Page 66 of The Bad Boy Prince in Love

“Yeah, I thought about it,” Terry said, stretching casually in her seat.“But maybe I enjoy holding it over your head.Or maybe I’m waiting until you take it so far that there’ll be no going back without making a complete fool of yourself in front of mama and daddy.Of course, if you release your right to the ranch, you wouldn’t have to worry about what I’m planning.”

“I don’t negotiate with blackmailers,” Hallie said, lifting her chin proudly.

Maybe the only thing that prevented Terry from revealing the truth about the fake relationship was the fear that their mama would disown them both.

Hallie thought she could trust the truce for now, but how long before Terry found some way to use her secret against her?

“Relax, the truce is still on,” Terry said.“I’m not about to kick you when you’re down.”

“Funny, I thought that was exactly your style,” Hallie said.

“Since you’re turning into the bad sister, maybe I’m becoming the good sister who is above such dirty tactics.”

“I can only hope,” Hallie said sarcastically.

“Let me get you a coffee,” Terry said, getting up suddenly.This was weird: she was never this helpful.

“French vanilla,” they both said at the same time.

“Coming right up,” Terry said with a smile.It was also weird that she remembered what Hallie’s favorite flavor was.Their mama usually didn’t keep such things in mind, too occupied with running the ranch.It was probably just that Terry was nosy.Very little information escaped her.

In a couple of minutes, she came back with a steaming coffee cup.

“Thanks,” Hallie said.The drink was comforting, and she didn’t mind that it was from a vending machine.Sometimes those cheap coffees were the best.

“You know, if you were going to pick someone to be your pretend boyfriend, you could have chosen someone who knows how to ride,” Terry said, evidently unable to keep her mouth shut for more than a few seconds.

“He does know how to ride.It’s not his fault those idiots gave him a wild horse.By the way, did they catch a wild horse just to play this prank on him?”

“Yep, so the rumor goes.”

The sound of male voices filtered down from the hallway, and a whole group of cowboys entered the waiting room.They were led by Paul, with Ken and a few guys trooping in and standing awkwardly at the entrance.

“Seriously?”Hallie said.

They took off their hats, looking sheepish.

“We’re really sorry,” Paul said.

“Yeah,” Ken added, “We came here to apologize to Luke.How is he doing?Is he okay?”

“Sit down and wait over there,” Terry commanded, “Hallie doesn’t want to see your faces right now.”

The guys did as they were told, sitting in the back corner of the waiting room where Hallie couldn’t see them.

The doctor still hadn’t come, and it had been over three hours.Was there something seriously wrong with Luke?