Me: You gave Byron my number?!
Bianca: Against my better judgment.
Me: WTF
Bianca: Sorry, cuz. Ronnie is determined.
Me: I’m not nanny material!
Bianca: You won’t hear me argue, but my opinion doesn’t matter.
Me: I have a criminal record!
Bianca: I wouldn’t brag about that. Not that it matters. The job is yours. Good luck.
I drop my phone onto the table. It clatters loudly, masking my groan of frustration. The noise draws even more eyes toward my spot in the corner. Unease creeps up my spine and tries to curl my shoulders inward, but I refuse to cower. Instead, my chin lifts as I return their unwanted attention. Most look away while others scoff as if my reaction is unreasonable. I’m expected to let them treat me like an outcast on display.
This is what I get for trying to blend in. I know better than pretending my presence will go unnoticed. Sip in the Stacks is where all the locals gather to discuss the latest gossip in Cloverleaf Meadows. I’m serving myself up as easy prey for them to devour. A grin tugs at my lips as I lift my mug and take a sip. Momentary bliss fills me, proving the extra hot caramel latte loaded with whipped cream is totally worth it.
Byron: Well?
Me: Not gonna happen.
Byron: Figured you’d say that.
Me: You’ll find someone much more suitable.
Byron: And what’re you planning to do? Wait around for another free ride to swoop in?
I flip off his message. Such a pretentious ass.
Me: Let Ronnie down gently for me, okay?
There’s an uncomfortable pinch in my chest as I turn my phone over, ignoring any additional attempts he might send to persuade me. Ronnie will forget about me soon enough. That’s the way it goes. I’m not worth the trouble.
Which is why I’ve been left to fend for myself. A lonely pit yawns in my gut at the reminder. With nowhere else to go, I decided to park on Main Street for the day. For some pathetic reason, I thought a few of them might circle back to look for me. Jax was the closest thing I had to a friend. He could’ve at least said goodbye. But then what?
My gaze skitters out the window, watching the town do normal afternoon things. Holiday lights are strung up on lamp posts, twinkling in anticipation of the festivities. Traffic flows through the intersection without a hitch. Fallen leaves drift on what I imagine is a strong breeze. People rush along the sidewalk to avoid the late November chill. The view is picturesque and calm and it’s obvious I don’t belong.
That realization strikes deep, carving at what’s left of my identity. Maybe this is what lies ahead. I’ve rarely had anythingto look forward to. But that doesn’t feel quite right. I’d be lying if I said that little girl’s persistence hasn’t warmed my frozen heart. Nobody has ever cared enough about me to be so relentless. It’s nice to be wanted, even if she doesn’t realize I’m the worst choice.
Fuck, I’m a mess. My mood is more unstable than Ronnie’s decision-making skills. I lower my head until it rests on the table. Just for a moment to gather clarity. A sign pointing me in a general direction would be great.
“Howdy, menace.”
My neck cracks as I lurch upright. Byron Benson in the flesh towers over me like a dark knight. Gloom evaporates, replaced by shock and something else. Something thrilling. The sight of him takes my breath away. I flap my lips soundlessly in an attempt to form words. It fails miserably.
Once again, I’m caught off guard. It’s a small comfort to see I’m not the only one. Every set of eyes is locked on him. Byron commands the room by just entering it. Masculine energy pulses off the walls, filling the entire space with his presence.
There’s no looking away from his hypnotic stare. I’m caught in the trap he’s set, unable to even blink. His attention doesn’t leave me either. Even shadowed under the brim of a cowboy hat, eyes the color of semi-sweet chocolate swirl with unwavering promises of pleasure.
Attraction thrums in my veins, spreading steadily until I’m consumed. He’s just so… large. Broad and manly and gruff. The width of his shoulders expands the thermal flannel he’s wearing to its limit. I know from experience he fills out a suit much the same.
Heat rises in my cheeks. What would it be like to get trapped underneath all that bulk as he thrusts into me? The emptiness in my core clenches, desperate to be stretched and stuffed beyondcapacity. My throat goes dry. It’s been too long since I’ve felt that.
Byron takes the seat beside me as if it’s saved for him. “Happy to see me?”
I force a smile, but the edges lack a certain sharpness. “You wish.”