Page 28 of Betrayed

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I knew exactly what he meant.

It’d be a cold day in hell before I let anyone take over the day shift.

Instead of answering, Jack exaggerated his movements to look at his watch. “By the time you leave, it’ll be Jay’s shift.” He picked up his phone. “Want me to ask him to start early and drive Blake back?”

My best friend was an asshole.

Glancing at Blake, I grumbled, “That won’t be necessary.”

Chapter 16

Blake

AJ was right. The coffee shop had the typical barista counter, but the decor belonged in an old-fashioned saloon. The high top tables in the center looked like they belonged in a bar, not a coffee shop. Old photos, and new ones in black and white, decorated the walls along with shelves filled with old colorful bottles and cowboy hats.

Somehow, it worked, providing a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere.

“You remember Meg?” Jack asked.

“Hi. It’s nice to meet you, again,” I shook her offered hand.

“It’s nice to see you,” she said. “This is Emily, Jamie’s fiancé.”

By the time AJ came in, Jack had introduced me to Mary, John’s wife, Jack’s mother, and owner of Grannie’s, and Beth, Doug’s fiancé, Mary’s best friend, and café manager.

Talk about a small town. It seemed like everyone was related to, or married to, someone from Sheppard and Sons.

Before long, it was obvious these women were close. So, not only did I feel like an outsider intruding, but it reminded me of what I didn’t have—women in my life who loved or supported me the way these women did for each other.

My mom had, but I’d lost her after graduating from high school. And Paige used to, but lately she hasn’t been there for me.

I missed them both.

I plastered on a smile. Faking comfort in group settings was nothing new to me. If I could do it for an entire evening at one of Daddy’s parties, I could do it here for a few minutes. Then I could go hide in a corner and study.

When I sensed AJ standing near me, my shoulders relaxed, and it took less effort to smile.What’s that about?I told myself it was because he was my bodyguard and his presence meant safety. As much as I hated to admit it, I was getting used to him being around.

More than that, his presence comforted me.I’m more afraid than I care to admit.

When Meg invited me to sit with them, I sensed an energy shift. Had AJ asked them to come here? Was I some kind of charity chase? Was her invitation to make AJ happy?

Part of me wanted to decline the invitation, storm off and wallow in my anger at AJ for setting this up.

But I didn’t. Instead, I looked at each of the women. As far as I could tell, their invitation was genuine.

The other part appreciated the distraction, and if I was being completely honest with myself, it was thoughtful of AJ to think of it.

God only knows why AJ’s reassurance, they’d understand if I said no, made the decision easier, but it did.

I accepted the invitation. I could always say I had to study and escape if I was uncomfortable.

Except I wasn’t, and an hour flew by in the blink of an eye as I learned more about each of them. I loved how they all had their own careers, even if it surprised me. I assumed all alpha men were toxic and wanted their wives to stay home. The words ‘barefoot and pregnant’ crossed my mind. But I was clearly wrong.At least for this group.

When asked, I confessed I wasn’t seeing anyone. I didn’t miss Meg glancing at Jack and AJ with a devilish grin on her face.Must be an inside joke with Jack.

Mary excused herself to cover the counter during the shift change and came back with a plate of pastries a few minutes later. I loved baked treats but rarely ordered them, knowing they’d go straight to my hips and ass.

I compared my short, full figure with each of them. I shouldn’t have, but I did. Emily and Meg were both thin and fit. Mary and Beth weren’t as thin, but that made sense, they were older and had kids. My only excuse was bad genes and a carb craving. Priscilla, the queen of starving herself and Zumba, was always telling me I needed to eat less and work out more.

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