Page 70 of Beautiful Distraction

“See, he’s compromising you already, and the evening hasn’teven started yet,” Josh says.

From the corner of my eye, I notice Josh’s hand is onMandy’s naked arm the moment he finishes the sentence.

He’s going for it. And all she’s doing is leaning into himand laughing.

She’s so natural at this. Watching her, I know I’m nothinglike that. I want to run. I want to hide. And yet, something keeps me glued tomy seat, my breathing not quite functioning every time Kellan seems to lean tooclose to talk to me or touch me oh so innocently.

“It’s all in the Boyd blood,” Sharon says, throwing me alook of pity. “Compromising women is their family legacy.”

I stare at her, then at Josh. Both used the same word.

Compromise? As in one’s reputation?

I’ve no idea but don’t get a chance to ask.

“Hey, Sharon. Get your sweet ass over here or hang up theself help sign,” a guy from the bar yells to her. “Some of us are thirsty.”

“Hold your horses, Trent. I’m coming.” She rolls her eyes atme and stands, leaning toward me until I catch a whiff of her perfume. “A wordof advice, sweetheart. Don’t let this one get into your panties until he’searned them. God knows he has enough of a collection already, and you look likea nice girl. You don’t want your heart broken if you can’t break his inreturn.”

“Go away, Sharon. No one needs your advice tonight,” Kellanmutters.

Sharon laughs and disappears in the crowd.

What was that all about?

I want to ask him who Sharon is when Kellan grabs anotherbeer bottle and pushes it toward me. “Ignore her.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I shake my head, notsure whether I mean that it’s a bad idea to ignore Sharon’s advice or haveanother drink with him.

In fact, I think both of them rank pretty high on mythings-not-to-do-in-Montana list.

“As you wish.” He downs his drink.

I scan his face as he tunes back into Josh and Mandy’sconversation. Is he mad that I declined him? He doesn’t look like it. But then,I know nothing about this man, except for the few tidbits of information, thathe’s close to his family and collects panties—the dirty kind.

I like the family part. It makes him a nice guy. The pantiespart? Uh, not so much.

“You okay? You look a little flushed,” Kellan says, genuineconcern etched in his features.

“I’m fine. I’m just—“

Jealous?

Maybe a little bit, which I’d never admit to him.

I wave my hand, like it’s nothing really.

Kellan regards me for a few moments. And then, to mysurprise, he leans closer, though there’s nothing sexual about the way hisfingers brush my hand.

“How’s your ankle? Still hurting?”

Staring at his hand on mine, I shake my head in response.“It’s all good. Thanks to you.”

“Good.” Kellan intertwines his fingers with mine and pullsme to my feet. “Come on.”

“Where are we going?” I ask, but don’t put up a fight.

He only answers after we’ve reached the door. “I haven’tshown you around yet.”

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