Page 80 of My Not So Wicked Ex-Fiance (My Not So Wicked 2)

I wouldn’t use the word lovely. Stunned. Appalled. Suspicious. Those were better words. I pulled away from her. “What are you doing here?”

Momma waved over Daddy and Barrett as if this had been rehearsed and they had missed their cue. “I told you Barrett was coming to town for a visit and we thought this would be the perfect time to visit our precious girl.” Wow, she was laying it on thick.

Daddy played his part and put his arm around me. Unfortunately, it felt unnatural for both of us. “How are you, Shelby Katherine?”

“Fine, Daddy.”

Barrett extended his hand. “It’s been too long, Shelby. You look as beautiful as ever.”

I caught Emma’s eyes that said that was too bold. I agreed.

I took Barrett’s hand and meant to shake it briefly, business like, but he kept ahold of it. “I hope you don’t mind the unannounced visit, but I couldn’t stay away knowing you were so close by.”

Momma patted him on the back as if he played his part well.

I pulled my hand away. “That’s nice, but I’m sure my parents have told you that I’m in a serious relationship.”

The show had begun.

Momma pressed her lips together and I could tell she was counting to ten in her head and telling herself not to make a scene.

Barrett was unabashed, as if he knew he had my parents on his side. His pale blue eyes said he was sure he could charm me. To be sure, he was handsome with his dark, styled hair, a few strands of gray to enhance the character of it. He was nicely built, but he didn’t love me and I certainly would never love him. Daddy gave me a look that said he wished he could send me to my room to think about what I was doing to all of them. If I would only think about what merging the Duchanes and Chapels would do for Hobbs Inc.

Mr. Carrington cleared his throat and stepped in. “Would you folks like to sit down?”

“That will be unnecessary,” Momma said while looking around with her nose up. How could she not think this was a beautiful home? It didn’t drip in opulence, but its rustic charm was gorgeous. “We’ll be taking Shelby out to dinner after she changes.”

I stood straight as a pin, astonished. “No, I don’t believe you will be.” I wasn’t going anywhere with people who were spying on me. Not to mention who lied and manipulated me.

The Kings and Mr. Carrington all gave me appreciative smiles. Emma even giggled.

Momma’s hands with razor sharp nails painted in a shade of taupe clenched. “Shelby, you are making a scene, darling.”

They hadn’t seen anything yet. I was about ready to unleash my list of complaints against them when the doorbell rang. Since I was right there, I answered it. Another surprise waited for me on the other side. This one was at least more pleasant, though I had to say I had some mixed emotions about the man who barged right in once I opened the door. “Ryder?” What was he doing here? I thought his company was in peril.

He took me into his arms before he noticed the unwelcome guests. “Chief, I—” His arms dropped, but he took my hand and pulled me close as we both faced my parents and Barrett. “What in the hell are you doing here?” Ryder dispensed with any pleasantries, not that I blamed him.

Emma and Sawyer particularly were loving how this was all playing out. I swore Emma looked like she might take a seat and grab some popcorn. I noticed Mr. Carrington move closer as if he wanted to protect me from my parents if he had to. I loved that man.

My parents didn’t take kindly to Ryder’s greeting and stiffened. “I see you still haven’t learned any manners,” Momma spat at him.

“I find it rich that you’re lecturing me about manners when you spy on your own daughter and lie through your teeth.”

Momma placed her hand across her heart. “How dare you accuse me of such untruths.”

“I think you should leave.” Daddy stared down Ryder, trying to intimidate him. “This is a private party between my wife, myself, my daughter, and Barrett here.”

Ryder was not someone to be intimidated. He sneered at Barrett. “I remember Shelby mentioning you.” He grinned wickedly at me. “I can’t remember, darlin’, did you say he kissed like a dead fish, or was that a limp noodle?”

Emma burst into laughter and exited to compose herself. Sawyer followed her, shaking, trying not to openly laugh.

I had no words.

Barrett clenched his fist like he might throw a punch, but after sizing up Ryder, decided his best course of action was to stomp out. “I didn’t sign up for this. You told me she was available.” He slammed the door. Where he was going, I had no idea, nor did I care.

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