Page 41 of Her Rugged Guardian

Millie laughed. “Of course, honey. Would you like a glass from your mother’s vintage?”

“I think I would.”

“Red or white?”

“Red, the darker the better.”

“I’m so glad you stopped by. Your ears must have been burning.” As she pulled a bottle of wine into her hand, searching for a corkscrew, I narrowed my eyes.

“Why?”

“Because Jake was in here yesterday. I think he’s sweet on you.”

“Oh, I doubt that. We don’t really get along. Plus, he has a girlfriend.”

“Why would you say that?”

“Because I saw him kissing a girl yesterday. I’m many things but not a homewrecker.”

“Hmmm… I think you’re wrong. He hasn’t been with anyone since that floozy walked out on him a few years ago after the tragedy.” She popped the cork and immediately grabbed a glass.

No wonder Jake was grumpy. He’d lost his fabulous hockey career and his girlfriend had dumped him. Maybe because he was a two-timing pig.

I had a feeling she was goading me into asking about the details, but I wasn’t interested. “Well, he even pushed another contractor off on me so that doesn’t put him in the endearing box in my life.”

“Oh, lord. You two must have gotten off on the wrong foot. Jake really can rub people the wrong way.”

As Millie placed the wine in front of me, images of his face popped into my mind. I had to stop acting like a love-struck chick. “Thanks for this. Please tell me you have cheeseburgers.”

She laughed. “You bet. One?”

“Make that two. My furry baby gets one tonight.”

“Ah. I can’t wait to meet him. Are you settling in alright?”

“Yeah, but I did want to ask a question.”

“Anything.”

“Since you knew my mother so well. Was she considering selling the Tangerine Sunset?”

“I must admit that I heard a rumor to that effect, and it really shocked me. The bed and breakfast was her pride and joy. She loved the place, changing the name to reflect how she felt in her heart. What did you hear?”

“Sadly, I had no clue until I picked up mail from her PO box. I got letter from a local real estate agent threatening her with a lawsuit.”

“Hmmm. That wouldn’t be Malcolm Robinson, would it?”

“Yes, it would.”

Millie shook her head. “First of all, the man is a lying sack of shit and a disgrace to this town. But I would stay away from him if I were you.”

“Okay. I’ll bite. Why?”

She glanced toward the door as if the man was going to come walking in at any moment. “He’s a ruthless pig, buying up properties right and left. He’s also dangerous. From what I know, he killed a man with his bare hands.”

“That seems to be going around in this little town.” I wasn’t certain why I’d made the comment, but I was surprised when Millie reached over the counter, grasping my hand.

“Don’t believe all the garbage you’ve heard about Jake. He’s a good boy. He’s always been one. The shit he’s been through wasn’t his fault. The poor man went through a trifecta of tragedies, more than anyone should be forced to go through, especially in just a few years. I won’t put the bitch he dated inthat category, but that added icing to the poisoned cake, if you know what I mean.”

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