Page 36 of Wild Love

I think she was used to those little digs. "I like spending time with your family, and Chance is always welcome at the lodge with mine."

"How are your parents?" Scarlett asked.

That felt like a diversion, but I allowed it. We were in a crowd of people after all. "They're in Ireland, enjoying retirement."

A smile spread over her face. "That's so nice. I'd love to travel to Europe."

I frowned. "You haven't been?"

"Just inside the US. But never outside."

I'd love to show her everything she'd been missing.

Another woman stopped by with cookies.

"Gladys, thank you so much. It's so good to see you." Scarlett hugged the older lady.

"Scarlett St. Claire. How long you here for this time?" Gladys asked as she pulled back.

Scarlett managed not to wince. "Not sure."

Maybe she was used to the remarks on her comings and goings.

"I hope you stick around for a while. It's good to have you back, and I'm sure your parents are happy to have you home."

"They sure are." Scarlett smiled as Gladys walked away.

I waited until the woman was out of earshot, then raised my brow. "That a normal occurrence for you?"

Scarlett shrugged. "It's a small town. It's to be expected."

I let out a breath. "I don't like it."

Her surprised gaze flitted to mine. "It's fine, really."

"You don't deserve to come home and hear those comments."

Scarlett moved close to me and placed her hand on my chest. "I'm used to it now."

"You shouldn't have to be." Is that why she didn't come home often? Everyone judged her?

Scarlett patted my chest. "You're sweet."

Before I could respond, she was gone, moving around the room, greeting my brothers. She was probably thanking them for coming and being a good host, but I didn't like her paying any attention to my brothers.

I socialized but kept an eye on Scarlett. She smiled and nodded, but I wondered how many more comments she endured from seemingly well-meaning people. Her life choices shouldn't be up for anyone else's judgment.

After dinner, I helped Xander start a fire out back. "You going out tonight?"

"I'll probably hit the bars."

I sat in one of the chairs positioned in a circle around the fire pit. "You aren't sick of that scene yet?"

Xander gave me a look. "I'm not old like you, so no."

The drinking and picking up women at bars weren't usually my thing. I'd talk up a woman at my bar, especially if she was a tourist. But I didn't like to get involved with anyone local. I wasn't ready for a commitment before, but Scarlett had me rethinking my outlook on everything.

"I've done too much of that myself. By the time our performances are over, the only thing open is a bar. I'm so done with that scene." Scarlett sat next to Xander, across from me, and Marigold sat next to her.

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