I should be more concerned about that, but the moment I saw Marcus get up in Paige’s business, I wanted to rip his head off his scrawny shoulders. Fuck. I don’t know why I get so wound up about this woman.
My wife considers his question. “He didn’t want to introduce me to his parents because I wasn’t the right caliber of girl, so hopefully he’s too embarrassed about the whole thing to mention this to anyone.”
Tugging her closer, I growl. “I should’ve kicked his ass. What a moron.” My brother has the good sense to make himself scarce.
Paige tilts her head up, her lips tugged up in amusement. “I appreciate you trying to stand up for my honor, but maybe we don’t put our hands on anyone next time.”
Leaning down, I kiss her forehead. “Yes, ma’am.”
Maybe this should concern me, but I’m finding it’s easier and easier to promise Paige whatever she wants.
23
PAIGE
Baylee takesthe towel off my head. “You’ve been strangely radio silent about what all’s been going on at the ranch.”
We’re at her mom’s salon, but it’s early, and I’m the first customer. I swivel my chair away from her so I can face the mirror. “Actually, something really funny happened the other night. I walked into the kitchen to get a glass of water, and Jace and one of his groupies fell out of the pantry half naked.” I snort. “I left a container of Clorox wipes outside his bedroom door with instructions to sanitize any area that his bare ass might’ve touched. I woke up the next morning, and the whole house smelled like bleach.”
She laughs and shakes her head.
I tug on my hair, debating whether I should try bangs. “Oh, and Rhett built me a henhouse. He and Beau painted it red with white trim. They even made a sign over the doorway that says ‘Paige’s Little Cluckers.’ It’s freaking adorable. Then we went to the tractor supply store and got some Rhode Island Reds, and soon we’re going to have farm-fresh eggs.” I clap like a little nerd. “I’ve always wanted chickens. The ranch dogs get a littlecrazy around them, but Rhett says they’ll get used to my cluckers soon enough. Let me show you some pics.”
After I scroll through twenty-three photos of my chickens, Baylee chuckles. “Look at you, farm girl.”
“I know. I love the ranch so much. Last night, I sat out by the fire pit and read a book on my Kindle. There were a million stars out. It felt like a slice of heaven. I even forgot about the Marcus situation for a bit.”
She grabs a comb. “I’m kinda sad Rhett didn’t at least punch him.”
“I don’t want Rhett to get in trouble. What if Marcus tells Harlan we dated? That I broke up with Marcus days before I married Rhett? Then he’ll know Rhett just got hitched so he could get that loan. But we saw Harlan last weekend at the grocery store, and he just waved. Still, I’m paranoid.”
She combs out my wet hair. “It’s crazy that Marcus is related to Harlan.”
“It is, but it isn’t. Marcus is an investment banker or something, and Harlan owns banks. Or maybe his family does? I’m not really sure.”
“Are we doing the same shade of red?” she asks as she studies my roots, which aren’t too bad since my real hair is auburn.
“Yeah. Rhett loves it.” The fiery color has grown on me. I want to be the kind of woman who can pull off bold hair.
“I’m sure the Harlan stuff is stressful, but that’s not what I’m talking about.”
I wrinkle my nose. “Do you mean the sabotage? I talked Rhett into waiting to hear back from the sheriff before he storms the McAllister compound. But it’s been weeks, and I’m starting to worry we’ll never find out who’s been cutting our fences. But isn’t Cash smarter than that? Would he really mess with Rhett? I don’t think he has a death wish.”
“I’m not talking about the sabotage.” My best friend rolls her eyes. “I’m talking about the hot monkey sex you’re obviously having.”
I laugh and cover my mouth. “Baylee.”
“What? You’ve wanted to bed Rhett Walker since we figured out what sex is, and now you’re not gonna tell me anything?”
“He’s my husband, not some hookup.”
She makes a face. “It’s that good, huh?”
I grin. “It’s ah-maze-ing. It’s so good, I’m sore.”
“Bitch. I wanna have Animal Planet sex.” She pouts. “I’m definitely getting on dating apps. I’m gonna hop on some hot guy’s dick and forget all about Maverick Walker once and for all.”
I reach behind me for her hand. “It’s his loss.”
