Page 14 of Love, Hate, Love

“I don’t care if you hate me,” he said. “I signed a?—”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. You signed a contract,” I said, turning toward him.

“You want out of here? Just say the word. I’ll gladly drive you to the prison myself.”

“You want to drive me, I’ll pack my bag tonight. Just give me the word.” Even as the words came out, my chest tightened. He might call my bluff. I’d never been good at backing down from a fight, though, and if he kept throwing down the gauntlet, I’d damn well pick it up.

We stood, nearly toe to toe, while I waited to see what my fate would be. My heart felt like it was getting zapped as I saw the flicker of something remorseful in his eyes. Was it because he was going to tell me this wasn’t working? Was it guilt I saw because of what he was about to do?

Then his eyes shifted to my lips, and for a second I could’ve sworn he was going to kiss me. I was so convinced that I parted my lips in response—from shock, of course.

He hated me. I hated him.

He backed up a step after a few seconds. “I don’t smell beer on you. I’m sorry if I overreacted, but be aware you can’t drink.”

He walked out, and I swore it took me a few more moments before my lungs wanted to work. I walked to the bed and collapsed on it, absolutely drained and not even sure why.

Chapter7

Kade

My phone litup where it sat on my desk beside me, “Monroe” flashing on the screen. Even when I was trying to think of anything but Leah, someone else yanked my mind right back to her.

“Hey, got a minute?” he asked when I answered.

“Sure. What’s going on?” I leaned back in my chair, running a hand across a scruffy jaw. I’d been too tired and grumpy to shave today, or yesterday. I wasn’t optimistic about tomorrow, either.

“Just wanted to see how Leah is holding up. I can’t help but worry about her, even though she’s with you.” He sounded almost as worn down as me.

“She’s okay. Bit of a transition, but she’s fitting in well. The people around here all love her.”

If he’d seen her at the bunkhouse with the guys, he might wonder if she was gettingtoo muchlove. I’d caught a glimpse through the window before I walked in. The guys had been shooting her looks like she was filet mignon and they hadn’t eaten in months. She’d come here in lieu of a prison sentence. This was not a dating service. Not to mention that she had a boyfriend, or at least appeared to in all the paparazzi photos. I remembered that but couldn’t quite be sure if she did.

“What about you two?” Monroe asked, his normally smooth voice still sounding out of sorts. “I know you aren’t getting along like you used to, but I hope it’s been okay?”

Okay? Bringing her here was the worst mistake of my life, but there was no turning back. I’d almost kissed her last night. I hadn’t even been aware of what I was doing as I walked toward her, my body taking control, bringing me to what I wanted, which was to the soft fullness of her lips, pulling her up against me, and…

I had to stop this craving that was becoming all consuming. I had to stop thinking of her. Of course, Monroe didn’t need to know about any of this.

“It’s fine. We’re both so busy all day that we barely even see each other.” Unless I was stalking her in the bunkhouse and scaring off the men while pretending to be a warden.

She had to own up to some of that mess last night. She’d been hanging out in the bunkhouse with a damned beer. What had she expected from me? It hadn’t had anything to do with the men drooling all over her.

“I appreciate this more than you can imagine. If you hadn’t reached out, I’m not sure what would’ve happened,” Monroe said.

Those words hit like a hydrant in the face. If Leah ever found out my part in this? I’d lose any leverage she imagined I had. I’d be worse than a hog-tied calf.

“ExceptIdidn’t reach out, remember?” Thankfully, he wasn’t on speaker. No one around here had any problems listening in, and I’d left the door cracked because it was unseasonably warm today.

“I know. Don’t worry. I’m not saying a word. Just know I will find a way to repay you.”

“All I want you to do is never mention it.”

Missy poked her head in the open door. “Kade, do you have a minute?”

“I gotta go,” I said to Monroe, and hung up. This was why I couldn’t have him talking about that shit. “What’s going on?” I said, waving her in. I leaned back in my chair, trying not to sigh. It was as much enthusiasm as I had in me. I had my limits, especially this morning after the lack of sleep.

“I have a bone to pick with you.” Her tone was pricklier than I’d ever heard.

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