Page 92 of One Reckless Moment

I bonded with these guys this summer. They were more like brothers than just ranch hands who worked for my dad. I wasn’t just walking away from Cash, I was leaving everyone without a word.

I couldn’t doubt myself now. I’d made it this far, and it was time to make some big girl decisions. I loaded into the car and watched the house disappear into the distance.

41

I THINK WE NEED BACKUP

PAIGE

My body was tired by the time we pulled onto the long, winding street, and I sighed a breath of relief. There were mountains everywhere you looked, but they were different then home. There were less trees and the air smelled like salt as the sun beat down.

When the car pulled up to the modern Hollywood Hills home, I tipped the driver and got my suitcase out of the trunk. I wheeled it up to the front door and rang the bell before I could convince myself out of it.

Lottie swung it open and her jaw dropped. “Paige?”

“Hey, Lo,” I said, then immediately burst into tears. The big sobbing sort of tears that feel impossible to stop.

Lottie sprung to my side and wrapped me in a hug, walking me inside without shutting the door behind us.

“Owen! Can you grab the suitcase from the porch?” she shouted.

Owen came running out in joggers and a hoodie.

“What?” he asked before spotting me. His eyes widened out of pure panic before he silently nodded and headed to grab my bags.

Lottie guided me to the couch, and I dropped onto it before letting my head fall into my hands.

“I’m sorry for just showing up like this. I thought if I called you’d talk me out of it.” I managed to choke out words as my vision blurred from tears.

“Oh, babe, you are always welcome here.” She pushed my hair behind my ear and crossed her legs under her. “What happened?”

“I left Cash,” I said, sucking in air in an attempt to stop crying.

“Did he do something?” Lottie looked concerned and I knew I was about to drop a bomb on her.

I shook my head. “It was just all wrong.”

“Can you spell it out for me? I’m a little confused.”

I took a settling breath and looked at my sister. “I lied to you.”

Lottie’s eyes widened and she looked over her shoulder. “Owen!”

Owen immediately walked into the room and placed two ball glasses and a bottle of tequila on the coffee table before Lottie could even ask him.

One look at the glass bottle and my tears just streamed harder.

It reminded me of Cash.

“I thought this was a safe bet,” Owen said.

“This is why I’m marrying you.” She laughed softly.

“Grab a third.” I nodded at him. “I could use a male perspective.”

Once Owen was back with his glass and the drinks were poured, I took a sip and let my nerves settle.

“Start at the beginning,” Lottie said, crossing her arms like she was ready for an argument.