She’s disappointed. “I’m sorry,” I add. “I can’t be.”“Okay …” she says. It’s pathetic. God, is everything about her always so pa...hetic?I get down on my knees and lift her chin, looking her in the eye. “Hey, listen,” I say. She has such pretty eyes. I lean in and kiss her forehead. “I’m here, okay?” I kiss her forehead again and bring her to my chest. “I’m here, but I’m not her. Okay? I’m not her.” I feel her nod against my chest. I expect her to cry, but no sound comes. I pull her head back and. “Uncle Mike, it’s Stuart, gotta confess to you that I have a steady girlfriend now. She’s called Ellen, and she’s the one, those tricks you taught me, she kinda likes them, so thanks for helping me out with that.”“I told you a woman would come, if you treated her the right way, is she a keeper? Sounds like you got lucky.” “I’d like to think so, anyway, I’m calling because she wants to meet you, can we fix that up for her, are you busy?”“Never too busy for my Nephew, set it up this weekend, I’ll. ‘Dy…’ Her mouth was dry and she cleared her throat before continuing. ‘Dylan where is my horse? I am really quite competent.’ She spoke in the most ladylike voice that she could manage. Dylan turned to answer her, his expression enough to scare the daylights out of her. ‘You have already proven yourself irresponsible with your own horse. You ride with me.’ It was all he was willing to say on the matter. He easily lifted her into the saddle and swung up behind her. One of his strong arms. You know where I live. My name is on the mailbox, so just press the button and I’ll buzz you in.”“I really enjoyed tonight, Candice. I hope I can think of some other things we can do that you’ll enjoy.”“Oh don’t worry about that,” she said with a devilish grin. “I’m sure we can think of something.”As he stopped in front of her apartment, he jumped out and helped her out of the SUV.“Thanks, Jesse. I’m glad I asked you about a date,” she said, then taking him into her arms, she kissed him.