“So that’s it? That was the famous shake?”
I bit back a laugh. Damn. She was tougher than I gave her credit for.
“You wanna go again?”
“Nope.”
But she didn’t pull away either. Leaned back a little more—like maybe the shaking wasn’t the worst part of her night after all.
2. CHAPTER HOPE
Out of all the places in this whole goddamn county—we had to end up on Hope’s porch.
The last spot I wanted to show my face today. Especially not tonight. Especially not with another woman in my arms.
But I couldn’t leave her with a bunch of drunk idiots.
Couldn’t watch her limp out of Dalmore like I didn’t give a damn.
And—fine.
I didn’t want her going withanyone elseeither.
I slid off the saddle and reached up to help her down.
Her hand found mine. Light. Confident. Like none of this rattled her.
She didn’t even blink when we walked up the steps.
Me? I was already bracing for the fallout.
I knocked.
Three sharp taps, just loud enough to be heard over the porch wind chime she never took down.
The door swung open.
And there she was.
Same dark braid. Same tired eyes.
“Cash,” Hope said flatly. “Are you drunk again? I told you—stop showing up here. My decision is final. Go home.”
I cleared my throat.
“Uh… I’m not alone.”
Her gaze dropped to the girl beside me.
“Hope,” I started, rubbing the back of my neck, “let me introduce—”
I turned toher.
Still didn’t know her damn name.
But she didn’t miss a beat.
Held out her hand, cool as ever.
