Page 14 of Tangled Kisses
At least until now.
Capri leans forward, a smirk curving her dark-pink lips. “Don’t tell Piper I said so, but you’re far prettier.”
“Now I know you’re lying.” I giggle, expecting a grin in return.
Her mouth hardens into a thin line. “I don’t lie, Reese. Not my style.”
Heat creeps up my neck. “Sorry. Poor attempt at levity. If you’d seen me a half hour ago, you would have disagreed with that assessment.”
One perfectly arched brow lifts. “Why is that?”
“I was covered from head to toe in dust. Courtesy of a runaway suitcase. Thankfully, a very kind cowboy set me to rights.”
Capri’s smirk softens. “Feel better?”
“Much,” I admit. “It’s been a tiring five days.”
“A long haul. What are you running from, Reese?”
“A life that didn’t suit me.” The truth slips out before I can censor it, startling me almost as much as it does her.
She studies me, before nodding slowly. “I did that once myself. That’s how I wound up in Tangled Vines. A series of poor decisions that led to an excellent outcome. What has Piper told you about your duties here at the ranch?”
“Honestly? Not a thing, except that I’m filling in for a nurse with some kind of emergency. I assume, since it’s a ranch, I’ll be patching up cuts and scrapes, maybe the occasional sprain or broken bone?”
A smirk dances across Capri’s face. “We’re notthatkind of ranch.”
My stomach dips at her words. “What kind of ranch are you?”
Please don’t say cult. Or pyramid scheme. Or free-love commune.
Capri runs a hand over her brow. “Oh, dear. Leave it to Piper.”
“What kind of ranch is this?” I repeat, dread prickling at the base of my neck.
“The Rockin’ Rodeo Ranch makes dreams come true. At least, that was our slogan for a while. Our current tagline is ‘XXX at the RRR.’”
Dear God, what rabbit hole have I stumbled into?
“You’re a…” I fumble, not sure how to phrase it without sounding judgmental.
“A house of ill repute, according to some. A place of legends, according to others. My favorite?Whorehouse.” She scowls, tapping her pen against the desk. “God, I hate that term.Piper didn’t mention any of this to you?”
“Not a word.”
Although we’re having a serious conversation later. Trust me on that.
Capri’s expression shutters. “Sorry to make you come all this way. I presume you’ll be leaving at first light.”
I never planned on working in a brothel, but my back goes up at her assumption.
I don’t want to return to New York, or to Vander, with my tail between my legs.
“Am I no longer welcome here?”
Her eyes flicker, surprised. “You’re most welcome. I assumed you wouldn’t be interested in the position once you learned the truth.”
“I don’t care what people do, so long as no one is getting hurt.” I lean forward, brushing my fingers along the edge of her polished desk. “My ex-fiancé was the picture of respectability, and he cheated on me constantly. I walked out six days ago—left him standing in the housewares department after smashing athousand dollars’ worth of overpriced china. Honestly? It’s their fault for charging five hundred a plate.”
