Page 29 of Destined Chaos
“It’s his thing,” Hugh clarified. “He emits an attraction pheromone, which is just one of his many skills.”
“Well, you must be disappointed then.”
Porter’s smile grew. “On the contrary. It solidifies things for everyone. My juju doesn’t work on the other women in her family, and clearly, you’re meant to be one of them. So, if you ever need anything, anything at all, please let me know. This family can be a little difficult to navigate.”
“Now, wait a minute.” I gawked.
Champ chuckled, “Girl, you work fast.”
Hugh’s scowl turned into a frown, and he turned his gaze from Porter to me as if realizing that he’d missed the part that I hadn’t fallen at Porter’s feet.
“Son of a…” Hugh’s words trailed off.
I held up my hand, stopping their implications. “I can’t be the only one. And just because your juju doesn’t work on me doesn’t mean I’m meant to be part of anyone’s family. I just got out of a relationship.”
“Technically, you’re still trying,” Champ added.
I pointed at him. “See, I broke up with the last one because I don’t want anything serious and most certainly nothing permanent, no matter why your juju doesn’t work on me.”
“Yes, well. We all go through denial. Enjoy that,” Porter said and headed for the door. “I have to go back and report to my boss and my wife that you turned me down. That’s only ever happened twice, and she was the first.”
13
Hugh
“I’m sorry that he blindsided you like that.” I grabbed Libby’s crutches and offered them to her. “I’m going to kill my sister for sending him here.”
“She cares about you. I get it. If I had siblings, I imagine I’d do the same,” Libby said, hobbling to the door.
“You really couldn’t feel his juju?” Champ asked as he followed behind us. “Because, let me tell you, I might have considered crossing the fence if he would have smiled that way at me.”
She paused in her tracks and watched as Stella was staring after Porter like he hung the moon. It wasn’t until the elevator closed that she shook the look from her face and returned to what she was doing.
“He wasn’t kidding,” she whispered.
“No. He doesn’t kid, and his boss wouldn’t think twice about using you and putting you in harm’s way if it served his purpose, so I’m glad you told them no.”
Champ pushed the call button. “So, what now, kiddos?”
“I’m going home to pack some things and deal with Peter, and then we’re flying back in the morning.”
The elevator arrived, and we stepped inside. Champ held the door open with his hand, not following us in. “Libby, sell the property and get back here. I need you.”
“You’re fine, Champ.”
“You sure?”
She smiled. “Of course, I’m sure.”
Hesitation clouded Champ’s eyes. “I guess, if you say so.”
“I do.”
He nodded. “Well, let me know if you have an issue with Peter or if you need some more muscle to make sure he leaves this time.”
“She’ll be fine,” I answered for her.
Champ grinned. “I’m sure she will.”
