Page 128

Kenny stepped up to me, “You think this is funny?”

“Funny?” I pretended to consider. “Yeah, if you mean that I think you’re a joke.”

He took another step toward me, stopping about an inch in front of me, breathing like a bull. I was praying he’d make a move. There was nothing I wanted more than to introduce my fist to his face.

“Fuck you,” he seethed.

“Hmm, you’re not really my type. But if you’re feeling froggy, jump.”

"Damon," Mikayla’s voice was clipped and serious.

Shit. I turned. She stood behind me. Close enough to have heard.

But how much? Judging by her expression? Enough.

Her eyes were bright. Her lips parted. For one brief second, I saw something painfully vulnerable. Then it vanished.

She took a breath. “Kenny⁠—"

"We were just—" he tried to cut her off.

She lifted her hand. "I heard."

He glanced at me, glaring. I smiled pleasantly. Because I was a mature adult.

Mikayla turned to me. "Damon."

"Yes, beautiful."

Her eyes narrowed. Ah. There she was. "Can I speak to you?"

"Always."

"Alone."

“Even better.” I glanced at Kenny. "Sorry, buddy. Duty calls."

He cursed under his breath as he walked away.

Mikayla crossed her arms, looking every inch the CEO who could bring a boardroom to its knees with one raised eyebrow.

Except her fingers were trembling. Just a little. And suddenly, all the satisfaction I'd felt putting Kenny in his place disappeared. Because I had no idea what hearing that conversation had cost her.

She stared at me. Then, very quietly, asked, "What the hell was that?"

I opened my mouth. Closed it. And, once again, I couldn't think of a single charming thing to say. Mikayla was my charisma kryptonite.

Which was unfortunate.

Because judging by her expression, I was going to need every ounce of charm I possessed.

21

THE BACHELOR: COWBOY EDITION

Damon

The rehearsal and rehearsal dinner were officially over, and everyone had migrated to Cupid’s Arrow for drinks and dancing.