“That’s not gonna work, Clover.”
“What do you need from me?”
“To be more than your dirty little secret.”
“So, you want me to tell everyone we’ve been hooking up for the past eleven years?”
“No, I want you to tell them you’re mine.”
“Does telling the girls count?”
“It’s a start.”
“If I tell them about us, what will I get?”
She’s playing. Trying to lighten the mood.
“Tell them and find out.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Owen
“Glad you could make it today. Everything at home okay?” Coach Hansen says as we drop off the practice cones and pads in the team shed.
I didn’t plan on being at practice at all this week, but Daisy invited the girls over for their big chat. As much as I hated to leave, I wanted to give her the space she was too sweet to ask for. And with our new security detail posted on the front porch, I didn’t have a decent excuse to stick around, other than that the idea of leaving her side made me feel a little sick.
We’re both co-dependent right now, but my hovering at the house while she confesses our history to her three closest friends wouldn’t make it any easier on her. Where I want to shout my feelings for her from the mountaintops, something is holding Daisy back. And it’s not just worry over what her family, especially Cal, will think. There has to be more to her concerns about not being the kind of woman men settle down with. Maybe I should have pushed her for more.
“Things are day by day right now, but thanks for asking.” I know I sound cryptic, but it’s not my place to share the details. If Daisy wants people in town to know, she’ll tell them. Also, the fewer people who know right now, the better. At least until we figure out who cut the fence line.
“Well, whatever you need, just holler.”
“Will do.”
“You sure you don’t want to grab a beer with the rest of us at The House while we go over strategies for Friday’s game?”
And stay away from Daisy any longer than I already have? I think not.
“Not tonight. I’ve got to get back.”
“No worries.”
“Sorry I have to miss Friday’s game. But call or text if you need anything from me.”
He lifts his hand to wave goodbye and joins the other coaches, who are discussing a scouting trip they’ll be taking at the season’s end. I head toward the parking lot, and just like a few weeks back, find Jake waiting by my truck.
“Good job today. I can tell you’ve been working on your footwork. You’re getting off the line much quicker.”
“Thanks, Coach. I think it finally clicked in here.” He points to his backward baseball cap covered head.
“It takes time, but you’re getting there. How’s the job at the ranch going? You aren’t overdoing it, are you?”
“It’s great. The other ranch hands are cool, and Mrs. McKinnon is always bringing us lemonade and homemade cookies.”
“Well, it will be a lot more work this winter when the snow arrives. Enjoy working in this weather while you can.”
He nods but seems to be lost in thought.
