Page 98 of Buckled in Barbwire

My wife notices the change in me and visibly squirms. “Uh-oh. I’ve awoken the fiend.”

And he’s famished. “Are you done here, wife?”

A longing look drifts over the so-called country couture before a sigh slumps her shoulders. “I think I’ve had my fill. We can go.”

“Right after I pay.”

The clerk magically reappears as if summoned. “Allow me to assist with that. I’m Monica, by the way. Please let me know if you need anything else while I collect your selection. I’ll get a total for you shortly.”

She begins gathering the clothes and accessories Paisley quietly admired. There must be a camera somewhere or Monica is too good at her job. My wife gawks at the other woman grabbing several pairs of jeans. Shirts and dresses are next.

Her baby blues widen exponentially as the stacks on the counter grow taller. “What’s happening?”

The clerk doesn’t pause while explaining, “Mr. Benson gave me explicit instructions to collect the garments you’re interested in.”

Paisley’s jaw drops again. “But this is your entire selection in my size.”

Monica’s smile is professional. “And we’re grateful for your business.”

My wife sputters and begins arguing. The other woman doesn’t listen, choosing to wisely follow my orders. While those two are preoccupied, my attention wanders out the front window.

I freeze when my gaze lands on Uncle Jimmy across the street. He’s talking to a very recognizable loan shark with areputation more crooked than Main Street. What’s worse is the connection this man has to certain unlawful individuals in our community. Unease slithers through me, replacing the comfort my wife provides.

She rests a gentle hand on my arm as if hearing the knots clenching my gut. “Is that your uncle?”

I bob my head while expletives play on a soundless loop.

Paisley narrows her eyes at the sight. “Who is he talking to?”

“You don’t want to know.”

“Bad news?”

I cup her cheek, smoothing the worried furrow between her brows. “Don’t worry about it. Dad will deal with him.”

Wouldn’t be the first time. Jimmy has an unfortunate tendency of sinking himself in hot water. It’s precisely why he could never take ownership of Benson Farmstead. I still wasn’t willing to take any chances, which turned out to be my best decision yet.

That’s why I turn away from the unsavory scene playing out. Paisley follows my lead, allowing me to guide her to more favorable outcomes. Bags stuffed full of clothes line the floor.

“All set,” Monica chirps from behind the register.

My wife attempts to block my path to completing the purchase. “I’m flattered, husband. Truly. But this is too much.”

“Not possible. Hope it’s becoming clear that I’ll never get too much of you.”

“Which is why you’re showering me with a new wardrobe?”

“All the sparkles and rhinestones your heart desires,Twinkles.” I snatch her hand, lifting our linked fingers to kiss along her knuckles.

She exhales, swaying into my side. “This reminds me of when you bought every stem Sassy had in her shop. You paid off that bartender too. It’s a very expensive habit.”

My lips roam to her inner wrist, breathing in vanilla and sunshine. “I can afford it.”

She rolls her eyes. “Okay, Edward Lewis.”

I bristle under an intense explosion of jealousy. “Who the hell is that?”

My wife laughs as if my reaction is amusing. “It’s the character Richard Gere plays inPretty Woman.”

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