Page 92 of Her Rugged Guardian

“Then I don’t know what to tell you, girl. I’m so sorry.”

“You did a lot. Tell your father I appreciate all he’s doing.”

“How’s life with that hunky man of yours?”

At least I could laugh. I noticed he was standing at the window. Uh-oh. The expression on his face wasn’t one of happiness and joy, more like aggravation. Granted, I’d left him sleeping in bed, disobeying his orders of not going anywhere without him, but I’d wanted to grab a copy of all the buildings owned by the Robinsons. And I’d dropped off flyers I’d created for the Halloween event to Millie.

I had a feeling I was in some kind of trouble. “He’s everything I said I didn’t want yet exactly what I need.”

“A match made in heaven. Maybe I’ll have to take a leave of absence and see if I can find myself a sexy hunk.”

“Oh, no. Does that mean you and Mike broke up?”

“Let’s just say we aren’t going to be exchanging Christmas presents this year,” Jessica said, her tone exactly like mine had been when finding out about Stephen’s antics.

“I’m sorry. You are always welcome here.”

“I might take you up on that. No kidding. I’m glad you found someone.”

“We’ll see what happens. I really don’t want to lose the B & B. I love it here.”

“Then fight for it, girl. If this has become your dream, then maybe you can find an investor to buy out the contract.”

“Yeah, right. I have a feeling Malcolm owns everyone in this town.”

“You never know.”

She exhaled, the exaggerated sound also something I knew far too well. “What haven’t you told me?”

“Ugh.”

“Spill it. You’re my best friend.”

“After this I doubt I will be.”

“Come on, girl. If there’s something else, I need to know.”

“I talked with Stephen.”

There was a quiet storm on the horizon. I could feel it in my bones. “Meaning what?”

“I had to get his help. I’m so sorry. Please, please forgive me.”

“What do you mean you had to get his help?”

“He’s a corporate attorney and at first, my dad wasn’t available and I knew you needed assistance. I ran into him at a coffee shop and he asked about you. He seemed so conciliatory, upset with himself at what happened and I just blurted it out.”

Fuck me.

“So he knows where I am?”

“Yes. Do you hate me?”

I’d always said that I wouldn’t run and hide but this was… challenging. “Always and forever. No, I don’t hate you, but I wish you’d called me before you said anything to him.”

“I knew time was of the essence. He dropped everything to help, to try and make amends. I just… I wanted everything to work out for you.”

“Well, I’m glad he offered something other than his dick in the middle of this, but I don’t want to have anything else to do with him. Okay?”

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