Page 59 of Crossed Lines

He rolls his eyes. “I don’t have a girlfriend.”

“Ok, the woman you’ve been sleeping with then? Is that what you want me to call her?”

“No, I don’t want you to call her anything because she doesn’t exist.”

“Yes, she does!” I insist. “Why won’t you just tell me about her?”

“Stop being so nosy.” He walks past me and rubs the top of my head, making my hair even messier.

“Come on. I’m your sister.”

“And you’re nosy!” Then he leaves, giving me zero information about his girlfriend.

In the silence, I think about our conversation and immediately feel relieved. I could tell Sawyer was a little hurt, but I think he understands why I did it. Or at the very least, he won’t hold it against me. I’m glad I was able to cross one thing off my list today.

I take my time getting ready for the day. I eat breakfast while I start on a pile of laundry. I can’t believe I have to start packing soon. I feel like I just got here. This summer has gone by way too fast, and it feels like so much has happened and yet nothing at all.

Even after everything Beck and I did on the night of the storm, he still insists on being just friends. I get an occasional forehead kiss or an intentional brush of his fingers against mine, but other than that… nothing. We didn’t even talk about what happened. It almost has me questioning if anything did happen. Like, did I make it up all in my head?

When I get to Beck’s house, I don’t bother knocking. He’s started leaving the door unlocked, so I let myself in. Jade runs up to me and wraps her arms around my waist in a hug.

“Hey girlie, what do you wanna do today?” I ask.

“Daddy’s gonna take us riding!”

I look at her curiously. “I thought Daddy was working today?” I look up from Jade and find Beck leaning against the wall, watching us.

“Hey,” he says casually.

“Hey.” Every time we lock eyes, it’s like we’re the only two people around. I’ve never had that with anyone before, and it’s only slightly terrifying. I know these feelings are going to rip me apart when I walk out of this house for the last time.

“I thought you two could come to the stables so I could take you for a trail ride. I’ve got a lot of staff today. They should be fine if I sneak off for awhile.”

“You are the boss,” I say.

He nods. “I am the boss. I’m your boss as well, so I say you’re going riding today.”

I laugh. “Alright. Well, let me go grab my jeans and boots from the car.”

Jade releases me, and I run back outside to grab my extra clothes. I change in their bathroom before we head to the stables. I enjoy riding and definitely haven’t gotten to do it as much as I would’ve liked this summer. Mainly because I didn’t want to bother Beck at work, but also because I needed the break from him during the day to keep my sanity. He occupies my thoughts enough during the day. Seeing him only makes it worse.

Beck checks in with his guys when we get to the stables before he starts getting our horses tacked up.

I spot a familiar face and give a small wave. I haven’t seen or heard from Ace since that night at Roadside. I know Beck told him not to talk to me, but I’m a little surprised he listened. I’m grateful he did, though. I hate having to reject people, and I know I wouldn’t be able to go on a date with Ace when my mind is consumed by Beck. It’s bad enough that I led him on the night at the bar.

“Hey, Willow,” Ace says, coming over to talk to me.

I glance over his shoulder at Beck, but he’s busy getting the saddle ready on Jade’s horse.

“Hey, Ace. How are you?”

“Doing good. How’s your summer been?”

“Great, keeping busy with this little one.” I rub Jade’s head and look down to see her glaring at Ace.

“Sounds fun. So, when do you head back to school?” he asks.

“This weekend.”