Page 55 of One Reckless Moment

I laughed at her. “You would have learned? Answer this: when was the last time you or anyone else asked me about a boy? When was the last time any of you asked if I was dating?”

The three of them went deathly silent.

“No one has ever given a shit about what I’m doing or who I’m doing it with—except Cash. He has always cared.”

“I care,” Lottie said defensively. “You just never mentioned any guys so I figured if there was an important one then you would tell me.”

“And why do I always have to volunteer it for you to take an interest?”

“That’s not what I meant.” She shook her head.

“Yes it is, Lo.”

“I don’t know what you want from me, Paige. I have my own life and I’m busy. I don’t have time to ask pointless questions.”

I scoffed. “Exactly my point. It’s always about you and anything about my life is pointless because it doesn’t compare to Lottie. Lottie is moving to LA. Lottie is going to get married. Lottie is going to take over the ranch properties. Lottie is going to have babies and be the legacy of the Brooks family.”

“You think I wanted all of that?” she shouted. “I took all the criticism so you could be young and stupid with no consequences. You could have a childhood because I took all of the pressure.”

“Yeah, that’s why you moved away and started a new life without looking back.”

“I didn’t have a choice!”

“You may not have before, but you sure as fuck did last summer. You fell in love—I understand that—but you chose his life and his family over your own. Over me.”

Lottie opened her mouth like she was going to say something but closed it.

I shook my head, tears freely streaming down my face.

“I’m done. You go back to your fancy new life with your perfect new family. Stay out of mine with my stupid manwhore husband who doesn’t deserve me.”

I grabbed my purse and stormed to the front door. I could hear Taylor and Micah calling after me but I ignored them as I swung the door open and let it slam behind me.

25

DANCING IN THE RAIN

CASH

I was lounging on the couch playing video games with the guys when my phone started buzzing. We had spent the morning drinking like there was no tomorrow, so shortly after Paige went to take a nap, I joined her and slept it off. Now I was tired and hoping that Paige would come home soon because I missed her.

I picked up my phone and was surprised to see Taylor’s name light up on the screen. I knew Taylor through the girls, but the only time she ever called was when Paige was too drunk to get home and needed a ride. I’d picked up a tipsy Paige countless times. I acted like I hated it, but part of me got a little thrill that I got to be the one to look after her.

It was still fairly early in the night so it was unlikely that she already needed me to pick her up, which gave my stomach a sinking feeling that something was wrong.

“Hello?” I said, standing and heading to the garage on instinct.

“Hey, sorry to bother you.” Taylor’s voice was hesitant.

“It’s okay, what’s wrong?”

“Lottie and Paige got into a fight and Paige walked out. We thought she just needed a breather but she never came back.”

“You don’t know where she went?” My heart was beating rapidly as I unlocked my truck and hopped inside.

“No. We’re really worried and she isn’t answering her phone.”

“I’ll find her. Thanks for calling me, Tay.”