“Goodnight, Maverick.”
I turn to leave, and for one brief, dangerous second, I think I might make it out with my composure intact.
Then Olivia’s voice rings through the barn.
“Hey, Rory! Mr. Moretti wants to date my mama!”
“Olivia!”
Amelia’s horrified gasp follows me like music.
Rory’s laugh echoes from somewhere behind us. “Does he now?”
“He said he wants her to text him,” Olivia announces.
“Olivia Marie Moore!”
I pause at the barn doors because I may be a powerful man, but I am not strong enough to walk away from this.
Slowly, I look back.
Amelia has both hands over her face.
Olivia stands beside her, completely unbothered, clutching her ever-present clipboard like she’s just delivered an official report.
Rory leans against a stall door, grinning far too widely. “Well, Ms. Moore, that sounds serious.”
“It’s not serious,” Amelia says from behind her hands.
“Oh, it’s very serious,” Olivia says.
Amelia drops her hands and stares down at her daughter. “You’re grounded from announcing things.”
“That’s not a real punishment.”
“It is now.”
Olivia considers this, then looks back at me. “Are you still gonna text her?”
“I’m hoping she texts me first.”
“Oh.” She nods, satisfied. “Good. That gives her choices. Mama likes choices.”
Amelia closes her eyes. “I’m gonna pass away in this barn.”
Rory laughs harder.
I should leave.
I truly should.
Instead, I meet this beautiful woman’s gaze and allow myself one small smile.
“No pressure,” I remind her.
Her cheeks are bright pink, but she smiles back anyway.
Small. Embarrassed. And so damn beautiful.
