Page 32 of Always Mine

He leans back against the truck, propping the crate on his hip as he looks at me with boredom. “Okay?”

Damn, he’s gotten insolent. Does he really hate me this much?

“So I’d like for us to be civil. I’d like for us to be friends.” My tone is hopeful as I plead with him to give me some kind of chance.

He stands to his full height then, astonishment covering his face. “I don’t think so. Let’s just do what we’ve done the last three years, yeah? Forget the other ever existed.”

It would have hurt less if he physically struck me. My stomach bottoms out and my heart feels like it’s been stabbed. I should have expected it, though. He doesn’t owe me anything.

He starts to leave, but I try again, needing him to see how serious I am.

“We used to be friends… Before anything else, we were friends.”

“Yeah.” He nods. “We used to be, but now?” He looks me up and down like I’m no better than the dirt on his boots. “I don’t want to be your friend. I don’t want to be youranything.”

Then he’s gone, and I’m left staring at his back once more, feeling like complete shit.

TWELVE

Wyatt

I’m still thinking about the interaction with Paxton the next day and I groan loudly, kicking the square of hay I’m currently breaking down for the cows.

They’re clearly not impressed with my handling of their food if the wave of moos is anything to go by.

“Sorry,” I grumble, looking between Daisy and Judith. “But what would you do in my situation? It’s been three years and he waltzes back in like he never left. Then has the nerve to toss the friendship card in my face.” I scoff, kicking at the hay again. “Friends? We haven’t beenjust friendssince basically middle school. So what? Am I supposed to just forget we were ever more? That I loved him more than I’ve ever loved anyone? We’ve had sex for God’s sake. Lots of times, and in every damn way you can think of… Hell, in any place you can think of.” I glance up toward the barn loft for emphasis before turning back to the cows. “And what? I’m supposed to act like none of that ever happened? Likewenever happened?”

I grab the shovel, hitting the hay and breaking it into more clumps, then toss it into the trough. “I mean, there he is, walking around smiling and laughing, completely fine, and yet, I’m over here drowning by his mere existence. It’s bullshit. Why does he get to be okay when I’m struggling to even get out of bed? Scared to go anywhere or do anything because what if I see him?”

Daisy gives a little grunt and I smirk, leaning the shovel against the fence before reaching through to pat her head. “Exactly. You get me.”

“You’re talking to the cows again.”

I jerk my hand back and spin around, taking in my dad as he leans against the side of the barn. His feet are crossed at the ankles and his arms are folded over his chest with pure amusement lining his face, almost as if he’s been watching me for a while.

Damn it.

“Ugh, you were listening?” I look up to the sky, trying to ignore my burning cheeks before looking at him again. “Why?”

“It was hard not to. You weren’t quiet.” He stands fully, coming to my side. “You want to talk about it?”

“Well, you heard everything I had to say already.” I place my hand on the fence for support. “And anyway, I was just venting. Needing to get it out. I feel better now.”

I don’t feel better, but what’s the point of talking in circles? It’s not like it’s going to get me anywhere.

“You should talk to him.”

His words catch me off guard, and I stiffen, looking at him like he’s lost his damn mind. “I think I’d sooner chop my arm off.”

He sighs, mirroring my stance. “Wyatt.”

“Dad.”

“I’m serious.”

“So am I.” I stand straight, my fight-or-flight instinct kicking in. What is it with everyone lately? I don’t even want to see Paxton, let alone talk to him, and no one can make me.

His stare is intense, almost making me want to run for cover. “It’s not good keeping this all locked inside.”

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