Byron’s lips part at the sight. “What’s happening?”
“She’s a superhero, Daddy.” Ronnie snuggles the unresponsive woman as if she’s her new favorite stuffy.
Byron admires the skintight outfit in a very different light. “She’s something.”
The little girl parks her chin on the redhead’s thigh, gazing up at her with blatant adoration. “Will you be my mommy?”
My heart clenches. She looks so hopeful. Meanwhile, the spandex seductress appears horrified.
Her dagger nails pry off Ronnie’s arms, allowing her to stumble backward and away from the clutches of affection. She glances at the little girl before whirling on her biker boots and running off.
Ronnie sighs, a goofy grin painting her lips. “I like her.”
“Why’s that?” I can’t help wondering.
Her slim shoulders bounce while she stares off in the direction the stranger went. The peaceful gleam in her eyes is almost adorable. “Dunno, but she’s super pretty.”
“Sure is.” My cousin is wearing a similar expression. “Who is she?”
“Don’t even think about it,” I scold. “She works for Colton’s dad.”
Byron’s eyes snap to mine just as my devoted bodyguard appears out of thin air. It must be a trick of the trade.
Colton stands entirely too close to me. “Who works for him?”
“Your lover,” I croon.
Ronnie clasps her palms to her chest. “She’s gonna be my mommy.”
“Is this a regular thing?” I ask her dad from the corner of my mouth.
Byron looks lost. “No, she’s never done this.”
“Could’ve picked a more likely candidate,” I mumble.
Ronnie shakes her head. “She’s gonna take away my sadness.”
I share a look with Byron. The sweet girl lost her mama at the start. Nina died during childbirth. She didn’t even get to hold her precious angel. That tragedy has stuck with my cousin all these years, but Ronnie didn’t seem to feel her mother’s absence. Not until recently, right after her fifth birthday. Her abrupt attitude shift is what initiated her frequent visits to Camp Cloverleaf.
My cousin whips off his hat, dragging an agitated hand through his hair. “What should I do?”
“Tell me her name,” Colton interjects, his gaze heavy on me.
“Don’t know, but she was stunning. You know how to pick ‘em, Cowboy.” I bat my lashes at him.
“You dated her?” There’s an accusation in Byron’s voice.
“I don’t have an ex,” he spits at my cousin before returning his glare to me. “What did she say to you?”
I inspect my manicure that’s crusted with dirt. “Just some stuff.”
“Be specific.”
“Ask me nicely,” I clap back.
His jaw clenches. “Don’t be a brat, Princess.”
“That’s like asking me not to breathe.”
