Page 55 of Between a Rock and a Hard Cowboy

“This bull shit is going to ruin Christmas, you know.” Ethan scowled, breaking into Linc’s thoughts about Eva. “Fucking Emmett. Those girls are not going to be happy as long as he’s around.”

“Are you seriously worried about Christmas at a time like this?” Wyatt frowned.

“I’m worried about a lot of things, Wyatt. Things that you should be worried about too. Like that scum walking away from here with something he didn’t earn and doesn’t deserve. The health of your pregnant wife and baby. That the best time of year for a kid is about to be spoiled for your daughter. That my girl and her two besties are pissed as fuck. And yeah, forgive me but I’m worried about Christmas,” Ethan spat.

Time to let his opinion be known. Linc got up and walked to stand next to his brother Ethan. “I agree. With everything he said.”

Nostrils flaring as he drew in a deep breath, Wyatt said, “I have to get to work.”

Linc watched him leave then turned to Ethan and his father. “I should get back to the cabin. Keep an eye on you know who.”

“Good idea.” His father nodded.

“Yup. Don’t trust that fucker as far as I can throw him.” Ethan, who was usually all jokes and smiles, wore a hard expression.

He was right about one thing. Emmett being here was ruining Christmas but more than that it was changing them. Putting a strain on this family and everyone close to them.

Linc only hoped the change wasn’t permanent and they’d be able to get back to normal after Emmett left.

But first they had to get him to leave.

ChapterTwenty-Nine

“He really broke into your apartment?” Olivia asked, looking concerned.

“Less broke in and more decided to use his old key. I guess I should have had the locks changed long ago,” Eva admitted.

“Why is he back?” Olivia sucked in a breath. ‘Do you think he knows? About the…you know what?”

“No. There’s no way he could know,” Poppy said, picking up the mug from the side table. “Here. Drink your herbal tea before it gets cold.”

“The only way he could know is if someone told him,” Eva pointed out.

“Who would tell him?” Olivia asked.

When Eva raised a brow and leveled a stare on Olivia, her friend’s eyes opened wide.

“You think Wyatt might have?” Olivia guessed.

Eva lifted one shoulder. “It crossed my mind.”

“It wasn’t Ethan. He hasn’t stopped ranting about how we should burn that will since we found it,” Poppy informed them.

“What about William?” Olivia asked.

Eva drew in a breath. “I haven’t figured your father-in-law out completely yet. I don’t think he’d tell, but I’m still not sure how he’s going to vote.”

“What do you mean vote?” Olivia’s eyes widened.

“You don’t know?” Eva asked.

“I don’t know either.” Poppy turned to Eva. “Spill.”

“Linc told me William is going to put it to a family vote about whether to give the snake his share or not.” Eva held back the fact that Linc had come to her apartment to deliver that news in person. As well as that some physical activity ensued after.

“Well I’ll vote no to that,” Olivia said with conviction.

“Sorry. Boys only.” Eva shook her head.

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