Page 45 of Love, Lies, and Whiskey

“Then you have no idea how much I’m counting on. One more thing. Do you have dates on the brother’s jail time?”

“Yeah. It’s all in the report.”

“Thanks, Reg. I’ll let you know what goes down.”

After ending the call, Doc paced, formulating a plan as he tried to figure out how to break the news to Juliette. It was one thing to know her father had lied to her and to hear that he had done other bad things. But it was a whole other ball game to be given proof. He texted her.

Doc: Hey darlin. Got a minute to talk?

Juliette: Not really. I’m on my way out the door with Lucas to take him to riding practice.

Doc: I have information about your father.

Juliette: Can you meet me at the Waller ranch?

Doc: I’ll be there as soon as I can.

JULIETTE STOOD BY the entrance of the indoor riding ring anxiously awaiting Seeley’s arrival as she watched Lucas on the other side of the arena. The mention of her father always raised her hackles, especially after learning the extent of what he’d done. She was as nervous about what Seeley had to say as she was excited to see him.

Talking with him last night about how to handle things with Lucas and sharing parts of their lives with him after all these years had reminded her of how right things had been when they were together. They’d always been able to talk about anything and everything, and their insane chemistry had added an intensity like no other. It was all of that, the way he considered her and Lucas first, and all the little things she’d never found with anyone else that had her wanting more.

Like the way Seeley had pushed her to follow her dreams, not the dreams her parents had outlined for her, and the way he’d looked after her. She remembered sitting at the creek with him the night she’d told him how controlling her father was. She’d broken down in tears when she’d shared the truth about her mother and how empty she’d felt without her parents’ love. Seeley had held her while she’d cried, and said, Some people aren’t built to be parents, but that doesn’t mean their children aren’t worthy of love. You are worthy of more love than this world knows how to give, and I’ll never stop trying to give it to you.

His words had filled those empty places, and she hated her father for stealing that from her.

But she wasn’t going to let her father ruin things now. She pushed those thoughts away and watched Lucas. She loved seeing him with his friends, doing what he enjoyed.

A little while later, she sensed Seeley approaching before she felt his hand touch her back as he leaned in close and said, “I came here to talk about something important. How am I supposed to concentrate with you in those sexy shorts and cowgirl boots?” sending her heart into a wild flurry.

It had been a long time since she’d heard anything like that. She smiled at the mischievous glint in his eyes. His dark T-shirt hugged his broad chest, his hair curling out from beneath his cowboy hat. They’d been so focused on everything with Lucas, she hadn’t realized how much she’d missed Seeley’s playfulness until now. “Way to make a girl’s day.”

“Seeing you makes my day.” He kissed her cheek, then lifted his chin in Lucas’s direction. “How’s he doing?”

“Surprisingly well. I was worried that the stress might affect his new friendships and be too distracting for him to ride. You know how dangerous distractions can be.”

“Absolutely. I wondered about that, too.”

“When I mentioned skipping practice, he got pissed. He was not going to miss it, and look at him. He’s like a different kid here. He’s smiling, talking with the other kids in his group, and listening to his coach.”

“This is his outlet. It’s good that he has one.” Seeley arched a brow. “Being here brings back memories of you watching me ride…and other things.”

“You mean like Buck banging on your truck window when we were making out?”

He cocked a grin. “Those were some good times.”

“Maybe even the best,” she admitted. “When I brought Lucas here to meet Buck, I prayed Buck wouldn’t remember that particular incident.”

“And did he?”

“I don’t think so. If he did, he didn’t mention it.”

“You got lucky.” Seeley slid his arm around her waist, pulling her closer. “I’d ask if you want to get luckier, but…” He kissed her temple and whispered, “I already know the answer.”

Yes, please.

Just as reality hit with a worry about Lucas seeing them that close, Seeley’s arm fell away, as if he’d read her mind, and she mourned the loss of his touch. But she’d always enjoyed giving him a hard time, so she said, “You think you know the answer, huh? Care to fill me in?”

He set a seductive gaze on her that had her heart tripping up. “We both know you want me to take you against this railing, but now’s not the time.”