Page 77 of Bossy Mountain Daddies
That sets off another round of laughter as we stand in the warm afternoon sun, my back against Buck's chest, Ford and Griff grabbing our bags from the truck bed.
Then, like a cloud passing over the sun, everything shifts.
"Well, isn't this cozy."
The voice cuts through our laughter like a knife. I freeze in Buck's arms, my blood turning to ice as I look up to see Daniel leaning against his car, his arms crossed over his chest. His face is a mask of disgust, eyes darting between the four of us with cold calculation.
Buck's arms tighten protectively around me, but I barely notice. All I can think is he's seeing us together. All of us. Together.
"Daniel," Griff acknowledges, his voice suddenly tight. "Didn't expect to see you back so soon."
Daniel's eyes narrow as they land on me, still wrapped in Buck's embrace. "Clearly," he says, voice dripping with contempt. "I left a message on your phone but didn’t hear back from you."
"What are you doing here?" Griff asks, stepping forward slightly, positioning himself between Daniel and us.
My mind races with panic. Daniel's social media post about me and Griff was humiliating enough. What will he say now that he's seen me with all three of them? The thought of him exposing this to everyone we know makes my stomach turn. I can already see the cruel comments, the laughing emojis, the judgment.
"We need to talk," Daniel says to Griff, ignoring me completely. "It's important. About Mom."
Something in his tone must register with Griff, because his posture changes slightly. "Let's go inside," he says, nodding toward the bar.
Daniel pushes off his car, and as he passes by us, his eyes lock with mine. "Three for the price of one," he mutters. "Classy as always, Skye."
I flinch like I've been slapped. Ford steps closer to me, his hand touching the small of my back as Daniel and Griff disappear into the bar.
"Don't let him get to you," Ford says quietly.
"Too late," I whisper, my voice small. "He's going to post about this. Everyone will know."
Buck turns me in his arms, tilting my chin up. "So what if they do? You haven't done anything wrong."
"You don't understand," I say, pulling away slightly. "People are cruel. They'll?—"
"Fuck what people think," Buck interrupts, his voice gentle but firm. "Anyone who'd judge you for being happy isn't worth your time."
I want to believe him, but the knot in my stomach won't unravel. "I’m gonna go in," I say, nodding toward the bar.
Inside, I see Griff and Daniel at a corner table, their heads bent close in conversation. The bar is empty this early in the afternoon, giving their hushed voices an eerie echo in the quiet space.
I hesitate, not wanting to intrude but desperate to know what's being said. I’ve met Daniel’s mom several times and she’s a good person. Has something happened to her?
Ford and Buck have followed me in, their presence at my back a comforting weight.
"...just need enough to cover the medical bills," Daniel is saying, his voice strained. "She can't work right now, and the insurance is fighting her on everything."
"How bad is it?" Griff asks, running a hand through his hair.
Daniel looks down at the table. "Bad. The fall broke her hip in three places. She needs surgery, rehab, the works. She's too proud to ask you herself."
"Jesus," Griff mutters. "Why didn't she call me?"
Daniel's laugh is bitter. "Are you serious? After everything?"
I watch Griff's face cycle through emotions—surprise, concern, guilt. "She's still the mother of my child," he says finally. "Of course I'll help."
The tension in Daniel's shoulders eases slightly. "Thank you," he says, and he sounds genuinely grateful.
Their conversation continues, but I turn away, not wanting to eavesdrop on what feels like a private family matter. The bubble of perfect happiness from our mountain getaway has burst, reality crashing back in with all its complications.
