Page 25 of My Lucky Charm

My face felt on fire. He said something about a game. What the hell did he call it? Did he tell them he kissed me? He didn’t seem like the kind that would do that. He also didn’t seem like the type that would find out he was cheated on and be happy about it. Or that within twelve hours of breaking up with someone have his tongue in someone else’s mouth.

“If I didn’t need him to watch the kids tomorrow, I’d wring his neck. Wait, you four didn’t get him drunk did you?”Her scolding tone immediately wiped the smiles off their faces.

“You idiots. He has plans today. Why do you do this to him every time he comes home? Please don’t tell me you made him play whiskey truth.”

Looking back-and-forth none of them spoke. The silence, a confirmation of their guilt. Since Devin was closest to her, despite him being twice her size, she smacked the back of his head.

“He barely comes home right now and you idiots waste his time getting him drunk why? So he’ll tell you what one thing that I’m sure I could have gotten out of him without alcohol.”

Hunter looked over at me as he spoke.“Trust me Claire it was worth it. You wouldn’t have gotten this one out of him.”

“How about we offer this poor girl the job so she can go enjoy her day. She’s got a wedding to go to as well. Plus, I heard her escort got changed at the last minute last night.”He shot a look over at me and I was thankful I had eaten nothing yet. There was a good chance the acid in my stomach would have ejected it immediately if I had. How much did Bryce tell them?

The look on Claire’s face let me know the guys were getting a stern talking to once I left. Her face softened as she turned to me.“If you want the job, it’s yours.”

“Really?”

“Hannah, you almost have your degree right? Look at all the work you put in just to impress us. We rarely hire people outside the family. With Bryce gone so much we need someone with a sunny disposition around here besides me and Lilly.”

“She’s not so sunny right now. Ready to get the baby out, yes. Sunny, not so much.” Devin quickly corrected her.

“Whatever Devin, she’s carrying your kid is she not? I wouldn’t be a ray of sunshine either. Now will you shut up. Hannah, the job is yours. You don’t need to answer right now. Go enjoy Nicole’s wedding, tell her congrats from all of us.”

“Yes.” I snapped back at her unintentionally.

“Sorry, I mean. Yes, I want the job. This place is like a paradise. I never really knew what I wanted to do with my life. This place, it just feels right, like where I’m supposed to be.”

Pulling me in for a hug she swayed back and forth.“I’m so excited. I’m glad Bryce didn’t scare you off yesterday. He’s a good kid I promise. Won't get in your way at all.”

Luke snorted and turned around as Hunter shoved into him. All of them were fighting back laughter. Whatever he must have told them left me feeling uneasy.

“What the hell is up with you four? You’re like a bunch of teenage girls right now.”

Devin, the only one who could keep a straight face answered Claires question.“Nothing. We’re good. Glad you want to work here sunshine. You’re going to fit in just fine. We better get to work. Farm doesn’t plow itself right?”

“That’s what she said.” Luke retorted and got a prompt smack on the back of his head from Claire.

They all said their goodbyes, and I headed back to Nicole’s to pick her up. There was a bridal suite for us to get ready in at the hotel. It made the most sense to all get ready there, so the photographer had a nice place for photos too.

Pulling up in front of her place I sent a text to let her know I was outside. My legs still felt unsteady sitting so I could only assume walking would not work. Knowing I couldn’t ask her to pack all her things on her own I got out and silently helped. As she slid into the passenger seat, she pulled her seatbelt over herself and stared at me.

“What?”

“So, I heard someone didn’t go to their room alone last night. Care to explain?”

Exhaling, I should have known this was coming. “Nothing happened, Nic. Relax. He just insisted he made sure I got up to the room safely.”

“Mmm hmm. I saw your friend count changed.”

“You know for someone getting married today you seem very obsessed with me and my life.”

I looked over at her trying to keep a straight face. It was one kiss. A kiss that probably wouldn’t happen again and meant nothing to him. He was drunk when he sent the friend request.

“Maybe because I want to see you happy. Cole says Bryce rode his best after you two met. He seemed to think his rides have been off because he was stressed about seeing you again. Now I find out you have a secret meeting at his farm and you’re moving out here. Not complaining, I want you closer. Just saying, seems like you two have a shot to start something.”

“Nicole, I’m going to say it once and you can repeat it back to your husband later. Bryce and I, we won’t work. It’s great in theory. He is off riding bulls and when he isn’t, he’s at the farm doing family things. I’m not the type of girl he’s looking for. I promise. An accidental drunken one-night stand maybe but that’s about it.”

She was silent the rest of the ride. She didn’t even bring Bryce up again for the rest of the day. Only when discussing the order we were walking in or something pertaining to the wedding. Finally, I had gotten through to her that Bryce wasn’t looking for a relationship with me.

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