Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 21040 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 105(@200wpm)___ 84(@250wpm)___ 70(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 21040 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 105(@200wpm)___ 84(@250wpm)___ 70(@300wpm)
My dad must have knocked into a table or something because it sounds like he hit his fist into it or something. “Let them. I know Lila, and she has her mind set on doing this. I’m not sure what she told the guy she’s been dating, but I’m sure she’ll work that out.”
There’s silence in the other room, and then I hear Ace’s deep voice. “Uh, she has a boyfriend?”
I grab on to the door frame and silently bang my head onto the wall. Nooooo! Shit! Why did I tell my dad I was seeing someone? Hell, it was weeks ago, and I only did it to get him off my back. He hasn’t asked me anything about it since, and I thought he’d forgotten about it. I’m not dating anyone.
“Well, she called it dating, but I don’t know what kids are calling it these days.”
Darn it, I need to get back out there. I try to guard my expression and act as if I didn’t just hear everything my dad just spilled his guts to Ace about. Geez, he’s worse than the old men that hang out outside the hardware store spreading all their gossip. “Dad, did you feed the horses?”
They both look at me, but I don’t even chance a look at Ace. My dad answers me. “Sure did, pumpkin.”
Finally, I look at Ace. Well, actually, I stare at the couch over his left shoulder. “I figure today, I’ll get settled in, go to the store, and help around here. Tomorrow, I’ll get started on the fencing.”
My dad stands up and claps his hands together. “I’ll have Rusty and Eli come by to help.”
“Now look here,” Ace starts, but Dad cuts him off. “No, you look here, son. It’s happening. No more arguing, and don’t give Lila a hard time.”
It’s obvious Ace isn’t completely happy with this situation, but Dad and I both ignore it. “I’m going to walk my dad out.”
I go outside first and wait for my dad to join me. We walk down to the barn, and I thank him for bringing Chestnut for me.
He waves me off. “No problem. You sure you’re going to be okay here, pumpkin?”
I loop my arm with his. “It’s Ace, Dad. I’m going to be fine.”
He stops next to his truck. “Yeah, that’s just it. It’s Ace, and I know how you feel about him.”
I can feel my face heat, and man, I’m glad there’s no way Ace can hear us out here. “What’s your point, Dad?”
He shrugs. “Well, I know I’ve told you—”
I cut him off because I don’t want to hear him say it again. I know he’s going to say that he thinks Ace may feel the same way I do, but I’m not going to listen to it because I stupidly let my hopes get up. “He doesn’t feel that way about me, Dad. Give it up. I know he’s like the son you always wanted, but unfortunately, you’re going to have to settle with us just being friends.”
He blows out a breath. “Okay, well, are you sure you should be doing this then? I don’t want to see you hurt.”
I open his truck door, and he climbs into the front seat. I feel like I’m trying to get him out of here, and honestly I am because I don’t want to talk about this. “Dad, we both know he’s just being an ass because of the injury. He doesn’t like depending on people. He’s harmless.”
I shut the door, and he reaches through the window and touches my shoulder. “I’m not talking about that kind of hurt, Lila.”
Man, I wish I had done a better job of hiding how I feel about Ace. “I know, Dad, and don’t worry. I’m going to take care of the ranch and try to keep Ace off his feet. That’s it. No one’s getting hurt here.”
Finally, I convince him to go, and I stand and watch his taillights disappear down the gravel driveway. I hope I wasn’t lying because I can already tell just the short time I’ve been here, it’s going to be hard when I leave.
Chapter 9
Ace
When Lila came in, she looked a little upset. It makes me wonder if maybe her dad doesn’t want her to stay here, but he’s not telling me that. While she goes to her room to finish unpacking, I do an online grocery order. Hell, she’s already taking on a lot here; surely I can get the food delivered. I don’t even need to ask her what her favorites are because I notice everything about Lila, and I know what she likes to eat.
When she finally comes back into the living room, I tell her, “The food will be here in a few hours.”
“Great. Do you need anything?”
How many times have I thought about having Lila here with me at my house? At least a thousand times, but there was never a scenario where she’d be here to nurse me. This whole thing makes me feel old and useless. I lean forward with my foot still resting on the pillow. I put it down on the floor with a thud and stand up. “I’m going to get up and shower.”