That cost alone took a huge financial burden off of Eli’s back. At first, he thought the money came from Preston or me. After I’d assured him that it hadn’t, and the donor truly was anonymous, he let it go.
“She’s doing better now that she’s getting the medications she needs regularly.” I glanced over. “She starts in-home rehab next week since Eli received his payout from the exhibition.”
“That’s really great.”
Lena reached over and turned down Nine Inch Nails’ “Right Where It Belongs” from my playlist as we turned into my father’s driveway.
I gave her a sideways look, watching her take in the scenery around us. “Do you need to turn the volume down to see better?” I asked. She tended to do that.
“Yes,” she answered as if it made total sense. “How many horses does your father own?”
I paused before turning the car off. “About ten. One for each of us and a few he keeps for racing. Micah bought Jodi a horse and keeps it here, too. So, that makes eleven, I guess.”
While I held the passenger door open for Lena, she looked around while holding her hand over her forehead to shield her eyes from the sun.
I took a moment to scan the length of her body. She wore a floral-patterned romper that was sleeveless. The entire drive over from my house to Joel’s, I was tempted to yank on one end of the belt holding the romper closed and slide my hand in between her thighs.
“You’re so damned horny,” she said, smirking.
“Don’t act like you weren’t thinking about it either,” I said, low in her ear.
“My boy better not be trying to get you pregnant in my driveway,” a loud, deep voice bellowed from the doorway.
Lena sucked in a harsh breath, looking startled and slightly embarrassed.
“I have my own house for that,” I said to my father before taking Lena by the hand.
“Get your ass over here,” he demanded.
“I see where you get it from,” Lena remarked, low enough for only me to hear.
I didn’t get the chance to ask what she meant before we approached my father.
“I almost forgot what you looked like,” he said before pulling me into a hug. Then he turned to peer at Lena.
“You’re always exaggerating,” I said. “Joel, this is Lena.”
“I know who this is.” He had a gleam in his eyes as he smiled. “The girl that set that other boy’s shit on fire.”
Lena’s eyes went wide.
“Joel,” I growled, pissed.
He waved me off. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’m sure the fucker had it coming to him. Good on you.” He gave her a wink.
“Why would you say something like that?” I demanded.
“It’s okay, Gabe,” Lena spoke up. She turned to Joel and said, “You’re right, he did. He deserved worse.”
Joel tossed his head back and let out a deep belly laugh. “I bet the son of a bitch did. Come in.”
I stepped aside to let Lena enter first.
“Your home is beautiful, Mr. Townsend.”
I stiffened at the same time I saw my father stop in his tracks.
“Dammit,” I muttered.
