Page 111 of Reckless

“You know, some people might be vegan.” Allison saunters up, a scowl on her face. How was I ever attracted to this woman? Was she always thismean?

I open my mouth to respond, but Mom beats me to it. “This is Texas, Allison. Finicky guests can eat the fruit salad or suck on somehay.”

Allison rolls her eyes and then glares at Tori. “Don’t you want to change?” Of course, Allison is gussied up in overpriced designerthreads.

“Be nice,” I growl under my breath. “I’m not fucking kidding.” We’ve had it out, and I’ve warned her that Tori is important tome.

I can’t really make heads or tails of Allison’s behavior. One minute, she’s irate and throwing temper tantrums, the next, she’s all smiles. She’s making me dizzy with her back andforth.

Tori shrugs, looking uncomfortable. “I wasn’t planning to change. This is what Iwear.”

“Whatever.” Turning to me, Allison motions across the yard. “Remember that the Harrisons want a trainer, and the Dumonts are looking for help breeding their mare.” For a woman who had zero interest in the ranch when we were married, she sure has pulled a turnabout. Half of these people are friends of her parents, and Allison says I shouldschmooze.

Yeah, I don’tschmooze.

But I’m trying not to be a dick because I suppose this is her way of supporting the ranch. It’s true we can always use new clients, but I underestimated how annoyed I’d be having to deal with my ex-wife. I keep telling myself it’s worth it if I get the kids. I’ll give every last penny in my pocket to make thathappen.

When Allison heads for her parents, I grab Tori’s hand and pull her off to the side. “We just gotta get through today.” I lower my voice. “My lawyer is finalizing the terms of the contract. Pretty sure after this weekend, things will change around here.” I fucking hope so because I can’t stand Allison’s bullshit anylonger.

Tori nods and gives me a hesitant smile. She’s about to say something when banging on the other side of the tent starts upagain.

“What’s goingon?”

I motion behind me. “My friend James is putting the finishing touches on a new swing set for thekids.”

“They’re gonna love it!” Her brilliant smile wanes. “I hope it wasn’t too expensive,though.”

“I got a great deal since I helped him a while back when he was having trouble with his marriage. He kinda owesme.”

She puts her hand on my arm. “Mila and Cody will be soexcited.”

“I hope so. This summer has been tough on them, and I wanted to do something extra special.” I lean in closer. “Wanna do something special for you too. Can you stay overtonight?”

Before she answers, Mila tugs on her arm. I’m smiling down at my two favorite girls when my buddy smacks me on the back. “We’re all set, Ethan.” James flashes that smile that’s always gotten all the girls. It’s gotten him in trouble once or twice with his wife too. Glad he’s changed it allaround.

He catches a glimpse of Tori and does a double-take.

I joke with him under my breath, “Don’t even think of flirting with my woman,asshole.”

A streak of jealousy rises in me when I consider James laying that charm onTori.

With a quick shake of my head, I shrug off that idea. He’d never do anything to threaten his marriage again or ourfriendship.

50

Tori

I’mglad I’m near the ground, kneeling next to Mila, because that voice would’ve knocked me over if I were standing. With a trembling hand, I balance myself against the ground beneath me and take a shallowbreath.

What is he doinghere?

I must’ve been a bad person in a prior life because why else does this shit happen tome?

I’m frozen, like a deer trapped on a long stretch of highway traffic. The only movement is my pounding heart that I can practically see thumping through my tanktop.

I peer around Mila, wondering if I’m experiencing some kind of psychotic break. How else can I explain why Jamie—Jamie, my cheating douchebag ex—is standing a few feetaway?

He and Ethan are chatting it up like old friends, but I can’t make sense of what they’re saying because blood is rushing through myears.

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