“Sure. Listen, I’m here at Booze and Brews to meet some friends, so I’m going to go inside.”
“Have fun. I’ll see you next week. Love you, sis.”
“Love you.” I ended the call, shaking off the irritation that was still festering in me after his douchebag comment about Wrax.
I pulled the door open, glancing around the space to see Emilia Taylor waving me over. She was sitting at the edge of a big table with Henley and Lulu, whom I’d just met. Emilia had come to see me about her rental place, and I’d told her that Axel had offered me a free apartment in exchange for care of his animals. She was so nice about it, and she’d invited me to her book club.
I was a big reader and happy to join them.
All my years of competition had been so singularly focused, so I’d become a big reader. It was my favorite form of escape from a very stressful reality. But I hadn’t had time for things like book clubs and happy hour with friends.
I’d hung out with the other athletes I trained with.
This was—refreshing.
I glanced over to see Axel sitting at the other end of the big table with his brother and cousins. The hockey game was on, and everyone in town would be watching local superstar Clark Chadwick.
I walked toward the table just as Axel turned, and his gaze locked with mine. I did my best to avoid him most days, but it wasn’t easy, seeing as I hardly left his ranch. He kept busy as well, and aside from a few short conversations, we’d kept to ourselves.
But being around him was challenging.
“Wren Waterstone,” a voice called out before I’d made it over to the group, and I turned to see Josh Black move beside me.
I despised him.
I recognized a shady dude when I saw one.
And Josh Black was just that—shady.
“Hey, Josh. How are you?” I asked. I’d been grateful that he hadn’t been working on the day I’d gone to the grocery store, which his family owned.
It was the stroke of luck that I’d hoped for.
“I’m better now.” He waggled his brows, and I kept my expression completely void of emotion because I knew he was looking for a reaction. “Congrats on being the only world champion from Rosewood River.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it. Take care.” I held up my hand and started to turn away when he spoke again.
“It sucks about your parents. I heard your dad moved his mistress into your home.” He smirked.
“Thanks for bringing that up.” I glared at him. “I’m sure it’s coming from a place of concern.”
“Of course it is. I hear you haven’t been riding since your accident. I suppose you’ll be just fine as long as you keep flashing us that pretty little smile of yours.”
My God. His game was weak, and I had no patience for it.
“Thanks for the tip. I’ll keep that in mind.” I crossed my arms over my chest, anxious to find a way to end this conversation.
“You always did have a mouth on you.” He smirked again. “Too bad you can’t seem to find a better way to put it to good use.”
Oh. No. He. Didn’t.
“Let me give you a little tip, Josh. Do you remember when I kicked you in the balls a few years ago because you smacked me on the ass multiple times when you were drunk?”
He nodded slowly, a devious grin on his face, which told me he thought I was kidding around with him. “Well, I’ve got steel-toe boots on, and I would have no problem kicking you so hard that you don’t recover this time.”
“Is there a problem here?” I was startled by Axel’s deep voice when he stepped up beside me.
“Ah… I thought you two had a falling out. You’re still coming to her rescue, huh?” Josh shook his head with disgust.
