Page 61 of Cowboy and the Convict

“What in the hell are you doing here?” The question hissed through her lips, low and hinting at the violence she was just considering.

Aiden held both hands out at his sides. “No hello?” He clicked his tongue. “That’s not a very nice way to greet someone you used to—”

“If you finish that sentence I swear to God…”

Like the manipulative ass he was, Aiden lifted his brows in feigned surprise. “No need to get upset, Janie. I just wanted to come by and see how you were doing.”

She scoffed. “No you didn’t. You came here to piss me off.” She pointed at the door. “Mission accomplished. Now go home.”

“Why would me coming here piss you off?” He made no move to leave. “You managed to pay off that balance you owed Tukwila, so I figured you must be doing great out here in…” He paused, looking through the front windows at the street outside. “Podunk, Montana.”

“You breathing pisses me off, Aiden.” She moved closer, glaring at a man she actually did hate. “And there’s no way you’re here because you thought I was doing great.”

Aiden’s smile slipped. “That’s because there is no way you’re doing great.” He narrowed his eyes. “I’m not sure who you conned into giving you that money, but I’m sure they’ll be interested to know a little about your financial situation and how unlikely it is that you’ll be paying them back anytime soon.”

She laughed. At him. At herself. How had this fucker managed to convince her to date him for almost half a year? “Then I guess it’s a good thing I already paid them back.” It wasn’t Aiden’s business who gave her the money or where the debt stood, but she wanted him to leave. Wanted him the hell out of Moss Creek.

“I don’t believe that for a second.” Aiden’s eyes traveled around The Baking Rack. “Not when you’re still working basic jobs, driving your basic car, and living in someone else’s rented trailer.” He leaned closer, gaze icy. “You are still exactly what you’ll always be, Janie. A fucking failure who never finishes anything. You’ve got no career. No family. No money. No friends.”

Janie lifted her chin, keeping her expression as neutral as she could manage. “Get out before I call the cops and have you trespassed.”

Aiden’s slow smile came back. “Still the same bitch you’ve always been, aren’t you?” He straightened away from the counter, rocking his jaw from side to side as he backed toward the door. “I’m glad I came. Glad to see I was right about you. Getting rid of you was the best thing I ever did.”

The bell on the door rang, drawing her attention to the entrance and sending her stomach into her shoes.

Aiden had a similar reaction, sidestepping the uniformed man taking up the bulk of the doorway as he darted out onto the sidewalk, likely worried she’d make good on her threat and endanger his precious position of power.

Devon watched Aiden go, one brow angled as the smaller man glanced back over his shoulder, stepping faster and faster until he was out of sight.

Devon turned his questioning brow to her. “Who in the hell was that?”

She opened her mouth, but the truth wouldn’t come out. “Some guy who didn’t know he needed to be here about four hours ago if he wanted anything good.” She forced on a smile and attempted to change the subject. “How are you?”

Devon gave Aiden one more glance, twisting her stomach with fear. What if Devon figured out who he really was and tried to talk to him? Would he listen to all the bullshit Aiden spewed?

Was it really bullshit?

She did have friends, but other than that, he was right. She had no career. No family. No money.

Devon finally turned to face her. “I’m good.” He came to lean against the same counter Aiden just tainted. “Glad I can come in for a cinnamon roll whenever I want.” He gave her a wink. “It pays to have connections.”

She kept smiling, the expression starting to ache on her face. “It does.” She went to the case holding special orders and the peach cinnamon roll she reserved for Devon knowing they were his favorite. “Want me to warm it up?”

He shook his head. “Nah. I’m going to save it for dessert tonight.” He followed her down the counter as she went to pack it up. “You can share it with me.” He leaned closer. “That’s my way of asking if you want to come over for dinner tonight.”

She closed the roll into one of the small-sized bakery boxes that got very little use since most people ordered more than a few things at a time. “What’s for dinner?”

“The girls have requested quiche again.” He grinned as she passed over the roll. “It was a big hit.”

A little of the tightness in her chest eased. “I’m glad.” She scrambled to think of something else that might be an easy meal for Devon to put together after work. “Do the girls like enchiladas? I can teach you an easy way to layer all the stuff into a casserole and bake it.”

“They love enchiladas.” He gripped the box in one hand, resting the other on the case between them. “Maybe you can come over later this week and show me how.”

Her shoulders ratcheted down from where they were nearly anchored to her ears. “Perfect.”

She wasn’t a failure. She might not have skills everyone would find useful, but they were perfect for Devon and his girls. She could show him great things to cook. Olivia’s back flips were getting better and better with her pointers and Gwen had the cutest hairstyles around while she curled up with a book in her clean room.

Devon gave the case a pat. “Then I’ll see you tonight.”

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