Page 4 of Wild Love

I immediately felt ashamed that I'd treated her like everyone else. "I didn't mean to sound like I was judging you. It's just that Chance is my friend."

"And you want to protect him." Her voice sounded flatter, more resigned.

"I've heard a lot about you over the years."

"Nothing good, I bet." Scarlett stood and went over to the railing, where her face was bathed in moonlight.

I stood, moving close enough to touch. "There'd have to be something good to report."

She shot an irritated look over her shoulder. "What did he tell you?"

"That you go from one job to the other, never settling in one place."

Scarlett turned slightly. "I work in the theater. That's the job. When one production is over, you have to find another."

I drank the rest of the warm beer. It wasn't the break I wanted from her heated gaze. "I don't know what that industry is like."

"My family never understood it. But it's part of the job."

I set the bottle down on a nearby table. Then I stepped closer and lowered my voice. "Are you misunderstood? Does no one know the real Scarlett?"

Scarlett's gaze slid to mine as if she didn't trust my words.

I remembered all the times Chance talked to me about her and relayed how hurt their parents were by her rare visits. "Your family worries about you, and they love you. They'd prefer you visit more often or even move here."

Scarlett turned slightly. "Why does everyone think you need to stay in your hometown?"

Was that what I was saying?

Scarlett gazed over the land. "I love my life."

"How long are you staying this time?" I couldn't keep the censure out of my voice. She'd be gone in no time, leaving my friend and his family hurt.

Scarlet pursed her lips, and I wondered what they'd feel like against mine. "That's none of your business."

"When you mess with my friend's feelings, it is." My voice hardened.

Scarlett turned fully so that she was facing me.

We stood too close. If her brother came outside and found us in this position, he'd wonder what was going on.

Her hand found my bicep. Her heat seared through the thin material of my suit jacket. Was she going to kiss me?

"Let's get a few things straight." Her voice was hard.

There was something about her demanding tone that had my dick stirring. I went for a nonchalant expression. "And what's that?"

"What I do is none of your business."

"But you're my best friend's younger sister. What you do affects him and not in a good way." My voice had a bite to it.

Scarlett huffed. "You both need to stay out of my life."

I tipped my head to the side. "Afraid we'll get a little too close to the truth? That there's a reason you stay away, and why you're home now?"

Her eyes flared, and I wondered what she was hiding. "I never stay in one place for long."

"Got that, sweetheart."

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