“It’s like comparing a mule to a stallion.”
“Better kisser than Stefano?”
“Puh-lease.” I scuff.
“You’re finally living it up.”
Mani isn’t promiscuous, but she has a lot more experience than I do. She dated her high school sweetheart Joshua Gifford for seven years—even while he was deployed overseas to serve our country. We were all devastated when Josh never came back from the war. Mani nearly died of sorrow. She grieved him for a long time. In recent years, she’s dated a few guys, but nothing comparable to what she had with Josh.
“It’s so amazing, I have to pinch myself.”
She squeals.
I squeal.
We both do a happy dance. Me standing up, and her sitting down.
“I want more details,” she says with a bring it on hand gesture.
“We had such a phenomenal time together, we extended it by driving around Summerville so Rhett could show me some of his favorite spots. Since Saturday night, I’ve been walking on a cloud.”
“I’m so happy for you.” She claps. “Stefano is an ass wipe and Dale is a backward thinking ape. Karma took care of your ex-fiancé. No doubt it’ll be the same for Dale.”
“I doubt Dale’s karma will be as punishing as Stefano’s.”
She taps her chin with her finger. “I guess you’re right. Finding out eight months after Cardi gave birth his son wasn’t his because the cunt was cheating on him with a porn star—who’s stage name is Foot Long—who had fucked Cardi’s cousin on camera several times is pretty out there in terms of punishment. Still, I’m confident karma will make sure to take care of Dale.” She lets out an evil laugh.
“Here’s to karma giving him a good ass kicking.” I lift my hand over my head.
“As much as I miss you, leaving New York was the best decision.”
“It was. I needed room to breathe.”
“And to meet the right guy.”
“Everything is still so new… it might be a little early to proclaim such things…”
It was lust at first sight and everything about Rhett feels so right, but I don’t want to jinx it.
“At least, you get to enjoy him without feeling any pressure from your family.”
I shake my head with an eye roll. “I can’t wrap my head around them right now.”
Mani frowns. “I understand you’re still basking in the newness of it all, but if things were to get serious, you’ll have to tell your parents.”
Thanks for ruining a perfect weekend.
Chapter 18
Rhett
Not waking up with Carina nestled in my arms was rough this morning. Thank God, there’s so much to do, I don’t have too much time to miss her. It’s my second week on the job and everything is still running smoothly. I couldn’t be more grateful. Bonus, I’m only a few steps away from my girl.
It’s already past five in the afternoon when I head back to the ranch with Baize by my side. I took the mare out on a longer ride today since she’s getting stronger and recovering well from a bad injury. Although I started at seven this morning, Dirk asked me to stay a little longer because there was so much to do and Baize responds so well to me.
I look up, and Hunter is waving at me. “Hey, Rhett, you wanted to talk to us before we all head out?”
I wave back. “Yeah, I do. Let me get Baize in the barn and I’ll chart my day. Twenty minutes?”
