Page 63 of Holding The Reins

Liv

I’m not missing out either. I’ll be there at seven. I’ll bring chocolate and wine.

You two need to find a hobby and don’t forget to wear pink, it’s a pink party.

Ginger

I do not own anything pink.

I trust you can be creative. See you at seven.

Liv

I say eggplant.

Goodbye y’all.

I put my head in my hands. So much for having a day to myself to think.

Is Mabes still excited for our sleepover tonight?

Cole

She hasn’t stopped talking about it for two days.

Ok, I’ll see you at six, I’ve got dinner for her.

Cole

You ok? Heard Andrew was here last night.

Yes. I’m starting to think the whole town is connected through cans and string.

Cole

Mama called me last night and filled me in. Said he got put in his place by Nash. Glad he was there.

I sigh and dig into another Danish—cherry this time. Running on four hours of sleep, confusing new or old? Feelings for my hot boss and a plan to spend my night with an excited seven year old means I will need this extra sugar today. Summer break is almost over and she’s been begging me for this for two weeks.

By the middle of my second Danish I can’t help myself. I cave and send Nash a message.

Thank you for breakfast. My vagina almost forgives you.

I expect him to respond but I don’t hear from Nash or see him for the rest of the day. Avoiding overthinking, I turn my playlist up and get a ton of work done in my office. By three, I realize Nash hasn’t even opened my message. I don’t want to seem like a needy woman the morning after, so I just pack up and get ready to leave at four. I’m the one that told him one night only after all, and we sure pushed that definition to its limit.

I check my phone again when I get to my car like the needy woman I actually am, but there’s nothing. I stop at the grocery store for fixings so Mama and I can make Mabel dinner and to load up on the standard s’mores items and junk food.

By the time I get home at five, I’m kicking myself in the ass for sleeping with him. I must have been crazy to think that I could have just sex with Nash Carter and then just forget about it like it never happened.

I’m still berating myself when my phone finally buzzes.

Mr. Carter

Long day. Two trainers called in sick and had meetings with potential sponsors from Lexington for the festival. Can’t wait to fill you in. Glad to hear I’m almost forgiven… I was ready to start groveling.

I smile at his newly appointed contact name flashing over my lock screen. Mr. Carter. Yes, he is. I sigh, and realize I’m over-thinking everything as usual. The man was busy, CeCe. That is all.

Good thing it was only one night. I don’t think I could take any more.

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