“You should have! We just met the guy! I wasn’t a fan then, and now you’re telling me this?”
Ella crosses her arms. “Do you really think Addison’s like that?” she fires back. “Because I don’t, and I’ve only known her for a little while now.”
“I know she’s not, but I barely know this kid. I do know he’s an eighteen-year-old bull rider which to me translates to cocky, reckless, and thinking with the wrong head,” I say as my mind spins with all the worst possibilities.
I know there are guys out there who throw out ultimatums like nothing. The “sleep with me or it’s over” type. I can’t stand that. I’ve been on the receiving end, with Lexie. I just hope Addison is smart enough to see that a guy who thinks like that isn’t worth her time. She deserves someone who respects her values.
After a moment of silence, Ella takes a deep breath. “Babe, Addison is smart. She’s faith-driven; she’s not going to jeopardize any of that for some guy.”
I can’t help but sarcastically laugh to myself before meeting her gaze. “You and I were both pretty faith-driven back then too. Didn’t stop us now, did it?”
Her face shifts, and I can tell she’s taken back by my words. She straightens, hurt flooding her eyes. Okay, so maybe I shouldn’t have said that.
“I’m not mad at you, Ella. You just caught me off guard. I can’t ignore this now,” I explain gently.
She crosses her arms. “Then have it out with Addison. Not me,” she snaps, her voice trying not to break.
Feeling guilty, I reach for her. “I’m sorry. You’re right. That wasn’t fair of me.” Holding her against me, the tension eases when I feel her hug me back.
“It’s okay. I know you’re protective. I get it.” She makes me feel a lot better. I’m usually not one to get mad or upset like that but when it involves my family, especially my little sister, I will raise a little hell.
“Let’s just drop all this and enjoy tonight.” I insist.
“Yeah. Okay.”
“More wine?” I offer and reach for both our glasses. She gives me the nod of approval and follows me to the kitchen.
As I pour, a memory strikes. “Remember when you got caught upstairs trying to take care of my drunk ass?”
“How could I forget?” Ella huffs out but follows it with a laugh.
Chapter 13
Ella
Eleven years ago
It’s almost midnight; the weather is warm for October. I pull into the field, the monster-sized fire up ahead casting a glow that lights up the faces of Jesse’s buddies. All their trucks are parked in a loose circle around the bonfire.
I don’t even see Jesse until I get out. He’s laid up on the hood of his truck, someone else beside him. Mitch, or maybe it’s Jake? It’s too dark to tell for sure. The other guys scattered around are talking, laughing, and drinking beer. The smell of cigarette smoke hits me as I get closer.
“Jesse,” I call out. There’s a tightness in my voice. I’m not thrilled to be here considering I was just going to bed and it’s late.
He picks his head up to see me. “Ellaaa, hello beautiful.”
I can hear it in his voice right away, the way he drew my name out. A surge of anger races through me. He didn’t say he was drunk, just that he had more than he felt safe driving home after.
“Jesse Lee—” I start, but a loud thud interrupts and it’s followed by a groan.
He fell off the hood of his truck. Everyone, besides me, laughs.
I cross my arms. “ It’s not funny.”
He stands up. “You’re not the drunk one.”
“Get in the car,” I demand.
“I’ll do whatever you say. Like a soldier. Yes, ma’am, commander!” He salutes.
