“She had this lost look in her eyes. I get what that feels like. You rescued me. I wanted to help her.”
“You got a kind heart, baby girl. But not everyone can or wants to be helped. And I don’t want you getting hurt.”
She smiled. “You’ll protect me.”
He leaned in and kissed her. “Always. But you’re telling Clint about inviting her.”
“What? Can’t you do that for me?” She stared up at him with wide eyes.
“Nope.”
“But you’re supposed to protect me.”
He snorted. “Clint ain’t gonna hurt you and you know it.”
“His lectures hurt. He gave one to Eden the other day that lasted two hours.”
Bear just shook his head at that. Then he started up the truck again and pulled out onto the road. “And you’re still getting those ten.”
“A scolding and a spanking? Sheesh, that’s what I get for trying to be nice?”
“Nope, it’s what you get for trying to keep things from your daddy.”
“I just want everyone to be as happy as we are.”
He gave her a look. “Ain’t no one as happy as I am to have you.”
2
“Coming to the cookout?” Kent called to Jed as he strode out of the gym and down the passage towards where Kent stood with his woman, Abby. His muscles burned, sweat slickened his skin and he was about as relaxed as he ever got.
There was still no damn way he was going to some cookout.
“Nope.”
Kent quirked a grin.
“It will be fun,” Abby, Kent’s woman, spoke up. “Charlie is doing most of the cooking. I promise Ellie hasn’t been anywhere near the food.” She smiled up at him. She was a sweet thing. Perfect for Kent. He’d never seen his boss this happy.
It was kind of sickening. And he was jealous as hell.
First Bear then Clint now Kent. Everyone was falling like flies around him, finding gorgeous women to love and cherish and discipline, while he. . .
Would never have that.
“Ellie’s even invited her tenant,” Abby offered hesitantly. “She said she’s really lovely. Doesn’t know anyone around here.”
Kent gave her a stern look. “You and Ellie aren’t matchmaking, are you?”
Abby’s eyes widened. “Matchmake her with Jed? No.” Then as though she’d realized how what she’d said might sound rude, she turned her gaze to Jed. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. . .I just meant, well, Ellie said she’s real quiet and shy. And I mean, you would be ill-suited with her, right? That’s not your type, your type would be. . .” she trailed off.
“Rambo Barbie?” Jed offered, knowing his nickname.
“No,” Abby squeaked. “Oh Lord, help me.”
“Dug yourself a big ole hole there, sweet girl,” Kent said with a sigh.
“I’m so sorry, Jed. I didn’t mean to be rude.”