Page 124 of Major Love

And I glance out toward the front windows, seeing nothing but the snow-covered pines, but as we descend the last few steps I finally make out a sleek silver vehicle.

I don’t recognise it, which confuses me even further, but I’m too stunned by what Jason said to laugh it off just yet – even though I want nothing more than to take the hesitance away from his expression, and reassure him with touches and kisses that he’s the only man for me.

Because, first of all, who the hell thinks that they’re my boyfriend? The thought is so nonsensical that I’m actually a little intrigued.

When we reach the front of the foyer Jason releases my hand and moves behind me, his large palms caressing my shoulders as he stares straight ahead at the unopened door.

I re-tie my fluffy ponytail, glance up at Jason over my shoulder, and then I pull open the door, my eyes landing on the man outside.

And my jaw drops to the floor as he hits me with that grin that he’s so famous for.

My brow genuinely skyrockets inwhat the fuck are you doing here, you stupid asshole?confusion, and then he smirks even wider, planting his feet just behind Jason’s mat.

“Riley?” I exclaim, watching as he rakes a hand through his dark blond hair. I flick a glance at the vehicle behind him, beyond relieved to see that his entourage isn’t inside, and then I fold my arms over my chest as I rasp, “What the hell are you doing here?”

He swipes his thumb over his lower lip, nodding his head as he looks me up and down, and I feel Jason shift uncomfortably behind me, his large chest brushing against my ponytail as he inhales heavily.

“What amIdoing here?” Riley asks, that Tennessee lilt making his words come out in a long drawl. “More like what areyoudoing here, Sunday. You’ve been off-grid for two darn months.”

“Yeah, because ofyou-know-what,” I laugh as I roll my eyes, not wanting to drag Jason into the facets of the ridiculous Nashville headline drama. I glance at the vehicle behind him again and say, “Please tell me that no-one else knows I’m here.”

Because the last thing that I want is the press following Riley to Phoenix Falls, and then snapping another photo of us and headlining itthe affair continues!

Riley breathes out a gravelly laugh, although it’s a little wary as he glances up at the six-foot-four mountain towering behind me.

“Where’d you rent this place from, anyway?” he asks cautiously, his eyes bouncing between me and Jason. Then he reaches a hand forward and says, “You her bodyguard or something? Cool to meet you, man. In case you don’t know, I’m Riley. Riley Dutton.”

I roll my eyes at that, slapping Riley’s hand down before Jason crushes it.

But Jason’s expression is dangerously calm as he accepts the handshake, his voice deep and rumbling as he says, “I’m the owner of this house.”

And his other hand moves to my lower back as if to sayand everything in it.

I swallow hard and reach up to twiddle nervously with my ponytail, forbidding myself from leaning into Jason’s hidden touch – but then Jason gently nudges my shoulder with his large fingers, and I swipe my curls from my face as I turn around and face him.

And as soon as his eyes drop from Riley’s gaze to mine, Jason’s irises become warm, his expression changing on a dime.

“Jason,” I breathe softly, wanting to clear this up right now, but he just shakes his head as he looks down at me, letting me know that it’s okay.

“I have to head to work,” he murmurs, his voice so low that only I can hear him. And then he gives my hip a discreet squeeze and rumbles, “But tell me if you want me to get rid of him.”

And I bite my lip because, honestly? I do kind of want Jason to get rid of him. But if Riley came all this way from Nashville, then I should at least give him the time of day – no matter how nonsensical it seems to me at the present moment.

I mean, he wouldn’t have travelled all the way up here for nothing, right?

But I’m worried that telling Jason that Riley should stay is going to sound like Riley actuallyismy boyfriend.

Jason watches me carefully for a moment and then averts his eyes, clearing his throat.

“Got a spare key for you on the counter, if you want to head to town for anything,” Jason says. Then he slides a blank glance toward Riley as he adds, “Or with anyone.”

Then he gives me a subtle lingering once-over before stepping slowly out of the door, standing between Riley and me for a long moment that feels a whole lot like staking a claim.

And for someone who thinks that Riley might actually be my boyfriend, I’m genuinely a little impressed by how bold a move that is.

I gnaw at my thumb to hide my smile as Jason disappears around the side of the porch, and then I wait until his truck is coming down the driveway and into the lower forest before I turn my attention back to Riley.

And he’s got this smarmy grin on his face as he slicks his hair back and steps forward.

---