Page 105 of Fall for You
“And that would be bad,” Ronnie confirmed. She’d heard a little about the Spencer-King drama over the years. She knew there was a history of feuding there but never quite got what it was they were fighting over today.
Dallas snorted. “Yeah, it would be bad. It would be very bad.” He shot her a look as they pulled into the inn’s drive. “Think ugly, modern condos destroying our untouched land.”
She winced. “Got it.”
“We already had to spend way too much money fighting an airstrip?—”
“Seriously?”
He nodded as he turned off the car. “Seriously. They helicopter their rich guests in all the time, but they wanted a private airport as well.”
“Nooo.” She didn’t have to feign her horror. She’d grown up in these parts, and while everyone understood the economic value of wealthy tourists…there were limits. Because everyone in these parts also understood the value of nature and keeping this land as undeveloped, and as pristine, as possible.
Dallas turned to her, and the worry in his eyes had her reaching for his hand and squeezing.
“When I say they’ll do anything, I mean it.” His jaw clenched. “And Willow…she’s way too sheltered. So naive and willing to give anyone the benefit of the doubt.”
Ronnie nodded, her own chest tightening with worry on the Kings’ behalf. “And you think Eric would take advantage of that?”
“In a heartbeat.” Dallas met her gaze, giving her hand an answering squeeze. With an apologetic wince, he muttered, “I’ve gotta tell Bailey what’s going on.”
She was already reaching for the handle. “I’m coming with you.”
“You can go rest.” He looked so worried as he hurried around the front of the car to meet her. “I can find you a room and?—”
“Dallas King.” She planted her hands on her hips, her tone teasing. “I know I’ve been leaning on you today, but I sure hope you haven’t gotten it into your head that I’m some sort of damsel in distress.”
His lips twitched with amusement, but he feigned earnest sincerity as he shook his head. “No, ma’am. I would never.”
She gave one sharp nod. “Good. Now, let’s go talk to Bailey.”
He ushered her toward the door with a magnanimous wave.
Once inside, they didn’t have to go far to find Bailey…or the rest of the family. His sister, brother, Giselle, and even Baby Nate were already huddled together in the kitchen talking.
Ronnie listened as Dallas recapped what had just happened. And boy, did Bailey and Brandon take it to heart.
Giselle cast Ronnie a worried frown. They were outsiders together, but they both understood how serious this was.
Bailey looked distraught as she paced the kitchen. “Why did she lie? That’s what I want to know.”
“It’s been going on for a while,” Dallas added. “I know she’s been lying to me, acting all shady when I’ve tried to ask her how she’s doing.”
Bailey stopped and spun to face him, her expression crumpling. “What do you mean?”
“Well, haven’t you noticed her going for really long walks and disappearing on a whim? Since when has Willow cared anything about staying fit.”
Bailey’s eyebrows dipped together and she opened her mouth to argue, then ended up sagging. “She works so hard. I wanted to give her some space, and she always came back so refreshed and upbeat.” Her expression fell, her skin paling. “Have I completely let her down?”
“No, of course not.” Brandon, bless him, looked like he was torn between flying off in a rage and trying to keep everyone calm. “Maybe she just didn’t want…this.” He threw a hand out to encompass all of them. “Maybe she just didn’t want us to worry about her. She always goes on about being a grown woman. She hates it when we treat her like a kid.”
“But maybe she still needs protecting,” Dallas shot back. “Maybe this isn’t the first time he’s been ‘nice’ to her.” He used air quotes around the wordnice, and he managed to lace it with a world of sarcasm.
“Maybe you should talk to her about it.” Giselle’s suggestion was spoken softly, and Ronnie was pretty sure no one heard until she cleared her throat and stepped into the fray. “Actually, guys…” She clamped her lips together, looking completely torn and guilt-ridden.
“Baby, what is it?” Brandon ran his hand down her arm, instant concern buckling his expression.
She let out a sigh, her shoulders deflating. “I promised I wouldn’t tell.”
