Total pages in book: 63
Estimated words: 62695 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 313(@200wpm)___ 251(@250wpm)___ 209(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62695 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 313(@200wpm)___ 251(@250wpm)___ 209(@300wpm)
“His name is Hudson. He’d love it here. My god, he’d go crazy. He’s the best kid anyone could ask for. What about you, do you have kids?”
“No.”
“Do you want kids?”
He nods. “Someday. Are you and Hudson’s dad close?”
I grin at him. “Are you asking because you want to take me right here by the river?”
He grunts. “In your wildest dreams, sweetheart.”
I chuckle. “We’re not together anymore, but he’s still very active in Hudson’s life. I’m lucky, I guess, having someone to take care of my son.”
If only he knew just how lucky I really am.
“Why did you come on this retreat?”
I purse my lips. “Well, to be honest, it wasn’t my idea. I was basically forced. I suppose you could say life was getting a bit overwhelming.”
“Overwhelming how? You work a lot?”
“I do, but I quit my job recently which is why I could take the time to come here.”
“What did you do?”
“I was an accountant, but the hours were long and, honestly, my heart isn’t in it. I suppose you could say I’m trying to discover who I am, this retreat is supposed to help, but so far all I know is I’m horny, I’m single, and I don’t really like people.”
His lips twitch. “A woman like you would have no problem finding a man.”
“Have you been with children in your life, Enzo? I don’t have time to go out finding some dick. I was hoping you’d offer, but since you’re not, I guess I’ll have to go rope one of those other cowboys to do the job.”
He studies me. “It’s your first day here. You’re not shy, are you?”
I stand. “Life is too short to be shy, come on, I want my turn on that buggy.”
We get into the buggy.
And I let rip.
It’s the best fun I’ve had in quite some time.
Maybe they were right, maybe this is exactly what I need.
“I MISS YOU TOO, BABY,” I say into the screen as I watch my gorgeous son hand the phone over to his father, Ronnie.
Ronnie and I get along well and always have. He was my best friend long before he was ever Hudson’s dad and to this day, the two of us are still as close as ever. He’s the best thing to ever happen to us, and he has saved our lives more than once. In ways only he’ll understand. He’s my rock, and I don’t know where I’d be without him. We might not have a romantic connection, but he’s my best friend. I’d change nothing.
“How is he doing?” I ask when I see Ronnie’s face come onto the screen.
“He’s good, school is keeping him tired enough that he’s not missing you too much yet. I’m taking him to my parents’ lake house this weekend, so he’ll have plenty of kids to play with.”
“You’re a godsend, Ronnie.”
He chuckles, his brown eyes growing warm. “You say that to me every day, June.”
“Because it’s true. You know you’re the only person I like in this world.”
He rolls his eyes. “Tell me about the ranch; is it as good as the papers claim?”
“Better,” I admit. “It’s beautiful, but man, I’m missing Hudson.”
“Of course you are, but he’s okay here. You deserve this, June. Get out there and relax, you need it. You’ve had a rough few years.”
Don’t I know it.
He knows it, too.
“How are things on your end?” I ask, quietly. “No big dramas?”
His eyes darken a little. “No more drama as yet, everything seems quiet.”
I really hope to God it stays that way.
“And Hudson is sleeping well?”
He smiles. “He’s fine, June. Go, enjoy yourself. You’re safe out there. Relish in your surroundings.”
Safe.
A word I wish I was a little more comfortable with.
I chat with Ronnie for a few more minutes and then blow Hudson a kiss before hanging up the phone. I make a cup of tea and go and sit on the front porch, watching the sun go down. A moment later I’m joined by Alice and Faye —the two of them have already created a friendship. The other ladies came in groups together, so they mostly keep to themselves. We’re the only ones who knew nobody when we decided to take this trip.
“Hi, June,” Alice waves. “How was your first day?”
I have to admit, they really are nice girls.
I can people long enough to talk to them, I suppose.
“I had fun; the buggy was great. What about you two?”
“We just chilled, swimming mostly,” Faye says, flopping down beside me. “It was so fun. I swear, I could stay here forever.”
“The men aren’t too bad to look at either.” Alice grins, leaning against the railing on the patio.
“You can say that again.” I grin.
“Are you married, June?” she asks.
I shake my head. “Gosh, no. I’m a single mom, and I’m pretty happy with that choice. What about you two?”