Page 78 of Entangled with a Mountain Man

It's just milkshakes, I tell myself. What could go wrong?

Pulling into Millie's parking lot, I take a deep breath. "All right, girls. Let's make this quick, okay?"

They nod, but I can see the excitement in their eyes. We walk into the diner, and I immediately feel everyone's stares.

Keep your head up, I think. You have every right to be here.

We slide into a booth, and Betty comes over with a warm smile. "Well, if it isn't my favorite twins! Where's your daddy tonight?"

"A business trip," I say quickly before the girls can say anything too much. "We just stopped in for some milkshakes."

Betty nods, her eyes softening with understanding. "Coming right up, sugar."

As we wait for our shakes, I hear the whispers around us. I try to focus on the girls, asking them about their favorite parts of the day at the ranch. But it's hard to focus with people staring daggers in my back.

Finally, our milkshakes arrive. The girls dig in eagerly. I don't want to admit it, but being here without Everett makes me feel exposed and vulnerable.

"Miss Kenzie?" Hazel's voice pulls me from my thoughts. "Can we come back tomorrow with Daddy?"

My heart clenches. "We'll see, button. Your daddy might be tired when he gets back."

Harper's lower lip trembles. "But he promised to take us for ice cream when he got back."

I reach across the table, squeezing her hand. "I'm sure he'll keep that promise as soon as he can. Now, finish up your shakes. It's getting late."

Everett didn't tell the girls he'd be away for at least three days. I guess I'll have to keep them occupied at the house until he returns.

As the girls slurp the last of their milkshakes, I stand up to pay the bill. That's when I see him.

Ian.

He's standing by the door, his eyes locked on me. My heart starts racing, and I can feel my palms getting sweaty.

Not now, I think desperately. Not with the girls here.

I turn back to the booth, trying to keep my voice steady. "All right, girls. Time to go."

They must sense my urgency because they don't argue. We make our way to the door, and I can see Ian's eyes following us.

As we step outside, I hear his voice. "Kenzie."

I freeze, my hand on the truck door. "Girls, get inside," I say quietly.

They scramble in, and I turn to face Ian. He's closer now, and I can smell the alcohol on his breath.

"What do you want, Ian?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

He smiles, but it doesn't reach his eyes. "Can't a guy say hello to an old friend?"

"We're not friends," I say firmly. "Please, just leave us alone."

I turn to get in the truck, but he grabs my arm. "Kenzie, wait. I just want to talk."

The girls scream, and I feel a surge of protectiveness. "Let go of me, Ian."

He releases my arm, holding up his hands. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I just... I miss you, Kenz. I made a mistake."

I shake my head, keeping my voice low. "Ian, that's not possible. You lied to me."

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