Page 52 of Unwrapped

“You wish sweetheart.”

“Why else are you here?”

I shake my head, ignoring her, joining Federico and the rest of the men from Creed hanging by the pool tables. They each fist bump me and when Tina, the waitress comes over with a round of shots, I raise mine high meet Fur Baby’s eyes and down that shit.

Hers narrow.

“What’s the deal with you and Shi?”

“Shi?”

“Shiloh,” Federico glances over my shoulder at her,

“Not a damn thing, brother. She’s all yours.”

“I wish. But the chemistry just isn’t there. I think she just asked me out to prove a point to you.”

“Which would be…wait. She asked you out?”

He nods.

“She’s playing games. I don’t like it. Woman who play games are trouble.”

“Don’t I know it,” He replies, bitterly.

“Someone’s getting to you?”

He nods. “Some piece in Cali.”

“California girls, eh, brotha.” I raise my bottle to his. They clink and we both turn our backs on Shiloh. Bro’s before hoe’s and all that.

But she could give a shit. I’ve been watching her from the corner of my eye get all cozy with Devon. Now that is trouble. With a capital T. Seems she just can’t stay out of it.

Shiloh

“Hi. I’m Devon. We didn’t get a chance to meet yesterday at the festival. Thanks for helping Sally with the cookies.”

“Right. You’re married to the mayor?”

“I am.”

“Lucky. He’s damn fine.”

“I know. We met here.”

“In Springdale?”

“Yes. But right here. In Sassy’s by the bar.”

“Wow. Maybe I’ll be just as lucky.”

“Maybe. You never know. You’re staying over at the Maple with Dare.” She wriggles her brows.

“How—?”

“It’s a small town. World travels like wildfire. You and Dare are the only stragglers staying for the holidays and I already heard about your Luis.” She winces, “Sorry. But at least you get to sleep under the same room as him…”

I roll my eyes. “Not going to happen. We grate each other’s nerves.”

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