Page 161 of Holiday Hire

I swipe on my phone and pull up Lance's contact info. I hit the block button, then turn the phone to show Alexander. "I've blocked him. And it's not my fault if he kept trying to contact me. I've told him before, and you just heard me tell him again," I babble, as if I've done something wrong and need to convince him.

I do. He doesn't believe me.

I don't understand how Alexander can think I want to keep things going with Lance. And why is he so upset he called me? It's not like I gave him any attention.

Lance is in Texas,I remind myself, panicking again.

He needs to go back to California.

Lights flash in the window, and I turn my head. The SUV parks near the house.

Alexander moves into his room.

I follow him, asking, "What are you doing?"

He quickly puts on his jeans and his boots. He tosses the T-shirt over his head, tugging it down, and goes toward the front door.

"Where are you going?" I ask.

He grabs his cowboy hat off the hook, puts it on his head, and slides into his jacket. "I'm going to take care of what I should have a long time ago."

The hairs on my arms rise. "What does that mean?"

"I'll see you later, Phoebe. Please take care of the kids while I'm gone." He opens the door and steps out onto the porch.

"Alexander!" I call out, then grab my coat off the hook and step in to my slippers, following him outside.

It's a bad mistake. It's muddy, and my slippers sink into the muck. I try to raise my foot out of the mud, shouting, "Alexander!"

He charges toward his car, ignoring me.

Ace shouts, "Dad! We had the best day!"

Alexander pauses as Ace hurls himself against him. They hug and he tousles his hair, stating, "Boys, I have to run into town for business. Stay with Phoebe and your aunts, okay?"

"You're not going to hang out with us? You said you weren't going to work this week," Wilder whines.

"I'll be quick, don't worry," he says, adding, "I've got to pick up Mason and Jagger. They drank too much and need a ride home."

"I thought you said it was for work," Ace points out.

Alexander replies, "Your uncles are work. I'll be back soon, okay?"

"Okay," Wilder says to him, then yells to Ace, "Race you," before he turns and runs toward the main house.

Ace follows him, quick on his heels.

"Alexander!" I call out again, but he ignores me and gets in his truck.

He starts the engine and peels out.

I watch him zoom past the gate, then freeze.

Willow and Paisley stare at me. Willow's eyes narrow, and she orders, "Paisley, go with the boys and start the crafts. Phoebe and I will join you in a minute."

Paisley doesn't argue. She tears her questioning gaze off me and heads toward the main house.

Willow grabs my forearm, pulling me toward Alexander's house.

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