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Trevor was the first to get after it. “Let’s do this shit!”
Steed paused in front of me, but then followed Cord to another tent without saying a word. I tried not to let the hurt show. After all, I was the one pushing him away. Why should I expect him to stop and talk?
“He can’t keep his eyes off of you,” Corina whispered.
“So what,” I said as I peeked over at Steed. I wouldn’t admit to Corina and could barely admit it to myself, but my chest fluttered and my stomach dropped each time I caught Steed watching me.
She sighed and I stopped setting up the booth and turned to her. “What?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. He looks so…sad.”
“So? I really don’t care if he’s sad or not.”
“Paxton, you don’t really mean that. I know you still care for him.”
She was wrong. I still loved him.
My father walked up with a smile, as usual. “Darling, we’ve got all the tents up, but I think the boys need to be getting back to their place. I pulled them away and they’ve got work to do.”
I hugged him. “Thank you, Daddy, for bringing help.”
He pushed me back and gave me a wink. “Well, as soon as they heard y’all were in trouble, they were eager to help.”
A rush of guilt washed over me knowing I had avoided the Parker family for so long, and the moment I put out the call for help, they didn’t think twice. With a chuckle, I said, “Sounds like the Parker boys.”
Corina stood next to me. “Paxton those are not boys. They are one hundred percent men.”
My father laughed while I rolled my eyes.
Mitchell approached, wiping his hands, and I couldn’t help but notice how Corina seemed to stand a little taller and her eyes got a little brighter. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Corina.” Mitchell reached out for her hand and shook it. I could tell she was a bit disappointed. Maybe she wanted another swoon moment with him kissing the back of her hand.
Tripp was next and practically pushed Mitchell out of the way. He was happy to kiss the back of Corina’s hand. “Corina, it’s been an honor working alongside you. Maybe we’ll meet up again soon.”
With a wide grin, Corina replied, “I’d like that.”
My eyes swung over to Mitchell. He didn’t look pleased as he headed to Trevor’s truck.
I thanked each of the guys with a hug then glanced around for Steed. He wasn’t standing with his brothers. I glanced over my shoulder and saw him talking to Gina Higgins.
“When did Gina get here?” I asked Corina.
She shrugged. “No clue. Seems like she has her eyes on your man.”
I huffed. “He isn’t my man, Corina.” Turning away, I walked my father to his truck.
Cord stood there, smiling. “Paxton, you really should stop by my folks’ place sometime. I know Mom would love to see you.”
The ache in my heart grew. I loved Melanie and missed her more than I could say. “I’d love that,” I replied softly.
He nodded, then stared past me. “He’s not interested in her.”
I glanced over my shoulder. Gina was trying her best to keep Steed’s interest. When our eyes met, I looked back at Cord.
“I wouldn’t care if he was.”
His brows lifted. “Really? Because the way you glared over there a minute ago screamed like you cared.”
Before I had a chance to respond, Trevor honked, causing me to jump and yell. Cord shot him the finger. Tripp and Mitchell laughed as the Ford backed up and headed out of the parking lot.
My father waved goodbye from where he stood beside his truck. “Bye, sweet girl. I need to run.”
“Thank you again for coming to my rescue, Daddy.”
He laughed. “Don’t thank me. Thank the boys.”
I smiled. “Be careful, and give Mom a kiss and hug for me.”
Climbing into his truck, he shut the door and called out, “Will do!”
Cord still stood there, staring like he knew something I didn’t. I opened my mouth to talk but instantly shut it when a rush of energy zipped through my body…starting at my lower back where Steed had placed his hand.
“Paxton, do you have a minute to talk?”
My eyes were fixed on Cord as if my life depended on it. The bastard turned and headed to the passenger side of Steed’s truck.
“Please, Pax?” Steed said.
My eyes closed. The sound of his pleading settled around my aching heart.
When I turned to him, I had to hold my breath. My god, he was so handsome. An older version of the boy I fell so madly in love with.
“Fine, but not here. I don’t want parents gossiping.”
“Okay. Where?”
The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them.
“We can meet at my house later this evening.”
He smiled and my legs wobbled. Pointing at him, I said, “Don’t get any ideas.”
