Relief floods me. I know it’s coming and probably a helluva lot sooner than I plan. But the longer I can keep her like this, the better. Because the first boy that shows up to date my daughter is going to get the grilling of a lifetime and I may fingerprint him.
“I wonder if they have home fingerprint kits and lie detector tests?” I mutter to myself, quickly grabbing a jacket and heading out the door when the babysitter and the Uber show up.
The babysitter, a gray-haired woman with kind eyes hidden behind huge glasses shoots me a startled look.
“Oh sorry!” I flash her my trademark smirk that usually gets me out of trouble with the ladies. “Just thinking about future purchases. I need to make a shopping list.”
She nods suspiciously. “Always wise.”
“Thank you for taking care of Maddy on short notice. I’m sorry about this but I had a meeting I forgot about.”
That I just made up so I can go stalk my errant love.
“That’s alright. We’re all very excited to see your concert in the park. It’s the most excitement this town has seen in years. Well, since Mr. Harper’s goat got out and got his neighbor’s goat pregnant. Mrs. Reynolds actually insisted on a DNA test and everything. Made him pay half the expenses and everything.”
“I bet he was pissed about that.” I chuckle.
“Actually, they got married a few months ago. Turns out he was in love with her. And since she spent time with him while he was visiting the kids, she realized she loved him too. It was an epic wedding. They even had the two goats as their best man and woman. Or whatever you want to call them. Shocked the whole damn town but it was a fantastic wedding!”
“Wow!”
I don’t know what to say beyond that. My head is reeling. But I haven’t got time to figure it all out. I need to find my baby. Now. Before some unknown asshole moves in on my territory.
“Thank you again.” I rush out when the car pulls up. A slightly beat-up SUV with a chipper little brunette at the wheel.
“Where you going?” she asks and my mind blanks.
“Where would you go to have a drink and dance a bit?”
“There’s only the one place in town. Painted Rabbit outside of town. It’s got a live band tonight.”
“Terrific! Take me there.” I lean back in the seat and plan my assault. Never go into battle unprepared.
Fifteen minutes later, she pulls up outside a well-lit, rough-looking bar.
“Are you sure this place is alright?” I ask, handing her the cash with a large tip.
She smirks. “This is the only place the book club comes to anymore. I assume you’re looking for Carinna.”
I laugh and step out of the car. “You got me. If you know her, give me a head start before you call and tell her I’m here.”
She shakes her head and her dark eyes dance. “I’m not calling her. Just don’t hurt her or I swear you’ll have the entire book club after your ass. No matter who you are.”
With those sage parting words, she pulls out and waves at me, laughing.
I smile and wave back, drawing in a deep breath, hoping to settle my nerves before I step inside the bar. The lights are flashing on the bright neon sign of a jumping rabbit. The door opens and loud music blares out before it shuts again, muting the loud melody.
I stalk up to the door, my shoulders thrown back. No way in hell am I waiting around to let some asshole get a shot at what’s mine.
This is it.
I open the door and let my eyes adjust to the dim light and loud music, roaring crowd and clatter of bottles.
I see a tiny dance floor over to the side and I’m not shocked when I see the platinum flash of her silky hair flying. Watching, I struggle to keep my body under control. My dick is twitching in my tight jeans when I see her wide hips gyrating and her slim arms twining over her head. Her head is thrown back, eyes closed and she’s easily the most beautiful, tempting damn woman I’ve ever seen.
Making my way around the edge of the floor, I watch some dick move in on her while her eyes are closed, bumping and grinding into her backside like he’s got the right to touch my fucking property. Red pours over my vision, my heart skips a beat and then pounds at about a hundred miles an hour. My hands shake as I contemplate his demise.
He deserves to die. A slow and painful death. Nobody fucking touches Carinna but me. And if they do, they better pray I don’t see it.