Page 12 of Hothead

CHAPTER FOUR

Bella was still reelingfrom last night.

I mean, what the hell was that?

Luke Cappelli was a big, stupid jerk. One tiny little scar and he’s out of there faster than the speed of light. Talk about being a shallow asshole.

A knock on the cabin door gave her fury a momentary break. Forcing herself off the couch, where she was currently eating her feelings, she took the three steps to the wooden frame and pulled the door open.

“Hey, Bella.” It was Wade. Tipping his cream cowboy hat and flashing her those famous dimples.

“Hey, Wade, what’s up?”

Please don’t have Cheeto dust on my face.

“Just checking up on you, darlin’. There’s a few more folks coming in today, so you’ll have some new neighbors. Just wondering if you wanted to join them on some of the activities they’ve got booked in?”

This was the problem with booking to stay on a ranch. Activities. There was no doubt in her mind that most people visiting the Evans ranch came for the authentic ranch life experience. They wanted trail rides, fishing, and hikes. But not her. She was there for the peace and quiet.

Sure you are. You gonna squeeze that in before or after you relive the hardest time of your life with your best friend’s brother?

Stupid brain. She was quick to shake her head in an attempt to rid herself from the troll inside it, and wiped her mouth just in case there was Cheeto dust on it. To be safe.

“I guess I’m not your typical guest, huh?”

“Not sure we’ve been up and running long enough to have a typical guest.” The hat came off as Wade pushed his fingers through dark blond hair. “I just wanna make sure you’ve got everything you need.”

God, he was a sweetheart. If only she had a thing for cowboys. Would sure be easier than lusting over an emotionally unavailable fuckboy.

“To be honest, I’m not really an activity kinda girl. I booked this place mainly ’cause it’s in the middle of nowhere and I knew it would be quiet. And I could sure use a whole lot of quiet right now. It’s been a really rough couple of months.”

Concern was now furrowing his brow. Maybe she’d said too much.

“The reason I came down here was to see someone actually,” she was quick to add. Mostly because he looked like he was about to pull out the number for the Samaritans. “Luke. Luke Cappelli. Don’t suppose you know him?”

Wade didn’t even attempt to hide his shock. “Uh, sure, I know Luke. He’s friends with my brother. They work together.”

“But I thought Matt and Jonah worked here with you?”

“They do, my older brother Zach, though, he works with Luke.”

“Oh.” What else was there to say? It was the charm of the small town, she guessed.

“Actually, Zach is up at the main house now with his fiancée, Libby. You wanna come up? Grab some lunch with us?”

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