Dad looks at him, concerned.
Jessie laughs. “You’re supposed to drink the beer, not inhale it.”
“Who’s Lainey?” Knox asks.
I’m still watching Carson choke when I reply, “She owns Plot Twist in town. She sells coffee, pastries, and books.”
“Oh that does sound good. Sounds like it will be a fun day.”
“Shirts are required, though,” Chet quips.
Knox smirks but doesn’t reply.
Jessie snorts. Literallysnorts, like a pig. “You sure know how to suck the fun out of something, don’t you, Chester? Maybe I’ll take the day off and join. Mix things up a bit for you.”
He sighs. “Please don’t.”
But she most definitely does.
Chapter 16
Kacey
I’m the last one at Dad’s. I wanted to stay and help him clean up. We’re hand washing and drying the last of the dishes when he says, “You and that bull rider are spending a lot of time together.”
Oh great, here we go.
I shrug. “I mean, he’s our temp farrier and training Buck, so I don’t really have a choice.”
He gives me a look that says,"I’m your father—don’t bullshit me."I think because my mom died when I was so young, my dad picked up some of those extra mom senses. It’s not like I’d ever go into detail about men I’m dating, but we’re close—closer than most fathers and daughters.
I sigh, relenting. “Yeah, we’ve spent some time together. He’s nice. It’s been nice. Okay?”
“Okay, Bug. That’s nice.” He chuckles, using my childhood nickname.
“I know I haven’t really dated since, well, you know. And I don’t plan to date Knox, but it’s nice having someone to spend time with.”
“You know, if you want to date Knox—or anyone—you can, right? Not everyone is like Garrett.”
It took a while before my dad found out what happened between Garrett and me. I finally told Carson he could tell him. I was too broken-hearted and embarrassed to tell him myself, so I wasn’t there, but I know he didn’t react well. What father would?
I take a deep breath before replying. “Yeah, I know, but he’s leaving soon, anyway.”
“Just for a few months. He could always come back if he had something worth coming back for. And you, my girl, are worth coming back for.” He wraps one arm around me, giving me a quick hug.
I walk out the back door and notice Rein isn’t here.
That’s weird. She always waits by the door for me. Maybe she got bored and headed home.
When I round the corner of the house, I see exactly where my traitor of a dog is. Right next tohim. \
He’s leaning against his truck, wearing his signature Cinch jeans, black henley shirt, and ball cap. He looks like a cover model for one of those cowboy romance books Lainey reads all the time. His muscles are pulling at the shoulders and sleeves of his shirt. As his light brown curls—like always—peek from under the hat, curling up around the band.
I want to run my fingers through them.
“I thought you left,” I say as I walk up, bending to pet Rein.
“It’s a nice night. I figured I’d walk you home, like a gentleman.” His tone is cautious, and he’s watching me, trying to gauge how I feel.
