Page 81 of A Little Naughty

He grew tulips? Send him to my house.

She adds a laughing emoji.

Piper

Damn, how long has he been in love with you?

Joy pinches my stomach, and my cheeks warm. I wonder how long I’ve been falling in love with him.

CHAPTER22

RAIF

“What’s this I hear about you getting married?” Bull bursts through the screen door as I’m zipping up my suitcase. “Chip said it was in the paper, but I said he was shitting me. You can’t believe nothing in that paper. It’s run by the Stones.”

I adjust the ball cap on my head and haul the large piece of luggage off the bed. I’m surprised our wedding announcement was in the paper. I guess Piper must’ve slipped it in there. She loaned me her truck to make this trip, after all, since I can’t haul shit on a bike. I’m still getting used to having people wanting to help me everywhere I turn.

“I’m married.” My voice is flat, and I walk over to where my dad is standing in his robe.

His hair sticks out around his head, and he rubs his hand over the yellowed T-shirt covering his stomach. “Your momma would be real proud of you, son.”

I pull him in for a hug, wondering for a brief moment who’ll look out for him when I’m gone. “I want you to eat something today, and I’ll swing by and check on you after I’m settled.”

I know my brother won’t do anything, and I don’t know when Bender’s planning to be back in town.

“Who’s going to keep the place looking nice?” His old voice is scratchy, and I glance at Bull hulking in the doorway.

Yeah, not him.

“Were you even planning to tell me you’re moving out?” Bull straightens when I approach like he’ll block my way.

All my shit fits in one suitcase, but I have an extra bag of supplies for Porkchop. “I’m moving out.”

“The fuck?” He grabs my arm. “Who the fuck did you marry?”

I jerk my arm out of his grip and carry the bags through the door. “Nobody you need to worry about.”

The last thing I need is his dumb ass thinking he’ll get anywhere near Jemima or Nikki.

“I didn’t even know you were serious about anybody.” He follows me into the yard.

“There’s a lot you don’t know.”

I turn back, and he pokes a finger against my shoulder. “I don’t like your attitude. You can’t just make a life change like this without telling me. You think you’re better than me or something?”

“No.” My jaw is tight. I’m not planning to fight my brother before I leave today, but I will. “I just think I make better choices than you do, but that doesn’t make me better than you. It makes me smarter.”

“Is that so?” He puts a hand on his hip.

“Yep.” I give a sharp whistle through my teeth, and Porkchop comes running around from the back of the shed.

He hops all around me, and I lean down to attach the leash to his collar. His tongue is out, and he looks for all it’s worth like he’s smiling.

“You’re not taking that dog.” Bull steps between me and the truck, and I stop.

“Get out of my way.”

His scarred lip tightens, and instead of stepping back, he crosses his arms. “You’d better show up for the job. I already said you’d be there, and it’s too late to find a replacement.”

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