“You’re the queen.” He plays with my hair, and I nearly purr. “She’s a princess. And she’s a spoiled one.”
“Well, I don’t mind. She deserves to be spoiled.” I trace my name on his chest with my finger. “Did you have a good time with your brothers?”
“I did. And I had fun with you too,” he says. “All of us together like that.”
“I was thinking the same thing. It felt like a big step, and yet…”
“And yet not,” he finishes for me.
“Exactly.”
“You looked like you had something to tell me.”
“How…” If I sound shocked, it’s because I am. I didn’t think I’d given any indication that I had news.
“I know you,” he says simply.
“Well, I do have something to share. But I decided to wait until after your brothers leave. I feel more comfortable that way.”
“Okay.”
He drifts off to sleep then, but I stay awake late into the night.
I’m finally in a healthy, happy relationship, and God decided that now is a good time to offer me a leg up in my career? How is this good timing?
CHAPTERTHIRTY-THREE
Winter, Peyton, and I have so much fun shopping for cowboy trinkets for them to bring back home. Emerson joins us for coffee, and then we meet up with the boys at the barn so we can all go on a trail ride together before the New Orleans group leaves for Louisiana tonight.
Jared and Liam are up front with Max and Emerson riding side by side, followed by Hunter. Peyton, Winter, and I lag behind so we can chat.
“So what did Jared say about the job interview?” Winter says to me in a low tone.
“I haven’t told him yet.” I look over at her. “I thought I’d wait for y’all to leave so, if it doesn’t go well, I won’t ruin his weekend with his brothers.”
“Things will be fine,” Peyton says confidently. “You two look solid together. I never thought I’d see Jared in a relationship. It suits him. Because he’s with you, Ash.”
“We’ll see,” I murmur. “Jared and I aren’t exactly stable relationshippers.”
Winter and Peyton laugh, and I do too.
But I’m actually being serious. If anyone could find a way to blow up a good situation, it’s us.
* * *
Jared
After dinner, Liam and Hunt leave for the airport with Winter and Peyton.
As I say goodbye to Liam, I dare to ask him, “What was that with you and Haley last night?”
“Nothing.” He shoots me a hard look, the one he always gives any of us when we tread into his personal life.
Max and Hunter enter our chat, and Hunt laughs. “You think Liam’s going to talk about his romantic life?”
“I don’t have a romantic life.” Liam shoves his hands into his pockets and steps back. “I’ve got a daughter. She’s all I need.”
I put up my hands in a surrender gesture. “Just saying that if you ever want Haley’s number…”
