Page 85 of Headed for Home

I roll my shoulders. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“That’s an evasive response.” Cassidy’s gaze lowers to where I’m clutching my phone. “You’re about to crack your screen.”

She had a similar reaction to them and their persistent methods. Now I understand her frustration. But this is what I volunteered for. They can harass me until they quit. That’s the only option.

“It’s nothing.” Which is the truth. “Just an annoyance.”

Her lips press into a firm line. “Sutherland?”

I consider avoiding again, but nod instead. “They’re just trying to squeeze more money out of me.”

“Since when?”

“It’s just been a couple calls recently. I didn’t think much of it.”

“You won’t—”

“No, I made you a promise. One I won’t break.” I brush my lips against her forehead.

“Even if they come after me again?”

Plastic creaks in my fist. “They wouldn’t dare.”

“But they’re ruthless,” she reminds.

“The situation is under control. You can trust me.”

She smiles and wraps me in a hug. “I do.”

The pressure whooshes out of me as I soak in the comfort she provides. I bury my nose in her hair and inhale. Peace and sweet dreams flow to my lungs. All is well in this moment.

But then my gaze shifts to where Kenzie and Charlie are greeting Mr. Nice Guy. I bristle at their interaction. The twinsare leaping at him in an attempt to get the candy in his grip. He grins at them, but doesn’t relent. His jaw works like he’s chewing, which only gets the kids more riled. They’re practically begging when he finally tosses a few gummy bears into their hands.

“He’s teasing them. Real nice,” I grumble.

Cassidy steals a glance at what’s reinstated my attitude. “Oh, stop. He’s like family. Think of him as their uncle.”

Scott’s gaze moves to where Cassidy is flush against me. He narrows his eyes on me before taking a meaningful dip to her ass. My palms roam from her back to cover what’s mine from his view.

“That’s not how a brother should look at this sister,” I remark.

“Harmless,” she reminds.

“We’ll see about that.” I loop an arm around her waist and lead us toward the action.

Kenzie spots me first. Her expression goes bright, chasing off any hint of gloom. The little girl doesn’t hesitate to lunge at me and quickly attaches herself to my leg.

“Pinkie Pie!” Her hold could cut off circulation. “I’ve missed you.”

“Hi, Rake!” Charlie cinches himself to my other side. “Where you been?”

“Right here, Cheese. You’ve been busy playing with Mac.” I ruffle their hair.

The twins share a glance before shouting, “Horsey ride!”

And I’m off as if spurred. My stride is stiff and wide to keep them latched on. Their giggles could flip the stiffest frown right side up. We take several laps along the path, their glee tickling my ears. Cassidy sighs. The sound is pure bliss.

“What about me?” The candy hog dumps more pieces in his mouth.

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