Page 35 of Riding Into Love
“That’s exactly what you should do. Send her home. She doesn’t belong here, and you know it.”
“She belongs where she wants to be,” I reply, trying not to lose my temper.
“And where does she want to be, Colby? Here? In the middle of nowhere, with a man twice her age?”
“I don’t know. We haven’t talked about it.”
“Then maybe you should,” he suggests.
“Look, Richard, I respect you, and I appreciate the fact that you’re looking out for your daughter. I wouldn’t expect any less. River and I will talk when she’s ready to, but right now, I think it would be best if you left. We’ll sort this out, and when we do, we’ll let you know.”
“Are you throwing me out, Colby?”
“You’re a smart man, Richard. Don’t make me answer that.”
“All right, fine. I can see where this is headed. Just do me a favor, will ya? When she comes to her senses, and she will, don’t be a dick. Be a gentleman. Give her an out. Let her down easy. I don’t want her getting hurt.”
“You have my word, Richard. I would never do anything to intentionally hurt her.”
“Good. I’m glad we’re on the same page.” He pauses and shakes his head. “I don’t have to tell you what’ll happen if you do.”
“You don’t.”
Richard nods and opens the front door. “Take care of her, Colby.”
“I will,” I promise, watching as my friend steps onto the porch.
I stand there for a moment, thinking about the conversation and trying to make sense of what just happened. Richard is only trying to protect his daughter, and I get that. But it’s become abundantly clear that if I’m going to be with River, that’s going to mean sacrificing my friendship with Richard.
He’s one of the few people in my life who’s never given up on me. And now, I’m choosing a woman over him.
?Chapter Eleven
?River
Linux snorts beneathme and tosses his head like he’s just as fed up as I am, which, honestly, is fair. We’ve been riding hard for the last hour, tearing through open fields and winding trails while I stew over my dad’s surprise visit.
