Riding Raw (9 page)

Bo seemed hesitant. “Duff, I don't think it's a good idea. She's already leaving. What more do you want?"

"I want to talk to her, damn it, but if you won't leave—"

"Nope, not gonna leave. Up until now, the three of us seemed to make a good team. I'm not going to be sent away like a naughty child, Duff."

Lily looked between them uncertainly. Her lips quivered, and she almost ran from the house into the safety of the pasture. But she needed to say this, and if it was the last thing she ever said to Duff, she wouldn't mind.

"I love you,” she blurted. “I always have. Always will. I'm so happy that you found someone like Bo to love and care for you—especially after the way I left. When I came back, I thought we could pick up where we left off, but that was beyond silly.” She was speaking much too quickly. “I know that now, and I know both of you were more than patient, going above and beyond what anyone would have expected in this situation.

"But I also want you to know that I see it now, my part in all of this, and I'm moving on to a better life. It was you—both of you—who showed me I'm worth it. That I can have better and be better.” She dropped her gaze, no longer able to look at them. “Maybe after I get settled...maybe you wouldn't mind if I wrote to you."

Duff moved in front of her, not speaking until she looked at him. “Where are you headed?” His voice sounded strained, hoarse.

"I'm thinking south Florida. I've never been, but I hear it's really nice."

"Uh-huh. And you really want to live there?"

Lily frowned. “It's as good a place as any, I guess."

"That wasn't my question,” Duff murmured. He scooped her into his arms and dragged up a chair, bringing her down onto his lap with a thump. “Do you really want to live there?"

Oh.

She finally thought she understood what Duff was asking. She turned to Bo, and his sheepish grin made her heart skip “I'd rather not, I mean, I don't want to—"

"Spit it out, woman,” Duff teased. “Since when have you ever had trouble speaking your mind?"

Bo laughed. “Yeah, the suspense is killing me."

She caressed Duff's cheek, a shiver of affection gliding down her back. “I don't want to leave you; I came back for you.” She turned to Bo. “And you're another reason I need to stay on."

Duff squeezed her backside. “Then you
will
stay. Turns out we need you too."

"We'd love it if you'd consider staying on,” Bo said.

"Oh, you would, would ya? What
ever
for?"

"Turns out our hired hand won't be coming back. You already know how to prep, and you're so good with the horses, I'd like to take you on."

Her eyes widened. “You're offering me a job?"

"Yes I am. Now, keep in mind I can't pay much, but you'll get room and board."

"And as much of us as you can handle.” Bo shifted his feet.

Duff thumped his leg, rocking her until she became dizzy. “Time's a'wasting, sweetheart. What'll it be?"

Before she could answer, the sound of approaching vehicles drew their attention. From the kitchen window, they saw Tim Watson stop her car behind Duff's Rover. His son pulled up the rear in their SUV.

"Hmm, I'm not sure,” she murmured, pretending to be uncertain. “Can you at least offer one of those cushy 401Ks? And what about dental?"

Bo flicked his tongue at them and headed out to meet Tim.

Duff nuzzled her neck, squeezing her bottom again for good measure. “All I can offer is nightly drilling and fillings anytime you need it."

Thinking she'd burst with happiness, Lily thrust out her hand. “Ugh! You're corny and cheap, but you've got yourself a deal, buddy."

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Stephanie Ganon was born in New Orleans but moved to the Northeast where she lives today with her husband, two dogs, and cat. She can be reached at www.stephanieganon.com.