Page 82 of A Little Twist

Until Britt came along.

And now Cass.

“I don’t think so.” Exhaling, I step to the window, looking out at the gazebo in the town square. “She showed up last night, and Doug was kind enough to tell her I was at El Rio with Cass and Pinky.”

“Wow.” He rises from his chair. “For a guy who always has a plan, you sure are full of surprises. What does Cass think?”

It’s a question I’ve been avoiding for twelve hours. “I don’t know.”

“You haven’t talked to her about it?” The astonishment in his voice makes me wince.

“I don’t know what to tell her.” Scrubbing the back of my neck, I turn to face him. “I don’t know what to tell Penelope. Jessica’s a flight risk, and the last thing I want is for her to swoop in, do a lot of shit, and then hurt my daughter.”

“This is why you should’ve had lawyers from the start. If you had full parental rights, you wouldn’t have to worry about her reappearing and fucking up your life.”

Growling, I shake my head. “I don’t want to take away her rights. Pinky’s her daughter. I just figured we’d deal with this later on, when she was older.”

Pausing, I take a beat. I put my hands on my hips and look down at my Italian leather loafers and inhale slowly, doing my best to get my head around this.

The one time I didn’t plan things. The one time I was reckless, I slept with a woman I didn’t know, and now I’m here, with a daughter I’m prepared to commit murder to protect and a woman who doesn’t understand her power to hurt my child.

I glance up at Aiden. “I’m sorry. I usually talk to Mom when things come up with P.”

“I’d talk to Cass. If she’s going to be your wife, she needs to be a part of this.”

“Yeah.” He has no idea it’s all fake.

Granted, things between Cass and me had started to feel more serious lately, more like it could turn into something… Now I’m facing baby-mama drama, and I wouldn’t blame her if she’s running for the door.

“I’ll talk to Cass, but I have to make a plan for Pinky first. I won’t let Jessica hurt her.”

“I don’t think you have a choice. She has a right to see her child. Where’s she staying?” His blue eyes fix on mine, and he straightens. “Shit. She’s in your house?”

“Don’t look at me like that. You know there’s nowhere to stay in Eureka.”

“So she’s in the house with Cass? This is going to blow up.”

“Thanks, I appreciate the support.” Sarcasm is thick in my tone.

“Look, I’m here for you.” He walks over and puts his hand on my shoulder. “Tell me what you need me to do, and I’ll do it.”

Exhaling heavily, I shake my head. “I just needed a sounding board. I’ll figure it out.”

It’s what I do. I’m always in control. I make decisions, and I plan for everything. It’s how I turned Stone Cold into a top bourbon brand. Problems arise, and I solve them.

“You’re welcome at our place if you need someone to run interference. I’m grilling burgers tonight. Bring the gang over for dinner around six.”

“That’s a good idea. I’ll see you then.” Now I’d better get home. When I left no one was up, but I’m sure that’s changed.

Hustling out to my car, of course I run into Drake Redford, gloatey as ever.

“The people have spoken,” he brags. “Eurekaisready to be developed.”

I don’t have time for this. “Curiosity isn’t the same as interest.”

“I’m really surprised by you, Stone.” He steps closer as if he thinks he’ll intimidate me. “Redford Park would benefit the distillery more than anyone. Hell, it would be the main attraction.”

“The distillery doesn’t need your help.”

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