“You and I both know any hopes to your former career as a rodeo king are shattered.”
Condescending asshole.
“You can come work for me. Business is booming for our family-owned plant farm.”
“Mr. Dev?—”
“A man can’t live alone… neither can he make it solo.”
For God’s sake.
“I already have a family—my friend Jenkins and his sister April.”
“Oh, come on, Rhett. The Williams are nice enough folks, but t they aren’trealfamily. They’ll get married soon and where does that leave you? Alone. You ain’t got no one else in the world since the passin’ of your ma.”
I don’t give two shits what you think, old man.“Mr. Devon, I have to go.”
“Oh, okay.” He flinches. “Let me know when you’ll be coming over. Rosaleigh will be waiting.”
“It’s unlikely to happen,” I say, walking away.
“Then your future’s lookin’ a little mundane.” He throws his parting words over my shoulder.
I stop in my tracks, turning to look around.
I pin him with a hard stare. “What do you mean?”
He offers a sly smirk. “Word has it you’re starting a new job at Jake and Hunter’s ranch.”
My God, the man is nosy.“So?”
“It’s a huge step down from your glory days. Can’t be easy being a nobody again.”
What a callous comment.
I fight to keep the cold punch of insult from showing on my face.
“I’m still a somebody, Mr. Devon,” I say through gritted teeth. “I just have a different career now.”
“A career in which you’ll have to kiss bye-bye to easy pussy, fame, and high-rolling earnings.” He smirks. “I offer you a sweet alternative and a good position in the family business… one where you don’t have to get your hands dirty and smell like sweat. What do you do? You piss all over it. Instead, you’d rather shovel manure and fuck whichever skank winks at you.”
Self-righteous son of a bitch.
“We’re done with this conversation.”
Chapter 3
Carina
When I get back from my break, the shop is bursting with customers. I make my way to the kitchen, slide my apron over my head, tie it up behind my back and get ready to grill some sandwiches.
The flames bursting from the gas oven are a reminder of the stranger I just met.
What a hottie.
I start my first round of sandwiches with a little shake in my hips.
From Summerville with love.
