and make this all look believable, but I really don’t want to get pummeled by your man. I may be gay, but I can see him taking a swing at me.”
A giggle escapes my lips. “Yeah, he might. I need to find him and explain. I saw the look on his face when my father announced our engagement.”
William sighs. “Me too.” He gently pushes me toward the barn. “It doesn’t look like anyone’s around. Why don’t you go talk to him?”
With all the events going on today, it’s my only chance before our secret rendezvous tonight. “Okay,” I say, whispering the word. “I’ll meet you at the car.”
I walk back into the stables and spot Colby with Maximus. There are a couple of people around outside, but no one is paying attention to us. Colby shuts the stall door and turns to face me, crossing his arms over his chest.
“You’re getting married now?” he says, his lips pulling back into a smirk. “I kind of got the impression it shocked you too.”
I laugh. “It did. William forgot to give me that little tidbit of information.”
Colby leans against the stall door. “Interesting interview if you ask me. I like the part where they mentioned me.”
I snort. “My father didn’t.”
Colby nods. “Exactly. At least, there are others out there who are putting their bets on my horse.”
“They would be stupid not to. I’m betting on you.”
Colby steps closer, his eyes raking down my body. “And if I win, what will my prize be?”
“I’m sure we can think of something.” Quickly, I scan the area and when I don’t see anyone, I clasp his face in my hands and kiss him. He holds me tight and opens my lips with his tongue, tasting me. I moan into his mouth and melt in his arms. “I have to go, but I’ll see you tonight. Come to my house.”
He nips my bottom lip. “Until then. I love you.”
“I love you too.” I kiss his cheek and hurry out of the stables with a smile on my face. It’s going to be a good day.
After a full day of events, drinking, and playing Ms. Socialite, I spent the entire rest of the night in Colby’s arms until he left to head back to the stables before sunrise. The smell of bacon drags me out of my exhausted sleep, and I stretch before making my way downstairs.
William is in the kitchen and on the table is a huge spread of eggs, bacon, pancakes, and orange juice. “Wow,” I gasp. “This is amazing.”
William picks up the coffee pot and pours himself a cup of coffee. “Figured you’d be hungry after all of your exertions last night.”
I can feel the blood rush to my cheeks. “Were we loud? I really tried to not make a sound.”
He chuckles. “Don’t worry, I put in my earbuds and listened to music. I honestly have no clue what was going on. I just assumed.”
I can’t stop from smiling. “It was a good night.” I sit down at the table and pour myself a glass of juice. My stomach growls. “I’m so hungry right now.”
William takes the seat across from me. He looks different with his blond hair a mess and wearing just a T-shirt and pajama pants. I like it. “What are we doing today?”
I scoop some eggs onto my plate and grab a couple pieces of bacon. “Just the usual. Parties here and there. We’re almost done with it all.”
He brings his coffee cup to his lips. “And when it’s all done, you’ll tell your father the truth?”
“Yep,” I say. “And I’m going to make sure he doesn’t do anything to jeopardize Colby’s work. One way or another, he has to accept him. I won’t give him up, not after he lied to me about why he left in the first place.”
“I don’t blame you. Hopefully, it all works out. I’ll be here for you no matter what.”
“Thanks,” I tell him, squeezing his hand. “I appreciate it.”
He finishes off his coffee and nods toward the door. “I’m going out to get the newspaper. I’ve gotten to where I like reading stories about you southern folk.”
Rolling my eyes, I wave him off. “You stay here long enough you’ll become one of us southern folk. You might even get the accent.”
Shaking his head, he laughs and walks outside. There is nothing southern about William. I still haven’t managed to get him to eat grits, but one day, I will succeed. Sweet tea is still