“Yeah, I fucked up. I told her it wouldn’t happen again, but I still can’t get her out of my head.” Each word is a snarl through gritted teeth. I’m not sure if I’m angrier at her for blowing this door wide open, which I’d never considered, or at myself for wanting it.
“So, what’s the problem?” Hunt questions.
The problem?There are so many. I’m eight years her senior and good friends with her older brother. Her family has always treated me as if I were their own. I’m damaged goods after my divorce, though neither of us was at fault. But worst of all, Betty is the type of woman who wants things I never dreamed about and a life I can never provide.
She’ll want the white picket fence and a husband who’s always around. She’ll need a man who can commit himself to Cole County year-round, and I’m not that. Women like that want a kind man to make love to them in the bedroom, nestled in their bed. I want to bend her over every surface, including the bed of my truck, and fuck her until she sees those stars she holds so precious.
“I’m not what she really wants,” I nearly whisper, training my gaze outside the window just as Hunt pulls his SUV to a stop.
Betty thinks she wants me, that she wants this, but as soon as she gets to know me, she’ll realize that she never honestly could.
Chapter 10
Betty
Agroan leaves me as I shuffle into my apartment. It had been a long day at the Miller house. A pipe burst, then we had to bring in someone to clear up the water, followed by removing the furniture in one of the bedrooms, which is going to screw with the reservations we already have for next week. Only for us to later realize the water had leaked down onto the living room furniture, too.
This was horrible timing. There’s a junior competition being held at the ranch next weekend, and we’re booked.
I hadn’t even known about it until Gray found me a few days ago. For a minute, I convinced myself I was hallucinating since I hadn’t been sleeping. How could I when I finally had Nash’s hands and mouth on me?
He’d been right there with me. Damn my brother for interrupting. Then again, maybe that was a blessing. If Nash had slept with me, he would have regretted it. The truth was there in his eyes before he walked out of my room and promptly left.
My mother said he’d gone through his goodbyes so quickly, claiming he had to get back to Montana for an emergency, that she hadn’t even been able to stand up out of her chair.
Afterward, I couldn’t face them, sure that my features revealed the heartbreak and shame. They would see that I was on the verge of tears, finally having something I’d wanted all my life, just to be rejected again when I knew better.
I. Knew. Better.
“Ouch!” I shout as my shin hits the bench by the front door.
The thing has been there since I moved in six years ago, yet I run into it today, when there’s still enough light outside the living room windows to guide my way.
“Nice one, Betty,” I chastise myself as I limp over to the couch.
A deep breath fills my nostrils as I try to ignore the ache in my leg. It’s only seconds before my eyes flutter shut, relaxation uncoiling my sore muscles while I sink into the couch, before my phone vibrates in my bag.
With a huff, I pull the offending device free, bringing it to my ear on the third ring.
“Hello.”
“Betty, hey,” Jim sighs. “I need ya to come in tonight. Kellan called out again.” My boss sounds so tired. Just as exhausted as I am, if not worse.
But I’m not supposed to be at the bar again until next week. My schedule went from daily to no more than a few times a week. I’d already put in my time on Monday and last night.
“There’s no one else?” I ask.
Jim sighs loudly again. “Come on, Betty. You know you’re the best I got.”
My eyes press shut, breathing silently through my nose as my mouth pinches in resignation. “Right. Yeah. I’ll be there in twenty.”
“Thanks, kid.”
He ends the call, and it takes everything in me not to break down and cry. But I’m a people pleaser. I have always been far too eager to keep everyone around me content. If it makes someone else happy, I do it. If you need me to be the life of your party, I’m there. Need help? No problem; Betty Hughes is on the way. It’s why I’ve never left Cole County. No Hughes ever has, and I couldn’t be the first. It would let my family down.
Shuffling toward the bedroom, I strip out of my clothes, pulling out a fresh pair of jeans and a denim vest as my top. Yanking my most comfortable cowboy boots out of the closet, I’m dressed in less than five minutes. Fortunately, I’d done my makeup today, so all I need is a little dry shampoo and I’m out the door.
At least I’ll have my regulars to boost my mood.
