Page 73 of The Billion Heirs Boxed Set
“I need to see Lexie and tell her I’m all in with my job, no matter what my dad said. I’m late…again.”
“Don’t worry. She’ll have you.”
“Don’t you dare put in a good word for me or make excuses for why I’m late. This is my responsibility, Austin.”
He holds up his hands in mock surrender. “Okay, okay.”
I rise and begin to dress.
“Such a shame to cover all those treats up,” Austin says. “I didn’t get to suck on those pretty little nipples.”
“When you get back from Seattle, they’ll be waiting. All of me will.”
21
CARLY
Lexie’s in the vet’s office when I arrive.
I’m leaning against the doorframe. “Hi.”
She looks up from her paperwork, clearly flustered. “Oh, Carly. What are you doing here?”
I clench my fingers together, suddenly nervous. “Coming to work, if you’ll have me.”
“I got a phone call from your dad saying you no longer work here.”
I cringe, imagining that conversation. “I know, and I have to apologize for that. My dad doesn’t make my decisions for me. I’ll understand if you want nothing to do with me after this mess, but I love this job and I want to work.”
“I see.”
“Have you hired anyone else?”
“I haven’t had a minute to think about that.” She smiles and sets a pen down on the messy desk.
The office is near the stables, and the ever-present scent of horses hangs in the air.
“The job is yours. We have a ton to do. Chance just told me they’re going to break down the dam at Shipp’s Creek, so we have to go out there and check for any wildlife that might be affected while they’re gone to… I guess he didn’t say where.”
“Seattle,” I say.
She widens her eyes. “Oh? Chance said all three Bridgers have to leave town for a week. Together.”
I’m not sure how much I should say, so I don’t reply.
“Anyway,” Lexie says, “you up for checking out the area around the dam tomorrow?”
I nod. “Absolutely. I’ll be here bright and early to feed the horses.”
“Good,” she says. “We’ll head to the creek after that.”
“Perfect. Do you need me for anything today?” Please say yes.
“You’re a lifesaver,” she says on a sigh. “Yes. I’m drowning in paperwork and I’m supposed to repair an umbilical hernia on one of the foals this afternoon. I hate to make you do busy work when I’m sure you’d rather be assisting me, but it has to get done.”
“Not a problem.” I smile. “I’m happy to help wherever I’m needed.”
“You’re an angel.” Lexie pulls her phone out and checks it. “I’m glad you’re back, Carly. Or, I’m glad you never left.”
