She, the Kingdom (She #1)(45)

“When you end up pregnant, everyone in our tiny little town is going to think the Kingstons will need a paternity test. They could sue you. Sophie is sort of a bulldog, you know. You shouldn’t chance it.”

“Please explain to me why you assume I’m going to screw this guy on the first date. I need to understand, because I thought you were my best friend and knew me better than that. I’ve never had that reputation. I don’t know why you think I will now.”

Shame darkened her face. “I know you’re not. But Max and Sophie are hot topics of conversation in this town, and everyone is buzzing about what you’re doing. Half the women out of high school are disgusted, the other half are wishing it was them paying off bills and driving a new car. It’s not about what you’re actually doing with Colton. It’s about what it looks like, and I’m just…” she sighed. “I’m worried about you. I don’t want you messing up this opportunity for some kid you just met.”

“We met years ago.”

“You know what I mean,” she snapped.

“I know. And I know you mean well. But the Kingstons don’t mind if I have a social life.”

Amelia pressed her lips together, trying so hard not to say something. It didn’t work. “That’s not what Max told John.”

I raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“They’re friends, Morgan. Drinking buddies. Golf buddies. They talk.”

I wasn’t impressed. I knew Max hadn’t told John the truth. “So?”

“So, when John asked what Max and Sophie would do if you were interested in someone during your contract, he couldn’t hide it.”

“Hide what?”

“He was jealous. He got angry. He said to John that it wasn’t allowed, and you were aware.”

“That’s simply not true. I don’t believe Max would say that.”

“He did, and John isn’t stupid.”

“No one said he is.”

“Morgan.” Amelia hesitated. “John thinks… he thinks Max is developing feelings for you.”

I made a face. “He is very kind and considerate, but we have a business agreement.”

“I said the same thing,” Amelia said with a small smile. “John said if I heard Max talk about you the way that he did, I would believe him.”

I shook my head and looked down, concentrating on the waves in the water. “John is wrong.”

“John is never wrong,” Amelia said, a hint of defensiveness in her tone. “And that means you’re either in denial, or you’re lying to me.”

“Max is a married man. If he does have feelings for me, that would make our situation very uncomfortable. Maybe I am in denial, or maybe I don’t believe it because I’m actually in the room when Max and I interact, and I know better. He is committed to Sophie,” I said. The last bit came out as a grumble, even though I hadn’t meant it that way, so I scrambled to explain. “It’s just that Sophie doesn’t seem as committed.” I cringed, knowing what was next.

“What do you mean? Is she cheating?”

“No. I don’t know,” I blurted out, panicking. “I just know that Max has spoken to her and everything seems to be fine now.”

“What will you do? If you end up pregnant and they get a divorce?”

“It’s not going to come to that,” I said.

Amelia huffed, unhappy with my answer. “I hope Colton is worth it. I really do.”

*

As the sun set, I was sitting on the edge of a freshly-cut hayfield. Colton had laid out a patchwork quilt over the plush grass for us to sit while we waited for night to fall and the fireworks to start. The quilt had been well-loved, with holes worn in some of the squares, the fabric faded. I wondered if maybe his mother had made it.

Colton glanced over at his pick-up truck, parked just a dozen or so yards away between round bales. I breathed in the smells of summer: the acidic smell of chilled wine, sweat, and the distinct Sulphur aroma that permeates the air in the beginning of July.

“You like that, too, huh?” he asked, breathing in through his nose.

I was sitting across from him in bare feet, my heels kicked off next to the basket full of crackers, olives, and cheese that he’d brought for us to snack on with our wine.

He clinked his glass against mine, and I giggled like an idiot before taking a sip.

“What’s funny?” he said in his adorable country twang.

“Nothing,” I said, taking a bigger gulp.

“It’s okay. Tell me.”

“It’s just,” I shrugged one shoulder, “the wine and cheese.”

He winced. “Too fancy for a picnic? I thought it was romantic.”

“I just imagine you trying to think of something an older woman would appreciate,” I teased.

He leaned forward, just inches from my face. “If you think that’s the way I think of you, you’re wrong.”

I looked down, wondering just how fast it could all go downhill if I let him touch me. His eyes burned bright, desire all over his face. “Your turn. Tell me.”

“What I think of you? That you’re compassionate, and that only makes you more beautiful.” He breathed out a laugh, looking down for a moment before meeting my gaze. “I can’t take my eyes off you, Morgan. You’re incredible. You make sure to talk to your kids every day you can when they’re away. You don’t take shit from anyone. You make decisions only the way a single mom can—careful and confident at the same time.” He nodded, laughing. “I know exactly how ridiculous I sound right now. Don’t think I don’t.”