"Charming!" I gasp as my hand collides with his arm—more of a tap than anything, but enough to convey my annoyance and embarrassment.
"My fault," he says, a sheepish grin playing on his lips. He scratches at the back of his neck. "You gotta tell me when there's a secret around here otherwise I assume it’s Weston knowledge."
Trouble's gaze is still on me, and I swear there’s a flicker of pity in there. His arm is still draped casually around a girl who is looking at him like he just hung the moon and every star that surrounds it. The last thing I want is his sympathy.
Knox, ever the protector, steps closer. "He did what?"
"It's fine," I throw a hand up, my voice barely carrying over the crackle of the flames. "Can we not talk about it?"
My brother, standing beside me, finally nods. "Glad I never met him," he says, and now I’m frustrated that he knows, because what if Harrison and I get back together? How could he ever like him now?
The redhead who had been gawking at Trouble, now has her eyes set on me.
"You're absolutely gorgeous," she pipes up. I'm surprised by her compliment. For some reason, I wanted to not like her. Maybe it’s because of her god-awful choice in men. But then again, that’s not an area I have expertise in either. "You don't need a man like that."
There’s a gentleness to her, the kind you’d expect from a sweet small-town girl, as she leans into Trouble like she can’t get enough. He, meanwhile, seems somewhere else entirely.
"You should try a cowboy," she adds, her fingers trailing along the line of Trouble's jaw. He doesn't flinch or pull away, just smirks beneath the shadow of his hat brim. "They're loyal. Might not be great at commitment, but at least they're honest."
"I'll take your word for it," I toss back. Loyal but allergic to commitment? Sounds like a real catch.
I can understand the allure of a cowboy. Yeah, Trouble has that rugged, masculine thing going on—broad shoulders, bronzed skin, and tattoos on his arms—the whole Riley Green starter pack. Too bad that goat across the field probably has more emotional intelligence than he does.
"Alright y'all," the Sheriff yells. "You've had your fun, but it’s about time to clear out of here. Gonna have the fire team swing by and put the rest of this out."
"That's our cue," Knox jerks his chin toward his truck. “I’ll take you to your place.”
Trouble steps closer to Knox, smirking like he’s in on some secret. “I’ll meet y’all over there.”
I blink. “Over where?”
Knox just says, “Don’t you worry about it,” and heads for his truck. Which, naturally, makes me worry about it.
Five minutes later, we’re pulling into the gravel drive of the guest house I’m staying at. And Trouble beat us here. He’s leaning against one of the posts like he’s posing for some cowboy calendar.
I freeze halfway out of the truck. “Are you going to explain whyhe’shere?”
Knox raises a brow, like I’m the one missing the obvious. “What? You don’t know where you’re stayin’?”
“What do you mean?”
Without a word, Knox hops out of the truck and strolls toward the porch.
I tap on my chin, narrowing my eyes at Trouble. “Let me guess… You’re my new doorman? They’re a lot friendlier in Chicago. Usually they carry my bags inside, too.”
His grin spreads, slow and smug. “Not your doorman, sweetheart.”
“Then why are you standing on my porch?”
“Because it’s my porch. Guess it’s yours too, for the time bein’.”
Knox claps him on the shoulder like this is the most normal thing in the world. “I asked Trouble to keep an eye on you since you’re stayin’ on his ranch and all. There’s this big feud between the Stetsons and the Kennedys. I’m technically part of the Stetson clan, so they don’t exactly like me either. We always got to watch our backs with them. Nothin’ to worry about, though. Just want to make sure you’re protected. Trouble’s promised to scare off any men who get too close.”
I arch a single, unimpressed brow. “You wanthimto protect me? Might as well give me to the pack of hungry wolves I saw earlier and call it a day.”
Trouble tips his hat, flashing that slow grin again. “When it comes to scarin’ off men, they say I’m a legend. You should consider yourself lucky.”
“Lucky?” I scoff. “Let’s not forget this is the same man who grabbed my ass without permission.”
