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I swallow hard, almost shocked that the only person who’s on my side right now is my grandmother. I’m almost tempted to pinch myself because this is weird as hell. “You’re just being mushy.”
She grabs my cheek and gently tugs just like she used to do when I was little. “I worry about you, kid. Please behave and stay out of trouble.” She leans in close like she’s pulling me in for a hug but then whispers in my ear, “You deserve happiness too.”
I pull away and give her a boyish smile. “Thank you.”
“Now, try not to murder your brother. Okay?”
I roll my eyes. “Tell that to him.”
“Oh, trust me, I will the next time I see him,” she states matter-of-factly, just as my uncle John comes from around the corner. He steals her attention away, so I go to the buffet and put two huge scoops of shepherd’s pie on a plate and grab a glass of sweet iced tea. I take a seat, and soon, Ethan, Payton, Gavin, Diesel, and Riley all join me.
“Well fuck,” I state with a chuckle. “I thought I was gonna get to eat in peace and quiet for once.”
“Not happenin’,” Diesel states. Gavin shakes his head and immediately digs in just as Riley answers his cell.
Ethan sits in front of me and smirks but doesn’t say anything. After an awkward minute, I meet his gaze.
“What’d you want?”
“Oh nothin’,” he sing-songs. “Just wondering if Hadleigh’s put you two out of your misery yet.”
I huff. “You’d know before I do, considering she tells Harper everything.” I lean forward. “And she repeats that shit to you.”
He throws his head back as he laughs. “You’re right. I know more than you think I do. Perks of being married!”
“Doubt it,” I say. Shoving more food into my mouth, I no longer want to talk about it. Not when Grandma is only a few feet away.
“Well I know she said she can’t control herself when she’s around you…”
My interest is piqued. “Really?”
He shrugs. “Maybe.”
“If you’re making that shit up, I swear, I’ll fill your truck with cow shit and not apologize.”
Ethan tears into his roll like a savage, then talks with his mouth full. “I’m not makin’ it up.”
Immediately, I grin. “I knew she couldn’t get enough. But then again, can you blame her?”
Ethan snorts. “Actually, I can. She must’ve fallen and hit her head or somethin’. Not sure what’s wrong with her these days and why she’d find you attractive.”
“It’s the charm and my boyish good looks.” I shrug, then add, “And the way I make her come.”
“I don’t wanna hear any details,” Riley says loud enough for everyone in the room to hear.
I glance his way. “Like I’d share with you, old man.”
“Old man? I’m not that much older than you.”
Diesel snorts. “Dude, you’re old as fuck.”
“Language!” I hear Uncle John yell, and Grandma scowls. Everyone at the table eats in silence for the next five minutes. I finish my lunch, then grab a to-go cup of tea before leaving. On the way to the pasture, Grayson texts me.
Grayson: We finished the fence, and we’re heading to the B&B for lunch. Meet you at the horse barn to clean up afterward.
I slow down to text him back a thumbs-up emoji, then head that way. By the time I make it to the barn, I’m consumed by thoughts of Hadleigh and what Ethan said. He wouldn’t lie about something like that, and the thought of her losing control around me has me beaming wide. I’m tempted to text her, but I don’t because it might actually be better this way. Maybe after the dust settles, my brother and I can go back to how things used to be before he thought I was a total piece of shit. Doubtful, though.
Instead of waiting for them to show up and help, I get started, raking out all the old hay and horse shit. The stalls are a complete and utter mess, which pisses me off. This should’ve been done yesterday.
After an hour, they arrive. Kane continues to run his mouth as we work, and while I try to ignore him, I eventually snap.
“Why don’t you fuckin’ leave if you’re so goddamn miserable? We don’t need your help,” I bark, crossing my arms over my chest.
Grayson glances at me but keeps his mouth shut. He’s tired of the bickering too.
“You really don’t want me here?”
I stare him down. “Do I need to repeat myself?”
Kane throws his rake on the ground and storms off. When I hear his engine rev, and he backs out of the driveway, I let out a sigh of relief.
“Christ. He can be such a little bitch sometimes.”
Grayson looks at me. “You’re both insufferable. He pauses for a moment. “But can you really blame him for actin’ that way, though? You slept with his girl.”
