Page 30 of Off Sides

I wish he liked me enough to not care about what others think, but water under the bridge.

I press on the gas and head home. Sleep sounds good right now, thinking about Dave’s spreadsheets will be better than counting sheep.

40

Chapter 40

Dasher

Icooked for Daniela and Victor yesterday. It was fun. I got to hear stories about Victor growing up and how they met. It made him seem more human in a way, just kidding. I know he’s human, but he is a beast on the field. I wanted to thank them for the help, and this was just the start of my thank you to them.

We have a bye week, so I’m going to head home. The guys are coming with me, including Tyler’s kids. I suggested it, knowing his kids would love everything on the ranch. I throw the last shirt in my suitcase and zip it up, the car is on its way.

I ensure that everything is locked up, the code set, and I head out. I’m not sure where Poppy ended up, but if she went home, hopefully we don’t run into each other.

The guys are waiting outside the doors to the airport, kids obviously excited. His youngest, Jared, runs up to me, “will therebe cows?” I ruffle his hair, “there will. And pigs, goats, chickens, horses.” His oldest, Sasha, perks up, “can we ride the horses?” With a nod, we head to our gate. I need this break. Working on the ranch is always a good way to get over an ex.

41

Chapter 41

Raine

Everything is mundane. Dates, work, life. But the pain is numb. That’s better than it was before everything went to shit.

“You ready to head home?” Rachel asks. She keeps trying to get me to come over, but I decline. I’m sure being around my niece and nephew might help, but I just want quiet.

“I’m going to go for a drive,” I tell her, not mentioning I’m looking for a new home. Something that doesn’t remind me of the time I had someone or thought I had someone.

She frowns but steps out. Once the door closes, I open my phone to the text message with the realtor confirming my time to see the new property. I have about fifteen minutes to get there. Traffic isn’t bad at this time, so I know it’s enough time. Grabbing my keys I head out to my car and run a hand throughmy hair with a sigh. Margaret found another date for me, but it didn’t work out. He wasn’t who he said he was. She was furious because her people are supposed to vet everyone and his lies somehow slipped through. Tonight, I’m going on a date with a woman. I prefer men, but I thought I’d give this a try. I dated a woman once and to this day we’re good friends. Sex was good, but there’s something about being with a man that turns me on.

The drive is short and the house massive. From the listing, I know there are two pools, a sauna, hot tub, and pool house. Two stories with a staircase in the middle to the upper floor. All the guest rooms are on the first floor. The only room on the second floor is the master suite. Huge room, colonial ceiling, skylight, balcony with an infinity pool on the side of the bathroom. Every guest room has a bathroom, so no one has to share. Not that I plan on having guests, it’s just nice to know that if I do, no one is fighting for a bathroom.

Sheila meets me outside, “Raine, nice to meet you in person. Shall we take a look inside?” I follow her as she points out key features like a keypad lock with face recognition. The living room is sunken with floor to ceiling glass, showing the whole valley. A short walk to the kitchen which opens into a huge space for a big table if I wanted. Kitchen island with additional seating. All high end appliances. The back door opens to a huge back yard where the outdoor pool is. Big deck for grilling, not that I do much of that.

“This is the door to the indoor pool,” she points out a door as we walk back through to the living room. I don’t care about seeing it. I know it’s there.

Before we even step on the staircase, “I want to buy this. Cash sale, asking price.”

She startles, “are you sure?” I nod, “I’m sure. I would like to move in this week if possible.”

She starts typing on her phone, “I’m sure we can make that happen. I’ll be in touch in the morning.” We leave and she locks up, still typing on her phone. I drive home, looking forward to moving to someplace new. It was impulsive to just say I want it without seeing everything, but I don’t care.

I text Derek that I will need to hire movers next week and he just gives me a thumbs up. I’m sure he’ll have a lot to say about this, but I don’t care. This is about me moving on.

42

Chapter 42

Dasher

“Hold on to the saddle horn,” I tell Sasha as I guide her around the indoor arena we have. She laughs and giggles, petting the horse as Tyler watches. I’m in my element. I’m giving the kids lessons before we move on to a short trail ride in a couple of days.

“Thank you, Dasher,” she says as I lift her off the horse. I ruffle her hair, “you’re welcome. Run on up to the house and see if my mom made biscuits.” She takes off like a bolt of lightning. Mom makes biscuits and then lets the kids have one with honey and sugar. They love it.

Tyler walks with me as I put Buster up, “thank you for all of this.”

I put down some hay for Buster and fill his trough with clean water before closing his stall door, “I love bringing people here. This is my happy place.”