Page 10 of Seducing Daddy

“With this storm, we won’t be the only ones stranded in Briarville. I suggest we go stay at Mama’s place,” he remarked. “She’s got plenty of extra room and will be pleased to have our company.”

I shrank inwardly, thinking about the last time I saw Mrs. Pritchett, when I dumped Swedish meatballs all over her white carpet—real classy.

In a surprisingly agile move as I told Jessica I was leaving, Nonna had leapt to her feet and hustled straight towards the kitchen, returning with a shaker of salt and a bottle of soda water. In no time flat, she used a towel to clean the carpet. “Nonna, how can I ever thank you?” I asked her, and she leaned towards me on her forearms, still on her knees, and whispered, “How about another Blue Hawaiian? Jessica’s trying to cockblock me and cut me off.”

I helped her up off the ground and got the bartender to make a watered-down version of her favorite drink so that she wasn’t completely schnockered.

That night, I left the festive holiday party early, my pride barely intact. Now, here Rex was, asking me to return to the scene of my crime.

I came up with the best excuse I could. “But I don’t have my clothes or any of my things for sleeping in.”

“Don’t worry about that,” he said. “Mama’s got more clothes than Nordstrom’s, and you two are about the same size.”

Dammit. I thought about protesting, saying I didn’t have my toothbrush, but even I had to admit that sounded ungrateful. Besides, something told me he’d have an answer for that, as well. While I was still trying to figure out how to coordinate a place to stay that wasn’t under the same roof as him, we pulled into the long drive which led to Mrs. Pritchett’s home.

“Did you want to call her or anything first so she knows we’re coming?” I asked.

“No need. Mama’s got a standing open invitation to all her sons. As I said, she’ll be happy to have company.”

My breath caught in my throat when he flashed his white teeth at me in the dashboard’s light.

God, what is that like? Sometimes, I thought the only way I maintained my sanity these days was by living out in the middle of nowhere with only my cat for company.

“Oh my god!” I cried out, my spine snapping straight, sitting upright in the truck’s cab. “Margot! She’s at home all alone without me and will want her supper soon. She’s going to wonder where I am.” I realized I sounded like a little girl and didn’t much care. Margot was my constant companion. She stayed in my office while I worked on the business, ate with me, slept with me, and even followed me into the bathroom at night, insisting on leaping up on my lap when I peed before bedtime.

My gaze clouded with tears.

“My caretaker stays in the bungalow on my property. I’ll call him and ask him to go feed your kitty if that’s okay with you. He’ll make sure your cat has everything she needs. I know it’s not exactly what you would want for her, but it’s better than her going an entire day without food. You’ll be home soon enough to take care of her,” he said, reaching over to pat the back of my hand. “She’ll be okay.”

“Thank you,” I whimpered, brushing away tears.

Was I becoming a crazy cat lady? Probably so. Up until recently, I was working in the casino using my social skills, slim as they were, on a daily basis. I’d moved to Briarville two years ago and was still angry and full of resentment. Every time I thought back to those days, I shrank inside with shame from treating Jessica so horribly when I first met her.

It didn’t matter that, more than once, I’d apologized profusely. The way she’d forgiven me and become one of my best friends blew my mind to this day.

“Here we are.” His voice had a degree of warmth and concern, and my nerves kicked in all over again. “I’ll take you in to say hi to Mama and to give Sheriff Pepper a call. You put something warm to drink in your belly, and you’ll feel a heck of a lot better.”

“I feel fine,” I said.

That was a total lie. I hated being beholden to other people, preferring to remain alone and independent.

It was better that way. Safer.

Besides, I never wanted to be controlled by a man again.

Reverend Prichett was right. His mom seemed genuinely pleased to see us. She answered the door wearing an old-fashioned house coat with pockets and reading glasses with a turban on her head. “Well, goodness!” she exclaimed. “To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?” Her smile held no sign it shocked her to see us.

“There’s a tree down across Grizzly Peak Road, Mama. I found Miss Jolene just in time. There’s no way we’ll get back to our houses tonight. The road’s completely blocked, and the county won’t even get out there till tomorrow, at the earliest.”

“Well, you’ll just have to stay here. You know I have plenty of room.” Her mouth twitched with amusement. “Will I be making up one room or two?” she asked.

Unphased, Rex responded, “Please, Mama, you don’t need to prepare anything. I’ll get clean sheets on the beds. No problem. But I think Joleen could probably use something warm to drink. She’s had a heck of a night and the rain soaked her clothes through.”

Her mouth dropped open. “Oh, my goodness. You poor thing. Come with me, and I’ll get you something dry to change into,” she said, striding down the hallway.

“I’m just going to give Sheriff Pepper a call, Mama. I’ll be back momentarily,” said Rex, and I followed the petite woman down the hall.

She was so matter-of-fact, it was hard to feel awkward. “Here you go.” She pulled open the drawer of a large wooden walnut dresser and held up two track suits. “Pink or black?”

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