Page 25 of Counterfeit Connection

“As a matter of fact, I do. My horse’s name is Rocket. Totally not picked because she’s fast. If that was the case, Turtle would have been more appropriate. She’s just a great horse to ride. I like to get lost on the trails. Apples and sunsets are our favorite things.”

“You’re kidding?” she says with wide eyes. “My horse is named Rocket too! Wow, what are the chances?”

“I’ve come to learn the world is very small and things that seem impossible aren’t so, most of the time.” I watch her as she glances over to look at the flames. “Tell me about your Rocket.”

“He’s an American quarter horse, and he’s the most loving, incredible creature I’ve ever met.” She digs around in her bag and fishes out her phone before flipping it around to show me a picture of a large, dark-brown horse. She’s on his back smiling from ear to ear.

“He’s gorgeous. My Rocket is an Arabian. She’s getting older and doesn’t like to be taken out as much now, but she’s the best.” I bring out my own phone to show her.

“Oh my God, Griffin, look at her face. I love her already. Where is she right now?”

“She’s boarded near my mother’s home. When I travel abroad, she goes to groom her and give her treats. I want to make sure she’s got the proper affection when I can’t be there.”

Kaitlyn pulls her feet tighter underneath her. “I want to ask a question, but I don’t want you to feel like you have to answer it if it’s too complicated.”

“You’re just fine. I don’t have anything to hide from you.”

“How long have your parents been separated? You told me about your brother. Was it before or after his passing?”

“They separated when my brother was at university, and I think I was in year ten. We lived under no illusions that my parents were happy. I honestly felt relief when they divorced.”I don’t know if I’ve admitted that to anyone outside a therapy room.

“I can see how that might be. I get the feeling you don’t really get along with your father. Is that right?”

“Yes. How did you come to that conclusion?”

“I don’t know. I just pay attention. I need to do that in both of my jobs. Reading the room should be a major in college. So many people suck at it.” She smiles.

Utter sunshine.

“You don’t lie, do you?” I ask.

“No. I don’t have to. Well, okay, I lie to my boss to keep him at arm’s length”

I feel a spike of anger radiate through my body. “What does that mean?” Before she can answer, my cell phone begins vibrating on the table next to me. I know it’s not Tobias. It can only be one of two things, my mother whilst drinking her morning coffee, or my father, unable to take a day off. “Please give me one second.”

When I look at my phone, my shoulders drop. Unfortunately, it’s not my mother and her coffee. It’s far worse.

I contemplate not answering it, but I know that would only create more friction and more aggravation… so ultimately, I need to answer it to do right by my brother.

“Hello?” I say, pressing the phone to my ear.

“I knew you couldn’t resist,” my father replies. His tone is positively dripping with disdain.

“Hello, Father. I’m certain I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I glance over at Kaitlyn as she frowns just for a moment then tries to give me a reassuring grin.

“Was she someone you met out while carousing with Tobias, or is she simply a local harlot you’re passing time with?”

I leap from my chair with his vile words still ringing in my ears. “What did you say?”

“I thought I was speaking quite clearly. The cheeky blonde in the scandalously short black dress. There were several pictures of you and your outing last night in the publications over here this morning. Interesting how fast the data and your cock travel.”

I’m absolutely seething. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are beads of sweat running across my temples. “You know nothing. Those shit rags never get a damn thing accurate. Please tell me you’re calling about more than some pieces of water cooler gossip.”

Kaitlyn’s back straightens as her shoulders and her brows furrow.

“Pictures don’t lie, boy. I saw you out with some American bimbo. That blond girl. You couldn’t help yourself. I tell you to settle down. I warn you it’s the only way you’ll ever amount to anything in this company, but look at you.”

I don’t know why the next phrase leaves my mouth. My mind and body aren’t working together at this point, and the most reckless thing I’ve ever said comes out. With one phrase, I pull this beautiful, uncomplicated woman into my bullshit.

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