LLucy’s Revenge(Divine Creek Ranch 15)(85)
“Okay, just don’t get pulled in. Let him handle his dad.”
“Yes, daddy,” she quipped and then squealed when he popped her on the butt. “I’ll get even for that.”
“I’m terrified.”
Lucy walked over and waited. Mr. Owen didn’t even acknowledge her standing there. He probably hadn’t noticed her. His face was flushed and he looked angry at Patrick.
“Think of what you’re doing to this family’s reputation.”
“Dad, you mean your reputation and standing at the country club or the golf course. It doesn’t matter if I’m miserable as long as I look good, is that it? You’re asking me to prize public perception over love.”
“Love? You’re thinking with your dick, Patrick. Have some sense.”
Patrick looked over at her with both apology and gratitude in his eyes, and she pointed at PJ. Despite the fact that he was obviously having an argument with his dad, he spared her a smile and directed PJ to go to her.
Looking relieved to be set loose, PJ ran to her and said, “Can I go play in the water, Luce? The other kids are playing.”
“They shouldn’t be, though,” she said as they returned to the shade of the booth. “Tell you what. We’ll be taking a lunch break soon. What do you say we grab Toby and go in search of some grub?”
PJ jumped up and down and cheered as they walked along. She giggled and brushed her fingers through his sweaty hair, combing it to the side, out of his eyes. He immediately messed it back up and grinned at her.
“You need a haircut.”
“Naw. I like it like this. I want my hair long like Beck’s was.”
“Is that so?”
“Yup!”
“Wonder what your dad says.”
“Dunno. What are we gonna eat?”
“Whatever we can find. The fajitas smell like heaven. And the roasted corn, too.”
“Can we get a funnel cake after?”
“You bet.”
PJ entered the back of the booth by crawling under one of the tables displaying honey and immediately leaned against Beck who was talking to Justin and Charity. Ransome and Val were noticeably absent. Beck smiled down at him and ruffled his hair.
She helped another customer and then joined Beck’s conversation. Charity winked at her and said, “Beck’s decided to come out to the ROT Rally on Saturday evening.”
“Good.”
As if she’d read her mind, Charity said, “We still haven’t convinced him Ransome and Val are harmless but they know you’re taken now.”
“They do?” Her cheeks heated with embarrassment that she’d been the topic of conversation.
“Yeah. I told them when they asked about you,” Charity said with a smile. Turning to Beck, she said, “Take it as a compliment, Beck. Lucy is gorgeous. They’d have to be blind to not notice her.”
“I know. I know.” Beck still sounded grumbly.
“They didn’t mean any harm. I’ll be riding out to Austin on my Harley if Patrick would like to ride with me,” she said and then snickered evilly. “Provided he doesn’t mind riding bitch.”
Lucy laughed so hard she hiccupped. “I’m declining on his behalf but thank you for the mental image, Charity.”
Charity grinned as she looped her arms around Justin’s waist. “I didn’t really think you’d take me up on that offer. I guess he’s on his own unless he rides bitch with Beck.”
“You have to stop now!” Lucy replied, afraid she was going to wet her pants she was laughing so hard.
“I’m standing right here, ya know?” Beck said but smiled good-naturedly when she hugged him. “We’ll work something out.”
“Okay, but the offer stands.” Charity bumped hips with Lucy and said, “See you at class next Tuesday night. Justin, I’m in need of sustenance.”
“Bet I can fill you up,” Justin growled as they walked away. Charity giggled and then squealed as if Justin had goosed her.
Turning to her, Beck said, “I’m still not jazzed about those leathers, sweetness, but you’re an adult and it’s not up to me whether you go or how you’re dressed. I’m sorry for acting like an asshole—”
PJ gasped from his spot where he’d crawled under the table. “Um!”
“Sorry, buddy,” Beck said as he squatted down and mussed PJ’s hair again. “I shouldn’t talk like that in front of you.”
PJ waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. “Heard it before. I won’t tell.”
Lucy giggled and whispered, “You’re a bad influence, Mr. O’Malley. Hey, did you realize that we worked out a conflict without arguing?”