“He wasn’t, but don’t leave me holding the bag again,” I say.
“What are you two talking about? Who’s Gee-off?” Becca asks. “I love other people’s drama.”
“God, who doesn’t?” Bri laughs.
“Bri had one fantastical night with my ex’s friend and he got clingy,” I explain. “He pestered me about her for the next two years.”
“What she’s saying is, don’t fall in love with me, kid,” Bri says in an old-timey accent. “I owe you one, Darce. You should come visit me and haunt my friend group.”
“I think ol’ Boss has her sights set elsewhere,” Becca says. “She’s in love with Big Daddy Jake. I saw them k-i-s-s-i-n-g in the barn today.”
Brianna’s eyes turn to wide blue marbles. “Big Daddy, huh?”
I scoff. “Becca and Caleb call him Daddy because he’s always trying to take care of me. And we’re not in love.”
“Hot,” Bri says. “Go on. Does Big Daddy take care of you?”
“Yes,” Becca cuts in. “He spoonfed her back to health yesterday. Fussed over her half the day.”
Heat rushes to my cheeks and Bri cackles. “Darcy’s blushin’,” she sings.
I fan my face and press my lips together. “He’s really nice to me. It’s weird.”
Bri’s face goes sympathetic, making big puppy dog eyes. “Aw, you need somebody nice.”
I shake my head. “I don’t really need anybody—” I start, but I’m cut off by two enthusiastic boos.
Bri adds a hiss to her booing. “No! Stop that! You need people!”
“Especially a big tall hot guy who’s nice to you,” Becca adds.
I giggle. “You really love talking about how hot he is.”
She tosses out a hand, but doesn’t take her eyes from the mirror where she fluffs her eyelashes. “I mean, have you seen him? They don’t make ‘em like that anymore.”
We all laugh, and a horn honks outside. “Daddy’s waiting!” Bri says.
We thunder down the steps, slip on our boots, and bound out the side door of the house where Jake’s truck waits.
Brianna opens the passenger door with a loud, “Hey, Daddy,” her jean shorts halfway up her ass paired with a black tank top, her hair piled on top of her head, and cowboy boots. Jake looks terrified.
“Shut up,” I hiss, unable to believe Bri’s sold all my secrets out for cigarettes already. I hip check her into the door and climb into the middle seat. Jake’s truck is old and still has a bench seat, which is especially convenient right now when I want to touch him.
“Hey, uh, there’s only three seats,” Jake says. “You girls are either going to have to squish or somebody’s getting cozy.”
“You can sit on my lap!” Becca volunteers, looking at Bri.
“Okie!” They goof off and carry on as they get settled. I turn to Jake.
“Hi,” I hum, struggling to extract the middle seatbelt.
Jake leans across me, pecking my cheek while he’s in my bubble. “You smell nice.” He clicks my seatbelt into place. “And you look gorgeous. I love this dress.”
My little short-sleeved red dress is a staple from my closet, dressed up with strappy sandals or down with my cowboy boots. It dips down perfectly in the front, making the girls look their best ever without completely hanging out.
Jake’s eyes catch on my cleavage. “You just like my boobs,” I say.
His eyes rise to my face. “Nah. The whole package.”
