Page 45 of The Billion Heirs Boxed Set
“God. I’m so sorry.” I wash my hands quickly, leave the bathroom, and head back to my table, glancing out the front picture windows. Sweat dots my brow and I’m glad I didn’t eat any of my sandwich because I’m instantly nauseated.
God. Even more so when I see my father walking down the sidewalk.
He doesn’t look happy. In fact, he looks downright pissed.
Coming toward him?
The three Bridger brothers.
Uh-oh.
Based on the not-so fun conversation over dinner the other night, I can’t forget that Dad hates them. Because the elder—and dead—Bridger swindled him out of his property. Fair enough. I lost three years of my life. I know what being robbed feels like.
But the faceoff between the Bridger brothers and my dad is a surefire recipe for disaster.
I love my dad, but I also love my job. I need my job. If Chance ends up firing me because of a blowup with my dad…
I’ve felt more whole in the last few days than I’ve felt in five years.
Why can’t Dad understand that?
Why can’t he see that Austin, Miles, and Chance aren’t their father?
I look to Austin and feel a catch in my chest. There’s something about him that works for me. All three Bridger brothers are handsome, but it’s Austin who melts my butter. And wets my panties.
I head to my table, grab my wallet out of my purse, and throw some bills on the table to cover my uneaten sandwich.
Then I draw in a deep breath. I need to get between the men because I’m definitely the center of their upcoming fight. I can feel it.
I know it.
I dash out of the restaurant, the little bell clanging over the door as I go.
This won’t be pretty.
13
AUSTIN
Rick Vance is tall, about my height, and doesn’t look any happier to see us up close. He stops, blocking the sidewalk, clearly ready for a chat.
Or a Wild West shootout.
He doesn’t seem to be sporting a gun on his hip, but this is Montana.
I see bits of Carly in him—the dark hair and coloring, although his eyes are a deep brown instead of a vibrant green.
I glance at Miles, who gives away nothing, since he’s about as clueless as I am. The best thing is to follow Chance’s lead when it comes to this guy and keep my mouth shut about having my hands on his daughter.
“Mayor.” Chance tips his Stetson. His stance is wide as he tucks his thumbs in his jeans pockets.
“Bridger.” The mayor doesn’t crack a smile, only narrows his gaze and glowers. “I’m glad I ran into you. It’ll save me a trip to your place.”
His tone indicates he isn’t going to stop by to watch sports and drink beers.
“Oh? What can I do for you?” Chance prods cautiously. “I already made a sizable donation to the renovation fund for the library.”
Man, does Chance hate everyone? Pretty much all Miles and I’ve seen is gruff. Grumpy. Angry. I don’t remember seeing Chance crack a smile, even when telling something he’s philanthropic.
