And I wouldn’t let the Faraday name down by allowing some man to treat me like shit. It didn’t matter that he wasn’t a love interest—I cringed—I’d already done that. I’d had my betrayal.
My ex, Adam, had torn out my heart and smashed it into the ground. I’d given up everything for him, and he’d treated me like I was nothing. He’d told me he loved me, and I’d stupidly believed him.
Why are you thinking about Adam?
I shoved that bastard out of my head and focused my rage where it belonged, on Mase, the dog hater.
Asshole.
Jimmy was not weird looking.
Okay, maybe the mix of beagle, greyhound, and cattle dog was an odd one, but still! You insult my dog on top of all your other offenses, and you are done.
End of story.
“What’s up, Trix?”
I didn’t look up at Riff, too focused on my task. “I’m rage cleaning.”
Silence. “You’re gonna wear through the leather if you carry on at that level of aggression.”
“Aren’t you supposed to be meeting your wife for lunch?”
He chuckled. “Like that, is it?”
I huffed out a breath. “Shit, sorry, it’s not you…” I glanced up at Lila’s husband, and tried to control my scowl. “It’s Quinn’s arrogant brother. I did the job he wanted, despite him acting like a prick the entire time, and now he wants us to let bygones be bygones. I’m not down. Okay, yes, I could have told him where to go and refused to do the job, but he’s Quinn’s brother, you know? My trailer’s on their property. What the hell could I do? But honestly, I’ve reached my limit. I don’t want to be his friend or even friendly. I’m not into being fake. And I’m not going to pretend I like the guy just so I don’t have to move.”
Riff crossed his tattooed arms and winced.
I straightened. “What?”
“Don’t be pissed…”
“Grifter.”
“Look, you’re my girl’s girl, and you’re also my friend, which is why I have to tell you…even though Quinn was only trying to help…it would be a dick move to let you be ambushed, so even at the risk of Quinn’s wrath, you should know that Mase is on the way here to talk to you.”
“What?” Was steam coming out of my ears? I felt like steam was literally coming out of my ears. “Screw that, I’m out of here.”
“Or you could just stay and talk. You have to get this shit over with sometime.”
I snatched my bag off the table by the door. “I decide when that happens, Riff, not him. Jesus, of all the arrogant, egotistical things he could do. He decides we need to talk, so he’s just going to force me?”
Riff shrugged. “I think you two got off on the wrong foot. He’s Bull’s friend, and you know Bull doesn’t suffer fools.”
I scowled. “I’ll talk to him when I’m good and ready and not before.”
Rushing through the shop, I ignored Dane’s questioning look and walked out the door. Dane was married to Eves, and I’d bet money as soon as Riff filled him in he’d call his wife, my friend, and fill her in on my latest drama.
Jumping in my car, I fired Veronica to life and took off. I was running away, and yes, it was cowardly. I knew I had to talk to him, but I needed to cool down first. My temper had gotten me into trouble on numerous occasions, and the way I was feeling after our last conversation, if I talked to him now, I’d only make things worse.
Also, he didn’t get to win this!
I loved Quinn, and hating on her brother would only upset her. So yes, Riff was right, I had to find a way to get along with Mase for her sake…but when I was ready and not before. And selfishly, forcing myself to be civil to the guy would mean I could stay where I was until I had enough of a deposit for the small section I had my heart set on.
My grandmother’s voice filled my head.
Don’t put down roots, girl. Roots are shackles, they’ll hold you down. I raised you to live free.
Which was why staying in Rocktown had never been the plan. I never imagined I’d fall in love with the place, that I’d make friends who were like family.
For so long, Gran had been the only person I’d allowed myself to trust, the only person I could rely on.
I thought about the letter she’d written me—her dying wish for me—and my stomach sank. I didn’t want to let her down, not again.
But I wasn’t sure I could say goodbye to everyone here either.
Was I shackling myself by staying here? Was I only asking for more hurt down the line?
Stop.
I’d think about that later. I couldn’t do it now.
I drove around for a while, then ended up at the lake. I came here a lot. It was so incredibly peaceful. The water glistening under the summer sky, the sound of birds and insects, the breeze moving through the trees and long grass.
I breathed deep…then groaned as I blew out a frustrated breath.
Okay, maybe…just maybe, Mase wasn’t the only one who’d been a little touchy. I hadn’t been myself, lately. I could admit that, and I knew why.
Kiss me, kitten.
A shiver slid through me. His voice, my Adonis, was so clear, and Mase, well, he kind of sounded like my sexy stranger. Every time I’d talked to Quinn’s brother since that night, there’d been a pang in the center of my chest, and then I’d get angry with myself for running away that morning. Basically, Mase, the
