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“Hmph!” Juanita’s arms folded across her chest.
“I’d say he’s pretty stubborn,” Rylie said. “You know my sister broke up with him nine years ago, and he evidently waited around for her all this time.”
Juanita gasped. “Nine years?”
“He didn’t tell you that part?” Rylie asked.
“No, he didn’t.” Juanita turned reproachful eyes his direction.
“Excuse me,” Jarrett said. “I tried to tell you—”
“Nine years!” Rylie cut him off. “The perfect girl might’ve been right there in front of him, but do you think he even looked?”
“No, he didn’t!” Juanita tsked her disapproval. “He wouldn’t even go out with my niece, and they would’ve been a perfect match.”
“Hello!” Jarrett waved his hand, the smile playing at his lips telling her he was still enjoying the game. “I’m standing right here. You don’t have to talk about me in third person.”
Rylie flashed him a grin. “Maybe you should marry Juanita’s niece instead of Carlie.”
Jarrett’s face contorted in a please-don’t-open-that-can-of-worms look.
“It’s too late.” Juanita shook her head, ruefully. “She married someone else—another short guy. Too bad, because we could’ve used some tall genes in our family.”
“Being short makes you adorable, Abuela Juanita.” Jarrett winked at her.
Rylie had always thought Jarrett was the perfect height, about five inches taller than her five-feet-six-inches. In fact, she’d always thought he was just about perfect in every way. Tall, dark, and handsome. Broad shoulders. Super smart, kind and generous. Becoming a billionaire hadn’t changed him a bit. But everyone had faults, and it was time she started concentrating on Jarrett’s. It would help her get over him faster. For instance… hmm… at the moment she couldn’t think of any. But he was bound to have some. She just had to look for them.
“Right, Rylie?” Jarrett’s voice interrupted her musings.
“Uhm… Sorry, Jarrett. What did you say?”
Deep dimples dug into his cheeks. “I was saying thatyou’restill single. Maybe Juanita can find a match foryou.”
Juanita rubbed her hands together. “Yes! My cousin’s youngest son, Ray, would be perfect for you.”
“No, thanks. I’m kind ofwithsomeone.” She sent a meaningful glare toward Jarrett.
His eyes went wide. “Oh, yeah. I forgot about that.” His gaze darted toward Juanita and back.
“How long have you been dating this someone?” Juanita pursed her lips, somehow looking down her nose at Rylie, even though she was much shorter.
“We’ve only been together a few days,” Rylie answered, choosing her words carefully. “But I’ve known him for years.”
“Whoever he is, he doesn’t deserve you,” Juanita declared, with a sharp nod. “If he’s known you for years and he’s just now getting around to asking you out.”
“Actually, he’s never taken me on a real date,” Rylie said.
“Then hereallydoesn’t deserve you,” Juanita said.
“It could be that he didn’t ask you out because he knew you’d turn him down.” Jarrett’s voice was casual, but muscles rippled along his jaw.
“You’re making up excuses for him.” Rylie stood and walked to the door, peeking into the hallway. Shouldn’t the surgery be over by now?
“Someone needs to defend him.” Jarrett cocked his head to the side. “They said it would take about thirty minutes to insert his PICC line. When he’s out of surgery, they’ll come get us.”
Rylie went back to her seat beside Juanita. “I’m just afraid he’s going to wake up hurting and get scared.”
“Jarrett, you never told me what happened.” Juanita said. “How did you end up getting approved as Gabe’s guardian? Did you and Carlie get married? Where is she, anyway?”
