Page 7 of Country

“Dear God, tell me it’s Friday.”

“I know. Just two more days. How’d your night go last night?”

She huffs out a sigh. “Worked four to eight at the hardware store, went home, ate half a frozen pizza, and passed out in front of the TV. I’m pretty sure that qualifies for the loser Olympics.”

“Oh… finally, a sport I can win.”

She smiles. “What about you? Still hearing from that weird bounty guy, or he finally leave you alone?”

“Nope, life got stranger. He showed up, demanded he stay, and—”

“Tell me this is the start of some weird porno where he grabs you by the ankles and smacks your ass until you come.”

“I don’t think most of that sentence is allowed in school, but I love it!”

She grins. “We’re not in session yet. We can be filthy.”

“Well, it wasn’t a filthy, dirty good time. It was a realization that I need to move.”

“That bad? Is he weird?”

“Well… let’s see. He’s been in jail, rides a motorcycle, and he hunts criminals for a living. So, despite all those amazing traits sleeping on my couch last night, I didn’t sleep a wink.”

“Why did he stay over? I need details. My life is depressingly boring.”

I laugh. “Nothing happened. He’s—”

A knock lands on the door and I turn toward it slowly, taking in the giant that stands in my doorway. He’s showered and changed from last night, wearing tight jeans, a black t-shirt, and his leather cut. The man is undeniably hot, but I can’t figure why the hell he’s here.

Lydia glances toward me and smirks as though she knows who he is before I introduce her. I’d think a bounty hunter would want to be less conspicuous. There’s no denying this dude is someone. A rough someone. A someone who isn’t fucking around.

He glances toward Lydia and nods, then walks toward me. “Ms. Fraiser?”

What the hell is this about?

My stomach turns. I wonder if he found Mike. God, I don’t want to be wrapped up in this. I can’t believe I ever dated him to begin with. Mike was bad news the day we met. We were only in high school, but I thought he was so cool for skipping class and smoking in the bathroom. You’d think I’d have learned my lesson on bad boys, but nope! Here I am, staring down another one like a lioness hunting for dinner.

“Yes?” I narrow my brows.

“I’m here for the performance meetin’. Belle’s my daughter.”

I blink twice, then stare up at him until my throat is sore and dry. “I’m sorry?”

“My daughter, your student, Belle. I’m here for the meetin’.”

I don’t know what to say. I think I’m in shock.

Thankfully, Lydia speaks and distracts me from the awkwardness. “We were just talking about you. I teach fourth grade down the hall.” She rolls her head to the side. “Then moonlighting at the hardware store, because… teacher’s salary and all. I’ll let you two get to it.” Her frame turns away from him until she’s staring at me, winking and mouthing, ‘Oh baby.’

That’s not a helpful statement considering my fragile state. I don’t need encouragement.

“Yes, come in. Sorry.” I don’t have any adult size chairs. Parents usually pull up a mini and sit uncomfortably or stand, but that’s not going to work in this situation. Country is the size of a buffalo. So... we stand. Well, he stands. I drop behind my desk and fish through my paperwork until I find Belle’s file. I already know what it is that I want to talk about, but I need something to organize my thoughts.

“You’re a teacher?” Country says, his arms folded over his chest. “Wasn’t expecting that. Though, now that you say it, the role fits you perfectly. Kids must love you.”

I swallow hard and stare toward him, unsure of what to say. “How did you raise a kid so sweet? Belle is my best student.”

He grins. “Good. Why am I here then?”

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