She rubs her temples. “This sounds… too good to be true.”
“I’m not trying to trick you.”
“Says the man who had the cops deliver me to him personally.”
“Still mad about that?”
She leans forward and lowers her voice. “Until I return the favor.”
Flames lick down my spine, gathering in my groin. “That’s how it’s gonna be?”
Her nod is slow, but absolute. “I might be a sucker for your daughter, but don’t mistake me for a fool. I’ll never be anything other than the nanny.”
“Says the woman who had her hands all over me.”
“To prove a point,” she grinds out through clenched teeth.
“Same here.” I push away from counter, leaving her to it. “But you can’t deny the truth.”
Frankie quirks a brow. “And what might that be?”
“We’re a match made in mayhem, menace.”
Even through the thick protection of my helmet, the wind calls to me like an escape. If only it were real. Byron Benson has me trapped. I’m pissed at myself for allowing it, but my circumstances left me in a tight spot. Now doubt and loathing plague me at every turn.
My Harley roars as I crank the throttle for more speed. A thrill shoots up my spine. This is what I call therapy. Miles pass in a blur until the drop in temperature chases me back to town.
Lights along Main Street guide me to one of the only places still open at this hour. After dinner, Byron was gracious enough to let me leave the confines of his ranch. I’m staying out until exhaustion demands otherwise.
A swanky country song is playing as I park along the curb in front of The Paddock. Warmth welcomes me when I step inside the Western-themed bar. The stares and whispers aren’t as friendly. I smirk at the Saturday evening crowd. The people of Cloverleaf Meadows aren’t my biggest fans. These fine folks will just have to choke on their judgment.
It’s dark enough to lurk in the shadows, but I’m not afraid to be the center of attention. I strut straight for an open stool with my confidence held high. Cold shoulders surround me like walls of ice. Unfortunately for them, I’m a born and raised Minnesotan who’s built to handle a frigid atmosphere.
I’m also an expert at binge-scrolling Reels and TikTok to pass the time. My thumb swipes up at a steady pace as I wait for the bartender to acknowledge me. A clip from one of my favorite reality shows plays, stalling the mindless loop and brightening my mood.
“Hey, stranger.”
I startle at the greeting and swivel to confront the voice. Recognition smoothes my features into a wary grin. “Paisley. Hi.”
The blonde who helped me throw together an impromptu wedding for Bianca and Colton doesn’t hesitate to plop herself on the stool next to mine. “Surprised to see me?”
“I’m surprised you’re talking to me.”
“Ooooh, why?” She leans in as if we’re about to share a secret. “Did you do something bad?”
“Depends who you ask, but that’s not my concern. You’re putting your spotless reputation at risk just being near me.”
She tips her head back and laughs. Several people glance over at us, probably assuming I spiked her drink. Humor brightens Paisley’s gaze when she refocuses on me.
“Don’t you remember who I’m married to?” Her wedding ring catches the light and almost blinds me.
I shield my face. “Watch where you’re pointing that thing. Gonna poke someone’s eye out.”
“It’s a bit over the top,” she muses.
“Brody is many things, but subtle isn’t one of them.” My gaze slides to where the man in question is causing a scene just by standing against the wall.
Paisley follows my focus and sighs, a dreamy smile curving her lips. “Can’t take him anywhere.”