Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 87179 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87179 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
“Hey,” I say as I walk to where the other two men are. I stand on the other side of the fence and grin when a pretty mare the color of chocolate walks over to me and nudges my shoulder, looking for some petting. “Hello, gorgeous. She’s so damn friendly, Ry.”
“She’s a sweetheart,” Ryan agrees with a nod. “I call her Ladybug. She seems to like it.”
I pet the mare’s nose and glance over at Jake, who’s bridling a white mare.
“How’s it going, Jake?”
“Fine.”
Ryan rolls his eyes. “He’s a kid of few words.”
“I am doing fine,” Jake says with a shrug. “I get to hang out with these girls all day. I have nothing to complain about.”
“That’s more like it.” I grin and kiss the horse’s cheek.
“Hey,” Jake croons to the horse as he fastens the bridle. “That’s a good girl. You’re okay, sweetheart.”
“Has a way with horses,” Ryan says, and I see Jake smile, but he doesn’t look this way. “And he’s bunking here this weekend.”
“You don’t have a bunkhouse.”
“No. Ryan set me up inside,” Jake says, volunteering the information. “Janice and Wally took the kids to the hot springs this weekend.”
“Why didn’t they take you?” I ask him.
“Because I’m not their kid, no matter what the state says. They’re just in it for the check every month anyway.” He shakes his head and turns to get the blanket that goes on the horse’s back under the saddle and then the saddle itself. “It’s fine by me. I’m definitely not their kid, and I don’t want to hang out with them any more than I have to.”
I narrow my eyes at the boy. “Is everything okay in that house, Jake?”
“Fine.” With the horse saddled, he hops up into the seat and looks down at Ryan. “I’ll be back in a few.”
Ryan nods, and as Jake rides away, we share a look.
“Something isn’t right there,” Ryan says. “He swears that they’re not mean to him or anything, but they do shit like this all the damn time. Go do fun things with their real family and leave Jake behind. Sure, he’s old enough to be home alone, but—”
“I don’t like it either.” I sigh, watching Jake ride the horse gently in the field, speaking softly to her. “I’ll make some calls and see what I can find out.”
I glance back at my brother, and I can see the wheels turning in his head as he watches Jake.
“What are you thinking?” I ask him.
“I have a hunch, that’s all. And if I’m right, I’m already fucking pissed.”
I nod, understanding perfectly.
“I’ll keep you posted.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
SUMMER
“I’m so excited.” I practically bounce on my feet as Polly and I walk in the sunshine toward Bitterroot Valley Coffee Co. “I can’t believe she actually did it.”
“I can,” Polly counters. “Millie’s a smart girl, and this new business venture is going to be amazing for her.”
Today is Millie’s first official day as the owner of the coffee shop, and we’re meeting over there with Erin, Abbi, and Millie herself so we can celebrate a bit and talk about our new women in business group.
I’ve been looking forward to it all week.
“You’ve been extra smiley the past month or so,” I say to her. “In fact, since the Wild wedding, now that I think about it. Anything you’d like to share with the class?”
Polly bites her lower lip, and I stop cold, staring at her.
“Spill it, Polly Ann. Right now.”
“I slept with Ryan,” she hisses, looking around to see if anyone is in earshot as I goggle at her.
“What!”
“I’m not repeating that in public,” she says with a short laugh. “It was just the one time. Well, about six times, but just the one night.”
“Six times?” I demand. “Jesus, good for you.”
“There’s just something about those Wild men,” she says, shaking her head. “It’s like they’re witches or something, putting a girl under a spell. The orgasms, Summer. Jesus fucking Christ, I had no idea. There’s some serious talent there.”
I smile and waggle my eyebrows. “I get that, my friend. I totally get that. Are you still seeing him?”
“No.” She shakes her head definitively, and I frown at her. “One-night thing, remember?”
“Why, though? If it was that hot and you like him, why just one night?”
“Hi, guys!” Erin and Abbi pull up in Erin’s big white SUV, and Polly and I hurry over to meet them, putting an end to our sexy conversation, but I mentally bookmark the topic and plan to revisit it later.
“I have the flowers,” I inform the others as I hold up the bouquet I’m carrying.
“I brought brownie cheesecake,” Polly adds, and we all make mmmm noises.
“I don’t even want to think about how many calories are in that,” Abbi says, eyeing the covered plate that Polly holds. “But I’m going to eat the hell out of it.”