Page 65 of Lost Trust

“And I don’t sleep with cowboys anymore either.”

A low chuckle rumbles out of me.

“No sex.” I shake my head. “Seems more like a punishment for you than me, but okay.”

Her mouth falls open.

I grin wider.

“Have a safe flight, Rina.”

She stares at me for another heartbeat, caught somewhere between curiosity and amusement. Then she rolls her eyes, climbs out, and shuts the door.

I watch her walk toward the terminal.

And despite the fact that she just laid down two very clear rules, I can’t stop smiling.

Because I’m pretty sure Marina Kincade just friend-zoned me.

And I intend to be the best damn friend she’s ever had.

Marina

The moment the plane touches down in Dallas, I reach for my phone.

I’m still walking down the jet bridge when I call Evelyn.

She answers on the second ring. “Hello?”

“Hi. I’m sorry. I just—how’s Ryder?”

A soft laugh comes through the phone.

“He’s perfectly fine, Marina.”

I close my eyes. “Really?”

I can hear voices in the background, followed by the sweet sounds of my little boy laughing.

My chest loosens.

“What’s he doing?”

“He’s on Royce’s back, and he’s kicking around like he’s a bull.”

“What?”

“And before you ask, yes, he’s ridden for eight seconds twice already, according to Earl, who is the official time keeper.”

I smile as my eyes well with tears when another peal of laughter rings in the background.

“You want to talk to him, dear?”

“No, that’s okay. Let him play,” I say.

“He’s having a wonderful time, Marina. You don’t need to worry.”

I lean against the airport wall as people stream around me. “I’m not worried. I just wanted to let you know I’d arrived, and I’ll call back before bedtime to tell Ryder good night.”