Speedy wasn’t sure what was going on, but he’d worry about that later. He needed to know how Violet was.
He reached for her shaking hand. “Are you okay?” he asked.
The look in her eyes was killing him. He couldn’t imagine how her mother’s words had hurt—especially from the woman who was supposed to care for and love Violet.
Her arm trembling had him saying to hell with keeping his distance. He tugged her closer until he could wrap his arms around her.
“It’s going to be okay,” he whispered against her hair. Running his hand up and down her back—hoping the constant reassurance would help her.
“I should be used to it,” Violet whispered against his chest, her lush curves pressed against him.
“You shouldn’t have to be used to it,” Speedy said, deciding maybe reciting fractions or how to skin a deer would keep his body from reacting to her nearness.
“I figured when she couldn’t get to my money that she’d be mad,” Violet said.
“Did she get to your money before?” Speedy asked.
“Yes, she helped me set up the account so she’d take money out whenever she needed. Sometimes I wonder why she had me,” Violet said, the despair in her voice making Speedy want to hit the woman who dared to harm Violet.
“Did that change recently?” he asked. Maybe if he asked questions, he wouldn’t be focusing on how Violet felt right in his arms. He couldn’t explain it, but she was different from any other woman he’d known.
“When I moved here, Beth suggested I use the credit union that the bail bonds does because it’s easier,” Violet said.
He patted her back and fought not to run his fingers through her hair that smelled faintly of vanilla.
“You shouldn’t have to worry about her stealing from you,” Speedy said.
“I know that now. Before, I just thought that was how all parents acted, but once I moved, I realized Bluff Creek was different.”
Speedy was glad that the family at Bluff Creek had opened Violet’s eyes, but he wasn’t sure how to help her stand up for herself. She deserved to know she mattered and that she was special.
Keeping himself apart from her was proving to be a lot harder than he’d thought. But having Violet in his arms was calming him down.
“Hey, Violet, after the excitement we’ve had, Deacon, Grant, and David are being picked up for a play date at Winnie’s house. I’ll deliver the other four to their parents. You can have the rest of the day off and take Tessie with you. I’ll add your mother to the no admittance list at the front gate. I want to check out security and maybe add a security door that requires being buzzed into the daycare,” Locks said.
“Oh, I don’t want to be a bother,” Violet said.
Locks patted Violet’s shoulder. “You are not a bother. You are amazing, and I’m blessed to get to call you one of my bonus daughters. Now, relax and have a good afternoon. Maybe I’ll mention to Winnie to talk to the boys that farting contests are only allowed outside,” Locks said, grinning.
“I’d appreciate that,” Violet said, smiling back.
Speedy was thankful Locks was helping Violet relax.
“Let’s get your stuff and Tessie. I’ll ride back with you on the side-by-side.”
“Maybe you could drive us back. I’m feeling a little shaky,” Violet said softly.
“I can do that,” Speedy said, wondering how the heck, after he’d held her in his arms, he could go back to nanny and boss.Friggin’ fudgesicles.
Chapter Nine
Violet giggled, dancing with Deacon after she, Beth, Harry, Emerson, Savi—who Violet knew from Dodge City—and so many kids she’d lost count, had finished watching the movie.
She would definitely be listening to this soundtrack at work. The laughter and fun this evening had been a great break and a pick-me-up. It had been two days since her mom had blown up at Violet at work.
Beth had said she needed a break from the men and called for a girls’ and kids’ night at Speedy’s house. Speedy was over at Beth’s house hanging out with Flick, Gunner, and Brody.
They’d decorated sugar cookies and then made popcorn to eat during the movie. It was such a different holiday season than Violet had ever had. Her mom hadn’t loved any holidays. Violet would sometimes get a present from her mom. Violet had quit trying to win her mom’s affection through presents three years ago. It was crazy that she’d continued buying her mom one clear into Violet’s thirties. Violet had been under the mistakenimpression that as she got older, she and her mom might have something more in common.
