me making financial decisions without her. She’d kill me if she knew I was spending what I had extra on investments.”
“This is for your future. Imagine being debt free when you retire.”
“We own a ranch, in case you haven’t noticed. There is always some kind of major expense.”
“This would provide you with a security blanket. I’m not going to push. I’m just offering my opinion.”
“I’ll talk to Reese and let you know.” I watched Jake, one of Isabella’s twin brothers hand Wes a beer. “Take a load off, man. You’ve been pitching business since you got here.”
“Sorry. I’ve been hanging out with Josh a little too long. Just trying to be productive while I still have brain cells.”
Jake laughed. “Josh has become a little pothead. He hates to lift a finger. He needs a fire lit under his ass.”
“Yeah, well some things never change. Speaking of which, did you know Cammie was coming home?”
When I heard my name being mentioned I sat up, but kept quiet so I could eavesdrop.
“What? No. Are you sure?”
“I saw her with my own eyes, and trust me, I’d know that girl no matter how much time has passed.”
“Don’t get your hopes up. She’s out of your league, dude. That girl has her mind set on being a doctor. If you want to get laid, stick to Callie. She’s more down to earth.”
Was I hearing him right? I didn’t know whether to be pissed at Jake or happy he was trying to protect me.
“Yeah, I can see where they’re different. Ever since I’ve been back Callie’s been up my ass. Don’t get me wrong, she’s a good time, but I’m not sure she’s the girl for me.”
“If you’re about to talk about what she’s like in the sack I may have to deck you,” Jake announced.
Wes shriveled up his face and shook his head. “Yeah, I wasn’t going to.”
All of a sudden I sneezed, grabbing both of their attention. “Sorry,” I apologized.
Jake turned on another light and sauntered in my direction with Wes following behind. “Cammie? Is that you?”
“It’s me. Guilty as charged.”
“What the hell are you doing home from school?”
“It’s a long story; one I’d rather not talk about anymore today.”
Jake hugged me and then backed away to give me a once over, while Wes crossed his arms, watching me from afar. “It’s good to see you. Wes was saying you were back. Why didn’t you tell us you were in here?”
“I heard my name mentioned,” I said as I turned to address Wes. “I wanted to know if either of you would say something terrible about me.”
Jake cackled. “Yeah right. There ain’t nothing bad to say about Miss Perfect, right Wes?”
I hated when my cousins called me that. If Jake only knew what I’d done. “If I was perfect, I wouldn’t have come home,” I mumbled. “I didn’t expect anyone to find me in here. I was keeping my distance from my parents. Is there anywhere on this ranch I can go to hide?”
“Hide?” Jake asked. “You really are in trouble.”
Wes offered, “I was about to head into town. If you want to tag along I can bring you back later.”
I jumped on the opportunity to hide from everyone in my family. “Sure. I won’t be much for conversation, but if it’s get me away from my parents I’m game.”
Jake gave me a curious glance. “It must be bad. I’m out of here. The less I know the better. Sometimes this family is too close for comfort.”
Jake said his goodbyes and left us to be alone in the barn. I turned to Wes, a guy I hadn’t seen since he was around the age of twelve. He’d changed into a man. He held himself well, confident even. It was obvious he could have any girl he wanted. I knew other guys like him back at college. They screwed everything they could with no regard for consequences. Wes was privileged, and even though it had been ages since he’d been back, I had a feeling he was on a mission to set his future in place.
I was jealous. I’d been cramming in extra courses to graduate early. Once I had my first degree, I’d have to attend another four-year program. From there, I’d have to get my hours in at a hospital where I’d finally be able to take my exam and become board certified. I had a long road ahead of me, and with a baby on the way I was beginning to