Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 97724 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97724 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
“When next week?” I close my eyes, resigned to having to leave for this. “And can I take Riley?”
“We’ll be in the private jet, so of course you can. It’s next Friday night. We’ll pick you up Friday morning and take you home on Saturday. Connor will be with us, of course.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“You’ll go. I already have an haute couture dress from Dior for you,” Ma says, leaving no room to argue, and I admit, the idea of a custom dress sends a zip through me. “And it’s happy I am that I get to see my girl. It’s been too long, my darlin’.”
“I know. I miss you guys, too. Go get some sleep, Ma. Kiss Da for me.”
“I’ll try, and I will. See you soon, a stór.”
She hangs up, and I see that I have seven texts from Beckett.
Beckett: How was your day?
Beckett: Do you believe in aliens?
Beckett: There’s a position described in this book that I want to try ASAP. With some modifications, of course.
Beckett: Blink twice if you’re okay.
Beckett: Irish, don’t make me come over there.
Beckett: Are you okay? I’m actually worried that you fell and hit your head. Or, you’ve decided to ghost me.
Beckett: I will spank your ass if you don’t answer me.
I’ve just finished reading the last message when my phone rings.
“Hey, sorry about that. I’m not ghosting you.”
“You’re okay?”
“Yeah, my mum called right in the middle of texting with you. I didn’t mean to make you worry.”
“Okay, good. As long as you’re safe, that’s all that matters. How’s your mom?”
“She couldn’t sleep, so she was calling me. I guess there’s a charity benefit dinner that I have to go to next week in LA.”
He’s quiet for a minute.
“Did I lose you?”
“No, just processing that you’ll be out of town for a few days.”
I grin and pet Riley’s back. “You could go with us. It’s only one night. And it’s for a children’s charity.”
He’s quiet again, and I realize I’m a bloody idiot.
“Forget I said that. Christ, we’ve only just started seeing each other. You don’t need to meet my family and go to a bloody charity event with me. I’m just going to go jump off a bridge now. It was nice knowing you, Mr. Blackwell.”
He’s laughing in my ear, and I cover my face with my hand.
“Take a breath, Irish.”
“I’d like to die now.”
“If you die, I won’t have a beautiful date for a fancy dinner thing next week.”
My eyes snap open in surprise. “You’d actually go with me?”
“Are you under the impression that I can say no to you about literally anything? If you want me there, I’ll be there.”
“I’d love for you to go, but only if you feel comfortable. And if you can get away from the farm.”
“I can. I have enough help.” He sighs on the other end of the line. “I miss you, Skyla.”
“I can come out there if you’d like. Riley and I could wait for you at the house.”
“I’ll be out here all night. I have the night shift with Bessy. But I’d like to take you out for dinner tomorrow night.”
“What if Bessy isn’t feeling better?”
“We’re not putting that out into the universe. She’s going to feel like a champ, and I’m going to hang out with my girl.”
My girl.
“Yes, please.”
“Good. I’ll pick you up at six.”
“Beck, do you need anything? I know it’s been a rough week. I could bring something out and drop it off to you. How can I help?”
He sighs, and I can hear the weariness in it. I want to wrap myself around him and hug him close, push my fingers in his whiskers.
I want to comfort him.
“You’re helping. Trust me on that, okay?”
“Okay then. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Sleep well, baby.”
Chapter Seventeen
BECKETT
“Hey, boss,” Brad says as he walks into the barn. It’s barely daybreak, and I’m ready for some fucking sleep. “How’s our girl?”
“She’s a lot better this morning,” I reply as we check Bessy over. “She’s turned the corner, which is good. I was afraid we might lose her for a couple of days there.”
“Me, too.” Brad nods and reaches out to pet Bessy’s cheek. “We’ll keep her on the antibiotics for a couple of weeks, which means we can’t use her milk for a while.”
“No, you’ll have to toss it,” I agree. “But she’ll be okay, and that’s what matters. I’m going to get a few hours of sleep, then I’ll be away from the ranch most of the day.”
“Good. We’ve got everything handled here.”
“I feel a little guilty.” I drag my hand down my face, and Brad scowls at me.
“Why?”
“Because I’ve had you guys handling a lot more than usual lately. I’ve been less hands-on.”
“You have a full crew of guys right now,” he reminds me. “It’s our job to do this so you don’t have to. Beck, you’re entitled to a life, just the same as anyone else. Being in this barn twenty-four hours a day isn’t healthy.”