Page 55 of Mateo & Nicole

She lifted her eyes to her son, ignoring the message as she shoved the phone into her pocket. As if against her will, her focus drifted to Mateo. Everything was still strained. She knew he could tell she wasn’t happy, and she hated herself for it. He deserved better.

She deserved better.

A sigh fell from her lips, and she found herself wishing she could just go up to him and tell him that they were over. It would solve so many problems. He’d have his freedom, and she wouldn’t have to wait for the other shoe to drop.

Her phone felt heavy in her pocket, demanding her attention. If Caroline had news, and she was being honest, that meant Mateo was still keeping things from her. Nikki could just ask Caroline what her news was. But what would she tell Mateo?

Hey, you know how I told you that I wasn’t on speaking terms with your ex-fiancée? Well, we’re hanging out now. Hope you don’t mind.

Nikki grimaced. That wouldn’t go over well at all.

She placed a hand on her stomach, attempting to quell the nerves. Nikki already knew what was going to happen. She wasn’t going to be able to stop herself. She’d speak to Caroline again despite the fact that the woman was utter poison. It was the only way she could figure out exactly what was going on between Mateo and Caroline, and then she’d confront him.

That rolling and twisting in her stomach thrashed even more at the thought of that conversation. It needed to happen. She couldn’t avoid Mateo forever. She needed closure, and since he hadn’t told her he wanted to break things off, it would be up to her.

Nikki’s eyes found Mateo once more, and he offered her that adorable, crooked grin. Her heart crumbled at the sight of it. How was she going to let go of the one good thing she’d found?

He stopped Paxton’s ride for a moment, and they spoke in hushed tones. Mateo glanced over at her before saying something more and letting him continue. She watched as he headed straight for her.

Oh no. This was it. He was going to break things off, and she wouldn’t even have to speak to Caroline at all.

Mateo stood beside her, his arm brushing against hers. She craved his touch more than she wanted to admit. She wanted him to reach for her hand, to slip his arm around her waist and pull her toward him. She wanted him to show her how much he cared. But she’d been so cold lately. How could she expect him to do any of that?

He took off his hat and ran a hand through his hair, his eyes remaining locked on her son. “He’s doing well.”

“He has a good teacher,” she said.

One side of his mouth quirked upward. “You can’t beat natural talent.”

She nodded, shifting her feet in the dirt. They stood there in awkward silence for a few moments, and then Mateo sighed.

“I get that you’re going through something.”

Nikki stiffened.

“But I want you to know that I’m here for you if you want to talk.”

Right here. She could tell him right now that she wanted to talk about him seeing two women or at least entertaining it. She could demand answers.

But one look at her son, and she knew she couldn’t do that to him. She didn’t want to fight. She just wanted peace.

Nikki drew in a deep breath and glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. “Yeah, thanks.”

“Nikki—”

She cut him off. “I might have to run an errand later today or tomorrow. Do you think you could keep an eye on Paxton for me?” She really shouldn’t have asked him—especially since he might not be in Paxton’s life for much longer. Well, maybe she’d still want him to teach Paxton how to handle a horse while she worked here. Things would be different, though.

“Sure.” His voice tore her from her musings, and she eyed him once more.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

“I’d do anything for you, Nikki.” There was something about his tone that struck her at her core. It wasn’t exactly a goodbye, but there was resignation in it—as if he was preparing for their relationship to come to an end.

And with that realization, the rest of her heart fractured. She bit down hard, willing the tears to remain behind her eyes. She couldn’t break here. Not right now in front of Paxton. All she could do was nod.

* * *

“Where are you going?Want me to tag along?”

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