Page 45 of One Chance

My eyes went wide. “Yes. Oh my god, I’ve beendyingto know.”

Lark took a step in close and lowered her voice. “Wyatt is the only other person who knows the full truth. I’ve been sworn to secrecy. Can you keep this quiet? Not even Katie knows the whole story.”

I silently crossed an X over my heart. Little did Lark know, I was a pro at keeping secrets.

My true feelings for Lee, the truth behind the letters, years spent convincing myself and others of a reality that didn’t exist.

“Royal has...” She paused and I felt like I was going to die on the spot if she didn’t continue. “He has a secret. It’s kind of an embarrassing one. Something I promised I would help him with. I’m still working on it, but I... I don’t know. I kind of feelbadfor the big lug.”

“Well, what is it?” I asked, dying to get to the juiciest parts of her story.

Lark’s nose scrunched. “I really can’t tell you that part.”

I loved Lark’s loyalty, but at that moment I hated her for it. “Are you seriously going to leave me hanging? Lark ... you’re practically a Sullivan, and he’s a King. Comeon.”

“I know.” She sighed. “And Wyatt understands, which is why he even puts up with Royal’s antics. But I’m sorry, Annie, I just...” Her eyes pleaded with me to understand the position she was in. “It’s not my secret to tell.”

Though frustrated, my heart softened for my kindhearted friend. She was loyal and honest and sincere, even if that meant keeping a King’s secret. “Does it have anything to do with the mineral rights or the farm?” I asked, still worried that maybe Lark was too new to Outtatowner to understand the gravity of the situation. Something haddefinitelyput Duke Sullivan on edge, and I wouldn’t put it past Royal to use Lark’s kindness against them.

Lark raised a hand. “Oh no, no, nothing like that.” She leaned in close. “Trust me, this is very personal.”

My lips pressed together, and I fought my frustration of not knowing. “Okay, fine. I understand.”

“Are we spilling secrets over here?” Lee came up with Penny on his shoulders, a fresh stroopwafel in her hand and the glint of mischief in her eye. My ovaries exploded at the sight of how comfortable he was with his niece.

Daddy...?

Stifling a laugh at myself, I shook my head and focused on Lark, who paled at his question.

I subtly shot her a wink. “I offered to help Duke do some digging after those people were snooping around the farmhouse after Kate and Beckett found the speakeasy. I guess someone has also been looking into Sullivan Farms, but Kate’s too busy with her renovations.” I shrugged, feeling horribly guilty for being evasive with Lee.

It isn’ttechnicallya lie.

Ihadoffered my sleuthing services to Duke, trying to figure out who’s been cruising on their land and asking too many questions.

Lee shrugged. “Fuck it, I’m in.”

From her perch on his shoulders, a laugh shot out of Penny’s tiny little body. She thought swearing was hilarious.

Lark’s eyes flew to Penny. “Do not repeat that in front of your father.”

Lee pulled Penny from his shoulders and planted her feet on the ground. “Sorry, Lark. Where is Wyatt?”

Lark smiled proudly. “Defensive lineman workshop.”

During the summers Wyatt organized camps, checked in on players, and often spent days recruiting and helping new players for Midwest Michigan University get settled in.

“Well, when he gets back, tell him to call me. I miss that grumpy bastard.”

A shotgun burst of laughter erupted from Penny again. Lee offered a small grimace. He swung an arm around my shoulder and pulled me in close. “All right, you ladies have a good time. I’ve gotta go show off my girl.”

The tulip festival passed in a blur. The rest of the day, Lee found ways to touch me. His arm subtly found my shoulder. His hand settled on the small of my back. From the outside, I had no doubt I looked like a prisoner, with wide, round eyes and a twitchy, panicked smile. Everything about being out in public,with Lee Sullivan, was totally surreal.

A few times I caught Charles looking over at Lee and me and frowning. More than once his attention wandered from his date, Mia. I attempted a small smile, but he didn’t return it.

Finally, after a flight of German-style beers from Abel’s Brewery and one too many soft pretzels, Lee offered to take me home.

At my apartment building, I fumbled with my keys as my brain struggled to find the correct one. Lee leaned in, bracing his arm on the building behind me. As he crowded my space, his masculine scent blanketed me, and my nipples stiffened beneath my shirt.

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