CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Campbell
Five hours and a tea party later, I’m late. In my defense, Kacey insisted she help me make the salad I brought to contribute to the food trough. I couldn’t say no, and rushing a four-year-old doesn’t go well. Then we decided to make brownies, and before those were done cooking, she wanted to try another kind of tea. I told Mom to save the kitchen mess for when I’m done here.
Durban and I didn’t talk about where I’m sleeping tonight, and I don’t want to invite myself over, but also, another trip to “Billings” might rouse more questions than I can answer.
I pull into the distillery parking lot. All the cars and pickups are lined up at the edge of the lot by the trees. My stomach is pitching as I park. I shouldn’t be nervous, but I’ve never had to pretend I haven’t tasted every inch of a guy in front of those he cares and trusts the most.
Which also means that he doesn’t want those closestto him to know about me and him. Yet he invited me, and isn’t that as confusing as it is endearing?
I suck in a deep breath as I get out of my car, grabbing the bowl of food I brought. I know why we’re a secret. We have a good reason. I can’t stifle the part of me that wants him to announce us as loud as possible and damn the consequences, but that’s a me problem.
He didn’t react when Haven busted us, but one is different from all. And he did swear his brother to secrecy.
I start for the crowd, my nerves cranking tighter. I could use a sounding board, but Jamison is still resting after having a baby, so I’m not bothering her with this. Besides, she’d feel obligated to tell Iverson, and then where are we? If Durban hasn’t talked to him, I’m not going to spill the beans.
I could call Avery, but she’s utterly pragmatic, and I don’t need to hear that I’m setting myself up to get hurt.
People mill around tables that have been pulled out of the tasting room. Guys hang out around a grill. There’s nothing but tall men in tight shirts with rugged facial hair. Did they multiply?
Durban breaks away from the group by the grill and walks toward me. The tangle inside my belly loosens, and my body warms, like it’s getting ready to feel his hands and mouth all over me.
“Hey.” The sun makes his dark eyes glitter.
“Sorry I’m late.”
“I’m just glad you’re here.” He says it like he means it. There’s no censure. I try to be on time, but I took a gamble today for my niece, and he’s not hanging it over my head. I could get used to this.
I tap the top of the bowl. “Kacey wanted to help me with this. We had a tea party today with Mom.”
His eyes warm, and I really like when that look is aimed at me. “Sounds like a fun afternoon.”
“Well, you know. It was a long drive back fromBillings.”
The warmth in his gaze turns to heat, and I’m caught in the inferno. Flashes of last night, the whole weekend really, make my skin tingle. “I hope the trip wasn’t boring.”
“It was the mellow de-stressor I needed.” Definitely not a lie. I handled the wedding couple and had a fun afternoon. A ton of orgasms helped, but also a weekend of hanging out and talking with Durban. I brandish the salad. “Mom wouldn’t let me come without making sure I have something to offer. It’s a chop salad. Kacey wouldn’t let me touch the brownies we made because she wants to bring them home to her mom and dad.”
The way his features soften at that sends my insides all wonky. Each of my ovaries is pointing toward my biological clock and tapping its heel.
I’ve long wanted what my sister has—a career and a good man who treats her like a princess—so much that I tolerated an arrogant, controlling man to get there. After the breakup, the importance of quality in a partner became crystal clear.
Durban would make a good dad. He’d be practical and understanding and— I cannot go down that road. Not yet. I need one win before I risk getting turned down by someone of his caliber.
“Didn’t think we’d have veggies otherwise?” His dimple makes an appearance, and it’s like my very ownfirst-place ribbon. Not many people make him smile wide enough to show it.
“Definitely not Haven.”
“No. He always brings a dessert. The guy lives in fear that there won’t be any.”
I scan the crowd. “Did you hire a lot of new people?”
Myles and a tall, bearded man I don’t recognize are standing by Lane, Cruz, and Haven. Edna’s chatting with an older woman who’s pleasantly smiling and nodding. An icy blond is with Clem and another woman with red hair.
He points to the man next to Myles. “That’s Tate, Mae’s oldest boy.” He swings his arm to the redhead. “His wife, Scarlett, and next to her is Myles’s wife, Wynter. She was just a little older than Kacey when we were there.” He reaches out like he’s going to put an arm around my shoulders, but he drops it. “Come on. Let me introduce you to Mae. She’s talking to Edna.”
As we walk by the group of guys, Haven lifts his chin. “Nice of you to make it back from Billings to join us.”
