AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“This is new.” Aggie waggled her finger at Cody talking to Ansen by the grill. Thelma and I were sitting at the plexiglass-topped table on the porch with the other women.
“He didn’t have cookouts before?” The evening was his idea. He’d been lost in his head more since he’d met with the guy from the big oil company. He’d said it went well, but I’d been deep in my lust since seeing him completely suited up. Then he’d put on his mirrored sunglasses and dropped a devastating grin that melted my panties right off.
But his suit had nothing on the jeans molding to his ass and draping down his long, powerful legs. He had his cowboy boots on, a plain black T-shirt, and those damn sunglasses that tempted me to scale his body until his mouth was at my—
“If he did,” Aggie said, pulling me out of a desire-driven hot flash, “I didn’t hear about them, and I doubt anyone was invited.”
“Ican even tell he’s more relaxed than when he first moved in.” Vienne had left her jangles at home, wearing four different necklaces instead. She fiddled with a metal charm in the shape of a paintbrush.
I had one leg crossed over the other. Aggie nudged my shoe with the toe of her worn cowboy boot. “Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it.”
“We’ve been trying as often as possible.” I took a drink of my hard seltzer to keep from grinning. Since the night she’d had the kids, Cody and I connected at least once a day. Usually after the kids went to bed. I’d stay, and instead of falling on each other like sex-starved teens, we talked. I told him about my day or if I had talked to my mom. He asked at least twice a week if Frederick had interfered with Mom or the long-term care center. So far, he hadn’t made a third attempt.
Vienne sighed wistfully. “I miss good sex,” she said under her breath.
Sutton nodded and slid her gaze toward Aggie before dropping it to the porch floor. Like me, she couldn’t exactly talk about how phenomenal her experience with a Knight was with Aggie. I didn’t have siblings, but I was certain I wouldn’t want to hear about their sex lives.
“At least it’s made the breakup easier.” Vienne watched Catherine practice her steps. The girl had been over last night, helping get costumes ready. Catherine could sew like a pro. I could’ve used one of her in the wings of my performances for wardrobe malfunctions. “The lack of any bedroom skills isn’t anything I miss, although I do miss waking up to a warm body in bed. Even if he did snore and complain my feet were too cold. But Catherine’s been so much happier. Like a weight has lifted off her shoulders, and I don’t think it’s just because she’s excited about next Friday.”
“It’s going to be so fun,” Aggie murmured. She rested a hand on her belly, and Sutton’s eyes narrowed. I caught Sutton’s gaze and lifted my brows. Aggie noticed the exchange and playfully glared at Sutton. “Damn—is there nothing I can get past you?”
Sutton held up her hands like she was proclaiming her innocence. “It’s my job to determine what’s pregnant and what’s not.”
Aggie laughed. “I’m not a cow.”
“Good thing, or I’d be sticking my arm in your rectum.”
Vienne coughed into her drink. She wiped her mouth as she swallowed and set the can down. “I haven’t lived on a ranch for so long, I almost forgot the humor.”
During one of our nights out playing darts last week, she told me she grew up outside of Crocus Valley. She had left for college, got married, and moved back when Catherine’s dad left.
They were laughing, and I smiled, glad to be part of the joke. I didn’t have any experience with cows or with vets or with friends, but I liked this. I liked this world.
I wished I didn’t have to leave.
But being with Cody for the last few weeks, knowing him for not much longer, had only stoked my need to fight Frederick. To go back to California and make sure he didn’t get away with what he did. It wasn’t fair. I was a victim, and he shouldn’t get richer from it. He tricked me, and there had to be a way to get my money back.
I’d return to California, work three jobs if I had to, but I’d pay for Mom’s care and hire a lawyer. I might not have a chance to go up against Frederick this year. Maybe not next year—how much would legal fees be?—but I’d do it, dammit. He wasn’t getting away with screwing me over and trying to use me.
I came to Crocus Valley to hide and lick my wounds, but I was returning to fight. All because one guy with a magic dick treated me well. Like I was worth something.
“Did you tell Cody yet?” Sutton asked.
“Cody,” Aggie called. She flashed a shit-eating grin toward her husband. “I’m pregnant.”
Ansen actually blushed, but his grin was wide and exhilarated.
Cody stared at her for a second, then a big smile spread across his face. “No kidding?” He held his hand out for his brother-in-law. Ansen smacked his palm against Cody’s outstretched one. “Congratulations, guys. Really. That’s exciting.” His grin didn’t fade, and he looked back and forth between his sister and Ansen.
I swallowed a sudden swell of emotion full of need and...envy. I was happy for them. Thrilled. What they had was special, and it was hard not to give up my plans to try for the same thing.
“It’s early yet.” Aggie shrugged, but she was beaming. “I couldn’t hold it in.”
“No matter what, I’m there for you. Really.” He glanced at Ansen. “Both of you.”
“I thought maybe you’d recite the cost of having a kid so soon after marriage. It’s an expensive life decision,” Aggie joked.
I could picture the Cody I first met lecturing Aggie on the bottom line.
