Page 33 of A Jilted Bride for the Cowboy

A gasp came from behind her. Great, some guest or employee had caught an eyeful. Whatever.

A low, deep chuckle followed the gasp.

Cadence froze. She knew that sound. She dropped to her heels, breaking the kiss. Graham immediately released her, and she chilled where his hands had been as she slowly turned to face the door.

Mom. Dad.

And Paul Bradley. What in heaven’s name was her ex doing at Sweet River Ranch? His eyebrows were tipped up to match the sardonic grin on the lower part of his face, but his eyes…

Cadence chilled.

Paul’s icy blue eyes said someone was going to pay.

Mom’s wide gaze darted between Cadence, Graham, and Paul, but her hand covered her mouth.

Dad shook his head, turned on his heel, and stalked out, the clip of his dress shoes sounding on the plank floors. Didn’t that figure?

“Cadence Marie Foster! How could you?”

How was it Mom managed to sound like the one aggrieved?

Cadence tipped her chin up. “How could I what?”

“I knew something suspicious was up when he came to the house that night. Dripping wet.”

“Dripping wet because Paul threw him in the pool.”

“I didn’t touch him.” Paul shook his head as he raised both hands defensively. “I never would. Not my cousin Gray.”

“Okay, so your henchmen did.”

“Henchmen?” Paul smirked. “You mean my very good friends. All but one had my best interests at heart.” His gaze hardened on Graham.

Cadence stared at the man she’d once thought she loved. “Did Graham make up the story? That you wished you didn’t have to marry me… and then realized you didn’t have to, since the business contacts had already been shared? Did you tell him to tell me and to get your ring back?”

“Aw, babe. It wasn’t that way.”

Behind her, Graham shifted, but she didn’t dare glance at him to see how he was taking the rebuttal.

“I’d had a little much to drink. You know how pushy Darrell can be. Booze loosened my tongue, and I regret it.”

“Booze doesn’t usually make up things that don’t exist.”

Paul spread his hands. “I’m sorry?”

Sure, he was.

“You should listen to Paul. He’s sorry, honey. Didn’t you hear him? Everything can be salvaged. We’ve lost some deposits, sure, but others will still be valid if we rebook soon—”

“No.”

“Babe.” Paul took a few steps toward her.

Those eyes. Why had she never seen the icy glitter in those blue orbs before? “Don’t you dare come any closer. I’m not your babe, and this conversation is over.”

“Now, Cadence,” Mom began.

“Mother. I thought you and Dad were coming to visit me. To see where I’ve landed up, meet my new friends—”

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