Issueswas the understatement of the century right now. If I didn’t get a handle on this, how would Parker react?
“It’s fine,” I lied, catching the way he rolled his eyes at me. “I mean, it’s not fine. Obviously. But it’s not terrible either.”
Sighing, his eyes trailed across the landscape. “You know, there’s a lady in town who’s pretty good with this kind of shit.”
“Passing out on the side of the road?” I jested.
He shook his head slightly, and when his eyes met mine, there wasn’t a trace of humor in them. “Panic attacks. Traumatic experiences. That sort of shit.”
Yeah, I wasn’t talking to anyone about what happened. Parker had seen it all, and he was the only one I needed. The last thing I wanted was to open up to some stranger and relive some of the worst moments of my life.
“Thanks, but I’m good.”
“Are you?” he questioned. “Seriously, are you? Because I need to know before I make a decision on whether or not to tell Michael about this.”
He would tell him no matter what, so there was only one thing to do. “I’ll tell him about it tonight.”
“Do that, or you’ll find my lips won’t stay sealed. I don’t like keeping secrets, especially from someone I expect to have my back. Doesn’t really help with trust-building.”
“Yeah, I get it.”
“Good. Now, what are we gonna do in the meantime?”
“Excuse me?” I asked in confusion.
“Well, I can’t exactly leave you just yet. And since you don’t want me to tell Michael about this, it puts me in an awkward situation. So, what are we gonna do?”
“I was going to do some investigating,” I started, but the look he shot me stopped me in my tracks. Sighing, I rolled my eyes. “Food. I could get some food.”
“Now, that sounds more like it,” he grinned, satisfied with how he trapped me on that one. “And since I can’t exactly let you drive off on your own, we’ll take my car.”
“But—”
“Car trouble, of course. I came across you on the side of the road and your ranch vehicle wouldn’t start.”
“That’s just ridiculous. When Michael comes out here and it starts, he’ll know something is wrong.”
“Will he?” Maverick asked, narrowing his eyes at me. “Why don’t you let me handle this.”
I wasn’t sure I trusted him to handle anything, frankly, but since he had me cornered, I grabbed my things and got in his car, knowing arguing was pointless.
Grinning at me, he slid into his seat and started the car. “Now, isn’t this cozy? I think I should call Remi to join us.”
“And why would you do that?”
“Well, it wouldn’t be right for the two of us to have breakfast together alone. People around might talk.”
“People around town already talk,” I pointed out.
“Yes, but if we call Remi in, it’ll look different.”
“Yes,” I snapped. “It’ll look like I’m cheating on my husband with two men!”
His finger tapped the folder in my hands. “I think we can squash those rumors, don’t you?”
My eyes widened as I realized what he was offering. “You want to help me?”
“Darlin’, where exactly do you think you are? This is Montana. We’re the friendly state.”
