Page 66 of See It Through

Jesse was still eyeing Remi, doubt pulling at his brow. “I’ve never seen a bug bite that looks like that. You sure that’s what it is?”

Remi covered his smile with his hand, but I kept my composure, nodding seriously. “Absolutely. I think it was from one of those invasive species. You know, the ones that came from Asia on a cargo ship?”

That was all the distraction Jesse needed as he dove into telling us about the book Ms. Clark had shared with him. With anyone else, my mind would have wandered, but Jesse was pretty much my favorite person in the world, so I gave him all the attention his big brain deserved.

Once he got through summarizing the entire book—in great detail—Remi draped his arm around the back of my seat and tugged me into him.

“You’re lucky he bought that,” he murmured into my hair.

“He probably didn’t, but he’s sweet enough to let me off the hook.” I crossed my legs toward him, our feet getting tangled how I liked. “He’s too smart for his own good. Mine too.”

“But you’re good with him.”

“Yeah. I think he’s grand. Don’t you?”

His mouth hitched in one corner. “Yep. Pretty damn grand. I’m still getting over Caleb being a dad. Think you’ll have one or two of your own?”

“I hope so. I’ve always wanted to remake my family—two boys and two girls. But compared to most of my graduating class, I’m an old maid and my ovaries are dried-up husks.” I scoffed. “With my career, I’m going to need a solid partner who’ll go fifty-fifty on parenting, and I haven’t found that person yet.”

His fingers curled around my shoulder. For a beat, they were too tight, but then they loosened, and he slowly stroked my skin. “There’s no rush, sweetheart. No need for you to settle.”

“I won’t.” I hooked my pinkie around his free hand. “Pinkie promise.”

He chuckled, his gaze surveying the dirt-floored arena. “I haven’t been to a rodeo since I was a kid.”

“You’re in for some fun. Dell Rivers’ granddaughter, Kennedy, rides one of his horses to race the barrels. She’s like the wind.”

“Can’t wait.”

Cay and Remi got us drinks and junk food before the show started. I was about to bite into my loaded hot dog when there was an announcement about a change in programming. There was a replacement rider tonight, and according to the MC, we were in for a treat.

Watkins Simms.

Every drop of blood drained from my face.

“Aw, damn,” Caleb crumbled. “There goes the night.”

“What?” Remi swiveled back and forth between us. “Who’s Watkins Simms?”

Jesse piped up. “That’s Aunt Hannah’s ex-boyfriend. We don’t like him because he went out with another girl and broke Aunt Hannah’s heart. My grandpa said he’s a real prick.”

Caleb plopped his big hand on top of his son’s head. “That was too much information—and don’t say ‘prick.’”

Jesse’s eyes rounded. “But he is a prick, isn’t he? Or did I use that word incorrectly?”

While Caleb explained to Jesse he had indeed used the word the right way, but it wasn’t appropriate for a ten-year-old boy to say, Remi turned my way.

“You want to leave?” he asked.

I sucked in a deep breath and shook my head. Last I’d heard, Watt was supposed to be in Texas all summer. I definitely wouldn’t have shown up had I known he’d be riding, but I wasn’t going to let him ruin my night. He’d ruined enough. “No, it’s fine. Knowing him, he’ll be out there all of five seconds.”

Of course, he’d be in the chute right below us, getting his bull roped up while waiting for his turn. That didn’t mean I’d have to watch him, though. I could enjoy my night without forcing myself to sit through Watt putting on his show.

“Say the word and I’ll get you out of here,” Remi vowed.

I leaned in, touching my lips to his. “Thanks for being the best, Remington.”

Starbursts bloomed around his twinkling eyes. “Amazing how you tell me to fuck off so sweetly.”

---