Page 79 of Grady

“No, you can’t,” Kirk said from behind her, and she watched Grady’s eyes widen then he clenched his jaw and stared at Kirk.

“You” Grady pointed at him. “need the shit kicked out of you and I’m just the man to do it.”

When Kirk laughed, Savannah moved out of the way because she had never seen Grady as angry as he was right now.

“Come in, Grady.” She motioned for him to come in. He entered the store, and she almost burst out laughing when Kirk turned pale and backed up.

“What the fuck are you doing here? And don’t pull that bullshit of trying to make me think you and Savannah are together. You probably messed up the best thing in my life because, like a fool, I let my emotions take over and believed you. You won’t do it again.”

Savannah looked at Grady. “The best thing in your life?”

“Yes. Savannah, I am so sorry for doubting you. I was wrong and should have known better, but I fell for his lies. I never should have doubted you. What I should have done was left Kalispell that day, got back here as quickly as I could and come to you. I shouldn’t have believed him, but when he answered your phone, I saw red.” He stepped around her and moved closer to Kirk. “Where’s her phone?”

“I don’t know.” Kirk shrugged and tried to step back again, but came up against the counter. Grady reached out and grabbed him by the shirt, then pulled him close, and stared into his eyes.

“Tell me now that she doesn’t want to talk to me,” Grady growled.

Kirk glanced at Savannah. “Vanna...”

“I’m not getting in the middle of this. He knows you lied. You’re on your own.” She noticed Grady never took his eyes off Kirk.

Kirk pushed Grady away from him. “Do you think I’m afraid of you?”

“I couldn’t care less if you’re afraid of me or not.” Grady shoved him back and Kirk stumbled but righted himself.

“It’s time you left, Kirk, and I don’t just mean the shop. I mean from Clifton. You just don’t want me happy. Go back and get married, then stay out of my life. You don’t want me any more than I want you.” She walked toward the door, opened it, and motioned for him to leave.

As he walked out, he turned to look at her, and grabbed her hand, trying to pull her onto the sidewalk.

“I need to talk to you,” Kirk said.

“Let go of her,” Grady said.

“This is between Vanna and me. It has nothing to do with you.”

Savannah snorted out a laugh. “It has everything to do with him. You’re just causing problems, Kirk. Go home to Arizonaand the woman you’re going to marry. I actually feel sorry for her. She has no clue what kind of man you are.”

Grady stepped outside. “Just do as she said, and leave. Now.”

Kirk didn’t take his eyes off Savannah and ignored Grady. She heard Grady sigh in frustration. Then she saw him grab Kirk’s wrist and jerk his hand away from her.

Kirk swung a fist and hit Grady in the eye, making him let go of Kirk’s arm. He put his hand over his eye and swore.

“Son of a bitch,” Grady muttered.

“Oh, my God! Grady, are you alright?” Savannah touched his sore eye.

“I’m fine.” He looked at Kirk. “He’s not going to be though.” Grady stepped toward Kirk, grabbed his shirt and punched him on the chin. Kirk fell to the ground, knocked out cold.

Savannah walked to where Kirk lay on the ground, squatted down, and tapped his cheek. His eyes opened and he looked confused.

“What happened?”

“You hit Grady, and he hit back. You were out for a few seconds. Get up and go. Please.”

“Vanna,” Kirk said as he sat up, still looking woozy.

“No, Kirk. Just go.”

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