I nod. "I can't wait to be home."
I want that. Actually, I want Sterling Ranch to become my home.
His face softens. "I can't wait for you to be back here."
"I'll tell you what I needed to earlier tomorrow. Not here." I don't want to risk anyone in this house overhearing what I have to say. I'm learning that some conversations only work face-to-face. "It's about Gianna. It's important. But it can wait until I'm with you."
"Okay, baby. Whatever you think is best."
I sigh. "I should probably go show my face again. I kind of ran off."
"Let me see that ass before you get dressed."
I roll over, positioning the phone so he gets the full view.
"Perfect. Now I can sleep tonight."
"You're obsessed, Mr. Sterling."
"Damn right. Always have been. Always will be."
That makes me smile so wide it aches.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Acey baby."
"Text me when you're going to sleep."
"I will."
I blow a kiss into the camera. He catches it. He actually reaches up and closes his fist around it like he's keeping it, and we hang up.
I stare at the ceiling. The weight of Hudson's lies pressing down. The engagement ring sits on the nightstand like a tiny, glittering prison.
I have a marriage to ruin. And a love to get back to.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Ace
Today is a good fucking day.
I woke up to a picture of Harper's ass and a message that said she's leaving to fly back to Arizona. My girl is coming home to me. Coming to cheer me on, just like she used to, back when she'd lean on the fence rail in those denim shorts with the frayed edges and scream my name louder than the announcer.
I've got three rides today. Need to win at least two to stay on track for the league title.
Easy. And then I’m taking Harper to the fair, and we’re gonna get drunk and do some line dancing.
"You got everything?" Jett shouts up the stairs.
"Yeah."
"Don't forget the winning smile."
I roll my eyes. "Bulls don't care how pretty I am, Jett. They just want me the fuck off their backs."
I jog downstairs, grab my bag and my hat from the hook by the door. Jett's leaning against the counter, keys spinning on his finger, looking like a man who slept about two hours and is running entirely on caffeine and stubbornness.
"Hunter and Colten are meeting us there with Lola and Violet," he says.
