Page 159 of Never In My Wildest Dreams

“Booker?” someone called. “We’re ready for toasts.”

He had one last heated exchange before heading back into the reception. George was about to follow him when she caught sight of Lorelei.

“Hey.” George came up to her with a sad smile. “I’m sorry about that.”

For what? What did this woman have to be sorry about?

That I caught the two of you touching outside in the dark?

This was why Lorelei lived on this remote ranch. So reality wouldn’t creep in and scrape her raw all over again. “What happened?” she managed to ask.

“I tried. I really did. I know how much he wanted to move out here.”

Wait, he’s not moving here?

Embarrassment had her wanting to run away from this woman who knew more about Slick than she did.

It all just felt so familiar. Landon and Cissy sneaking around, sharing intimacies, lying to her face.

The secret smiles, the hushed whispers. Tonight, Booker had confided in his partner before sharing the bad news with Lorelei.

“My partners won’t agree to change the contract, and they won’t demote him to associate. They say if they do, it’ll be the end of our agency. We’re not established well enough yet to let these kinds of life changes pull us away from what we’re building. I’m sorry.”

So, he’s not moving out here. She felt like such a fool. “It’s fine. It wasn’t realistic anyhow.”

George’s eyebrows shot up. “What do you mean?”

“We had a good time in the cabin, and now, we’ve got a child together. We got carried away. I wanted Stevie to have a dad, so when Booker showed up in my life, it was like a dream come true. But his life is in New York. He can’t have a sports agency in Calamity.” She gestured around her. “On campgrounds miles away from town.”

“What the fuck does that mean?” Booker charged over to them.

“I’ll, uh…” George gave him an apologetic look. “I’ll let you two talk.”

Booker reached her with a wild, bristling energy. For a man who only let go of control under the covers, this was way out of character. “We had a ‘good time’ together? We got ‘carried away?’”

“Bequiet.” She led him farther from the barn.

“Where the fuck did you ever get the idea that we’re having a ‘good time?’ I’m backing away from my career for you. I’m changing mylife. I’m not doing that for a ‘good time.’”

“I know, but we got swept away. Listening to George’s stories, watching you talk to her just now—she has fifteen years with you. I have a total of six days. It’s ridiculous to think we could just fall into a relationship.”

“I don’t need seven days or seven years to know you’re the one. I knew in twelve hours. Are you telling me you don’t feel that?Dammit.” He tipped his head back. “Forget it. If George’s stories could make you question what we have, then I have my answer.”

She couldn’t think. Her mind was racing.

He waited but when she didn’t say anything, he jammed his hands in the pockets of his dress slacks. “So, let’s get clear on this. You’re okay with me going back to New York? Did I hear that right?”

“Yes. I have to be.”

His eyes were fiery, his neck muscles corded, and she’d never seen him wound so tightly. “You were with your shitbag ex for twelve years. Does that mean you knew him better than you know me?”

“I mean, of course.”

“He fucking cheated on you right under your nose. How well did you know him?”

“God, stop. I’m confused. I thought George was a man. Why didn’t you tell me she’s a gorgeous woman?”

“Because I don’t see her as a gorgeous woman. Do you see your brother as a hot man?”

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