Page 49 of Wild Desire

She crossed her arms over her chest. "I can get them myself."

I narrowed my gaze. "Yeah, that's not happening. I don't want you interacting with Cal anymore."

She raised a brow. "Since when do you tell me what to do?"

I let out a breath. I didn't want to screw this up. "I'm worried about this situation. Cal seems volatile, and I don't want you to get hurt. I'd prefer if you let me handle it on your behalf. He won't be able to bully me and my brothers."

Her shoulders lowered. "Actually, that would be kind of nice. Is it awful that I don't want to deal with him?"

I grabbed my crutches and made my way over to her. I rested on one, letting the second lean against the counter. Then I pulled her into my body for a hug. It was awkward with my crutch in the way, but she came easily. Her body curled against my chest. I held her tightly for a few seconds, then pulled back so I could see her face. "You shouldn't have to deal with this. Let me handle it for you."

She sighed heavily, her hand pressed against my chest as if she needed the contact. "Okay."

"That's settled then." Eli wouldn't want her handling this on her own either. He considered her his employee now, and he wouldn't want other business owners badgering her.

When she turned back to the stove, I leaned a hip against the counter and typed out a quick message to my brothers' group text chat.

Killian: Cal is giving Noelle a hard time about returning her donut trays. She doesn't feel comfortable going to his shop to get them back.

Eli: I don't like the sound of this.

Killian: I told her we'd take care of it.

Xander: Damn straight. That's messed up.

Eli: He doesn't like that we took his vendor away from him. But he didn't know what he had.

Xander: The best donut maker in Telluride. Speaking of which, did she make donuts today?

Killian: She's already done making them and cooking me breakfast.

Xander: You got a sweet deal moving the donut maker into your place. Enjoy.

I shook my head, chuckling to myself.

"What? Who are you talking to?" Noelle asked.

"My stupid brothers," I said, keeping my attention on my screen.

"About?"

"Your situation."

"They're on board with helping me?" she asked, her tone tentative. I feel bad. They shouldn't have to deal with my problem."

"Cal's messing with our most important vendor. We can’t let that continue." It was more than a business thing for me. I didn't want Cal upsetting her. He was bullying her, and it wasn't going to work. Not with the Wilde family at her back.

"Please tell them thank you."

Killian: Noelle says thank you.

Xander: She's pissed that you're interfering, isn't she?

Killian: She was at first.

Eli: You tell her you're into her yet?

Xander: What? Did I miss something?

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