“I’m sorry you’re hurting,” Jamie whispered. “I hate that the past still follows you.”
Daddy Spencer looked at him then, eyes soft and tired, and leaned in. His lips met Jamie’s in a kiss saying more than words ever could—I’m here. I choose you.
Jamie kissed him back, clinging to the moment, hoping it was enough to slow down the fear that maybe, just maybe, he’d lose this too.
“I’m so happy I found you, Jamie. I want you to know I’m not perfect, but when it comes to you, no one will take you. Trust that I don’t want anything to do with Billy. He might talk to you and say shit about me.”
“I don’t know if I’m more afraid of Tom or Billy.”
“No reason to be afraid of either with me. I’m a lot stronger than you can imagine.”
“Will I get strong like you on the ranch?”
“There’s a college in Missoula, and you can finish up. When you’re not studying or in class, I’ll teach how to help me if you want.”
When Jamie’s phone rang, he picked it up.
“Hey, is everything okay?” Alfie asked.
“Sort of, but I’m moving in with Daddy Spencer after the mixer.”
“Wow! That’s good news. Are you nervous about the mixer?”
“Yes.”
“You need a distraction. Do you want to help bake cookies tomorrow?”
“I’ll ask and get back to you.”
They ended their call.
“I want to take you to a secret place tonight.” Daddy Spencer’s lips were warm against Jamie’s, slow and steady, the kind of kiss that made Jamie forget everything else. He leaned into it, heart fluttering, fingers curled into Daddy Spencer’s shirt. Just as he was starting to melt into the moment, a knock at the cabin door broke the quiet.
Daddy Spencer pulled back with a sigh, his brow already furrowed. Jamie followed him to the door, curious but uneasy.The cold air rushed in as Daddy Spencer opened it—and standing there was a guy Jamie had never seen before.
Tall. Lean. Long blond hair that fell past his shoulders in messy waves. Blue eyes, sharp and cold. Dressed head to toe in black—tight jeans, boots, a leather jacket. Tattoos peeked out from his collar, and a silver ring glinted in his eyebrow. He looked like trouble. Gorgeous trouble.
Jamie felt his stomach flip, not with attraction, but with nerves. Daddy Spencer’s face turned red the second he saw him.
“I’m here to say I’m sorry for acting like an ass in the bar today,” the guy said, voice smooth but cocky. “I wanted to talk more with you. There are things you need to know.”
Daddy Spencer didn’t flinch. “There’s not a fucking thing I need to know from you. Who told you where I was?”
“I asked the owner.” His eyes flicked to Jamie, narrowing. “Is that your husband?”
Jamie felt his pulse spike. The way Billy looked at him—like he was sizing him up, like he didn’t belong—made his skin crawl.
“Yes,” Daddy Spencer said, firm.
Billy tilted his head. “Can I come in and talk?”
“No.”
Billy scoffed and then pointed at Jamie. “You could do better than him.”
Jamie’s chest tightened. Anger surged up fast. “Get the hell out of here!” he shouted, voice shaking.
Billy rolled his eyes, then gave Jamie a cruel smile. “Why did your Daddy Tom dump you?”
