Knox: Fine, but I really just wanted to say thank you for talking to me about my ideas. I’m really considering chatting with my dad about the stud horse expansion. It felt good to tell someone.

It’s not a complete lie. I do want to propose my business idea to him, eventually.

I wait several minutes before she finally responds.

Hadleigh: I’m always here to listen.

Knox: Thanks, Hads.

She doesn’t respond, just hearts my text. Not a complete dismissal, but I wish I could find a way to mention it to my dad. I’d love to have something that was really mine and take charge of it. Stud horses are always in need, and they’d make a great contribution to the ranch. I should explain what I have in mind, but before I do, I need a solid plan to show my parents I’m serious about this. Everyone always thinks I’m the fuckup and expects nothing from me.

I can’t wait to prove them all wrong.

CHAPTER EIGHT

HADLEIGH

As pissed as I am at Knox, I can’t stop thinking about him. When I close my eyes, I can imagine his mouth on me, then I’m taken back to that moment when he walked away. A wet dream quickly turned into a nightmare. Regardless of how angry I am, I stupidly still want him.

Since it’s Sunday and I have zero plans, I told Harper I’d help her package orders for her business. Before I head that way, I stop at the cafe and order a large latte. I’m already prepared to be bombarded with questions. There’s no way I could keep anything from her, especially regarding the twins. She’s been there with me through it all, and I trust her opinions.

When I arrive at her house, she meets me at the front door before I can knock. “I forgot to tell you not to ring the doorbell,” she states with a grin, then looks at my coffee cup. “You didn’t bring me one?” She pretends to pout.

“You said you were cutting back on caffeine. Somethin’ about breastfeeding side effects,” I remind her, now feeling guilty.

She chuckles, stepping aside for me to walk in. “I did. I’m just giving you a hard time.”

“Please tell me Hayden isn’t napping.” I pretend to pout.

She leads me to the nursery, and we quietly step inside. He’s sleeping peacefully in the crib. “He’s so cute,” I whisper, watching his tiny chest rise and fall.

“I know. I’m gonna have to scare so many girls away when he’s older,” she says, mesmerized by her little miracle.

She double-checks the baby monitor, and we go to the dining room, which is full of products, boxes, and supplies.

“We shoulda done this at the shop,” I say, looking at the limited room we’ll have.