“But you didn’t.” He presses his lips together, then lifts his hand as he accuses, “You turned to him.”
Peyton’s eyes blow wide. “No, I didn’t!” She moves like she’s gonna take his hand, then thinks better of it, and rubs her palms down her thighs. “I swear, Cade, it wasn’t like that at all. Justin asked how the barrel riding was going, and when I told him about my epic fail the other day, he…”
“He volunteered,” I finish for her, my jaw aching from clenching. He’s doing it again. Taking a moment that should be awesome, about her, and making it about himself. “I’d think you’d be happy for her. What she did today was incredible and, I don’t know, maybe I’m wrong, but I think that’s what’s important. Not who was here to watch.”
I shrug, innocent as can be, knowing as I do that I’m driving him bat-shit crazy.
Peyton bites out a warning, “Justin…”
“No,” Cade says, “he’s right.”
Releasing a sigh, he removes his glasses and pinches the bridge of his nose. I almost feel for the guy. When he replaces them, a heavy look of defeat coats his expression, and a hum of victory buzzes beneath my skin.
“I’m sorry, CC. I’m being a jealous ass,” he admits, reaching out and taking her hand. “But that’s on me, not you. It doesn’t matter who was here to help, just that you did it, and I’m proud of you. Really.”
Damn. This is not how I saw this going.
“I guess I just don’t understand why he’s here,” Cade continues, offering her an “aww, shucks” grin. “Shouldn’t he be out on a diamond somewhere?”
“He can hear you,” I grit out, “and I’m benched for a week.” I wave my slung elbow like a stupid flag and go for the joke. “Apparently, my head’s not as hard as we thought.”
The truth is, my head was in a fog the first two days, and my sleep has been shit. Concussions suck and it’s made my life miserable. But today… today made it all worth it. If it brings Peyton back to life, I’ll gladly get knocked on my ass every game.
Peyton frowns at my sling. “He stopped by to go over our project, and when we were done, he suggested I try a different approach on the course. It ended up working.”
We both know it was more than a new outlook. Peyton succeeded because she was born to ride, her instincts are strong, and because we worked together, just like we used to. But I won’t push it. I’ve already gotten my win for the day.
Cade huffs a laugh under his breath. Then, shaking his head like what he’s about to do is against his own better judgement, he holds out a hand. “Well, then I guess I should say thanks. Peyton belongs in that ring. I’m grateful you helped her find her way back there.”
Like an idiot, I stare at his extended appendage for a few more beats before accepting it.
Our handshake is awkward as hell, not only because I’m forced to use the wrong hand, and as we lock eyes, we hold an entire conversation in a glance.
Thanks for helping… but she’s still my girlfriend.
You’re welcome… and not for long.
Cade drops the act and shoves his hand back into his jeans pocket. “So, when does this assignment end anyway? Isn’t graduation in a week?”
“Uh, this is the last week,” Peyton says, staring at the patch of air where we shook hands. A strange squiggle forms between her eyebrows. “Today wrapped up the marriage unit—”
“And tomorrow we become parents,” I finish for her, wanting to get a rise out of Cade.
But, as soon as the words leave my mouth, I realize my mistake.
Instead of Cade flushing in a jealous rage, Peyton’s fair skin turns ghost white. Her shoulders bow like she’s been hit, and a strangled sound emits from her throat.
I bite back a curse as memories assault me. How can I be so stupid? Cade narrows his eyes, like he’s not sure why he should lay into me, but he’s ready to do it anyway—and he should. He damn well should. Because while I don’t know what he knows, or even if he knows, what I just said was heartless.
I want to drop to my knees. I want to curse my stupid mouth and tell her I didn’t mean it. But if Peyton hasn’t told Cade anything, I can’t. I can’t make this worse than it already is.
When Peyton speaks again, her voice is small. “Coach Stasi gave us a budget spreadsheet.” She forces a smile, pretending like I haven’t gutted her, and I stare a hole in the side of her cheek. “Tomorrow we have to meet at Walmart and price out baby items, then extrapolate that over a year.” She makes a face and laughs a little. “Your math nerd brain would be in hog heaven.”
Cade laughs at that, a real laugh this time, and I watch as they share a small smile. It’s worse than yelling at me or showing me how much I hurt her. She’s ignoring me. Desperate to turn the tide and interrupt their bonding moment, I stupidly say:
“Nothing says romance like a date at Walmart.”
Are you shitting me? That’s what you come up with?