Page 8 of Entangled with a Mountain Man

No, it's better to keep my distance. Safer for everyone involved.

I turn back to Axton. "So, brother. What kind of trouble are you getting yourself into this time?"

"You know me," he grins. "Trouble's my middle name. But right now, I'm more interested in what's got you looking like you've seen a ghost."

I glance back at where Kenzie had been, but she's long gone. "It's nothing. Just... town drama."

Axton raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "Uh-huh. And I'm the Queen of England. Come on, spill it."

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "It's complicated, Ax. And not something I want to get into with the girls around."

He nods, understanding flashing in his eyes. "Alright, then. Let's grab a table at Millie's. I'm starving, and I bet these little monsters could use some dinner, too."

The girls cheer at the mention of food, momentarily distracted from their curiosity about Kenzie. I shoot Axton a grateful look, which he acknowledges with a subtle nod.

"You want to join us, Steph?" I ask, turning to her.

She smiles, shaking her head. "Thanks, but I should get back to the shelter. Got a new girl coming in tonight that I need to get settled."

As she walks away, I wonder if the "new girl" might be Kenzie.

The thought of her alone and vulnerable, especially after what I witnessed at the bus station, makes me want to find her. But it's not my problem.

We make our way to Millie's Diner, the girls skipping ahead and chattering excitedly about what they will order. The familiar bell above the door chimes as we enter, and the comforting smell of coffee and fried food envelops us.

We slide into our usual booth. The red vinyl seats, the black and white checkered floor, the jukebox in the corner playing old rock 'n' roll hits. Milli’s is like stepping back into the 1950s.

This diner has been a constant in Silver Ridge for as long as I can remember, where the whole town comes to eat and gossip. But that’s how most small towns get their share of entertainment. Their own form of reality TV.

Hazel and Harper immediately start squabbling over who gets to sit by the window. I open my mouth to intervene, but Axton beats me to it.

"Enough, you two," he says, his voice firm but not unkind. "Why don't you let Uncle Ax sit by the window this time?"

The girls pout, but they know better than to argue with Axton. He's always had a way of handling them that I envy. I can't deny them anything, not after everything we've been through, but I know I can't let their behavior get out of control either.

The waitress appears, her pencil poised over her pad. "What can I get y'all to drink?"

"Sweet tea for me, darlin'," Axton drawls, laying on the charm thick.

"Just water," I grunt, earning a disapproving look from Axton.

"It wouldn't kill you to be a little nicer."

I shrug, unmoved. "I'm paying for dinner, not friendship."

Axton opens his mouth to lecture me on manners, but the girls cut him off.

"We want chocolate milkshakes!" Harper pipes up, bouncing in her seat.

"With extra cherries!" Hazel adds, her eyes wide and pleading.

I hesitate, ready to shut them down. Milkshakes before dinner? Not a chance. But then I catch Axton's gaze, that familiar glint of mischief sparkling in his green eyes.

With a sigh, I relent. "Fine. But just this once."

The girls squeal with delight, and even Axton looks impressed. I lean back in the booth, trying to recall when I lost control of this situation.

As the waitress bustles off to put in our order, an awkward silence falls over the table. Axton's gaze drifts to the window, his expression uncharacteristically pensive.

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