Page 8 of Married to the Frenemy

As I make my way along the dirt path, Monte barks excitedly, then takes off toward a figure approaching in the distance, the setting sun behind them making it difficult to see who it is. I squint, expecting it to be Grady. But as I get closer, it becomes abundantly clear it’s not.

Not unless Grady miraculously turned into a petite redhead with brilliant green eyes.

I stop in my tracks and rake my gaze over Haley’s frame, my pulse kicking up as she draws near. It happens every damn time I see her.

And every time, I hate myself a little more for still reacting to her this way.

But my body hasn’t seemed to get the message. Or maybe it simply doesn’t care.

“What are you doing out here?” My voice comes out gruffer than I intended, and I wince slightly. But I don’t apologize. It’s better if she hates me.

“I didn’t mean to interrupt.” She nervously fidgets with the hem of her coat, shifting from foot to foot. “I went to the tasting room and Grady said I could find you out here. If you’re busy, I can come back later.”

“It’s fine.” I shove my hands into the pockets of my jeans. “What do you want?”

And again, my words come out harsher than I planned. It’s just how I am around her. As if the ruder I am to her, the less I’ll care about her.

Hell, I shouldn’t care about her.

But no matter how much time has passed, there’s a part of me that will always have a soft spot for Haley McBride.

“It’s just…” She pushes out a long breath, tilting her head back to take in the blue sky before returning her gaze to mine. “I was wondering if you were still renting out your townhouse.”

“I am…” I draw out, my eyes tracing over the pale skin of her face, a smattering of freckles dotting her cheeks and nose, her full lips seeming even pinker when compared to her fair complexion.

“Would you want to rent it out to me?” She looks at me hopefully. “I can’t afford a lot,” she adds quickly. “But I’m not asking for a favor. Or maybe I am. I don’t know. Belinda’s selling the house and moving to Santa Fe to be near her kids and grandkids. After spending the past few weeks trying to find a place I can afford, I’m beginning to realize how good I had it. Everywhere I look is so far out of my price range, it’s laughable.” There’s a hint of defeat in her voice, breaking through the tough exterior she’s worn nearly all her life.

“My place is booked solid through the end of March. You know how busy this place gets in the winter with all the ski bunnies.”

“Right.” She forces a smile, but I can tell it’s to mask her disappointment.

Or maybe frustration.

“Well, thanks for your time.” She spins and all but runs from me, kicking up dust in her wake. She doesn’t even look up as she rushes past my brother, keeping her head lowered.

“What was that about?” Jude asks as he moves toward me, briefly glancing over his shoulder at Haley’s retreating form.

Monte wastes no time in abandoning me, heading straight toward him and sitting obediently at his feet, a single paw raised.

Jude reaches into his coat pocket and holds out his hand, allowing Monte to gobble up the treats he always carries with him.

“Nothing.” I shrug, praying he doesn’t push the conversation.

While I have a good relationship with all my siblings, I’m probably closest with Jude. Not just because we’re less than a year apart, but also because we’re in similar lines of work, although we often argue over whose business requires a higher level of expertise.

Jude studied chemical engineering in college. While he was there, he started brewing his own beer out of the garage of the fraternity house.

His first batch was a huge success and led to him dropping out after two years to open a brewery here in town. While it was initially just for distribution, he now also has a tasting room and restaurant, which has become the popular hangout amongst locals and tourists alike.

I still say my job is much more challenging. He’s not responsible for his product all the way down to the type of soil his grains are grown in. Not like I am.

“Where Haley McBride is concerned, it’s never nothing.” He gives me a knowing look.

“She was asking about my rental. That’s all.”

“Ah.” He widens his stance, crossing his arms in front of his chest. “I heard Belinda’s moving.”

“So it seems.”

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