Page 92 of Unguarded

“Take care of my sexy future husband!” Rosie hollers after them before shutting the door.

“Okay, girls, what trashy reality TV are we in the mood for?”

“Before we do that”—Dolly holds up a hand—“can we get an update on our own little show before my head explodes?”

She’s sitting cross-legged on the kitchen counter, fiddling with a pill bottle on the countertop. We’re all dressed in cozy sweatsuits to prepare for our expanding waistlines once the wings and loaded French fries are delivered.

“What show?” I ask, pouring myself a glass of rosé.

When neither of them answers, I look up to see themexchanging a glance that only friends as close as sisters could interpret.

“What?”

Dolly exhales an exasperated sigh. “You and Cash! We’ve tried to refrain from asking, but my brother hasneveracted this way with anyone before, and with all the footage we’ve seen from the tour, we’re dying over here.” She pops a pill into her mouth.

I’m assuming it’s her heart medication. Duke told me she had an episode the other day, and the doctor had to adjust her meds. I’m not clear on exactly what her condition is, but I know she sees a cardiologist regularly, and Cash worries about her.

“We swear to keep it under wraps, but you gotta give us something. Are you and he together?” Rosie is mixing up a mocktail with cherry juice, ginger ale, and cream of coconut.

I haven’t gossiped like this since the last time I saw Ember. She’s been checking in on me occasionally, but we haven’t talked about boys in a long time.

I move over to the barstool, pull it out, and take a seat with a heavy sigh. The girls lean in.

“I guess you could say I’m falling for him.” More likeI’m totally stupid in love.

Dolly gasps. Rosie smiles so big that I see almost all her teeth.

“I just don’t think he feels the same way—at all,” I quickly add. “He sees me as a client. He’s made it pretty clear what we’re doing now is just … a temporary, fun thing while we’re at the ranch. I know he cares a lot about me. I just don’t think we would work in the real world. This place feels like a bubble, separate from my reality.” I gesture to the big cedar posts and stonework on the backsplash.

The girls nod, like they know exactly what I mean.

“We won’t continue it on the tour, and we definitely aren’t together. Which is ironic, considering the general public thinks we are. It’s like reverse fake dating. He’s not my boyfriend.” My stomach sinks as the words leave my mouth.

I didn’t even realize I was feeling these things so heavily until now. I haven’t let myself acknowledge how attached to him I’ve actually become.

“Well, if it’s any consolation, I meant what I said. I’ve never seen Cash like this. He’s usually immune to emotions. It’s like he’s finally opening up to someone. He dates women, but he never goes exclusive, never tells him he loves them, never brings them to family holidays or anything. You’re practically living together.”

Dolly slides down from the counter and walks over to wrap me in a hug. Rosie joins her, and they cocoon me in a group hug. I’m stiff at first, feeling strange and awkward. Finally, I relax into them. Tears prick the corners of my eyes. Neither of them has their phones out, trying to get a picture with me. They’re not begging for backstage passes to my concert or asking me if the rumors they heard are true.

For a moment, I feel like this must be what people with a loving family feel like all the time.

They both pull back, smiling at me.

Confessions pull at my tongue.

“I think I’m in love with him,” I whisper. “But he doesn’t want anything to do with my life. He wants this, which Idon’t blame him for. Redford Ranch is amazing. I’d want to stay here, too, if I were him.”

The confession seems to lift a weight from my shoulders, but it makes me feel strangely heavy at the same time. The situation is truly impossible. I’m not the girl for a Redford brother. I can’t cook. My schedule is booked out for the foreseeable twenty-four months, and it involves red carpets and private flights out of the country. It’s a lot for someone to take on.

“You’re a catch, and don’t you let anyone think differently. Yes, your life is a little unorthodox and busy as hell, but you’re also sweet and surprisingly down to earth. We love having you here. You’re welcome anytime, no matter what’s going on with you and Cash.” Rosie smiles at me, reaching down to squeeze my hand.

The doorbell ringing interrupts our bonding moment. I need a minute to contain myself, so I offer to get it.

“About time the wings got here. I’m wasting away!” Rosie exclaims.

She and Dolly loop arms and move toward the living room.

I smile at their retreating backs. They’re both so kind and welcoming to me, even though I’m only here temporarily because their brother agreed to protect me. I feel like an imposter in their lives, like I don’t belong here, as much as I wish I did.

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