Page 7 of Cheyenne

Cheyenne

Cheyenne had no idea what was happening, but she did not like Micah Jamison. She turned and crossed her arms, assuming the same position he had. “What are you doing here, and why are you acting like you deserve answers?”

Micah’s face went somber, and he pointed to the beach. “I would prefer we don’t talk right here. Can we go to the walkway on the beach and walk and talk for a second?”

Annoyance pulsed through her, but she knew she needed to pay attention. If Micah was here, he must have been sent by Trey. Both of their families had been through a lot with the conquistador gold in the last couple years. “Fine.” She began walking toward where he was pointing. It was getting dark, but the pathway was lit by garden lights.

He fell into step beside her, and she smelled sandalwood or cedar or some type of cologne.

Why was she smelling him?

He looked … grown up. Way more than he had at her brother Blaze’s wedding. When had that been? Three or four years ago? She wasn’t sure. She remembered he had been about to go to college, or maybe the Navy, but she had not gotten an update onhim since. Why would she? It had been one horseback ride with him. He had been interesting, but they had led different lives.

The walkway turned into boards above the sand. There weren’t many people out—some kids that looked college-aged sat around a bonfire, and one other person was playing a guitar. The water was calm, and she found that she loved being here.

“Okay, you can talk,” she told him. She was doing her best to tamp down her irritation.

Micah scoffed. “Is that how you talk to all the guys you date? Is that how you talked to Eli before I showed up?”

“Eli and I … We aren’t dating.”

“Really?” He cocked an eyebrow. “It looked like you were about to kiss him.”

“Iam none of your business.”

“Listen, I don’t care about Eli. I was asked to check in on you.”

She threw her hands up. “By who?”

“Porter asked my dad. My dad asked me.”

“Of course he did.” She moved to stand at the edge of the walkway, drawing in a deep breath. “Of course he did.” She was tempted to call her brother right now and tell him he could just stay out of her life.

A rumbling laugh came out of Micah. “It’s a good thing he did, because you were about to kiss that guy. You don’t evenknowthat guy.”

The words caused her to feel a mix of embarrassment, humiliation, and anger. She whipped back around to face Micah. He was significantly taller than Eli—around six foot or maybe six one, she would guess. He had blond hair, dark brown eyes, and very tanned skin. She could tell he was built from the way his clothes fit snugly around his shoulders. Attraction burned in her gut, but she pushed it away. “Why do you care if I was about to kiss him? He is staying in the condo next door to mine. He askedif I wanted to go to dinner, that’s all. It’s harmless. And he is not a stranger.” She didn’t have to tell this guy her life story.

Micah shook his head. “Right. Arandomguy asked you to dinner and then you almost kissed him. Were you going to invite him in?”

Now she was ticked off. This guy was accusing her of being loose in her morals? “No. I wasn’t going to invite him in. Not that it’s any of your business.”

His jaw clenched, and he crossed his arms again, assuming the kind of stance she imagined she’d see on a cop or military person. “Trey made itmybusiness. And your brother made ithisbusiness. Which means it’s very muchmybusiness.”

Cheyenne wanted to push this guy back. It wasn’t like he was trying to get into her personal space, but he was a big guy, which automatically made him closer to her than she wanted. “I will call my brother and tell him I’m fine. You can go back to wherever you were and do whatever you want.” She turned on her heel and walked back toward the condo.

He quickly caught up to her. “That’s not possible. When Trey asks me to do something, he expects me to follow through. I’ve been asked to keep an eye on you all week. I assume that’s how long you’re going to be here. Spring break, right?”

“As a matter of fact, I am on spring break. The first spring break I’ve ever taken. I’m a senior in college, and this is a gift that I have worked for and earned. So don’t act like I’m just some random spring breaker. I’m going to do whatever I want.” She kept walking. This guy had no power over her.

Micah took a few quick steps to pass her and blocked her path. She almost lost her balance and fell, but he was quick to steady her.

She yanked away from his grasp. “Would you just get away from me?”

He let her go but shook his head. “I can’t.”

Cheyenne bristled. Apparently they were going to have to finish this conversation.

“I’ll be honest. I thought it was a stupid assignment at first, but after seeing Mr. Waters, I’m starting to think your brother has the right idea.”

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