“She’s in an terrible place, honey. I’ve my suspicions about why, however I have to have an extended speak with my daughter to verify whether or not or not it’s true. I’m not going to imagine something and provides the gossipmongers any fodder based mostly purely on a mom’s instinct.”

“I might by no means feed the rumor mill about anybody, Mrs. J, and fairly frankly, I’m insulted you’d suppose so. And let’s not neglect, you’re the one who referred to as me.”

One other sigh. “I do know you wouldn’t, and I’m sorry if I implied that, Beckett. I simply meant it’s not my story to inform. The one purpose I’m even calling you is to guard her. She’s not in the precise thoughts to face you proper now, or anybody for that matter. Simply please, steer clear of the home till I provide the okay to return.”

I pinch the bridge of my nostril. “There’s one downside with this little plan of yours.”

“What’s that?”

“Properly, seeing as I’m the foreman of this ranch, I’ll be all around the property doing my job. How precisely am I speculated to keep away from her then?”

Mrs. J takes so lengthy to reply, I’ve to verify my telephone to ensure the decision didn’t lower off.

“I don’t suppose that’ll be an issue.”

“Why not?”

“As a result of I don’t suppose Presley can be leaving this home anytime quickly. I’ve a sense it’s going to be laborious sufficient coaxing her out of her room.”

My eyebrows draw collectively. “What the hell does that imply?”

“I’ve already stated an excessive amount of. I believe she’s up, so I have to go. Can I rely on you to honor my needs, Beckett?”

“Sure, ma’am. In fact.”

“Thanks.”

“You—”

Mrs. J ends the decision earlier than I can end my sentence.

I take deep breaths, attempting to get a grip. I don’t even know why I’m so pissed. The truth that Presley’s right here? The truth that she left within the first place? The truth that she’s spent over a decade in one other man’s mattress? The truth that had she not run away to New York, I wouldn’t have felt the necessity to flee both? And if I didn’t do this, possibly I wouldn’t be so fucked within the head? How within the hell am I speculated to do my job, understanding she’s so shut, however nonetheless fully out of my attain?

“Rattling it!” I slam my open palm in opposition to the wall in frustration.

I fill my lungs a number of extra instances earlier than telling myself to man the fuck up and get on the market as a result of I’ve a job to do. There’s no room for errors once you’re working with highly effective animals all day. And there’s positively no room in my life for a girl who tossed me apart like yesterday’s trash.

Fuck Presley and no matter issues she got here rolling again into city with. She’s not my concern anymore. She hasn’t been for a very long time.

Chapter 9

Presley

– Age 17

“Landing!” the announcer calls over the PA. “Quantity 13, Beckett Armstrong, simply threw his third landing go of the evening, with two seconds to spare within the fourth. That’s one other win for the Knights, women and gents!”

I soar up and down, my gold and navy pom-poms waving excessive within the air, as Beck and his teammates have a good time their fourth consecutive win. Beck is the beginning quarterback this 12 months, which is uncommon for a junior, however he’s been rocking it. There’s one thing to be stated about small-town soccer. Everybody bands collectively every Friday to place the video games on and assist the house crew as a lot as potential.

“Presley, that man of yours is on fireplace,” my fellow cheerleader, Nicky says. “Should you ever get sick of him, I’ll take him off your fingers.”

I playfully whack her with my pom-pom. “Sorry, Nic, he’s all mine eternally and ever.”

She followers herself mockingly. “Oh effectively, a lady can dream. Oh, look, Mr. Hotness is making his method over right here now.”

I can barely include my pleasure as Beck runs throughout the soccer area in my path. He’s sweaty, and he has helmet hair, however he’s nonetheless drop-dead beautiful. I squeal when he pulls me into him and nuzzles my neck.

“Beckett, cease! Don’t be startin’ one thing you’ll be able to’t end.”

Supply: www.seynovel.com