Page 147 of Holiday Hire

Phoebe quietly takes her seat, and Cheyenne stays planted across from us. I put my thumb in the air and motion toward the door. "Up, Cheyenne. Now."

Cheyenne doesn't obey. She sits back and looks at Phoebe. "So you're from California, huh?"

Phoebe doesn't answer.

Cheyenne questions, "Oh, are you mute all of a sudden?"

"Cheyenne, that's enough," I reprimand.

Phoebe leans across the table. "I think it's clear you're not welcome here. Alexander doesn't want you. And frankly, the only thing boring anyone around here is you. So before you go, is there anything else you need to say?"

Shock fills Cheyenne's face.

I reiterate, "Cheyenne, time to go."

She doesn't move, glaring at Phoebe.

I bark, "Cheyenne! Go!"

"Come on, Alexander, enough with the games. I know you want a real woman," she claims, and it may sound confident to others, but I know her. Her statement only sounds desperate to me, which is an even bigger turnoff.

How was I ever with her, even just in a friends-with-benefits arrangement?

I hadn't met Phoebe.

She pouts. "Stop playing games. I'm ready for the stallion." She slowly glances at Phoebe, her lips twisting.

My gut churns with anger.

Phoebe's face hardens.

Time to get out of here. Cheyenne's going to cause trouble all night if we stay.

I reach into my wallet and pull out a wad of cash. I take several twenties and drop them on the table. I put my wallet back in my pocket and then reach for Phoebe's hand. "Come on."

She glares with disgust at Cheyenne, not moving.

"Pheebs, let's go," I insist.

She slowly breaks her stare and takes my hand. She slides out of the booth, and I lead her out of the bar.

We take a few steps and I reach to open the door to The Corral, suggesting, "Let's try this bar."

"No, I've had enough. Let's go home," Phoebe states, marching ahead of me and hightailing it to the truck before I can stop her.

24

Phoebe

Anger, jealousy, and too many bad memories tear through me. I'd sit at home at all hours of the night, wondering if Lance was cheating on me, and everything about the encounter with Cheyenne makes me relive those old ghosts.

The worst part is Alexander is the total opposite of Lance. He's always made me feel safe and excited about what's growing between us.

Until now.

The thoughts running through my head right now dig the knife deeper.

Why would a woman try so hard to get a man if he told her he wasn't interested?

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