Page 115 of Holiday Hire

Cheyenne: Yep. I fucked you a few weeks ago before I went out for the night. I had to redo my hair and makeup.

Me: I don't have time for this. Talk later.

She tries to call me.

I send her to voicemail.

She texts me crying emojis.

It annoys me further. I slide my phone into my pocket and leave the barn. I'm halfway across the yard when the SUV pulls through the gate.

Ace jumps out of the front seat and runs toward me. "Dad, you're going to love our surprise!"

I ask, "Are you going to tell me what it is now?"

"Nope! You have to go away so we can unload the trunk," he answers.

"I can't peek?"

"No! You'll ruin it!"

I chuckle. "All right. I'll go away in a minute. Did you boys behave?"

"They were perfect. Ace, go help your brother unload everything," Phoebe orders.

He obeys.

I glance at her. "Glad the boys didn't give you any trouble. I can't wait for this surprise to be revealed."

She smiles, but there's a hint of disapproval in her eyes. She adds, "Met your friend, Cheyenne."

"We went to school together."

"Yes, so I hear. She said to tell you she wants to ride your stallion again." Phoebe's smile hardens.

Oh shit.

Fucking Cheyenne.

I open my mouth, but nothing comes out.

Phoebe glares at me and spins on her heel. She joins the boys, unloading the SUV.

My gut continues to sink. I take a few deep breaths.

She'll understand once I explain to her my arrangement with Cheyenne.

Besides, Phoebe is still with Mr. Douchebag, for all I know. She doesn't have the right to be pissed at me for something I did before I slept with her.

I walk toward the vehicle, hoping to pull Phoebe aside.

Wilder shouts, "Dad, you can't come here! You'll ruin the surprise."

I freeze, unsure what to do.

Ace orders, "Go away! We want to surprise you!"

Wilder adds, "Don't come inside until it's dark out."

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