“And this was just your first stop,” I chirp. “Next on your schedule is the petting zoo.”
After helping Jamie dismount, we exit the corral and I point to the trail they need to take. It can be a bit confusing to navigate for first-timers. Camp Cloverleaf is set on thirty-five acres of repurposed farmland at the edge of town. The property was donated to Youth First—a local organization—after Mom got the initial plans in motion. From tending the vegetable gardens to molding clay in pottery class, the list of therapeutic services is extensive. Call me biased but the horse stables are my favorite.
“Hopefully I’ll see you again soon.” I wave to Amber and Jamie when they begin walking away.
The gracious mom beams at me over her shoulder. “You can count on it. Thanks again, Bianca.”
With my heart full and a pep in my step, I stride toward the barn with Toffee in tow. The distance allows me to get lost in my thoughts for a moment. I tip my face to the sky and exhale. This is what I needed after the past several days trapped under Colton’s overbearing reign.
Camp Cloverleaf is one of the few spots that he relents slightly. He’s probably wearing a path into the grass over at the picnic tables. That’s his usual place to pace obsessively untilI’m done with my shift. Jamie was my final student for the afternoon, which doesn’t give me long to enjoy the peace.
I can’t complain too much. Aside from my mom leaving us far too soon and potential danger lying in wait, I’ve been very fortunate. There’s just this urge to break free from the judgment Dad and Brody still hold over me. I had a rebellious and reckless phase, like any teenager fighting for independence. It’s not as if I did anything that bad. But here I am, struggling to be treated like a responsible adult.
These restrictions are meant to protect me, but I feel smothered. I can’t even remember the last time I went on a date. Not that I’ve been in the mood for romance since losing Mom. Lust is one thing, and I can feed that beast on my own, but it takes effort to build a real connection with someone. Maybe I should try. It could be fun, comforting even.
While I’m considering the possibility, a woman materializes from the shadows of a horse stall. The sight of her startles me and I yelp, freezing on the spot. She prowls forward in a predatory motion that raises my hackles higher. Her strapless leather bodysuit might as well be gasoline on the fire.
“You’re a tough woman to get alone,” the redhead purrs.
I tie Toffee to a hitching post while squinting at this stranger, searching my memory for recognition. “Do we know each other?”
“Colton hasn’t mentioned me?” She pouts her ruby-stained lips in an exaggerated manner. “I’m offended.”
A spike of terribly misplaced jealousy tries to rattle me. “I don’t think he’d care.”
Her head dips in acknowledgment. “Some things never change. That’s why the boss sent me. He figured his son wouldn’t pass along his appreciation.”
“And you’re here to do the honors. How completely unnecessary.”
Her shrug is graceful. “You’ll want to hear what I have to say.”
Disbelief snorts from me. “I don’t see how that’s possible.”
“A little birdie told us that you’re having trouble leaving town on your own. We can help you escape.”
“Ohhhh,” I laugh while wondering which gossip is responsible for outing me. “The cowboy criminals want to make me disappear. Convenient.”
“Is that what you’re calling us?” She flips red hair over her bare shoulder. “I’ll have shirts made.”
“That’ll have you dressed more appropriately at a family-friendly facility,” I mutter.
Her glare is sharper than her stiletto nails. “Bitchy, huh? Makes sense.”
“Excuse me?” I bristle and straighten to my full five-foot-three height. If she wants to talk shit, I’ll gladly bring out my own claws.
“Don’t get your thong in a twist,” she huffs. “That’s just what Colton sees in you.”
“Guess he has a type,” I fire in return.
Flames dance in her eyes and she steps closer. The air shifts, swirling with hostility. Those self-defense classes are about to finally pay off. I grin while bracing for her next barb.
But just as she’s about to pounce, a blur of motion races into the barn. The adorable bundle of energy launches herself at the redhead’s legs, cinching them in a fierce hug. It must be a very happy day. Those have been rare for Ronnie lately. Maybe this stranger is good for something after all.
I realize the villainess is frozen in place. She stares at the little girl and her demeanor instantly changes from the child’s onslaught. Gone is the badass bombshell. In her place is a subdued version, unaware of where to put her hands. She lifts them like this is a hostage situation and nobody has to get hurt.
Ronnie’s father arrives a moment later. My oldest cousin bends at the waist to catch his breath. “Gosh, she’s fast.”
“Found someone of interest.” I nod at the two still locked in an embrace.
