She lay across the bed and prayed for daylight.
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Chapter Nine
Lily bit into an apple and waited for the coffee to perk. Her car would be arriving soon; she wanted to get on the road as soon as possible.
After creeping out of Duff and Bo's bed that morning, she'd lain awake for hours, searching for answers. Around four a.m., an idea came to her. She'd try something a little different—especially since her time was her own and no one would be looking for her.
Someplace else. Someplace warm. Someplace where my past won't matter so much.
South Florida sounded like a nice place to start over. It had nice weather, interesting people, and perhaps a second chance at a real life.
"I see you're almost ready,” Bo said from the doorway.
"As soon as they bring my car, I'm gone.” Opening a cabinet, she pulled down two mugs.
"Coffee?"
"Sure. Listen, Lily, I know you feel like you should leave, especially after everything that's happe—"
"Duff doesn't want me here—even after what we did—and I don't stay where I'm not wanted.” She handed him a mug and sat opposite him. “He didn't want me here when I first showed up, and I doubt what's happened between us changed his mind."
"Lily..."
"And why do you want me to stay so bad, Bo?” She set down her mug. “Why are you so okay with me staying here? Does watching me fuck your boyfriend turn you on that much? Or maybe you crave danger. I bet you just can't wait for another crazed ex-boyfriend to come looking for me, huh?"
Bo looked puzzled. “Wait. One thing at a time. You want me to be jealous? Is that what you're saying? You want me to throw a fit so you'll feel better about running away?"
She shrugged. “It would at least be a normal reaction considering what's been going on around here the last few days. And if you were thinking clearly at all, you'd know asking me to stay is probably not in your best interest."
"I'll worry about my own interests, okay?” Catching her off guard, he stood, pulled her into his arms, and twirled her around the kitchen. “I'm simply asking you not to rush off without thinking it through.” He dipped her.
Lily giggled. “My goodness, Mr. Astaire. I simply don't know what to say."
"Actually, that was my Gene Kelly impersonation. My Astaire would be a lot lighter on your poor feet."
Sighing, she nuzzled his chest. His arms tightened around her waist, and the now familiar electricity they channeled coursed through her in a shockwave of emotion. They rocked silently. If she stayed, this was what her life would be like all the time...
"This is nice,” he murmured into her hair. “It's been a long time since I've had a girlfriend."
She pulled back. “You've been with a woman before?"
"Does that surprise you?"
"But aren't you...gay?"
"Well, if wanting to spend the rest of my life with Duff means I'm gay, then yes.” Bo brushed a quick peck on her lips. “But that doesn't seem to mean anything when I'm around your beautiful body, so how about we leave the labeling to society?” He palmed her ass, pulling her to him. His erection throbbed against her.
"Hmm, now I know why you want me to stay."
"Seems I'm interrupting—something that's been happening around here a lot.” Duff eyed them from the doorway, his expression unreadable.
She pulled away from Bo. “I'm so—"
"Don't you dare apologize,” Bo told her. He turned to Duff. “She hasn't done anything wrong."
"I know it. I just need to talk to Lily a minute.” He cleared his throat. “Alone, if you don't mind."
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."
THE END
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Loose Id Titles by Stephanie Ganon
Riding Raw
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Stephanie Ganon
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.
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Visit www.loose-id.com for information on additional titles by this and other authors.
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Loose Id Titles by Stephanie Ganon
Stephanie Ganon
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Riding Raw Page 7
