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“You going to be okay when she leaves?”
“Jesus. Not you, too?”
He chuckled. “I’m not getting into your business, and I won’t share what you tell me with anyone. I just know you, brother. And I can tell that she’s different, you know? And when that happened to me, I was freaked the fuck out. And I got to keep her, so I can’t imagine if that hadn’t been an option.”
“Well, I knew that going in. I live here. She lives there. So, we’re just having a little fun, you know?”
He studied me for a long moment. “Could she practice law here?”
“I’d never ask her to do that. She just made partner at some big, fancy firm. She loves her life there. We don’t talk about it because we’re both settled in our lives. I’ve got Gracie to think about.”
“You’re still allowed to live and have a life. You know that, don’t you?”
“She’s got one parent. The least I can do is give my little girl a stable life, and that life is here.”
Georgia and Gracie sauntered into the kitchen wearing matching outfits, and as much as I wanted to be annoyed, it was cute as hell.
“You’re ridiculous,” I said, kissing my sister on top of her head before scooping up Gracie. “All right, Gracie girl. Don’t let Auntie Georgie get crazy out there on the court. I’m going to head out. I’ll pick you up in a few hours.”
“Love you, Daddy.”
“I love you.” I set her down and made my way outside to my truck and drove the short distance to Duncan Ranch. I hadn’t seen Presley since last night, and I was anxious to see her.
She was waiting for me when I pulled up, and I pulled her close and kissed her right there in front of the barn. I didn’t bother to look around and see if anyone was there. We’d been keeping things on the down-low, as we both knew it was temporary.
When she pulled back, a little breathless, she smiled. “Wow, Cowboy. Kissing me in public. What’s gotten into you?”
“I guess I just don’t give a fuck what anyone thinks.”
“As if you ever really did,” she said. Her voice was all tease as she led me into the barn.
“How about I just check the horses, and we head over to my house instead of going for a ride today? I have something I want to show you.”
“I’ll bet you do.” She waggled her brows, and I laughed as she followed me from one stall to the next, and I took a look at each of the horses.
We were walking toward my truck, her fingers intertwined with mine, because apparently, neither of us gave a fuck anymore.
“Presley, are you leaving?” Barbie Duncan walked toward us. Her gaze moved from our joined hands to my face. “Oh, hello, Kale. It’s nice to see you.”
I’d dated her daughter for many years, and she’d always made a point of letting me know she didn’t know my name.
It was a game, making sure that I was aware that I wasn’t important enough to get it right. I truly didn’t give a shit because she’d treated her daughter like shit, and I didn’t have a whole lot of respect for the woman.
Just as Presley was about to correct her, I squeezed her hand and spoke first. “Hey, Bernese, it’s lovely to see you, as well.”
She raised a brow before turning back to her daughter, who had let out a burst of laughter at our pissing match. “I checked my schedule, and I’m good to go see the spa with you tomorrow. I’m looking forward to it. God knows they need one in this town. It will make it more tolerable to be here.”
The woman had one of the largest homes in Cottonwood Cove, surrounded by beautiful land with views of the ocean, and she couldn’t find a way to enjoy it.
“All right. I’d like that, and Lola would love to show it off.”
“Well, seeing as you and your father invested in the place, I may as well see where my money is going.”
Presley’s shoulders stiffened, and she nodded. “I’ll see you later. I told Dad I’ll be back to join you for dinner.”
“Good. Time is running out before you go back to your real life,” she said, raising a brow at me.
What the fuck was she talking about? I was more than aware that this was temporary. I didn’t need a reminder.
