Page 83 of Hometown Girl

“It’s true what everyone says about you, isn’t it?” Kent took a step in her direction, towering over her. He weighed at least twice as much as she did.

She lifted her chin and narrowed her eyes, part of her wishing she’d stayed in the house. “Do you really think I care what anyone around here says about me?”

She did. Did it show?

He smirked, moving in on her. “I heard you’re even more uptight than you were in high school. But then, you always did think you were better than everyone else.”

“Dude, back off.” Molly took a step closer.

Kent didn’t pay attention to her, eyes still locked onto Beth.

“Crying shame you’re so stuck up too. You turned out pretty hot.” He walked around her, eyes full on her in a way that sent a chill straight down her spine.

“Kent, knock it off.” Molly grabbed his arm, but he shook her off.

He leaned in close to Beth so the others couldn’t hear. “Maybe you just need a real man to show you what you’re missing.” He took a strand of her hair and tugged it.

“Tanner!”

Beth turned, still aware of Kent’s unnerving nearness, and saw Drew standing in the doorway.

“Boss.” Kent took a step away, hands on his hips.

Drew looked at Beth, who quickly looked away, embarrassed.

Molly grabbed her arm and pulled her away from Kent.

“Miss Whitaker wanted to know why none of us were at work.” Kent’s glare was full of contempt.

“And you told her that I went to get the dirt and mulch and asked you all to be back at the barn at eleven to help unload, right?” Drew glanced at Beth again.

Was that worry in his eyes?

“Nah, Boss, I was just messing with her.” Kent laughed.

“Messing with her?” Drew glared at him.

“Yeah, we go way back, me and Whitaker.”

“She’s your boss.”

“You’re my boss.”

“Well, she’s my boss, so you do the math.”

“Dude, relax,” Kent said.

Beth, Callie and Molly watched Drew, wide-eyed. The calm, even-keeled cowboy looked a little like he might explode.

“Drew, it’s fine,” Beth said, taking a step toward him.

He held a hand up to warn her not to come any closer, eyes still fixed on Kent. “You can go, Tanner.”

A soft murmur of surprise wound its way around the circle of men.

“You can’t be serious,” Kent scoffed.

Drew walked over to him, fire behind his eyes. “Get out.”

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