by Shayla Black
First, Logan Edgington blocked their path and cast a discreet glance at their joined hands. “I need a word with you, Grant.”
As much as Josiah wanted to tell his boss to fuck off until he got laid, that wasn’t really an option.
“Sure.” He turned to Maggie. “Can you give me a minute?”
“Absolutely. I’ll go say goodbye to my sister. Since she and Cutter are driving to Dallas tonight to catch their flight to Maui tomorrow for their honeymoon, they’re probably leaving soon.”
“I’ll find you in a few.”
As she nodded and turned away, Logan watched her go. “You know what you’re doing with her?”
“I’m familiar with the birds and the bees, Dad.”
“Ha. I meant are you okay navigating around her recent breakup? I heard about it ten minutes ago.”
She hadn’t mentioned that. “How recent?”
“A couple of months back. They were supposed to get married, but . . .”
“Ten-four.”
Josiah knew that drill. Shit didn’t always work out. Maybe the residual pain Maggie felt from the split caused that hint of reserve she still wore like a shield. It got under his skin. All through the reception, he’d been trying to decide why her, why now, why was she tempting him to cross the line from friendly to personal? The only answer he could come up with was the woman herself. She flirted. She sent him long looks and lingering smiles. She’d even asked him point-blank for sex. But she held something of herself back, and he wanted it. He wanted her open to him. He wanted her gasping. No, begging. He wanted her pleading with him to fill her up in every way possible.
Yes, it was a stupid fantasy, but he was rolling with it, unless . . . “She and I are getting along just fine. Do you need me to stay here for any reason? Are you expecting trouble at this point?”
“I’m always braced for trouble. But now that the ceremony is over and only a handful of partiers remain, I don’t see any reason you shouldn’t get on with your evening. Just don’t go far and keep your phone handy.”
“You got it.”
Logan nodded, dismissing him. Still, Josiah had some disquiet to get off his chest.
“Um, one more thing, boss. Maggie and I talked about the Enlightenment Fields folks coming around. They’ve been harassing her grandparents, trying to get them to sell. I’d like to stay an extra day or two, make sure they understand that no means no. That a problem?”
“Actually, I’d appreciate that. I’ve been trying to decide how we can help, but if you’re willing to stick around and take care of the issue . . .”
“Consider it done.”
Logan laughed. “I’m sure Maggie’s fine form persuaded you to lend a hand . . . along with other parts of your body.”
“It did.” Why lie? If he helped her family at the same time he got lucky, it would be a win-win all around. “But I don’t like bullies preying on anyone, especially the elderly. I’m happy to take care of these assholes.”
With a clap on the shoulder, his boss nodded. “Good man. Be sure to watch your back.”
“Always do.”
“I’ll see you back in Lafayette on Monday?”
“Or Tuesday.” Josiah grinned.
With a laugh and a wave, they broke apart. He turned to find Maggie so he could finally get her alone. It didn’t take long to spot her—and the young, handsome ranch hand up in her grill. Dressed in dusty jeans, a Western shirt, and a dark hat, he looked like a Cowboy Ken doll crashing the glamorous wedding. Her ex? Josiah hadn’t seen him at the ceremony. When had he blown in?
Josiah sidled up behind Maggie and stood with his back to them both, pretending to scan his phone while shamelessly eavesdropping.
“Sawyer, don’t do this, not tonight.”
“Then when? I’ve waited for an explanation. And waited and waited . . .”
“What do you want me to explain? And why? It’s not like you were in love with me.”
“Maybe not, but—”
“If I didn’t break your heart, your need for an explanation is about your ego. I’m sorry, but I’m not here to stroke it. We had some good times, but if I’m being honest, they should never have happened.”
“You regret what we did? It meant nothing to you?”
“At the time, it meant something,” she said softly. “I won’t deny that. But you’re my grandparents’ foreman, the timing was terrible, and—”
“So I was just your rebound guy?” He shook his head. “You knew I liked you and you took advantage of my feelings so you could get your itch scratched.”
Clearly, Sawyer wasn’t the ex, but some guy Maggie dated after her engagement had fallen apart. And he was crying like a bitch that it was over.
“Seriously? What about the way you seduced me when I was unraveling?” she argued. “I was upset and confused, and you chose that moment to kiss me and tell me you wanted me. In some ways, you gave me an anchor when I needed one. And for that I was grateful. But—”
“You’re insinuating I took advantage of you?” Sawyer growled.
That accusing tone made Josiah glance over his shoulder. The cowboy with the brown hat and the aw-shucks charm had definitely turned confrontational. His eyes narrowed with anger, pain, and something else Josiah didn’t like.
Time to end this shit before it got out of hand.
He turned and slipped his arm around Maggie’s waist, sending Sawyer a direct glare. “Do we have a problem?”
Beside him, she stiffened. But before she could say anything, the cowboy jumped in, casting a furious glare at Josiah’s hand slung low on her hip. “This is between us. I’d appreciate it if you butted out.”
“I’m with her tonight, so frankly I’d appreciate if you butted out.”
Sawyer raised a dark brow and cast a stunned glower at Maggie. “Is he serious? Are you going to fu—”
“Don’t you finish that sentence, Sawyer,” Maggie insisted. “You and I are over, so who I spend time with and what I do now doesn’t matter.”
“We’re not over, damn it. You’re special, and I’m not giving up on us. Why are you?”
She winced and pursed her lips.
Josiah wanted to punch him for playing on her guilt. For now, he simply stepped forward, shielding Maggie behind him. “Listen, cowboy. In every language, no means no. The lady gave you her answer. Now you either fuck off or I’ll help you to fuck off. Your choice.”
Sawyer pushed his hat back on his head and tipped his chin up in challenge. “You think you’re going to make me?”
“I’d rather not upset the lady, but if you won’t respect her wishes, then yes.”
He laughed. “I’ll grind you into the dust.”
Josiah loved proving that someone else’s overconfidence was misplaced, especially when it came to fighting, but not here and now. “If you push me, I’ll put my seven years with the CIA up against your experience wrangling mooing animals. And it won’t be pretty.”
The cowboy ground his teeth together, looking like he couldn’t decide whether to shout in frustration or spit his vitriol, consequences be damned.
He did neither, turning to Maggie instead. “This isn’t over.”
Before Josiah could contradict him, Sawyer was gone. Cursing under his breath, he turned to Maggie. “You okay?”
She nodded, shielding her face with her hand. Was she frustrated? Embarrassed? Concerned? “I’m sorry you had to rescue me. I would have handled him eventually, but he . . .” She sighed. “He was a mistake.”
“He came after your breakup?”
She sent him a sharp stare. “You heard about that?”
“A little.”
“Davis, my fiancé . . . He was another mistake. I’d rather not talk about it, so I’m glad you know the basics. Can we forget tonight that Sawyer ever happened?”
&nbs
p; Her past wasn’t his concern, just her immediate future.
Josiah took her hand in his. “Lead the way.”
With a nod, she grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. He passed on the bubbly and followed her toward the exit. A handful of steps and they’d be out of here. Then he’d finally know how it felt to have his lips on hers and what she looked like naked and needy.
Unfortunately, fate still wasn’t on their side. A mountain with a beard, camo pants, and attitude stepped through the opening of the tent. He scanned the interior with a dark, intent gaze. One-Mile. Shit. Josiah had no doubt who the guy was looking for and he had little choice but to intervene.
“You shouldn’t be here, Walker.”
The big sniper sent him an annoyed glance, like one might a buzzing mosquito. “Fuck off.”
Josiah gripped him by the arm. “Now isn’t the time. Cutter doesn’t need this tonight. He just got married.”
“I don’t give a shit about him.” One-Mile scowled as he continued searching the area. “Where’s—” Suddenly, his entire body stiffened. “Brea . . .”
A glance confirmed he’d spotted her. She saw him, too. Her dark eyes widened like a frightened doe cornered by a hungry bear. Then his gaze dropped a fraction. She wrapped her hands around her baby bump protectively.
One-Mile broke free of his hold and stomped toward her. “Brea!”
His voice boomed over the chatter and the music. Heads turned. It was clear One-Mile didn’t give a shit. His sole focus was on the woman ten feet in front of him.
She shook her head. “Pierce . . .”
He tossed a chair out of his path and damn near hurdled a table to reach her. Brea backed away, but it was no use. He trapped her between a buffet table and his big body.
“I need to talk to you, little girl. It won’t wait.”
If Josiah had believed One-Mile capable of anything remotely like feelings he would have said the sniper’s voice was thick with emotion. But this was Walker. The asshole. The snarling loner. Still, his big face looked . . . tormented. What was up with that?
“No. Not here. Go.” Brea shook her head, looking around frantically for escape. “Please.”
Josiah jumped to Brea’s aid, heading straight for her so he could deliver One-Mile his second no-means-no speech of the night. Cutter joined him, his face without mercy.
They both reached her in seconds, flanking her small form and blocking One-Mile from coming any closer.
“You weren’t invited, asshole,” Cutter snarled. “She doesn’t want to see you.”
The sniper tore his gaze from the little brunette long enough to scowl at Cutter like scum on his shoes. “You’re married, and Brea is mine. That’s my baby she’s carrying. So. Back. The. Fuck. Off.”
“Hey, she said she doesn’t want your company tonight, big guy,” Josiah cajoled. “Turn around, get in your Jeep, and go back to Lafayette.”
“Like hell.” He settled his weighty stare on Brea. “I’ve waited weeks to see you. Talk to me.”
Behind him, Josiah sensed Brea’s indecision. She didn’t want to make a scene, but for some reason she also didn’t want to be alone with the man who’d gotten her pregnant.
“She doesn’t have to talk to her rapist. Turn your ass around and leave.”
“I didn’t rape her,” One-Mile growled between clenched teeth.
“Okay, you coerced her. We’re splitting hairs over semantics. Either scenario still makes you scum.”
Suddenly, Shealyn approached One-Mile. Her new husband tensed in worry when she fell under the giant’s shadow, but she merely held out her hand. “Shealyn West. Well, Bryant now. Pierce, Brea is dealing with a lot. She will talk to you when she’s ready. I know she wants to. She just needs a little more space and a bit more time to decide what to do.”
He shook his head as he shook her hand. “What is there to decide? She’s going to marry me.”
Shealyn cocked her head, looking as if she was gearing up to be the voice of reason. “You can’t force her—”
“It’s okay. I’ll talk to him.” Brea’s voice trembled. “We’re drawing attention, and the last thing I want is for you to stop your reception for me. Go. Enjoy your honeymoon. I’ll be fine.”
Cutter looked reluctant. “I won’t leave you when you need me.”
“Yes.” She took his hand and squeezed it. “You will. You and your wife have two amazing weeks in paradise at the most beautiful little bed-and-breakfast in Maui, ignoring the rest of the world, including me. I’ll give Pierce ten minutes. Josiah and Logan are here, just in case.” When Cutter still looked reluctant to throw her to the big bad wolf, she hugged him. “Really. I’ll text you later.”
Then, with a bracing breath, she squeezed her way between Josiah and Cutter to face One-Mile.
The sniper shoved his way forward and took her small fingers in one of his massive paws. Everyone held their breath, not knowing what to expect next. The last thing Josiah ever thought he’d see was One-Mile dropping to his knees and placing his free hand against Brea’s swelling abdomen.
The small crowd froze, stunned silent. The big asshole didn’t notice or care. He simply touched Brea with gentle reverence. Josiah would never have imagined the man capable of such tenderness if he hadn’t seen it with his own two eyes.
“Come on,” Shealyn murmured to Cutter as she tugged on the sleeve of his tuxedo jacket. “Let’s give them some privacy and get started on our married life.”
He let out a breath and finally nodded. “All right, sweetheart. Brea, call if you need anything at all.”
Nodding absently, she fisted a trembling hand at her side, and Josiah thought she looked less like she was nervous and more like she had to restrain herself from touching One-Mile to urge him closer.
What was up between these two? Josiah wasn’t sure, but one thing he had no doubt about? It was complicated.
After Maggie hugged her sister one final time, she urged him to give the estranged couple a little space. Josiah paced back a few feet. Logan loitered nearby as One-Mile guided Brea to a chair and crouched in front of her, his hands in hers. Despite the fact that he knelt on the floor, the big sniper was still taller than the pretty little preacher’s daughter.
Josiah didn’t really listen to gossip, but from what little he knew, he doubted they were going to solve their problems in the next ten minutes. Was Brea humoring the sniper? Did she understand that he killed for a living and wouldn’t be set aside with a few Southern bless-your-heart catchphrases? One-Mile was all soldier. He drove forward until he met his objective. Right now, it appeared as if his mission was to put a ring on Brea’s finger and get her back into his bed.
Their conversation was subdued. He rubbed her belly, stroked her face, brushed a thumb over her lip. She blushed and squirmed and whispered in return, tears running down her face. Then suddenly, she shook her head, rose, and darted out of the tent as if she were on fire.
One-Mile watched her go, standing slowly, his face full of resolution that didn’t surprise Josiah in the least. Whatever was happening between them wasn’t over—at least in the big sniper’s mind.
“You’ve had your chat with Brea. Time for you to go,” Logan said, his face hard.
Walker looked like he wanted to give chase, lash out—something. Instead, he kept his shit wired tight. “I’m leaving. For now.”
Then he stalked out the door, fired up his Jeep, and skidded out of the dirt before hitting the paved road with a squeal.
Josiah felt kind of sorry for the guy. When love didn’t work, it hurt like hell. Still, One-Mile should count himself lucky in some ways. Brea hadn’t told him she loved him, then blindsided him with a totally different story on the very day he intended to make her his wife.
“Hey,” Maggie murmured as she emptied her glass of champagne and left it on a nearby table. “You
okay?”
“Totally.” Maybe with all the drama over, he could shake this maudlin shit. Other people’s relationships weren’t his issue. What he and Magnolia West would have tonight was simple sex. And he intended to enjoy every minute of it. “Let’s get out of here before some other crisis that’s not our problem erupts.”
She bit her lip, giving him the kind of seductive stare that churned his blood. “Then you’ll finally kiss me?”
“You bet I will—and a whole lot more.”
* * *
• • •
Maggie breathed a sigh of relief when Josiah took her hand and they finally made it out of the tent without further incident. Together, they dashed across the yard, toward the house. She was struck both by the stars twinkling in the cold, cloudless sky and the warmth the man beside her gave off with a simple touch.
Spending the night with him was impulsive and probably crazy. God knew she was good at throwing herself from the frying pan into the fire. But Josiah felt different. He wasn’t anything like Sawyer, thank goodness. The moment she’d given in to her grandparents’ foreman, she’d known it would come back to bite her. But she’d been proving a point to herself. If she could find pleasure in Sawyer’s arms, then she couldn’t possibly have feelings for Davis. Unfortunately, she’d let Sawyer prove that point to her more than once, and he’d gotten possessive just as she’d exited an unhealthy engagement. She hadn’t been ready to even consider something exclusive or long-term with another man. She hadn’t realized that Sawyer didn’t suit her until the deed was done.
“Where are we going, baby?”
She wanted privacy, but she didn’t want somewhere rife with the memories of her mistakes.
“I’ve got just the place.” She squeezed his hand.
They slipped into the house. Maggie had no doubt Sawyer had probably watched them all the way to the door. As she locked it behind them, she shook off thoughts of him and focused on tonight. Most everyone else staying on the ranch had either retired or elected to bed down in the bunkhouse, so the coast should be clear now.
