I snicker to myself, clutching my phone tighter.
God, I love them.
Not even two seconds later, a photo lights up my screen—a screenshot of their itinerary. They’re arriving this afternoon.
Finally, some normalcy. Something that makes me feel like I can breathe again.
I guess my giggling was too loud, because Carter starts to stir on the floor.
A low, gravelly groan rumbles out of him, filling the room.
Shit, if that isn’t the hottest sound I’ve ever heard. I glance up just in time to catch him shifting, muscles flexing, and his face scrunching against the morning light.
“Jesus,” he mutters, his voice thick with sleep. His eyes crack open, immediately narrowing into a glare. “What the hell is so funny?”
I press my phone to my chest, grinning like the little shit that I am. “Oh, nothing,” I chirp sweetly. “Just texting my girls about my new guard dog. And they’re visiting this weekend, soooo get ready, Carter—so much fun headed your way.”
He groans again, dragging a hand down his face, lookinglike he’s already regretting every decision that led him to this moment.
“I’m not your goddamn guard dog,” he grumbles. “And great. Can’t wait.Somuch fun.”
The sarcasm drips off every word.
He pushes himself up to sit, his hair messy, and somehow, that only makes him look fucking hotter. He mutters under his breath as he shifts, shooting me a glare that’s way more fond than he probably realizes.
“This is what I get for giving a shit.”
Oh?
I practically bounceon my heels as I stand outside the tiny Ruby Ridge airport, scanning the small crowd with frantic excitement. The second I spot Amelia’s sleek black suitcase and Layla’s bright, beaming face, I fucking lose it.
“Oh my God!!!”
I sprint towards them, nearly tackling them both in a crushing hug, tears instantly springing to my eyes.
Amelia pulls back first, her sharp green eyes dragging over me like she’s trying to solve a puzzle.
“Bitch, you look like a whole-ass ranch princess,” she says, tugging at the edge of my white tank top in shock.
Layla gasps, grabbing my hand dramatically. “Wait. Are those boots?” She squints closer. “Of course you fucking bedazzled them.”
I roll my eyes as they both cackle. “First of all, rude,” Ihuff. “Second of all, if I had to wear these ugly boots I had to make them sparkle, so shut the fuck up.”
Layla squeezes my arm, dropping her voice to a faux-whisper. “Okay, but an important question... is Carter secretly a serial killer? Blink twice if you’re being held hostage, and we’ll stage a rescue.”
I snort. These bitches.
“I’m fineeeee,” I say, dragging my words out dramatically. “God, you guys are so extra.”
Amelia grins, already scanning behind me. “Wait, is loverboy here?”
She wiggles her eyebrows, making an exaggerated kissy face that has Layla choking on laughter.
I sigh, gesturing behind me where Carter leans against his truck, arms crossed, and wearing his signature unimpressed scowl like it’s part of his uniform.
Amelia and Layla turn at the same time and instantly go silent.
“Oh,” Amelia breathes, dragging her gaze down his massive frame. “The picture did not do that man justice. I totally fucking get it now.”
