Like he saw everything.
“You need someone watching your back,” he finished softly.
My chest tightened.
The Magnolia Ladies all sighed in unison like they were watching a romance movie.
Riley grinned, teeth sharp. “Told you.”
Trigger whispered to Saint, “WE ARE LIVING IN A HALLMARK MOVIE AND I DIDN’T KNOW.”
Saint elbowed him. “Shut up.”
Wolf stepped even closer, lowering his voice to a rumble only I could hear.
“I’m serious, Nora. I’m not letting you walk around alone.”
My breath caught.
“And I’m not letting whoever this is get anywhere near you.”
I nodded slowly. “Okay.”
His jaw eased.
And just for a second, he let something warm and dangerous flicker in his eyes.
Good Lord.
I was in trouble.
9
Wolf
If Riley Tate had been born in another era, she would’ve either ruled a kingdom or burned it down.
Probably both.
She strutted around the library like she owned the deed, the Magnolia Ladies’ improvised weapons forgotten as everyone watched her stir the place like a tornado made of sarcasm.
Riley flicked her hair over her shoulder. “Well, as much as I love small-town theatrics, I’m heading out. Vacation’s over. Dallas won’t survive without me.”
Trigger deflated like someone pulled the air out of him.
“Already?” he blurted. “You just got here.”
Riley smirked. “Aw, Trigger. Are you going to miss me?”
“I—no—I mean—maybe—NO,” he sputtered, face turning red enough to ignite Mabel’s hairspray without the lighter.
The Magnolia Ladies huddled.
Agnes whispered loudly, “Poor boy doesn’t stand a chance.”
June whispered back, “She’s too big a lawyer to stay in this small town.”
“June!” I snapped, which only made Riley grin wider.
