He absolutely did not. I have my own style, and I’ll never be caught dead letting someone else decide that for me. A sage-green and brown bodycon dress clings to my frame from my calves to chest, accentuating every one of my curves. My hair falls in voluminous curls to the center of my back, and my makeup is natural yet striking.
I may have dressed myself with selfish intention, knowing I’ll get to see Stetson again. Sue me, but I couldn’t help it.
“Now, that is where you’re terribly wrong, Austin. She looks breathtaking. And if I had to guess, perfectly capable of picking out her own clothes.” Stetson’s eyes rise to mine before he holds a hand out to introduce himself. “Stetson Cole.”
I don’t think twice, just reach my hand to conjoin with his, desperate to feel his touch again. “Cove Davenport. Nice ranch.” I smirk.
I wait for the same from him, but he looks away and nods. I know I’m in trouble. Whatever the equivalent of a doghouse is for women, I’m there.
“It’s my family lineage. But you may know that already, no?”
Yep. He’s pissed.
I smile softly, hating myself for all of this. “I’m afraid not.”
Nathaniel claps his hands beside us, pulling me from my sad stupor. “So, is this everyone? Kyle? The kids?”
Abigail perks up. “Kyle is over there.” She points, and Kyle waves back. She’s wearing a wedding ring, so I’m going to assume that’s her husband. “And the kiddos are at the in-laws. I make no apologies for the woman I become this week.”
Hmm. I like her already.
“Noted. Shall we?” Nathaniel looks toward Austin, avoiding eye contact with me like the coward he is. Stetson doesn’t miss it, either. He’s analyzing this entire dynamic, and I can already tell he will be hard to win over. I’m discovering very quickly how terrible of an actress I really am.
I nod, and Austin grabs my hand again, Stetson taking a long pull of his beer before giving us his back and trotting off. “Who’s ready to party?” Austin chants, and not a single person responds.
“How old are you, again?” I ask in a mumbled whisper.
“Twenty-five.”
“Shit,” I exhale.
“Guess that makes you a cougar.” Whispering is not Austin’s forte because the growl and sharp look Stetson shows him is nowhere near disguised.
Thankfully, alcohol is the only thing on Austin’s mind. Although that could pose a problem later on, I’ll cross that bridge if we get there. Right now, I’m grateful for the little bit of space as he heads toward the bar.
“Would you like to dance, Cove?”
I turn to find Nathaniel behind me, hands on his hips as if I have no choice in the matter. I use this moment to observe the man who abandoned me. He’s handsome yet looks worn out. Like time is not on his side, or maybe he’s just worked himself to the grave. And despite all the pain he brought into my childhood by not being present, my heart aches for him. Only a little. But still.
There’s an underlying somberness to him that someone wouldn’t notice unless paying close enough attention. It only proves to me that money can never buy happiness. Gifts. Things. Luxuries I’m sure he has in abundance. It’ll never be enough.
And with that, I know I’m endlessly rich. I may not have a bank with more money than god sitting in it, but I’ve got everything I could ever need.
My mom. The best friends a woman could ask for. A career that I truly love. A city I’m happy to wake up in every day. The only thing lacking is…love.
“Need I remind you?—”
“No, I don’t want to dance, actually. But I will,” I say, cutting him off abruptly. “Unlike you, I don’t bail on my commitments.”
“Fair enough.” Nathaniel holds his arm out to me, and I link mine through it, setting my clutch down on the nearest chair. “I know you hate me, and you should,” he mutters, leading us to where a small band plays old country songs under strands of globe lights. “But I have my reasons for everything I do. I don’t expect you to understand that.”
I huff, laughing under my breath. Nothing about what he said was funny. It’s his delusion that I find humorous. “Is that what you tell yourself? That you left your wife and daughter to fend for themselves because you had a valid reason?”
“Yes.”At least he owns up to it, I guess.
“Well, that’s not good enough for me. No part of me being here is to have a relationship with you. Please don’t mistake my need for money with wanting to know you.”
Nathaniel instructs me to dance. It’s formal and awkward, but I’m playing my part, diligently checking my face to make sure I’m not sulking. I don’t bother looking for Austin. I can hear him from afar, chatting it up with other guests. I spot Stetson out of the corner of my eye. He’s leaned against the wall of what looks like the main house, sipping his beer and chatting with those same guys from earlier.
