Me: If it’s okay with Foster House.
I could’ve checked first, but I couldn’t resist showing Stanford he’s not the ultimate authority. “The couple would like to do the tasting tomorrow afternoon with their family.”
A frown pulls at his lips, and his mustache twitches. “Afternoons are our busy time with tours and tastings, but we could start after they have an early dinner. I’d rather have them when they’ve got food in their stomach.”
“I’ll let him know.” I type out the message and stuff my phone away. We’re almost at Sy’s.
I’m looking forward to this meeting. I have a good idea, and I think Bryce will work with me even if I don’t put out. But I’m dreading walking in there and finding out exactly how much he’ll push for, or what he’ll wantme to trade for his help. He can be questionable, but he’s respected mynos before.
Durban parks next to a rack of kayaks. Only one other black pickup is in the lot. Any of the seasonal workers must have the day off. We’re far enough from civilization and right next to a river in the rain that I’m grateful I asked Durban.
This trip does double duty. I also wanted to get some time alone with him that Stanford couldn’t interfere with.
We’re here. I’m on. Time to go build my position as event coordinator. I stare at the entrance of the small building and chew on my lower lip. Acid splashes into my throat. I’m probably overreacting.
Durban unbuckles. “I’m going in with you.”
“No. No, it’s fine.” I grip the charm of my necklace. I can’t tank one of my few options for work in the community. “As long as I know you’re out here, and he knows, I doubt he’ll try anything. I don’t know if he would anyway, but guys who do that stuff only corner women when they know they can get away with it.”
Durban’s gaze sharpens.
I give him a tight smile and hop out. “I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
“Stay by the window so I can see you.”
“If I can.” A pit in the center of my chest smolders. This isn’t like before. Bryce has only ever been persistent. He won’t ask me for favors as part of the cross-promotion. He won’t corner me between the wall and filing cabinet. Will he?
Stomach acid churns so hard I want to double over. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea.
Durban’s watching me, and while he’s concerned formy safety, I’m going to look like a fool if I hop into the passenger seat and tell him to floor it. He’s going to ask why, and I don’t want to get into it.
I suck in a deep breath and enter the office. Shelves to my left are full of sunscreen and trinkets. Coolers filled with water bottles and drinks line the wall. Bryce is at the counter, tapping away on the laptop.
He’s handsome in an outdoorsman way. His square jaw and buzz cut match the sunglasses tan lines already forming on the sides of his face. I’ve never been attracted to him, and that might be because he used to tease me on the playground because I sucked at kickball and football. I told him to get on a horse and we’d see who’s better.
I wish I could be doing this meeting on horseback. It’s helped me deal with Stanford even though I stress that he’ll hurt Hailstorm or January trying to live out my wedding dream.
Bryce looks up and grins. “Campbell. Nice to see you again.”
I take a deep breath, and suddenly, I’m back in my old office, another good-looking guy smiling at me, but his is predatory, like he’s got plans I won’t approve of. Bryce is looking at me like he expected me, like he’s happy to see me. But how do I know his intentions are real until it’s too late?
My heart rate climbs up so high and hard that my heart might slam right out of my chest. Words echo in my head.
You can go ahead and tell her, but we both know who she’ll believe.
Bryce’s gaze flickers. “Campbell?”
Your job depends on making me happy. What are you willing to risk?
My breathing becomes strangled. A band constricts around my chest.
You have such pretty lips.
I squeeze my eyes shut. I can’t do this. “I’m sorry.”
I bolt out of the shack.
Durban
