I shook my head. “No, it ain’t, but I ain’t surprised. That trailer was almost as old as me. It ain’t worth anythin’ really.”
It had been full of memories, though.
Daddy bought it after the last time Mama left. We’d lived in that thing, traveling all across the country, from the time I was four-years-old. Then when I turned eighteen, Daddy gave it to me. That trailer had more memories than money could ever buy off, but try telling that to an insurance company.
I loosed another sigh and fidgeted with my own hat, picking a piece of hair off it. “I can make it work, though. A thousand bucks and I can at least start up my online shop again, and the rest I can use as a down on a new trailer. If I get a job and can make some money winning in the next few rodeos, I can afford monthly payments on it.”
She paused in her brushing, her gaze flicking to mine. Something swirled and sparked to life in them. Not anger, not worry. I couldn’t quite explain it. Trepidation maybe?
“Things not workin’ out at Maverick’s?” Her tone held a steely edge to it.
I frowned, shaking my head. “No, it ain’t that. I just…I’ve always taken care of myself. I don’t like bein’ a burden.”
She sat the brush down and returned the hat to its box with a quiet intensity that made me shiver. “So, this arrangement with Maverick, it’s just outta convenience?” The cold accusation in her tone said everything. She thought I was using him.
“I ain’t usin’ him, if that’s what you’re thinkin’.”
She continued on as if I hadn’t said anything. “That boy’s been through hell and back. Been through far more than any person should have to go through. If you wanna leave, leave now. Before you break his heart.”
Guilt and frustration ate at me, clawing at my chest and forming a lump in my throat. I wasn’t trying to take advantage of his kindness. I wasn’t trying to use him. But even upset and angry, I could see why she would see it that way. She’d raised him. Of course, she’d be protective.
Tears swam in my eyes once more, a single one slipping down my cheek. I didn’t brush it away as I met her fierce stare, even though every fiber of my being hated showing the slip in emotion. I wanted her to see it. Wanted her to know how I felt.
“Look, I don’t know what the future holds with us. It’s partly why I need him to talk. I don’t know what we are. What he wants. What he expects of this situation. But I do know that I care about him. I care…and I don’t wanna hurt him. I know you’re worried about him, but I can tell you right now, I ain’t no Ashleigh. I ain’t gonna take advantage of him and leave him. You don’t have to worry about that.”
Her face softened, the scowl that had formed smoothing out. “You know about Ashleigh?”
I finally wiped my cheek, giving her a gentle nod. “Yeah. Cash told me about her. I can’t tell you what all is gonna happen between Maverick and I, but I can promise you right now I ain’t ever gonna treat him the way she did.”
Mrs. Mooney’s head cocked slightly to the side, her scrutinizing gaze holding my own for a long moment. A slow smile blossomed on her lips, lighting up her pretty face. “I hope that boy talks soon, because it’d be a shame if he lost you.”
My heart squeezed, all of the air leaving my lungs in a whoosh. I hadn’t even realized I’d wanted her approval, but hearing her all but give it to me right now… My eyes watered again.
Dear God, I was a damn mess.Get yourself together, Chey.
“Thank you, Mrs. Mooney,” I croaked out, hating that I sounded so emotional.
She offered me a smile. “Go take a moment and get yourself sorted out. You got an event to win.”
I smiled and dipped my head in a nod.
My hair blew inthe wind as I sat in the passenger seat of my truck, the Texas stars twinkling in the sky like a thousand diamonds, Maverick driving beside me. I’d fought to drive—I was plenty capable of it—but Maverick was nothing if not polite. Not gonna lie, being a passenger princess wasn’t half bad.
I still rode the high of winning the first round of barrels, qualifying for the final round tomorrow night. I needed this win, and now I was one step closer. Maverick, Cash, and Ryder had qualified for their events as well.
“Wouldn’t it be crazy if we all won in our events tomorrow?” I mused, glancing over at him. He smiled and squeezed my hand in his, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Brandy panted happily at my feet, her tongue lolling out of her mouth. I gave her a couple pets with my free hand. Everything about that moment felt so good. So nice. So…right.
Maverick’s phone buzzed on the center console, his home screen lighting up to show a text message with a familiar name.
Ashleigh.
My stomach clenched, my heart squeezing tighter and tighter, cutting off the air in my lungs.
Another one with her name. And another. And another.
I couldn't see any of the text beyond that, not that I cared or wanted to. Anger and fear boiled in my chest.
