“That’s not what I’ve been doing.”
I shake my head, not willing to listen to lies. “Six months, Declan. I’m asking you to avoid me, pretend I don’t live here, or that you don’t know me for the six months you’re stuck here.”
“I hate my father for this.”
We all hate his father. When he died, his four sons should’ve inherited the Arrowood farm. They should’ve been able to sell it and move on with their lives. But Declan’s father was cruel and selfish, even in death. The stipulation in the will was that each of the four brothers must live on the farm for six months. At the conclusion, they can do what they want with the property.
That means that, even after they swore they’d never come back here, they have no choice if they want their inheritance. And now I have to see the man who I have never gotten over.
“Regardless, you owe me this much.”
There’s a flash of hurt in his eyes, but he looks away. “You always have been beautiful and irresistible when you don’t hold back.”
Right. Sure I am. Enough that he could leave me so damn easily. I’m not going to let my heart read more into it. I have to protect myself because loving Declan has never been my issue. I’ve spent my entire life doing it as naturally as breathing.
My shoulders straighten, and I glare at him. “Well, I’m sure my boyfriend will appreciate you thinking so. If you’ll excuse me, I have a birthday cake to consume.”
I shoulder past him and pray my knees don’t buckle.
When I turn the corner, all hell breaks loose, and I don’t have to worry about my legs because I’m lifted into the air.
“Sydney!” Jacob grabs me, turning me around in his arms. “You fucking gorgeous woman. Look at you.”
I smile. Here’s another Arrowood I can like. “And look at you!” I slap his shoulder playfully. “You’re all famous and shit.”
Then Sean is there. “Give me that girl.” His deep voice is filled with warmth. “I’ve missed you, Syd.”
I wrap my arms around him and squeeze. “I’ve missed you guys too—well, some of you.”
Sean and Jacob both laugh. “The better brothers, at least.”
We all laugh, and they both wrap an arm around me, tucking me into their protective embrace. I’d forgotten how much I loved them all. Each one always made sure no one hurt me. They were loyal and adopted me as a sister they never had.
When my father ran out on us, it was these guys who took up the role of protector.
“You came back!” Hadley rushes forward, a big smile on her face.
“Of course I did! I just needed to get your present.”
“Did you know that Uncle Declan promised to get me a pony?” She screams the last word with eyes bright.
I want to say a biting remark about the man not honoring promises, but I don’t. Hadley doesn’t deserve it, and my opinion is shrouded in years of bitterness. Plus, if I’m going to keep up the fake boyfriend bullshit, I need to appear like I don’t care.
“That’s wonderful. I hope it’s a really expensive one. You should ask him for two. Horses want a friend.”
She giggles. “I hope it’s white and has long hair and loves to go for rides and maybe can fit in my tree house!”
Connor comes up from behind her and rests a hand on her shoulder. “We’re going to talk about the pony.”
Hadley looks up at him from over her shoulder, lip jutted out while batting her eyelashes. “But, Daddy, I really want it.”
Oh, he’s so fucked, and she called him daddy.
Tears fill my eyes. “Give her the damn pony, Connor.”
He smiles at me. We both know he’s never going to deny her a thing.
Then Ellie comes out of the kitchen holding the cake. “No pony. Not now, at least.”
He winks at Hadley.
“Okay, Mommy. Not now.” The girl knows what she’s doing.
“Can I help with anything?” I ask loudly, making my way to Ellie. I need to keep moving and avoid him like the plague.
Ellie shakes her head. “An hour ago, sure, but now, we’re good.”
I glare at her as she smirks.
“Is your boyfriend coming, Syd?” Declan’s voice causes my stomach to drop.
Connor and Ellie look to me, and I shake my head with a soft smile. “No, he’s working today.”
Ellie watches me, eyes saying what her voice doesn’t: We’re so going to talk about this.
However, my favorite kid who ever lived jumps up when she sees the cake. “Time for cake!”
And I’m saved from having to expand on my stupid lie.
Chapter Three
Sydney
“Stupid girl!” I grab another handful of wildflowers and throw them into the pond. “Stupid heart. Stupid, stupid, stupid!”
I knew that party would be hard, but I didn’t think it would almost kill me.
The entire time, I tried to avoid his gaze. I talked to everyone but him, and now, I’m so frustrated and keyed up that I can’t sleep, which brought me back to this place.
My mother moved off the farm two years ago. My sister got married, had kids, and moved three hours west of Sugarloaf to a new farm. This land has been in my mother’s family for over a hundred years, and I love this place so couldn’t let her sell it, so I ended up taking it over. Well, I sort of took over.
We’ve had the same staff since I was a kid, and they’ll probably stay on board until they die. They run it even though my name is on the deed.
“What are you doing out here, Bean?” Jimmy, the foreman and my godfather, asks.
“Thinking.”
“About the Arrowood boy I’m guessing since I ain’t seen that look in a long time.”
I turn with a sad smile. “He’s back.”
“I heard rumors he would be, but thought there was still time.”
Yeah, we all knew, but it doesn’t make it easier.
