Page 67 of Buckin' Around

“Fuck me, Riles. How you coped with all that is beyond comprehension. What the hell was your aunt doing? She came to live with you, right?”

“She did, but she was basically just an adult presence. She wasn’t a parent and absolutely hated farm life. She left the day I turned fifteen, declaring us capable enough to survive without her.”

“Christ, please tell me you don’t have a thing to do with her now.”

“Not really. She moved to England not long after she left us.”

Spencer moves on the bed, and it’s only now I realize how big his frame is on the small double mattress.

He looks ridiculous with his feet hanging over the edge.

“You should get some sleep, you must be smashed after that ride,” I breathe.

His blue eyes track to mine. “Nah, I’m alright. I’ll take the night shift if Ivy wakes up. Need me to tuck you in?” A grin lights up his face but quickly wanes as a yawn takes over. His eyes fall shut.

“Looks like you’re the one who needs tucking in, Lockwood.”

He chuckles, eyes still closed, and he shifts on his side, tucking his hands under his arms.

Who sleeps like that?

“Spencer?”

He hums a “Uh-huh.”

“Thank you.”

“Riles, if anyone deserves the thanks in this dingy little motel room, it ain’t me.”

I study his face as it relaxes. When his breathing settles and I discover he’s on top of the duvet, I peel back my side and wedge myself under the blankets. Rolling over, I turn down the lamp brightness with the tiny yellowed plastic dial and let my eyes drift shut.

I’m too tired to be bothered that Spencer and I are sharing a bed.

To be honest, it’s the first time in a long time that I haven’t felt alone.

Chapter 17

Spencer

Ivy is in my office.

Lying on her play mat, she babbles and rolls over and back like it’s her only mission in life. Glenda’s been in at least fifteen times, using whatever excuse she could think of to start with. Now she’s just walking right on in and dropping to the floor to play with my cousin’s kid that I’m sitting for.

It was a desperation call.

On the part of my imaginary cousin, and my own.

Mrs. Henderson is out of action with a head cold I don’t want Ivy getting, and I panicked. I can’t take Riley’s day from classes. I won’t.

She takes care of Ivy, much better care than I ever could, and she deserves her study days. I will not be the reason she doesn’t get her MBA.

My own business degree sits in limbo, with two courses left till completion. Stupidly, I figured since I already worked in the business manager role I didn’t need the piece of paper.

A decision current me is regretting. With every minute that ticks over of my work day comes another chance for someone who knows me to waltz in. My cover story will be blown out ofthe water, no doubt getting back to my father, and life as we know it will never be the same. I can guarantee that.

My only saving grace is that my father’s random drop-in for this month has already happened. If you count the board and budget meeting a few weeks ago.

I settle into my desk, checking emails and running an eye over the rosters for the next few weeks. My inbox takes around two hours to clear, and by the time that telltale swoosh sounds off for the last time and my inbox is empty, Ives is grumbly. Rolling over, she sucks on her fist like she hasn’t eaten in days instead of almost three hours.