Page 82 of Ace of Spades
Not happening.
I think Kelly says something after that, but I don’t hear a single word as my attention shifts past the two blondes to the raven-haired beauty making her way up the steps to the deck, my little sister at her side.
Hailey’s long hair is down and wavy, the knee-high cowboy boots highlighting the definition in her long legs, and a baby blue sundress that billows slightly in the warm evening breeze, nearly causing my jaw to drop to this damn deck. That girl doesn’t even know it, but she has the power to drop me to my damn knees, and I don’t have a single complaint about it.
Except for the fact that she could potentially leave the ranch at any moment, leaving me high and dry without even batting an eye. Hailey Sorrels was a runner, after all. As it turns out, the one girl that makes me feel alive more than I thought possible, is the one girl I can never guarantee will stick around.
I watch the pair stop to chat with Debbie, making their way around to each group. I can’t explain it, but Hailey looks… like she’s in her element. Like she’shome. She doesn’t even realize how well she fits in at the ranch, and how much everyone here has grown to love her. But for some reason, the girl is too stubborn to see it.
“Weston!” Kota exclaims as she finally spots me, walking over to hug me. “Happy freaking birthday.”
I wrap my arms tight around her, kissing her on the forehead.
“Thanks, baby sis.”
She greets Kinley next before turning to Kelly, a look of disgust immediately crossing her face as I choke down a laugh.
“Kelly,” Kota greets.
“Dakota,” the blonde that isn’t my sister replies, her tone laced with venom.
I look over my sister’s head, Hailey’s amber eyes softening as they meet mine.
“Happy birthday, Wes,” she tells me. Damn, I love it when she calls me by my nickname. It feels personal coming from the girl who acts like she’s scared to get close to anybody.
“Beer?” I ask her, reaching for the cooler beside me to hand her one.
“Actually—” I have to fight to keep from rolling my eyes as Kelly cuts in once more, clearly not reading the room. “I brought you a little birthday present! Your favorite Tequila, I can pour us some shots if you want?”
“I’m good, thanks,” I tell her.
“Why not? We had quite the wild night last time, don’t you remember?” she winks again, the beer bottle slipping out of Hailey’s grip as it crashes to the deck at our feet.
“What the fuck!” Kelly squeals. “Might wanna slow down on the drinking if you’re already dropping shit this early, you got beer all over me.”
Multiple sets of eyes turn our way, Rhonda rushing to grab a dustpan from the kitchen as Kota and Kinley squat down tostart picking up the large pieces of glass. Hailey only glares at Kelly, fury swirling in her eyes.
Well, shit.
“What are you even doing here?” Kelly asks. “Last I checked, you didn’t exactly come around the ranch.”
“Actually, I live here now,” Hailey responds, a smug grin on her face.
This seems to catch Kelly off guard, her features twisting in annoyance. Before she can respond, I catch sight of my mom walking through the door, looking around as I wave her down.
“Well if it isn’t my favorite son,” she tells me, walking up to embrace me and Kota.
“I’m your only son, mom.”
“Technicalities,” she winks.
“Kinley!” my mom exclaims. “My gosh, I can’t believe how much you’ve grown since I last saw you. How are the parents?”
“Doing great, Mrs. Langford.”
My mom notices Hailey next, pulling her in for a hug as something tugs in my stomach at seeing the two of them.
“Hailey, dear, I’ve missed you so dang much! You have to come see me soon,” my mom tells her. “How’s everything at the ranch? Are my kids treating you okay?”
