But my heart doesn’t quite believe me.
Because you can’t build your way into a woman’s trust.
You earn it.
One choice at a time.
And tonight, I’m walking into that room ready to prove I’m not just another man trying to take something from Kelly McCrae.
I’m a man trying to offer her something she hasn’t had in a long damn time.
A partner.
A shield.
A way out.
And if she lets me?
She’ll be the one unavoidably detained.
By me.
Chapter5
Kelly
“Okay, you can do this, Kelly.It’s people you know.No big deal,” I murmur to myself as I step through the double doors of the Elks Club where the Woodhaven Lumber Association’s Annual Dinner is being held.
It’s not the Ritz, but it’s close enough for our little mountain town.
White linens.
Twinkle lights.
Centerpieces that try very hard.
Everyone in their black tie best—men I’ve known since I was a teenager stacking invoices at the mill, women who’ve watched me grow up, get married, have a baby, and now, get divorced.
I clutch my purse a little tighter.
Ignore the stares.
Ignore the way conversation dips just slightly when I walk into the dining room searching for my assigned table.
I should have never let Willow talk me into this dress.
I’m too old.
Too plump.
Too… I don’t know.
Too blue-collar for this getup.
Usually, I stick to a suit.A nice blouse, skirt or slacks, jacket.
Safe.Structured.Forgettable.
