Page 7 of Choose You

Richard looks up at me with a scowl. “Figured it didn’t matter much. You’re selling this place anyway.”

“Don’t go assuming shit, Richard. You have no clue what I want.”

He lets out an angry grunt and points to the seat opposite him. “Sit, this shouldn’t take too long.”

Hoping he’s right about that, I sit down and wait for him to start.

“Your uncle’s wishes and the conditions of both his and your parents’ wills are simple. The entirety of the estate passes jointly to you and Ryan. That includes all financial holdings, the land, the business, and all that it entails, and the house. There should be no surprises there.”

“That sounds about right,” I confirm.

“Your uncle also asked for the funeral service to be held at Stocks and Stables, and that the entire town be invited.”

I chuckle. “That also sounds right.”

Stocks and Stables was his home away from home. The owner, Frank, was his closest living friend. And since he was called Uncle Jimmy by everyone in town, it only makes sense to hold his funeral reception there. It’s the only place I can think of that’s large enough anyway.

“Now, there is the business with the house, barn, and small piece of land surrounding it,” Richard continues.

“And what business is that?”

He looks up at me with furrowed brows like I just asked a ridiculous question. “Your uncle’s plans to sell it.”

My anger spikes and I sit up straight, ready to launch myself across the desk and strangle Richard for even suggesting such a thing. “Over my dead body.”

“Your uncle was in negotiations to sell already. The contract was signed by the buyer last week. All we were waiting on was Jimmy’s signature. Would’ve been signed already had it not been harvest season. We expect you to honor your uncle’s agreement.”

I cross my arms over my chest and shake my head. Selling the house is never something I’d considered. The business, maybe. The house, never.

“Who’s the buyer? Anyone I know?” Richard’s eyes shift to the doorway. I follow his gaze. My jaw drops in disbelief.

“Hey, Jess.” A very nervous Matthew stands in the doorway. His eyes never meet mine and are focused on his black Stetson in his hands.

“What’s he doing here?” The words come out with a growl. Matthew is the last person I want to see today.

“Well,” Richard starts, drawing my eyes back to him, “he’s the one buying the house.”

CHAPTER 2

MATTHEW

Jessica’s eyes widen and her nostrils flare. “The fuck he is.”

Richard slams his hand down on the desk with a loud thump, causing both Jessica and me to flinch. “Now, I’ll have none of that language in here. Clean up your mouth, young lady.”

Jessica pushes to her feet and mimics Richard by slamming her own hand on the desk. Her response is so very Jessica, and I can’t help but smile. She looks just like the fiery, hot-tempered girl I met almost twenty years ago. My stomach twists into a knot from seeing her like this. God, I’ve missed her. “This is my office, and if I want to say fuck, I’ll say it all fucking day long.”

Richard winces at her response, and my smile turns into a laugh. Jessica always had a temper. Seeing her this mad reminds me of why I fell in love with her in the first place. I didn’t enjoy being on the receiving end of that temper, but man did I love watching her passion build until she unleashed it on whoever was pissing her off. Her cheeks always pinked, and her dark blue eyes turned a deep turquoise blue just like they are now.

It’s been five years since I last saw her, and she was angry then, too. Not surprisingly, it was my fault then, same as it’s my fault now. But at least she’s taking it out on Richard and not me.

For now.

I take this moment to really look at her. Jessica was always beautiful, but she’s even more gorgeous than she was when we werekids. Her blond hair is longer than she’d kept it before. She always wore it at shoulder’s length, but now her curls fall in loose waves down to her elbows. I like it long. It’s sexy.

And fuck, those curves. I always loved admiring her body, but she’s all woman now. And her form-fitting sundress highlights everything about her that’s changed. Her full breasts, narrow waist, round ass, and curvy hips are perfection.

The only thing missing is her captivating smile. When this woman smiles, angels sing. Jessica’s smiles have to be earned. She doesn’t give them to just anybody. There was a time when I knew exactly what to do to draw that smile out. Be it ice cream, horseback riding, or making out on the big rock by the creek, I could make my girl smile. But bouquets of wildflowers—wild just like her heart—were her favorite. Anytime she was upset all I had to do was pick her wildflowers and her face would light up.

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