Page 47 of Crossed Lines

“Let me know in the morning how you’re feeling. If you need another day, it’s totally fine,” Beck says.

“I appreciate it, but I think I’ll be good.”

He nods, and I wave goodbye from my spot in the kitchen. Once they’re gone, I make my way to the couch and beg Sawyer to bring me a popsicle. Now that I’ve got something in my stomach, I realize how hungry I am. Obviously, I don’t want to push it, so a popsicle will have to do.

I’m flipping through the channels when a text pops up on my phone.

Beck: You know I’ll still pay you even if you need another day

Willow: I would never ask you to do that, but I appreciate it. Thank you for today.

Beck: Thank you for letting me take care of you. I was so worried when Sawyer called me this morning.

Beck: Also I found this picture on my phone. Jade must’ve taken it

A picture of him and me curled up in bed appears next. The angle is a little off, which confirms that Jade did, in fact, take it. But Beck is behind me, his arm around me. We’re cuddling. My heart flutters. He held me when I was sick. Dammit. He’s gonna make me fall in love with him, isn’t he?

Willow: You’re making this whole being friends thing really difficult.

Beck: I’m sorry. I can’t help myself when I’m around you.

I don’t text him back because I don’t know what to say. Part of me knows I need to keep him at arm’s length. It’s what’s best for both of us and Jade and Sawyer. But the more emotional part of me wants to tell him to give in to this feeling. We both want it. We’re both consenting adults. I hate this flirting that leads to nothing. I want him. All of him. But he won’t let me have it.

When I climb back in bed, I can still smell him on my sheets. I miss him already. I wish he were here to help me fall asleep again. Unfortunately, I will probably never have a moment like that again with him. It’s too bad I was too drowsy to enjoy it.

CHAPTER 18

Beck

“Thanks for visiting Moonlight Ranch. It was my pleasure to be your trail leader today. If you need anything else for your visit, please don’t hesitate to let me or Ace know,” I say, addressing the small group I just spent an hour and a half with on the trails. They all had some experience with horseback riding, so we were able to do one of the more intermediate trails that leads to the ridge that overlooks the whole ranch. It’s one of my favorites rides. It’s days like today that make this job not really feel like a job.

The group thanks me, and a few shake my hand before they disperse back to the lodge. Ace and I start untacking the horses. They were our last big group for the day, which is good because it looks like a storm is about to roll through based on the dark clouds hovering above us.

“Hey, boss,” Ace says, coming up to me.

“Yeah?” I turn toward him after I lift a saddle off one of the horses.

“I, uh, was wondering if it’d be ok if I asked out your babysitter,” he says quickly.

My brows furrow as I try to understand his question. My babysitter? Then it hits me. Jade’s babysitter. Willow. I remember Willow and Ace dancing at Roadside together. No matter how drunk I was, I could never forget how possessive I felt in that moment. I’ve never been possessive. Even when Gemma and I were together. But when Ace put his hands on Willow, I wanted to rip them right off his body.

“Willow?” I ask even though I know exactly who he means. I’m just trying to buy myself some time to collect my thoughts. My initial reaction is to shout, “Absolutely not,” but Ace is my employee, and there’s a certain level of respect I need to show him.

“Yeah. We hit it off at Roadside that one night, or at least I thought we did. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about her. But I know she’s close to your family, so I want to make sure it’s alright before I ask her.”

Of course, he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about her. Willow is nothing short of amazing.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea,” I tell him, turning to put the heavy saddle where it belongs.

He doesn’t let the topic drop, though, following behind me. “Can I ask why?”

I grit my teeth. “She’s leaving soon. Doesn’t make much sense.”

“I know, but I think I’d kick myself if I didn’t at least try.” Oh my god, this kid will not give up.

“Ace, she’s spoken for,” I say, barely above a growl.

He tilts his head in confusion. “What? She never mentioned a boyfriend that night. Are you sure?”