“You want us to leave, then?”
“Absolutely not. I’m thinking of your future. You might get married someday.”
“Hmm, not likely.” Hookups were more my speed. Less likely to get hurt.
“You never know. Look at me.”
At the slam of the house door, we both turned.
“Here we go,” Nash said, leaning against the fence.
Bertie stomped toward us, hands on her hips. “Mom said I have to go to school today.”
“And you do.” Nash looked down at her. “It’s Friday.”
She squinted up at him. “You grownups always stick together.”
“What’s with not wanting to go, short stuff?” I ruffled her hair.
“I’ve grown two inches,” she huffed. “And we have math today. I hate it. Plus, Dorcas Gailen gets lonely without me.”
Dorcas was her puppy, naturally named after aSeven Bridescharacter, just like many other animals around the ranch.
Nash laughed. “Nice try. You still have to go. Uncle Gunner’s taking you.” He raised a brow. “You still okay to take her?”
“No problem,” I said, finishing my coffee. “It’s on my way to Clementine. Need to see Deacon.”
“What for?”
“He acquired a retired barrel horse. Wants me to take a look. Thinks it’s been mistreated.”
“Ask him about that new feed we heard about,” Nash said.
“Will do.” We watched Bertie race up the porch steps, shouting about the unfairness of life.
“Oh, and just so you know,” Nash added as he followed, “Lily packed some cookies and cupcakes that need delivering.”
“No problem,” I said.
“To Cassidy.”
I cursed under my breath as he disappeared inside.
Meddling fucker.
Chapter 2
You’re So Vain – Carly Simon
Cassidy
Opening my classroom door, the last person I wanted to see was Gunner Miller heading toward me, carrying baked goods. At least he came bearing gifts. Still, Lily Miller would feel my wrath next time I saw her.
“Gunner.” I held out my hands for the plastic boxes, but as I went to take them, his fingers grazed mine, lingering a fraction too long. The jolt that zipped up my arm was immediate, stupid, and completely out of line. I snatched the boxes faster than I meant to, causing one to tilt precariously.
“Careful now,” he drawled, steadying the top with his thumb. His touch brushed mine again. Brief, but enough to make my pulse lurch.
“Tell Lily thank you, and I’ll be calling her.” I ground out, my voice tight, my chest even tighter.
