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As a teenager, she’d stopped building them. Knowing it was weird and childish. But after Nana died, when things got bad with Max, and when she was stressed or worried, it was the only thing that gave her any sense of safety.

Pushing down the shame and embarrassment she felt, she snuggled into the cushions and grabbed tight hold of Bun-bun.

This wasn’t the first time she’d been rejected.

She’d get over it. Like she always did.

7

Kent strode out of the stables. He’d hoped a ride would clear his head. Rid him of some of the temper flooding him.

Yeah, that hadn’t worked out.

He kicked a rock off the pathway, sending it flying. Shit.

“Woah, big bro, what’s eating you?”

He turned to find Eden watching him. Her blonde hair was tied up in a high ponytail, she was dressed in a sweatshirt and jeans and looked about twelve. She was one of his favorite people in the world. From the minute she was born, when he was eight years old, he’d vowed he would take care of her.

But right now, he wasn’t in the mood to talk to her. Or anyone else.

“Nothing,” he muttered. “Got to go.” He walked towards her, then knowing he was acting like a jerk, he lightly touched her head in apology. “You should have a hat on, it’s cold out here.”

She sighed. “Where are you going?”

“Back to work.”

“Kent, wait.”

He paused, then forced himself to turn. Even though he was in a foul mood that was no reason to take it out on Eden. And if she needed something then he’d never forgive himself for not being here for her.

She still hadn’t given him or Clint an acceptable reason for why she had been at the Suck ’n Blow. Clint had told her that she was grounded until she came clean. He knew there was a running bet about who would cave first.

Clint would blow a gasket if he heard about it.

Kent had his money on Clint giving in first. Eden could out-stubborn them all.

“Yeah, baby? You need something?”

She nodded and wheeled her chair closer. “I wanted to talk to you.”

“Everything okay?” he asked in concern. “Something bothering you?”

“More like someone and his name starts with C and ends with pain-in-my-ass.”

His lips twitched. “Strange name.”

She glared up at him. “He’s making my life hell.”

He raised with one eyebrow. “Why? Because he’s not letting you get away with whatever you want?”

“Yes,” she wailed. “He’s always been overbearing but now he’s being impossible. Speak to him for me?” She gave him a sweet smile. Which normally worked. She’d always had him wrapped around her finger.

But not this time.

“Nope.”

He rocked back on his heels, ready for the explosion. Her head shot up. Her eyes widening. “What?”