Page 15 of Never Left You

Cash’s half smile turned full force. “Eight to ten weeks of PT. It could be more if she doesn’t heal.”

“Quinn?” Kyla’s voice made Cash turn from me, and I was relieved to have the reprieve. The two minutes he was watching me felt more like an hour. I could focus back on these amazing bologna sandwiches and not on Cash. “The barrel racer who fell the other night.”

Cash nodded. “That’s her. She’s a spitfire and really upset she’s missing rides, so we train.”

“I didn’t know she was your client.” Kyla smiled.

“That she is Mrs. Hartwell.” Cash returned her smile before his gaze turned to me again. “Thanks for the sandwich, Abs. It’s delicious.”

Abs.

That’s the second time he called me that. Not that I was counting.

“It’s bologna,” I grumbled.

“Big girl pants, remember Abi.” Lachlan sneered.

“How’s Carolyn?” I asked, ignoring my cousin completely.

The room went silent, and after a few moments, Cash finally spoke. “Wouldn’t know. We’re divorced. Haven’t heard from her in years.”

Divorced?

“Oh,” I stammered. “Sorry to hear that.”

“Don’t be. I’m not.”

His voice was so sure. No regret in his tone whatsoever. From what I knew, Carolyn was his everything. He sure acted that way when they were married, at least. I saw the way he looked at her. It was the same way Sylas looked at me, the way Rhett looked at Kyla. Carolyn and I may have had our differences, but she was what Cash wanted. For them to get a divorce was kind of a surprise, and for him to not regret it…I wasn’t quite sure how to take that.

“Good riddance.” Lachlan patted Cash on the shoulder. “Pretty sure we celebrated when the papers were signed right?”

Cash let out a laugh. “We sure did. In different bars, in different states, but we celebrated.”

“I’m sorry I…I didn’t know.” I stammered.

Cash shrugged. “Didn’t think you would care.”

Okay, that stung.

Once again, I found myself grinding my teeth, forcing myself to keep it calm. I didn’t need to let five years of pent-up anger out right here, right now. It was eight to ten weeks of this man. I would survive. But I could feel it. I could feel the anger building my bones, starting at my metatarsals all the way to my ribs, caging in my pumping heart. My body was practically vibrating.

“Oh, would you look at that,” I shouted, louder than I intended. “It’s time to go pick up Stetson.” I dropped the knife on the counter, and pushed past everyone, leaving the kitchen as calmly as I could.

“But it’s only lunch time?” Lachlan questioned, his voice growing faint as I opened the front door.

At least I lasted longer than four seconds this time.

Six

Cash

ThemomentIsawAbi was a punch to the gut. The last time I had seen her was the night of Sylas’ accident. I told her he passed, and then instead of comforting her like a good friend would do, I left. I’ve always regretted that moment, but that night I wasn’t sure how to act. There were so many things I would have done differently—but seeing asDoctor Whowas fictional—I had to accept what it was. It had been so long, but the look on Abi’s face when she first saw me and the brief interaction in the kitchen told me all I needed to know.

She was pissed.

And still just as beautiful as I remembered.

So…I smiled. Put on my cocky mask, and I tried to act as normal as possible.

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