Page 36 of The Contractor & the Entrepreneur

“What did he do to you?” Rhett asked quietly, not sure he wanted to know but needing to.

“He threatened me. He said he was going to kill me if I didn’t leave town.”

“What?” Rhett’s body went rigid.

She gave a small nod. “He said he was going to teach me a lesson and then he slammed my back into my car.”

Rhett loosened his grip on her. “Ah, Sloan. Am I hurting you?”

“No,” she said fiercely, clinging tighter to him. “I might have some bruises tomorrow, but you holding me takes the hurt away.”

Rhett cradled her to him but was careful not to put too much pressure on her back. “I think I need to ‘chat’ with Jaxon a little more,” he said in a restrained voice.

“Let’s stay away from him. The police will arrest him and hopefully find Preston.” She glanced up at him. “Why is everyone so against me and this development?”

“I thought you were making a lot of progress and all the builders you took treats to today were happy, not just with the treats but with the progress you’ve made and your willingness to work hard. Don’t let your scummy cousins discourage you.”

Rhett prayed she wouldn’t move on from the Kalispell area like she’d said last night. He wanted her here, with him. He wanted to know everything about her, show her she could trust him, hold her every chance he got.

She drew in a steadying breath and straightened. She was still in his arms but not leaning against him for support. “You’re right. I have been making progress, and I like it here. A lot. It’s a million times more beautiful than Vegas.” She was looking at his face, not the scenery.

He cocked an eyebrow, tempted to kiss her, but this was a worse spot than last night on the street when Josh had honked at them. At least his friend was softening.

“That’s good to hear,” he said. “The scenery I’m looking at is more beautiful than anything in the world.”

She grinned at that. “I never figured the tough general contractor for a sweet talker.”

He chuckled. “It’s never happened before.”

Her eyes softened. “Truly?”

“No, ma’am.”

“I like that.”

He liked her. Could things settle down with Jaxon and Preston arrested and things moving along with the development? Could he and Sloan have a chance to date?

The sheriff’s truck pulled up and they had to break apart to talk with him and his deputy. He took their statements and loaded Jaxon into the back of the truck.

While they were doing all the formalities, Rhett thanked Paydon and Brody and told them they could head back to work. Sheriff Pollard got a phone call that they’d found Preston at his grandfather’s old cabin. They’d bring him in as well. There wasn’t as much reason to hold him as he hadn’t touched or threatened Sloan, but they’d at least hold him for a few days and scare him into staying away from her while they filed the restraining order.

Finally, the sheriff and his deputy loaded up into their truck and drove off. Rhett turned to Sloan. He didn’t want her to leave, but there was no reason for her to stay. He looked down in the muddy puddle at the open box of pastries.

“Those idiots ruined your sweet treats too,” he muttered. “My guys and I would’ve loved them.”

She smiled. “I’ll get you some more.”

“You don’t need to.” He suddenly wasn’t certain how to proceed. She’d been in his arms earlier, but now she was standing brave and tall as she always did. “I like the hat, and the flannel.”

She laughed. “I’m fitting in pretty well.”

“Yes, ma’am.” She might fit in, but she also stood out. Far too beautiful for a bunch of dirty, sweaty construction workers.

She looked over his T-shirt and grinned. “But I do need to catch up on the funny T-shirts.Men Working.” She read the large construction site sign on his chest and then the smaller print. “Except Rhett. That guy does nothing.” She laughed out loud.

Rhett laughed with her. “My brother Miles had this one made for me.”

“I like it. I read up on Miles last night.” She suddenly looked a little embarrassed.

---