Page 36 of Fall With Me (Sugarland Creek)

“So that’s the only reason you helped me? Your…oath?”

He shrugs. “Figured a death at the retreat would be bad for business, too.”

“Funny,” I deadpan. We have a momentary stare-off before I add, “Just so we’re clear, I still don’t like you.”

“Good.” He stands firm. “I’ve decided I don’t like you, either,Little Devil.” Then one corner of his lips curls up slowly and deviously before he adds, “Fits you even better now.”

Chapter Eight

LANDEN

Another night sitting at home doing laundry, watchingNew Girlreruns, and snacking on popcorn is sadly the highlight of my day.

Rocky was in a mood today, making my job extra stressful when I tried to put him on the breeding mount, and he nearly kicked me.

I’m already stacked with orders, which means I don’t have time for studs to act up or try to castrate me.

Antonio came for his last training session before the fair this weekend and he wouldn’t stop talking shit about how much Ellie ignored me while she was giving all her attention to him.

I knew she was doing it on purpose, but it didn’t hurt any less.

We agreed we didn’t like each other, and I vowed to never bother her again.

Doesn’t mean my heart got the memo.

Watching her race never gets old. The way she and Ranger work so perfectly together is so rare and beautiful that it’s impossible not to stare in awe. Doesn’t help that she’s flawless in everything she does, but she’s stunning, too. She makeswinning look effortless, but I know firsthand how much work she puts into it.

My cell rings, knocking me out of my thoughts, and when I see Warren’s name, I pick it up without a proper greeting.

“Which planet is outta sorts right now makin’ everyone extra crazy?” He’s into that astrology shit, so he’ll know.

“Um…Earth?”

I bark out a laugh, grabbing a beer from my fridge. “Touché.”

“Should I even ask?”

“Just a rough day. So what’s goin’ on?” Taking a seat on the couch, I lie back and rest my feet on the coffee table.

“Maisie just showed up at my door.”

I choke down the liquid I just swallowed and quickly sit up. “Excuse me?” I cough out. “Maisie? Your ex-wife, Maisie?”

“Yep…” He sounds distressed. “Except, she ain’t my ex-wife. We’re still married.”

“I’m only on my first beer, so I know I ain’t drunk and heard ya wrong. Y’all didn’t get divorced?”

“She wanted to. I didn’t.”

“She coulda filed without you. There’s laws or some shit that’d allow her to get one even if you don’t sign,” I respond.

“I know. And yet, she didn’t.”

I take another swig of my beer, relaxing against the couch again. “So why is she back? Did you tell her about Angela’s parole hearing?”

“Not yet. She’s engaged and needs me to sign so she can go marry another man. Doesn’t want him to know she’s been married all this time, so she needs me to sign and get it finalized quietly.”

The hurt in his voice makes me want to drive the two hours north to hug him. But it wouldn’t solve anything. Maisie is his first and only love.

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