Kiss the Cowboy
Page 25
Whatever she thought of him didn't alter the compassion in her eyes. She simply nodded and continued with her questions. "How long did she live here?"
"We moved in when I was eleven."
Her eyes widened again. "I can't picture you living in Martindale. You're so..."
"Rich-boy-like?" He grinned.
"Yes." Her laughter did something funny to his insides. "Something like that." She watched him for a moment with narrowed eyes. "How did a kid who grew up in Martindale turn out to be so successful?"
"I fought for it with everything in me. I was determined not to end up like everyone else I knew."
The front door of the neighboring house slammed, and Justice hopped off his porch. Good thing, too, because who knew how many more questions were stirring in that brain of Kinley's. And for whatever reason, Nash had answered them, revealing pieces of his life he'd kept guarded for years.
Kinley watched Justice as he made his way back to them. "He's a good kid, you know?"
Nash had no response. Good kids didn't destroy other people's property, but somehow the teacher didn't see that as part of the criteria.
"He made a bad decision, that's all. He needs someone to help him succeed." She angled her head and locked eyes with him. "Someone like you."
Cold dread rolled through Nash. Not this again. He had scores of reasons not to get involved, and he planned to tell her as much, but Justice jumped to a stop in front of them. Perfect timing.
She flashed an innocent smile. "So, what would you like us to do next?"
Nash swallowed his protest, drank what remained of his water, and screwed the lid back on the empty bottle. "Let's try to finish the yard, and that will do it for today."
Justice grabbed his gloves and headed to the far edge of the yard. Kinley pushed herself up from the porch, dusted herself off, and spoke to Nash in a low voice. "Just so you know, I think you need him as much as he needs you. And I plan to keep at it until I convince you I'm right."
"Thanks for the warning." His voice was flat.
She could hound him all she wanted, but it'd be an utter waste of time and energy. If she thought Nash McGuire needed anything associated with Martindale, she had another think coming.
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