Page 11 of Bad Business

“Good to see you again, Dallas,” she murmurs over her shoulder before slipping out, leaving a void in her wake.

Once the door closes behind her, I turn to Griffyn, my curiosity piqued. “What the hell was that about?”

Griffyn’s expression darkens. “Mind your own business, Dallas,” he snaps, turning away.

I raise my hands in surrender. “Alright, alright. I won’t push. But it looked like I interrupted something.”

Griffyn’s shoulders sag, the tension easing slightly. “It’s complicated.”

“Fair enough.” I shrug, dropping the subject. “Actually, I came here because I need to talk to you about something.”

He gestures for me to sit, and we move to the kitchen. Griffyn pours us both a glass of whiskey, his earlier agitation still simmering beneath the surface. I take a sip, trying to find the right words.

“You remember my new manager?” I began, glancing at Griffyn to gauge his reaction.

“Willow, right?” he asks, leaning back in his chair. “What about her?”

“Yeah.” I exhale, running a hand through my hair. “I found out recently she has a daughter, and it’s thrown me for a loop. I’ve been such an asshole to her, and now I’m realizing how much she’s been dealing with. And the thing is… she’s driving me crazy.”

Griffyn listens quietly, his eyes narrowing slightly as he processes my words. “Crazy, how? Is her kid a problem for her doing her job?”

“No. It’s not that.” I admit, frustration creeping into my voice. “For the first time in a long time, a woman is getting under my skin. I’m confused about my feelings for her. She’s strong, and she’s been through hell, according to Loren. I can’t stop thinking about her and now this thing with her kid… Juniper. I want to help them, be there for them. And this sense of protectiveness is throwing me off balance.”

Griffyn takes a deep breath, pondering his response. “Dallas, it sounds like you’re starting to care about her. Have you told her what you’re feeling?”

I stare at my brother and shake my head. “No, the opposite, actually. I’ve intentionally been a dick to keep her at arm's length. Then I find out she’s got a kid, and my universe has tilted on its access. Not to mention, she’s hiding something. I can’t stand liars, Griff.”

“Maybe you just need to get laid.”

Snorting, I set my glass down. “That’s your solution? Get my dick wet?”

“Well, if you get laid and you still want her, you’ll know it’s more than just attraction. Granted, I doubt she’ll want anything to do with you if she knows you’re fucking other women, but it would certainly clear up what you’re feeling.” Griffyn taps his knuckles on the table. “Have you heard anything more from the Winston brothers?”

“Actually, I called Drake. He’s going to see what he can find out about Willow.”

“Jesus. I was wrong. You have it bad for her if you’re involving them. I hope it doesn’t blow up in your face, brother. I don’t trust the Winston clan, blood or not.”

Shaking my head, I push to a stand. “I don’t think they’re responsible for their father's sins, Griff. Hell, he was our father, too… remember?”

“Oh… I remember. I’m just glad Gage was the one to put a bullet in his head. Because if not him, I think it would have been one of us, eventually.”

After my enlightening conversation with Griff, I head home. I’ve barely made it to my driveway when my phone rings.

“Drake, I didn’t expect you to call me back so soon.”

“I’ve got some information on Willow,” he said without preamble. “It’s… complicated.”

5

WILLOW

God, I have a new respect for parents. After taking in Juniper, I realize how dang hard it is to do… well, anything. She’s been home from the hospital for twenty-four hours, and while she is improving, I haven’t slept. I stand at the kitchen sink, staring blankly out the window. The sun is just beginning to peek over the horizon, casting a warm glow that does little to penetrate the exhaustion fogging my mind. My normally put-together long dark hair resembles a rat's nest, cascading around my shoulders in unruly waves, proof I haven’t showered in a day.

I glance at the clock. It's been less than an hour since I last checked on her, but it feels like an eternity. My body is heavy with fatigue, and I can barely keep my eyes open. Normally, I take pride in my appearance, but today, I could give two shits about how I look. My shirt is stained from spilled coffee, and the bags under my eyes feel like they’re sinking into my soul.

Yawning, I fight back the fatigue that threatens to knock me over where I stand. The dishes mock me from the sink, as if to remind me what a failure I am at this moment. As I turn to grab a cup of coffee, I nearly drop it when a knock sounds at the door. Glancing at the green glow of the clock on the microwave, I furrow my brow in confusion about who could be at my door at this early hour. I set the cup down and move to answer it, my heart racing. Unlocking the door, I open it a fraction as the chain catches.

"Dallas," I blink, surprised to see him standing on my porch. Shutting the door, I slide the chain off and tug the door open all the way.

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