Page 46 of Holiday Hire

Phoebe

It shouldn't surprise me Lance disregarded my need for space and showed up, but it does. He always does what he wants, yet I'm shocked he came all this way to see me.

Why is he here?

He's going to sabotage my chances of keeping my job.

I pace my room, then grab my overnight bag out of the closet. I toss some random stuff in it, freaking out.

I have two days. Well, maybe two full days. Who knows when Alexander's going to throw me off the ranch. Any remaining time is crucial for me to prove he needs to keep me as the boys' nanny. Now Lance is going to steal it.

He can't have it.

I need to get him to leave tomorrow morning first thing.

This is so like Lance. Disappear, take no responsibility for it, and disregard all my wishes. Then, when I least expect it, make some grand gesture that's supposed to make me forget everything that's happened.

I'm not falling for it this time.

More determined than ever to take the space we need, I exit the bedroom.

Alexander and Lance stand in the family room. In an arrogant tone, Lance asks, "So you guys do real cowboy stuff out here, huh?"

Alexander answers with disapproval, "Yeah, something like that. I assume you know nothing about it though."

Lance grunts. "No need to."

I've got to get him out of here before he ruins everything I've been working so hard for.

"And what exactly do you do?" Alexander prods.

Lance shrugs. "I dabble in my family's business dealings."

Alexander's eyes turn to slits. "You 'dabble'?"

Oh no! This is going to get ugly fast!

From what I've witnessed this week, the Cartwrights value hard work and getting your hands dirty. It doesn't matter how much money they have. Every day, they get up and work. Lance doesn't have the same values or work ethic. So I avoid looking at Alexander and hightail it to the door, asking, "Ready, Lance?"

"Have a good night. I appreciate your family giving Phoebe and me our private space," Lance says.

"Space. That's an interesting word lately." Alexander scowls.

My insides quiver. He thinks I'm leading Lance on, but I'm not. All I want to do is give us the time we need to realize what we both want so we can move forward. And I still intend to be with Lance after we've taken our space.

At least, I think that's what I still want.

Regardless of what happens between Lance and me, it's another checkmark for Alexander to toss me off the ranch come Monday.

I don't reply, and step through the front doorway. The door slams behind me, and I turn my head, glaring at Lance. I snap, "You don't have to disrespect their property."

"Disrespect their property? What are you talking about?"

"Slamming their doors."

"I didn't," he claims.

"You did."

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