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This only made him go a little harder, and now she was holding onto the ladder for dear life. She closed her eyes, and prayed that Ben got bored. If she fell to the ground that was going to hurt.
“Fuck off, you old bat. No one wants to deal with the likes of you.”
The rocking stopped, and the ladder seemed steady. She heard the sound of flesh hitting flesh. When she looked down, Parker held onto the ladder, and Casey had his foot on Ben’s chest.
They had gotten an audience, and she didn’t like that. Several of the townsfolk were looking at Casey with that stubborn glare that was judging him.
Slowly, she climbed down the ladder and took Parker’s hand. She was trembling. For the first time since high school, she’d actually been afraid.
“You can all fuck off if you think you’re going to judge me. She was terrified, and you just stood there and watched, shame on you.”
“What’s the meaning of this?” the sheriff asked, finally coming out.
“Well, Sheriff Dawes, I was taking a trip into town on a Sunday morning, when I spotted him shaking that damn ladder with Poppy on at the top, cleaning that window. He bad-mouthed Mrs. Bunt, and my parents taught me that’s no way to treat or speak to a lady. He was threatening to ladies,” Casey said, glaring at the sheriff. “Is that something you accept?”
She didn’t want this to blow out of hand. Moving toward Casey, she took his hand, pulling him away from Ben.
“Poppy, do you want to press charges?” Sheriff Dawes asked.
“Just make sure he doesn’t do it again. If I’d fallen, it would have been a pricey bill.”
The sheriff moved toward her. “You have a right to press charges. I’ll lock him up, and it’ll give me pleasure to do it.”
She shook her head. “It’s fine. Honestly.”
In the end, the sheriff took Ben to one side, giving him what she hoped was a warning.
Casey shook his head. “Why did you do that?”
“Do what?”
“Let him get away with it? You were whimpering.”
Parker put a hand on her shoulder. “You really were in distress.”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. I just … he knows where I live, and I live alone. I’d rather just leave it and do everything to avoid him. It’s no big deal.” She knew she’d upset Casey.
He was very protective of her, and she found that to be something she adored about him.
The oldest brother was also the most protective. Placing a hand on his chest, she smiled at him. “Don’t worry so much. You’ll get wrinkles.”
He tugged her close, wrapping his arms around her.
“You know you could live with us,” Parker said. “It would be easier that way.”
Casey in that moment yawned. He was the one who took her home.
A twinge of guilt hit her hard, and she pouted. “I could buy a car if that would make your life easier.”
“No!” Both men screamed the word together, making her jump.
“You don’t need to buy a car,” Casey said. “It’s fine. I’m happy to drive you.”
She frowned. “You’re acting weirdly.”
“No weirder than normal,” Parker said.
She shook her head and entered the shop. Mrs. Bunt was serving a customer, and Poppy offered a smile as she finished.
“Sorry about that,” she said.
“Nothing to apologize for. Ben was a spiteful boy, and a bigger bully. Believe me, someone needs to put him in his place, otherwise he’ll hurt someone. You were close to falling off that ladder, sweetie, and I couldn’t have that.”
“It’s nothing, really. I’m all good.”
“Those three men are all protective of you. I know Shawn’s not here, but I’ve heard how he takes care of you. You’re a special woman, Poppy.”
“Don’t believe the rumors. I’m not sleeping with them.”
“I didn’t say you were. This isn’t about sex. Yeah, I know, I’m old, I shouldn’t say the word. I’m old, not dead.”
Poppy couldn’t help but laugh.
“And you need to start doing that as well. You’re too young to be sad all the time.” Mrs. Bunt left the counter and reached out to cup her cheeks. “You need more color and more sunshine.”
“She’ll get it, Mrs. Bunt,” Casey said, coming into the shop.
“Good. I’ll put you and your brothers in charge of making sure she’s happy. Now, off you go.”
“But we’ve still got a couple of hours.”
“Charity for that lot who stood back and did nothing doesn’t appeal to me anymore. I’m closing up and heading home for a cup of tea and a cookie. I’ll see you next week, Poppy.”
There was no point in arguing. When Mrs. Bunt’s mind was made up, no one was stopping her.
****
Casey’s patience was wearing thin. Four months she’d been at their ranch, making their home for them. All that time she’d cooked, cleaned, done their laundry, and each night when he thought he saw something in her eyes, she’d ask to be taken home.
