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My parents didn’t notice, or they didn’t say anything. I hugged them and invited them for breakfast in the morning before my practice and drove home with Poppy.

Once we arrived at the house, she hopped out and I’m just sitting here wondering what about my life choices.

With a sigh, I heave myself out of the truck and head inside. Poppy is sitting on the couch, wine in hand, scrolling on her phone. She doesn’t even look up when I enter.

I set my bag down and flop down on the couch next to her, “want to watch a movie?” She nods but doesn’t say anything. This kind of pisses me off. We used to be so good together, so happy and in love.

Did I do something wrong? Or is she done with me?

Clearing my throat I ask, “Poppy, is something wrong?” This gets her attention. She looks up from her phone, looking annoyed, “what do you mean?”

I shrug, “I mean, ever since we landed here, and you started your job, you’ve been distant. You’re no longer the cow tipping girl I fell in love with.”

She wrinkles her nose, “I haven’t changed. You wanted me to get a job, so I did. I happen to love my job.” No, you love your boss. I don’t say that out loud.

“You still love me?” I ask, sounding like a wounded puppy.

She leans over and kisses my cheek, “of course. We’re just settling into a new normal. Maybe your next bye week we can go horseback riding or something. I’ll look up places to go.”

I smile at her, a weak one, but still a smile, “I’d like that.” I pick up my bag and head upstairs. I put my gross, sweaty towels in the hamper as my uniform gets cleaned by the team and take a quick shower. My head hits the pillow and I’m out. No more thoughts of Raine or Poppy for tonight.

11

Chapter 11

Raine

The words on the paper seem blurry to me or maybe it’s because I didn’t sleep much. I really haven’t slept much the past few days, not since Dasher’s first game. They were a nice couple, and I understand where he got all his traits from. It was nice to put names to faces of two people who were important in his life.

I don’t know why I haven’t reached out, maybe not wanting to sound desperate, I guess. Even if I have an undeniable attraction—on my part—to him, I like being around him. He’s different in a way, never letting money go to his head. It was clear that he loves what he does and wants to help his parents. His roots run deep in him.

I wish I ran deep.

No, can’t think like that. He’s not even into guys. Or me.

“Raine, the film crew is here for the day,” someone knocks on my door to tell me this. I look up to see Rachel, my secretary, standing in the door with a concerned look on her face. I must not look like myself. I need to get Dasher out of my mind and back on track. I do run a business and need to help others. I have employees to pay, even if one of them grates on my nerves.

“Yes, Rachel,” I clear my throat, “have them convene with Poppy to go to Morrison Electronics. The owners know they are coming. Ensure Brad goes with her.”

Rachel nods and goes to turn away, “everything alright, brother?”

I stand and walk to the window, “I’m alright. Just always trying to find someone else’s dream because I thought I found mine.” That might have been too much to say, but it’s the truth. I help people fix their businesses, their lives, their families all the while I’m sitting in my castle lonely. I know I sound like a whiny bitch as some would say, but that’s alright. I’ll get past this eventually.

Rachel nods, “why don’t you come to dinner this weekend? Dan would love to pick your brain and the kids miss you.” I guess having my sister work here is a plus because she actually knows me.

I turn back to Rachel, “love to. Thank you.” She crosses the room to hug me, “you know I love you and worry about you. I hate seeing you like this.”

I pat her back and release her, “I will be alright. Weekend dinner sounds like a good way to start.” I won’t tell her I’m lusting like a teenage boy after a straight man who’s in a committed relationship. She knows that I don’t like Poppy and that I sent her over to babysit her kids so Rachel could get a break. But Rachel doesn’t know all of it.

She closes my door, and I slump back into my desk, pulling out my phone. Maybe I should put myself out there, show the world who I really am.

I do something I never thought I would do and download a highly recommended dating app for millionaires and start scrolling. My guess is if I find someone else, I won’t obsess over Dasher. One problem solved. The problem with Poppy might take a little longer, but for now I can just keep her busy and out of my hair.

12

Chapter 12

Dasher