Page 256 of Cowboy Daddies

“Wow. That’s mean. Can he do that when you’re an adult?”

Good question.

“He’s worried about my teeth.” And probably with just cause because that tooth at the back had been aching a bit lately. “How was school?”

Wyatt frowned and stared down at his ice cream which was quickly melting.

“What’s wrong, sugar?”

“Are you dating Papa?” he asked suddenly.

She froze. Shit. Had he seen them together? Why was he asking that?

“Why would you ask that?” she asked.

“That’s what Billy said. He said that you guys were at a motel and that meant that you were together and that I was gonna get a new stepmom who’d be mean to me.”

Wow.

Billy was a jerk and a bully.

“First of all, I would never be mean to you. Ever.”

Wyatt made a scoffing noise. “I know that. Billy was just trying to scare me.”

Whew.

“And I’d never try to replace your mama.”

Wyatt glanced away. “I miss her. She wasn’t always a very good mama but I think she loved me.”

“I know she did,” she said softly.

“I told Billy that if Papa wanted to date you that I would think that was cool because you’re cool. You’re not stuffy and bossy like those nannies. And you’re not like Billy’s mom all quiet and blank. You’re . . . you’re Casey. So if you were Papa’s girlfriend, well, I’d like that!”

Wow.

That was not what she’d expected him to say.

“Jeb’s girlfriend?” a voice asked, sounding shocked. “She’s not your father’s girlfriend.”

What the hell?

Casey turned to frown at the woman standing next to their table. What was Megan doing?

“I mean, I’ve heard the rumors,” Megan scoffed. “About them being caught at a motel together. But that doesn’t mean anything. Your father isn’t ready for a relationship yet. She’s just a bit of fun.”

“Megan! You cannot talk like that in front of Wyatt. Come on, we’re going,” she said to Wyatt who nodded, frowning at Megan.

“It’s just the truth,” Megan said. “If Jeb is going to choose someone to get involved with, it will be someone stable. Who lives in the community and isn’t going to leave in a few days.”

“Casey isn’t leaving in a few days,” Wyatt said as they both slid from the booth.

“Of course she is. As soon as her car is fixed. Did you think she’d stay here for good? Maybe that she and your dad would get married?” Megan scoffed.

Wyatt’s face grew pale then red.

Crap. What the hell was Megan doing?