“It’s no big deal.” He shrugs, already backing out the door.
The silence he leaves behind hums.
“Well,” Lane says quietly. “That could’ve gone way worse.”
I laugh, but it comes out thin. The reality weighs heavy on my chest. That could’ve easily been Heath. We can’t keep sneaking around like this. Not after that.
I turn to him, my pulse thudding for an entirely different reason now. “What are we doing?”
He blinks. “Tonight? I thought we were all going to Lucky’s—“
“No,” I interrupt, gesturing between us. “I mean, what isthis?”
He studies me, careful. “I thought it was obvious.”
“If it was, I wouldn’t be asking, would I?”
“That’s fair.” He exhales slowly. “Um. We’re together. You’re my girl.”
My heart stumbles.
“Is that okay?” he asks, brushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear. His touch is light, attentive.
I nod, smiling through the lump in my throat. “But…I think we should tell Heath.”
“We can do that. Tomorrow.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure, love.” His voice dips low, a promise. “Anything else you want?”
“Say it again.”
He pulls me close, presses his lips to my hair, and whispers against my skin.
“You’re my girl.”
It’sjustmeandLydia at lunch.
Lane and Wesley are leading a large group on a trail ride and they’ll be out most of the day. The thought makes my stomach knot.
I know Lane will keep his cool—he always does—but it’s Wesley I’m worried about. Something’s been off with him lately. He’s been distant and detached—more than usual. Like he’s somewhere else entirely.
Maybe it’s nothing—just Wesley being Wesley—but I can’t shake the feeling it’s more than that.
Hopefully he can keep it professional in front of the guests. Heath is pretty no-nonsense about that kind of thing. I’m guessing it’s the entire reason he implemented the no dating rule in the first place, to avoid unnecessary drama and emotional outbursts.
And yet here I am, involved in a complicated entanglement, and the reason for his son being broodier than usual. Ihatethatwe’ve been keeping this from Heath. Especially after everything he’s done for me.
You’re my girl.
The words echo in my chest, soft and grounding.
Everything’s happening fast—too fast, probably—but I refuse to let myself slow down to question it.Thisis what I want. Lane is the safe option. I like the way he makes me feel. I like how easy it is to be wanted by him, how his attention feels steady and uncomplicated.
Lydia steals a fry off my plate, popping it in her mouth. “Penny for your thoughts?”
“Just a little anxious,” I admit, chewing the inside of my cheek. “Wesley and Lane are out there together, and I don’t think they’ve talked since…everything.”
