from my thoughts as I walk into the lobby of the hotel.
I smile and open my arms to her. She gives me a tight hug. In the last few days, she’s been spending more and more time with me. I don’t mind at all. Elise and Maggie seem to have taken to her too.
