He knew what Debbie was trying to do, but it was all Austin could do to stay in his seat. Savvy had her driver’s license, and she was a good driver, but she hadn’t had much opportunity to drive on the interstate at higher speeds. He certainly didn’t want her to do it in a car that cost more than he made in a year.
“Oh, well, we can just follow you so we can shop together then.”
“I have some work I need to do this afternoon, Chey,” Tucker said.
She waved a hand of dismissal. You can do it in the car while we shop. Like you always do.” Cheyenne turned to Savannah. “Wouldn’t it be nice to have your mom as well as your soon-to-be step-mom with you when you pick out your first prom dress?”
“What makes you think this is my first prom?” Savvy’s voice lacked the confidence Austin figured she was aiming for.
“Because I know your dad, and I’m pretty sure he would have thought you were too young to go to prom last year.”
Austin rose and stepped to Savannah’s side. “You don’t have to do thi—“
“I know,” she lowered her voice, “but if I don’t, is she going to cause more problems?”
“I don’t know, honey.” Austin hated that his daughter was forced to make this kind of decision.
Savvy turned to Cheyenne. “I guess you can come, but I’m going to ride with Debbie.” Then she turned and walked into the house.
Debbie was on her feet in an instant, grabbing her own plate and Austin’s. “Looks like I’d better get lunch cleaned up then, so we can go.”
“You don’t have your hired help today?” Cheyenne asked.
Debbie turned a tight smile on the other woman. “I don’tneedher today. I’m perfectly capable of cleaning up. Besides, Austin and the children are great helpers.”
That was his cue. He stepped back to the table and grabbed his and Debbie’s lemonade glasses.
“Wait,” Cheyenne grabbed his arm. “We’ve met the kids. Can we make arrangements to take them to Florida now?”
“No way in he—“ He bit his tongue. “No. You cannot make arrangements to take my kids to Florida.” He set down the glasses, propped his fists on the table, and glared at his ex-wife. “Maybe, just maybe, if you had come here acting like you truly wanted to see the kids and given me even a glimpse that you actually cared about them, I might consider it. But you are so self-absorbed that you can’t be bothered to discover what amazing children you have.”
Cheyenne was on her feet in an instance, all semblance of niceness gone. “I’ll get the lawyers involved if I have to, Austin. And I’ll demand visitation and shared custody right away.”
“Now, honey, settle down.” Tucker wrapped an arm around Cheyenne. “We’ve got plenty of time to work this out with Austin and Debbie. There’s no need to involve the lawyers.” He gave Austin an apologetic look.
Austin couldn’t help but wonder whether Tucker was truly happy with Cheyenne. It appeared that she took advantage of him and his wealth every bit as much as she had Austin’s—except he didn’t have any wealth. Of course, that hadn’t stopped her from spending money.
Cheyenne stamped her foot. “I know but the sooner we get this squared away, the sooner we can get out of this hick town.” The words were meant for Tucker, but Austin heard them.
“We’ll go back to our condo in Boise tonight and we’ll follow up with Austin and Debbie next week.”
Condo?
Was that the only residence they had? No wonder Tucker was eager to avoid calling the lawyers. He either traveled so much he didn’t need a bigger residence or he didn’t have nearly as much money as Cheyenne wanted them to believe.
* * *
“Debbie, wait.”Austin hurried across the garage when Debbie opened the door to her Porsche. Without warning, he pulled her into his arms.
She tensed despite her racing heart. Was this just a demonstration for Cheyenne and Tucker’s benefit since they had a clear view of them from where they stood beside their Mercedes? When Austin ducked his head toward her neck, she wrapped her arms around his waist. She’d love to melt into him and let him wipe away the tension that filled her.
After that ordeal with Cheyenne, she needed a confidence boost. Especially considering the afternoon she faced.
Austin’s arms tightened. “Look out for Savvy, please. Cheyenne is the type to steam-roll a soft-spoken person over, and Savvy would never dare to stand up to her mom.”
His warm breath against her ear sent shivers coursing down her neck and back. She wanted nothing more than to stay in his arms forever. Again, she toyed with the thought of giving away all her money. If it meant she could have Austin and be wrapped in his arms everyday, she’d do it.
Debbie nodded. “Okay, but who’s going to look out for me?”
