Page 133 of Never In My Wildest Dreams

He thought about Ginty’s reaction that morning to finding out about Stevie, and he realized, in protecting himself, he’d hurt the people who cared about him the most. “You’re a good friend, George. I don’t know what I’d do without you. I really don’t.”

“Wait, what’s that sound?”

Booker tuned into his surroundings. “I’m at the fairgrounds. For the Wild West Days Festival.”

“No, it’s not that. Is there a heart beating in that tin can?”

“Shut the fuck up.” But Booker laughed.

“This is good. I’m happy for you. And I can’t wait to meet the woman who turned you from a reptile to a human.”

“You just want her autograph.”

“Well, yeah, I do. If I bring my concert T-shirt out there, do you think she’ll sign it?”

“Fuck off. I’ll see you on the call.” He disconnected.

“That was George?” Hellcat asked.

He spun around to find her behind him. “Yeah.”

She didn’t look him in the eyes. “Uh, Stevie’s here. My parents just brought her, so…”

“Yeah, Okay.” But before she could duck back inside, he reached for her and pulled her into his arms. “Hey, are you all right?”

“Yeah, sure.” But she seemed distant.

“I’m sorry I ran out of the tent like that.”

“What happened?” she asked.

“I came up with an idea I think will work.”

“So, you called George?” she asked.

“Yep.” He smiled. He’d never imagined putting anything above his career, but this woman—she was worth everything.

“I need to get back,” she said. “It’s pretty loud in there. It’s a little too much for Stevie.”

Something was bothering her, but she was heading back into the tent, so he’d have to talk to her when they were alone.

The moment he went inside, he saw what she meant. Fans gathered around their table to talk to the players and get autographs. It was chaos.

He headed for Stevie, who sat at the end of the table. There weren’t any free chairs, so her grandparents stood behind her. Jaime and Declan stood there holding their kids. They laughed and chatted easily, and fuck, if it didn’t hurt.

Bypassing them, he headed over to his daughter and crouched. “Hey, how’s it going?”

She released a dramatic sigh. “I bored, Mister.”

He glanced up at Hellcat. “Remember that stuffed animal you wanted?”

Finally, she cracked a smile. “You better win us the biggest.”

* * *

This was the first time her home was alive with activity, and Lorelei loved it.

After the festival, she’d helped the guests get situated in their rooms. Figuring everyone would’ve stuffed their faces with junk food, the chef had prepared a light buffet for everyone.

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