Page 42 of Irresistible

Lilly turned and saw a tall man with shoulders as wide as Brock’s walk toward them with an easy, confident gait. His limbs were loose, and his long legs moved across the pasture with ease. His dark blond hair flopped over his forehead, and he had a mischievous grin pointed in Poppy’s direction. That man was all kinds of trouble. The kind her best friend needed. “I vote for him.”

“For what?” Poppy asked.

“Anything.”

“Unfortunately, he thinks a great deal of himself…and his horses.” Cocking her head, she sat back and crossed her legs. “He’s very opinionated.”

Lilly turned, glanced at her friend, and noticed how her fingers tapped against the seat. That was Poppy’s tell. Maybe this man was more interesting that she was letting on. As he got closer, she noticed his square jaw, sharp cheekbones, and dark green eyes. He was looking at Poppy like she was the prize mare and he wanted to breed her. It was almost indecent the way he was eating her up with his eyes. Which is exactly what Poppy needed.

“Hey, ladies.”

Lilly watched him collapse next to Poppy and grin at the two of them. “You must be Rowan,” Lilly said. “You’re better looking than the pictures I’ve seen.”

Leaning forward, he put out his hand. “It’s nice to meet you. You must be Lilly. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“What are you doing here?” Poppy asked as she tried to move away.

“Came to see my favorite girl. Can I take you ladies out for some supper?”

“No, thanks. We have plans.”

Looping his arm around her shoulder, he laughed. “Someday you’re going to run out of no’s, and all that will be left is a yes.”

“Don’t hold your breath.”

Lilly noticed that Poppy smiled when she responded. It might be just a matter of time before she gave into him. Leaning back, she rested her back against the table and listened as they talked about one of his horses. Turned out listening to them was what just what she needed. It was the perfect distraction.

The last thing she wanted to do was contemplate Ruth’s recent release, Drew’s actions, and Brock’s troubles at work. A couple of weeks ago, her life was smooth sailing, and now she was sitting on the shore, watching a storm head her way.

The best thing she could hope for was that Brock wanted to navigate it with her. His text gave her a bad feeling and told her he might not have any interest in rough weather. But that could just be her paranoia. Brock had always proven to be a man of his word, and she hoped like hell that he would continue to be. No matter what that sick feeling in her stomach was telling her.

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