Page 3 of I Should Hate You-but I Don't

"It'll suck working in the kitchen without Taylor." She crossed her arms. "Maybe I could get a job in town, like her. I can still live here. I could drive the truck back and forth. Taylor says I can make more money in town—"

"You want a different job? I'll give you another one within Gem Haven." He left the beer on the bar and walked down the length of the counter to the exit.

"What kind of job?" River hustled to keep up with him as he left the bar. "I won't entertain the bikers."

He stopped walking and frowned. He'd never allow her within an arm's length of any bikers. Each one of them knew he'd slice their neck if they even looked too long at her.

"What do you know about entertaining men?" he asked.

She shrugged. "I'm not blind."

He exhaled loudly. "The campground is opening up on Memorial Day. You can work in the cabin five days a week. Pick your weekend, and let Phil know. I'll find someone else to replace you in the kitchen. Camping season goes until Labor Day, so it won't be year-round."

She grabbed his arm. "But I need money."

"You'll get money."

"More than in the kitchen?"

He dipped his chin. He could give her a little more if that's what made her happy.

The left side of her nose twitched as it often did when she tried to hide something from him. "I don't have to live at the cabin, do I?"

A designated cabin at the campground's entrance provided a mini store for campers needing items they forgot at home and acted as a central hub for visitors. It also housed those who worked on the grounds. From the greeter to the maintenance crew, those employed to run the campground could stay upstairs in bunkhouse-style lodging.

"You'll work the counter, welcome the guests, and learn how to run the store." He lowered his voice. "You'll sleep at home."

"Thank you."

He cupped her cheek. "If you wanted out of the kitchen, all you had to do was tell me."

He could see through her panic. Instead of complicating her problem by involving Taylor, she could've told him she wanted a different job. Not once since living with him had she asked to go somewhere with someone else. He knew there was another reason for her asking.

She gazed up into his eyes. "It's not that I'm ungrateful—"

"There's no reason to be grateful." He strummed his thumb along her cheekbone. "This is your home. It'll always be your home."

"Will you move back into the house?" She held her breath. "Please."

"I can't do that," he whispered.

"Why not?"

"It's not a good idea."

He'd fucked up. It was best to forget what happened between them. He couldn't have her the way he wanted. She deserved better than what she got from her family and him.

"But I want you with me." She dropped her gaze to the middle of his chest.

Her brows pinched. He'd tried to help her the best he could, but he wasn't cut out to protect someone. His life was filled with responsibilities. Used to finding pleasure to offset the stress he was under, he never wanted that part of his life to touch River.

But it had, and there was no going back.

She wanted him as much as she wanted to find her sister. And nothing would stop her.

She studied him silently. He refused to argue with her. She always took everything he said to heart and tried to change his mind.

Smarter than anyone gave her credit for, she constantly tried to piece together the puzzles of her past, whether they involved him or Kenna.

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