“She wants him because he’s rich. And because he owns the largest spread in the state.”
“Seriously? That’s really shallow.”
“I need a shower,” Clint said as he walked back in. He shuddered. “I feel dirty.”
Bear rolled his eyes. “You got rid of her quick.”
“As soon as she was out of Ellie’s earshot, I told her exactly what I thought of her.”
“Why did you wait until you were out of my earshot?” she asked.
“‘Cause a little girl shouldn’t have to hear those sorts of words,” Clint replied.
She blushed, even though he’d spoken very matter-of-factly. As though her being a Little was, well, normal.
“We’re really doing this?” he asked Bear.
Doing what? She looked over at Bear, who nodded.
Clint sighed. “I think you’re making a mistake.”
“You’re entitled to your opinion,” Bear said coolly.
“Umm, what are you guys talking about?” she asked them.
“Nothing,” Bear told her.
Okay, then. She couldn’t help but feel left out and a little hurt.
“I’m going to check the other rooms,” she said.
“Fine. I’ll be back in an hour,” Clint told them both before leaving abruptly.
Bear brought in her luggage off the porch while she explored the upstairs, which was just as beautiful as downstairs. She chose a bedroom for her own, which wasn’t the master as she couldn’t bring herself to sleep in her aunt’s bed.
She found some linens in the closet and made the bed up fresh. Bear placed her luggage in the door to the bedroom but didn’t come in. Was he worried she’d jump him or something?
“Nice room. Good choice.”
“Thanks,” she told him. It was hard to hold back her emotions. To not ask him why he was being so distant. To beg him not to leave. Even though she loved the house, she couldn’t help but wonder what she was going to do in all this space on her own.
She was in a town where she knew no one except that bitchy lawyer. And the only person she did know was acting cold and aloof. She started to sniffle.
“Hey. What’s wrong?”
Bear stepped into the room and reached out for her. She shook her head and took a step back. “Sorry. I’m being silly. Just ignore me.”
“Baby girl, I’m not going to ignore you when you’re obviously upset. What’s wrong?”
And there was her Bear. The warm, deep voice. Calling her baby. She started to sob. “Am I ever going to see you again?”
Shit. She hadn’t meant to say that. She felt like a clingy idiot. It had been temporary. She’d told him she wanted nothing more. But she didn’t resist as he pulled her close and rocked her.
“It’s going to be all right.”
“You keep saying that, but I don’t know that it’s true.”
He rubbed her back. “I’m going to leave you with my phone number. You’re going to call me if you need anything. Understand?”