Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 72828 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 364(@200wpm)___ 291(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72828 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 364(@200wpm)___ 291(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
“I don’t buy that that’s the only reason you didn’t leave her side all day.” She shakes her head and turns to leave. “But I’m just your mom. What do I know, anyway?”
“Pack your bags. We’re going on a guilt trip.”
That makes her laugh again. “If you ever want to talk about it, or anything at all, you know where to find me.”
“I know.” I kick the tire of the Jeep and sigh. “Sorry, Mom. I’m not trying to be a jerk. I just don’t really have much to report that isn’t sex.”
She scrunches up her nose and then grins. “Have fun. Be safe. Although, I wouldn’t mind being a grandma sooner or later.”
“Not from me, not any time soon.”
She waves and walks out of the shop, headed toward her little Lexus.
I adore my mom. As far as I’m concerned, that woman hung the fucking moon, and I’ve always been able to talk just about anything through with her.
But I don’t have anything worked out in my head where Sidney is concerned. I crave her. I need to be around her, to touch her and talk with her. Make her laugh.
Everything about her is a turn-on, physically and mentally.
And if I dig deep enough, I could likely see that I’ve fallen for her.
But I can’t go down that road. It’s not fair to either of us.
I zip up the cooler, saving the rest of the food for later, and turn back to the Jeep. I have to dig into work and focus my energy on that, my family, and things that I can commit to.
After a few minutes, I swear, then wipe my hands off once again and reach for my phone.
I want to hear Sidney’s voice.
So, I dial her number and wait until she answers.
“Hey there, handsomest guy I’ve ever seen,” she says, her voice bright and full of excitement.
“Hey, back at you. What has you so excited?”
“I literally just hung up the phone with my agent, Annie. She was calling to let me know that I have an interview with Music Row, only one of the hottest magazines focused on country music, and that’s not even the best news!” I can hear her jumping up and down through the phone.
“Tell me the best part.”
“Holy fucking shit, I haven’t even told my parents yet. They’re going to freak out.”
“You’re killing me here, sweetheart.”
“Okay. I have to breathe.” She takes a deep breath in and out. “I’ve been invited to the Grand Ole Opry to help induct Misty McIntyre as a member. Holy shit, Keaton, it’s such an honor! Misty and I have been through the country trenches together for years. We’ve played the Opry together, and I just couldn’t be more thrilled for her. And she’s asked that I be one of the musicians who perform and celebrate with her.”
“That’s awesome, babe.”
“It’s so amazing,” she continues. “I don’t think I’d be more excited if I was the one being inducted. Misty’s the best there is, and I love that she wants me there. Holy shit, what am I going to wear?”
“I know you’ll figure out the wardrobe,” I reply with a smile.
“You have to go with me.”
I swear my heart stops beating. “What?”
“You have to,” she continues. “I need a date, and you’re my date. We’re not seeing other people, remember?”
“Well, yeah, but—”
“Oh, I can’t wait to introduce you to so many people. They’re all so nice. And the people who work at the Opry are all just the best. They host an amazing party for the inductee, friends, and industry people, and the show is so great. I promise you’ll have fun, and you’ll get to see where I live, too. My house isn’t big, but it’s pretty, and oh! I can introduce you to Wendy—”
“No.”
“I can ask the press to—what do you mean, no?”
“Exactly what I said. Absolutely not.”
“Keaton,” she says, some of the air coming out of her sails, and I feel like a dick. “This is really important to me.”
“I’ve never lied to you,” I reply, my voice firm. “I don’t do public appearances. I’m not your date for anything like that, Sid. You know that.”
“But…this is different.”
“It’s not different. Listen, I’m excited for you, and I’m proud of you. You’ll knock it out of the park. I hope you have an amazing time, but I’m not going with you. That’s not the deal.”
“Right. Of course. What was I thinking? I have to go celebrate with people who love me now.” Her voice is hollow, and I curse under my breath. “Have a good day, Keaton.”
She hangs up, and I want to throw my phone across the garage.
“Goddamn it,” I snarl and pace in a circle before taking a deep breath that does nothing to calm me down.
It’s better this way. No strings, that’s what we said. No rules. The only rule was that we were monogamous for however long it lasted.