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He sucks in a breath. “I’m not so sure that’s a good idea.”
Before I can question him, Olivia announces she’s done. I compliment the good job she did, then lead Spirit back to her stall.
We walk back to the B&B where Connor finds his parents, and they decide it’s time to leave. Of course Olivia doesn’t want to and pokes out her bottom lip.
“You can come back anytime, okay? Maybe we can go on a ranch tour and watch the sunset.” I kneel and give Olivia a hug. “As long as it’s okay with your daddy.”
“I will!” She squeezes her arms around me, and I hold her tight before releasing her.
I stand and wave.
“Thank you again,” Connor says, taking Olivia’s hand. He leads toward the door, then looks over his shoulder at me. He doesn’t say anything, but his smile tells me everything.
Chapter Sixteen
Connor
Having my little girl for Thanksgiving was special and taking her to the Bishops was the cherry on top. Olivia’s talked about Elle for the past two days and has informed me how much she likes her. It’s made it hard not to think about her. I’d been good at pushing my thoughts about her aside, giving her house calls so we can keep our distance, and staying in my office when she was around. The past three years of avoiding my feelings and denying my attraction have taken an emotional toll on me. Seeing my daughter attach to Elle so quickly has me thinking about the future.
Today Olivia’s going back to her mom’s, but once again, Vivian says she can’t meet me halfway. Now I’m stuck driving eight hours through post-holiday traffic. Luckily, Elle’s available to cover if an emergency pops up. That doesn’t mean I’m any less annoyed that Vivian’s not doing her part and is taking advantage of my time.
When I glance in my rearview mirror, I see Olivia’s sleeping peacefully, using her stuffed bear as a pillow. She laid on the guilt this morning when she was packing her things. I know she loves her mother, but I’m not convinced she’s getting the attention she needs.
“Wake up, sweetie. We’re here,” I whisper as I unbuckle her.
She blinks her eyes open and looks at me. “We are?”
“Yep. You slept through most of the drive.” I grab her blanket and bag off the floor. She squeezes her bear, and I carry her out of the truck. As we walk to the front door, Olivia grabs my hand. I knock, but no one answers, so I twist the knob and enter. My frustration doubles.
What the fuck?
The place is littered with beer cans, and it reeks of cigarettes. When we were together, Vivian didn’t smoke, but that’s clearly changed. Regardless, Olivia seems unfazed, which makes me think she’s used to this.
“Vivian?” I call out.
“She’s probably in bed,” Olivia says. In bed? It’s two in the afternoon.
“Does Mommy sleep in a lot?” I ask.
She shrugs. “Sometimes, if she stays up late.”
I’m ready to haul Olivia back to my truck when the bathroom door whips open, and a half-naked man walks out.
“Uh…” I grab Olivia and pull her behind me. “Who are you?”
“Hey, I’m Rex.”
“He stays here sometimes too,” Olivia whispers, though I remember the last time she mentioned her mother having a boyfriend, his name was Chuck.
My blood boils so hot that I’m two seconds away from telling Vivian to go fuck herself. I don’t care if she dates, but to bring men around our six-year-old and leave the apartment looking like this is unacceptable.
“Viv!” Rex calls out as he walks down the hallway. “Someone’s here for you.”
After a couple of minutes, she finally stumbles out in a bathrobe. “Hey, sweetie.”
Olivia rushes over to hug her, and I groan at the way Vivian glares at me.
“I missed you. How was your trip?”
“It was so much fun! I rode a horse!” Olivia gushes.
“Baby, go take your stuff to your room. Mommy and I need to talk.”
Vivian smiles at her, but it immediately fades when we’re alone.
“You care to explain this?” I wave my hand around. “You think it’s appropriate for our daughter to come back to a trashed place and be greeted by a strange man?”
“Oh, cut the shit, Connor. And I’ll clean it up. I just didn’t have time yet.”
“I get the feeling this isn’t the first time.” I cross my arms. “And you’re smoking now, too?”
“Why do you care? I don’t butt into your life, so stay out of mine.” She goes to the kitchen and struggles to make coffee.
“Vivian, I’m not kidding. I thought you couldn’t meet me halfway because you had to work?” I follow her, not letting her out of this conversation that easily.
“I did, but they called and said never mind. The person I was covering for decided to show up after all.” She avoids eye contact, and I know it’s bullshit.
