Page 70 of Unguarded

The problem is, she fits here.

The problem is, everyone adores her.

The problem is, I can’t stop wishing she were just a normal girl who showed up to spend time on the ranch instead of a temporary guest who’s due back in Los Angeles before leaving for the rest of her tour as an untouchable, world-famous superstar.

The problem is, I’m way more invested in her than I ever planned to be.

Hours later, we enter through the back door of the main house and walk into the kitchen. I spent the afternoon working cows while she watched, probably making me moreproductive than I’d ever been in my life with just her gaze on my skin.

I let her go ahead of me. I’ve rarely seen her wear jeans, but she’s got on a tight-fitting pair that were made to frame her ass. I’ve tried to scrub my brain of the time I cupped it in my hands in her hotel suite, but the memory is permanently implanted in my head. My control is slipping now that we’re back home, now that she’s not in danger. I’m thinking about her stalker and her safety a lot less, my mind infiltrated with the image and feel of her smooth skin.

“Well, hello there.” The shrill voice drags my gaze up to the smiling face of Kacie.

My steps falter. I haven’t seen or spoken to her since before I went on the tour as Monroe’s bodyguard. So much has happened since then, and Kacie hasn’t crossed my mind once. She’s standing at the stove, a metal spatula in her hand. Her long blonde hair cascades down her shoulders. She’s plain-looking, and she never wears any makeup, except mascara.

“Hi, I’m Monroe.” Monroe approaches her, hand outstretched.

Kacie looks down at it like she’s debating whether or not to slap it. A smile curls across her lips as she turns away. “Greasy hands. I wasn’t expecting so many guests! I’ll have to grab some more venison from the freezer.”

One of my dumbass brothers hired my ex-situationship.

A curse ghosts across my lips, but I manage to hold it in. Kacie had amassivejealousy problem. She was toxic in the worst way, insisting I only talk to her and then turning around and starting something up with her ex-boyfriendbehind my back. I wasn’t too emotionally invested in her, but it stung in the way rejection and deceit always does.

Dolly strolls in, a pained smile plastered on her face. “Kacie is our temporary cook while Rosie is in the first trimester. The smell ofanymeat cooking makes her vomit. She honestly has to stay on the other side of the house or go outside during mealtimes. Holden is stressing that she’s not getting enough calories, but the doctor says she’s totally fine. Twin pregnancies are brutal with the influx of hormones.”

Kacie smiles at my sister. As far as I knew, they were never really close, but Kacie’s family owns a local restaurant. She was always a great cook.

“That must be so hard. I had no idea pregnancy could make it impossible to eat meat,” Monroe says, shaking her head.

“Same. I get why Holden has been so overly concerned, but she has the best care team.” Dolly smiles, reaching up for the dinner plates in a cabinet. “So, is the tour on hold for now? When will you go back?” she asks.

Kacie rolls her eyes, smirking to herself. I don’t know what her problem is, but I hope Monroe didn’t catch it. She already feels like an imposter here.

“I’m due back in three weeks. We’re starting the US leg in New York City, one of my favorite places.”

Dolly perks up, her eyes brightening. “Wow! That’s so much fun. I’ve never been, but it’s on my bucket list.” She takes the stack of plates over to the table. She sets them down in the middle.

“It’s an amazing city.”

“Where is the concert?”

Monroe grins. “Madison Square Garden.”

Dolly sighs, leaning back against the counter. “Iconic. I can’t wait to see the videos on social media! Your wardrobe is always on fire.”

“You should come with us! It’s been my dream to sell out Madison Square Garden.”

Dolly’s jaw slacks open. “Oh wow. I don’t even know what to say.” She nervously twirls her hair around her fingers. “Are you sure there’s room for me?”

Monroe nods. “Of course! You can hang with my assistant and best friend, Ember.” She turns to me, a broad smile on her lips.

I try to return it, but it’s not quick enough. Her face falls.

Fuck.

It’s not that I don’t want Dolly to come with us. I’d love for my sister to experience the concert, the crowds, the energy of her dream destination city.

The real issue is that I’ve been foolishly hoping Monroe would cancel the entire fucking thing and stay here until the stalker was caught. Now, I have to worry about protecting my little sister and the superstar onstage.

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