She gasps. “Again? We’re on social again?”
I almost laugh as she drops her mouth open.
“Don’t worry, darling,” I say to her.
“Darling, huh? Sounds like you two are getting closer,” Hunter says through the phone.
“Fuck off,” I tell him.
He laughs.
“Thanks for the tip on the video,” I say. “I’m not sure I care enough to deal with it.”
“I feel like I’m talking to a whole new Liam. I like it.”
“See you tomorrow.”
“Safe travels.”
We click off, and Haley steps into my open arms.
“You have a lot of fans,” she says into my chest. “People love you. I get it. I’m just not used to anyone caring who I kiss.”
I kiss the top of her head. “I know it’s weird. Fans think they know me. But they don’t know the real me.”
She looks up at me.
Her eyes flash with vulnerability when she says what I’ve been trying not to.
“Tonight’s our last night before we…” She chokes up. “Arrive home.” She clears her throat. “Lulu will be so happy to see you.”
She unwittingly just threw me a lifeline, and I grab it.
“Come with me to see her at the ranch when we get to town.”
“Me?” She swallows. “But I don’t live at the ranch.”
“I know. But Lulu bonded with you in New Orleans. She’ll enjoy seeing you again, and I don’t know my way around horses like you do. You could take her to the barn and fill her in on who the rescues are.”
“Mia probably already did that.”
“Maybe. But I bet you have some stories on some of the horses that only you can share.”
“That’s true, actually.” She smiles, and I see the moment she perks up. “Okay. I’ll come with you.”
The knot that was in the pit of my stomach loosens just a touch. The idea of parting with Haley permanently is gutting me.
“Let’s go to the bedroom.” I take her hand. “We’ve got to make the most of our last night on the road.”
“Actually,” she says. “I have a better idea.”
CHAPTERNINETEEN
Haley
“Camping?” Liam frowns. “I’m not a camper. Are you?”
“I’ve camped before in Montana. It’s great. You’ll love it.”
