Page 71 of Levi

“Don’t let him do that. You know being on horseback makes just about anything better.” Cody smiled.

“Yeah, you’re right. I’ll see you later.” Levi turned away then looked back. “Thank you.”

“Anytime.” Cody walked out of the barn.

Levi got himself in the saddle, kneed the horse, and rode from the barn. He hoped the fresh air removed that man from his head.

****

Kinley stood behind the counter, her hands busy filling prescriptions as she hummed along to the soft music playing in the background. The gentle chime of the door alerted her to a customer’s arrival, and she looked up to see a man enter. She didn’t recognize him, but she smiled warmly nonetheless.

“Hi, someone will be right with you,” she said cheerfully.

“I’m looking for Kinley Wilson,” the man stated.

Her smile faltered at his words. “That’s me.”

He smirked, and a sense of unease crept over Kinley.

“Of course, you are. Nothing but the best for my boy,” he remarked smugly.

“Your boy?” Kinley’s heart skipped a beat.

“Levi,” he clarified.

She gasped in disbelief. “Get out.”

“Now, is that anyway to talk to your future father-in-law?” he taunted.

“You would never be that. I’m not marrying Levi.”

“Not marrying him?”

“Get out,” she repeated firmly.

Just then, Addison entered the pharmacy from getting lunch and gave Kinley a friendly smile. But when she noticed the man standing before them, and the look on Kinley’s face, her expression turned dark.

“Kinley?” she questioned.

“Addison, this is Levi’s so-called father,” Kinley introduced with disgust evident in her voice.

Addison’s eyes widened in shock. “Get out of my pharmacy. Now, or I’ll call the sheriff.”

“I haven’t done anything for you to call the law,” the man retorted coolly.

“Your mere existence is enough.” Addison stepped behind the counter and placed down the bag containing their lunches as she glared at the unwelcome visitor. “Get thefuckout of my pharmacy. Now.”

Kinley watched as the man’s gaze shifted from Addison to her before finally leaving, and she released a breath she didn’t realize she washolding.

“Are you alright?” Addison asked with concern.

“No. He’s scary,” Kinley admitted, her hands still trembling slightly.

“Yes, he is. How did he know who you were and that you worked here?”

“I have no clue. I need to call Levi. Do you mind?”

“Not at all. No one is in here right now. Go call him.” Addison reassured her.

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