“When are you hitting the road?” I ask her.
“Tomorrow. When I found out about you staying behind, I couldn’t leave without talking to you first. I’ll meet everybody at their first stop in the morning.”
A grin tugging on my lips, I say, “I have one request.”
“Oh, gosh. Do I even want to know?”
“Hey, you said you wanted to be there for me,” I remind her. “This is being there for me.”
She rolls her eyes. “What?”
“Keep an eye on my boyfriend, and keep those fucking buckle bunnies away from him.”
Daisy throws her head back and busts up laughing. By the time she contains herself, she’s got tears streaming down her face. “Oh, fuck,” she breathes. “That was good.”
“What is so funny?” I hiss.
“You.” She chuckles some more, her face red as a tomato. “All growly and possessive. It’s just…I’ve never seen you like that. It’s different.”
“Okay, well, I’m serious, Daisy.” That makes her laugh even harder. “Glad I’m so amusing,” I grumble.
After that, we end up going out for lunch. We spend the whole day, just her and I. Something we haven’t done in ages. It was…nice. I think I needed that more than I knew.
33
Shooter Graham
Me: Miss me yet?
Sterling: It’s been three days.
Me: It’s okay to admit you miss me. I’d miss me too.
Sterling: I see the arrogance is back with a vengeance.
Me: Dirty boy, it’s cute you think it ever left.
Two Weeks Later
Sterling: Good luck at therapy today. Can’t wait to hear how it went.
Me: Thank you. I’ll Facetime you later.
One More Week Later
Me: YOU KICKED SOME FUCKING ASS TODAY, BABY!
Me: I know you won’t see these texts until later, but holy fuck! I’m watching the live stream of the rodeo, and the way you smashed all the other riders out of the fucking park.
Me: I’m so fucking proud of you! The way I wish I could give you a celebratory blow job for that win.
A Few More Days Later
Sterling: It’s late. I tried to call, but I think you’re already asleep. Wanted you to know that I’m thinking about you. It feels like forever until I’ll be back home. I wish you were here, but I’m so proud of you for the steps you’re taking for yourself.
Sterling: I’ll probably regret this come morning when you shove it in my face, but I miss you. Xoxo.
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