Page 36 of Blindsided By the Enforcer

“Daddy, I can help. We can make a plan for you to show the state how we can implement environmentally friendly waste management,” I say.

“Honey, the damage is done and upgrading costs a lot of money. I need to pay the penalty for contaminating the waterways. If we don’t lose the farm then yes, we should definitely implement your ideas. I’m so proud of you, Annie. I’m sorry I’ve let you down.”

“You haven’t let me down. You had a lot on your plate with Tom and Bill quitting. Maybe I won’t do a master’s. I’ll move back here in the fall,” I suggest. They could use my help around here.

“Uh uh, the master’s degree is something you spoke about doing for a long time. You can give me your plans. I’ll figure out a way. I do not want you giving up on your dreams. Do you hear me?” He looks me dead in the eyes.

“Okay, Daddy.”

I pick up the dress Mom wanted me to wear. “She wants me to wear this thing.”

Daddy laughs. “It’s a nice dress but you wear whatever makes you comfortable. I sure as hell don’t need you making nice with Ford. He isn’t a good guy. I need you to be civil to him. Treat him like you would any other guest.”

“I plan on being civil,” I assure.

“Good. Now go and get yourself dressed and go easy on your mom. Her life hasn’t been easy.”

I don’t know how he can make excuses for her after the way she treats him.

He kisses the top of my head and leaves my room. I head into the shower to wash my hair and shave. When I get out, I dry my hair a bit with a towel before I use a blow-dryer to blow it out with soft curls. When I go to my closet, I can’t choose what to wear. I have some well-worn dresses. I choose a dark-navy, floral, mini baby doll dress. I pair it with a pair of white leather cowboy boots. I head to the bathroom and apply some mascara and pink lip gloss. Not too bad. I’m a country girl through and through. Mom wants to make me into a city girl like she’s made herself, but that isn’t me.

I head downstairs and walk over to the guest room. The door is open but I give it a little knock to announce myself. Cade is wearing a pair of black chinos and a white-and-gray checkered dress shirt. His hair is slicked back and his shirtsleeves are rolled up, revealing sinful forearms.

“You’re gorgeous,” he tells me. He leans in to peck my cheek and my breath hitches and my body buzzes. I take in the scent of sandalwood and something sweet. “I got ready early. Rocky’s been keeping me busy,” he explains as he throws a pair of socks across the room and Rocky happily runs to catch it and bring it back.

“You clean up nicely too,” I tell him. No point in inflating his ego. He must know how hot he is.

I hear the doorbell ring.

“Showtime,” I tell him.

“Hey, Annie,” Cade says quietly.

“Your dad mentioned something about needing the help of Ford’s family for some legal problems,” he says and my stomach sinks.

“He told you that?” I ask shocked.

Cade nods.

“Is it a good idea for you to introduce me as your boyfriend? I don’t want to cause any trouble. Your dad has been super nice.”

I sulk. “I don’t want to be left alone with Ford, Cade. He thinks he should get everything he wants. I’m terrified that I am too weak to say no to his advances.” I’d always been attracted to Ford. He’s hot as hell, but what’s on the inside is no good in his case. I need to remember that.

Cade sighs. “I get it. Scarlett was a pretty package. She had lots of issues and I kept falling for her tricks.”

“Aren’t we a pair,” I say to him.

“Yes, well, I’ve got your back. I won’t leave you alone with him,” he assures. He places his hand on my lower back. The small touch does something to my insides. I don’t know what is happening with Cade. We met because of our friends, but we got closer because of the stunt I pulled to help him save face where Scarlett is concerned. But this attraction I feel for him has nothing to do with saving face or a fake relationship. It feels real and overpowering.

I hear Mom and Dad welcoming the Bancrofts to our home. I head toward the front door with Cade. Daddy is in a black suit, which I don’t see often. Mom is wearing a knee-length red dress and black heels. She’s taking their coats.

I blow out a breath because it’s never fun coming face-to-face with my ex. At least Cade is here to be my buffer. Besides, having a simple Christmas dinner can’t be that catastrophic, can it?

CHAPTER TEN

Annie

Mom is sitting on the love seat with Louise, Ford’s mother, while Dad is speaking with William, Ford’s father, by the old grand piano in the corner of the living room. The house was built with high ceilings and Grandmother hired carpenters to do the intricate woodwork around the walls and ceilings. She also hired seamstresses, who made beautiful curtains to cover the very large windows in this room. Ford’s sister, Lola, stands off to the side chatting with me, while Ford speaks with Cade. He’s already figured out his father is the famous John Price. Besides my run-in with him on Thanksgiving weekend in Daddy’s office, I haven’t actually seen Ford since our breakup senior year of high school, so things definitely feel awkward. I don’t know what I was expecting, but the half hug he gave me and warm smile threw me off. The last time we saw each other I had a tearstained face as I confronted him about his cheating. He didn’t apologize. He said they were stupid mistakes. I told him I never wanted to see him again. I was serious. It’s a miracle we hadn’t bumped into each other since it’s a small town, but Iunderstood he spent less time in town since leaving for Harvard after high school, and I was grateful.

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