Page 56 of Spencer and the Younger Girl
“But you don’t even know her.” It made so much sense now. Why Hadley felt entitled to answers for any question she thought to ask.
Why she thought there wouldn’t be consequences for her actions.
Why she was so incredibly naïve.
“Do I have to know her?”
Spencer couldn’t listen to this any longer. “I have to get back.”
To Hadley.
No, to his family’s table, to his brother.
If she hadn’t already been too young, this information would have solidified the fact that they were from two completely different worlds.
He’d spent three years traveling, sure, but he worked his way across the continents. There were no five star accommodations or tours of the cities.
And at his heart, he was a rancher. No matter where he ended up next, he’d always be a rancher.
He had no right to think about a WentWood princess, a girl who’d tell tales about working hard on a ranch for a week before going off to better things.
His steps faltered when he caught sight of two boys grinning at Hadley. Jesse Carrigan and that Roman kid who helped with the prank.
Privileged boys who’d get to leave this town behind someday.
So, why did his face grow hot when Roman draped an arm around Hadley’s shoulders? Why did he suddenly have the urge to beat up his brother’s teammates?
“You okay?” He’d almost forgotten Victoria was beside him.
“Yes,” he grunted. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Oh, my.” Victoria covered her mouth with her hand as her gaze followed Spencer’s. “You do know she’s in high school, right?” She grabbed his arm. “Spence, everything I just said about her… If I’d have known…”
“There’s nothing to know.”
She sighed. “You and I have never lied to each other. Our entire friendship, no matter what happened, we were always honest. Tell me… has there been anyone since…”
“No.” He’d come close to kissing women he’d met overseas. Beautiful, intelligent women. But then a voice entered his mind, telling him he didn’t deserve to move on. That he didn’t want to.
“Oh, Spencer.” Her fingers intertwined with his. “I’m so, so sorry.”
“Vic,” someone called.
She looked back over her shoulder and Spencer followed her gaze. “That your boyfriend?”
Her lips tugged down. “Fiancé, actually. I didn’t get a chance to tell you the other night, but… I’m pregnant, Spencer.”
She stared at him as if waiting for a reaction, but all he felt was cold.
Victoria was pregnant. Again. Maybe this time it would have a happier ending.
He closed his eyes for a fraction of a second before pulling her into a hug and resting his chin on her head. She fit as she always had. “I’m happy for you.”
She tilted her head back to look up at him. “Really?”
He nodded. “Really.” Bending down, he pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Don’t be a stranger, Vic.”
When she stepped out of his embrace, she smiled. “We could never be strangers.” With that, she hurried away and looped her arm through another man’s.
