Page 80 of When a Cowboy Falls Hard
Zinnia had already shortened it, calling him MTC. Yes, it sounded like she was saying Empty Sea, which was ridiculous, but she was desperate to eliminate the name Monty from her life. Was she insane to go over there tonight?
As if Fate had decided to throw a monkey wrench—haha—into their rendezvous plan, Uncle Graham chose to stay up later than usual. She considered ducking into her bedroom and texting Monty to cancel. Couldn’t seem to do it.
The minute Uncle Graham bid them goodnight and walked into his room, Mari grabbed her by the arm and motioned toward the front porch. She followed her sister out and took one of the Adirondack chairs.
“Are you really calling it quits? Even the sex?”
“Yes.”
“Aw, Zin.”
“Last night he asked for one more night, so I’m supposed to go over there, but I’m wondering if that’s smart.”
“Because someone might see you?”
“No. It’s totally chill over there late at night. But why dig myself in deeper? I’ll just miss him that much more.”
“Are you in love with him?”
“Afraid so. Which is stupid. You can’t be in love with someone you just met.”
“Sure you can. Happens all the time. Sometimes it lasts and sometimes it doesn’t.”
“Well, this episode is doomed, so I might just be torturing myself unnecessarily if I go over there.”
“Your call.”
“I know.”
“Uncle Graham showed me those pictures while you were putting Tex to bed.”
“I figured he might have.”
“He’s right. Monty looks like a doting father.”
“He looked exactly like that, which is what makes this so effing hard. Maybe he would come around, but I’ve been burned before.”
“Maybe I shouldn’t have talked you into having sex with him. I’m starting to feel bad about that.”
“Well, don’t. Celibacy isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.”
Mari laughed. “Good one. So are you okay with spending time at that ranch? I know what you said, but if it’s problematic for you, then….”
“I like them so much that I’ll power through any awkward moments. Raquel’s wonderful. They all are. Oh, and remember Uncle Graham telling us about the Jordan Sterling training center over there?”
“I do. Sounded like a big deal.”
“I didn’t get a look at it, but I’m sure it’s awesome. And Jordan offered to help train Tex and MTC.”
“Won’t that be expensive?”
“She’s giving me a discount.”
“Are you sure the Monty situation won’t affect that?”
“It won’t. We need to remember that Spence Bridger was best friends with our uncle. They used to hang out all the time. He’s the reason everyone’s so friendly to us. They love him.”
“Then lucky us, huh?”
