Did I screw up with Cedar? Yes, I did. But not because we had sex. I never regret having sex. Except for the time ICE broke down the hotel room door. Being handcuffed while naked is zero fun when your hotel room is being searched by government officials.
What I regret is getting involved with Cedar in the first place. I should have walked away after the first night. I shouldn’t have followed some weird old man’s order to travel north. And I definitely should have kept on moving when I noticed Cedar chopping wood outside his house.
I blame the stupid sexy shoulder muscles for hypnotizing me.
Chapter 11
Never back down from a fight with an overprotective brother ~ Cedar’s rules for surviving life
Cedar
Ihear someone tromping through the woods toward my house and sigh. I knew the residents of Winter Falls wouldn’t leave me alone now that I’ve made an ‘official’ appearance in town. They know I enjoy my peace and quiet but apparently, they no longer care if they disturb me.
I slip my feet into my boots and don my jacket before going outside. I don’t usually allow people in my house. Cassie being the exception. Damn, I miss the crazy girl. She hasn’t responded to my calls or texts since she learned I’m Rowan’s brother. The woman holds a mean grudge.
I stand on my porch and wait for the intruder to arrive. I frown when an unfamiliar man marches into the clearing in front of my house. Who is he and what is he doing here?
One thing’s for certain. He can’t be from around here. No one who grew up in Winter Falls would tromp through the woods as loudly as he did. We learn from an early age how to visit nature without disturbing it.
“Who are you?”
“I’m the man who’s going to kick your ass.”
Kick my ass? Definitely not from Winter Falls. Violence is not tolerated in this town. I’m surprised the high school is allowed to have a football team.
“Do you own this land?” I checked before I parked my house here and, according to the county records, the town still owns this land. But maybe there was a mistake in the deeds.
“I don’t own the land.”
“I’m confused. Why do you want to beat me up if this isn’t your land?”
His hands fist and his nostrils flare. “Because Cassandra is my sister.”
“You’re Beckett?”
He appears confused. “Cassandra told you about me?”
“You’re her brother. Of course, she told me about you. Why? Is it a secret she’s your sister? Is she the product of an extramarital affair?”
That would explain why she’s skittish about relationships.
“Don’t be an idiot. She’s one-hundred percent my sister.”
“Then, why wouldn’t she tell me about you?”
“Are you two done yet?” Rowan hollers as he approaches from the path from the south.
“Bringing in back-up? Guess you’re afraid you can’t handle me on your own,” Beckett taunts.
“When did I have the chance to phone Rowan? You literally showed up on my doorstep two minutes ago. I have no idea why he’s here.”
“Lilac messaged me,” Rowan says. “She ordered me to quote ‘make sure my brother doesn’t harm her fiancé too much’.”
At Rowan’s explanation, Beckett spins around to confront him. “You stay out of this.”
Rowan raises his hands and backs away a few steps. “I’m here strictly as an observer.” He checks his watch. “Speaking of which, can we hurry this along? Ashlyn’s home alone with the baby.”
“You don’t trust your wife with your baby?” Beckett asks.