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A sleeping pill helps me sleep. My dreams are filled with chaos. I wake up often, reaching for someone who isn’t with me.
The next morning, I open my eyes, already nervous. What’s happening outside the house? Are those men still hunting for me? What if they hide in Banta City and wait until I’m off the estate? Will they hurt the people I love?
Even if the problem magically disappears, my family and best friend have suffered because of the Halvorson family.
Suzanne only makes me more nervous after she pushes Walla Walla and Goose to go to the local bikers’ clubhouse. As if that’s not bad enough, she starts asking him a million questions and embarrasses the hell out of me. I know she’s trying to figure out Walla Walla. Plus, she assumes I’m too scared to ask him personal questions. In Suzanne’s mind, she’s doing me a favor.
As soon as Walla Walla and Goose drive away in the back seat of one of the family’s SUVs, I’m in the kitchen nibbling at a raspberry pain au chocolat. Coco finds me eyeing a second one.
“I should have gone on a diet back in January,” I tell her when I force my hand away from the plate of treats. “It was my New Year’s resolution. I could have lost fifteen, maybe twenty pounds by now.”
Coco’s always been effortlessly thin. Even after giving up her dancing career, her body remains a well-toned machine.
Mine isn’t nearly as impressive. I’m always meaning to get around to eating healthier—less sugary, decadent foods and more fiber and lean meats. Riding horses used to burn calories. Without my beloved hobby, I’ve packed on a few extra pounds. Yes, a diet started back in January would have been very helpful.
“Walla Walla has eyes,” Coco says and takes a pastry. “He knows you’ve got junk in your trunk. I bet he wants to get his hands all over that trunk, too.”
“Anything can look good when it’s wrapped up in nice clothes. But once I’m naked, I’m less yummy and more crummy.”
“Don’t pout,” she says and shoves a piece of food in my mouth. “When you think about dieting, you always eat more. Just eat normal and be happy.”
“Walla Walla is my dream man. I’m finally able to see him up close, and he’s still as gorgeous as I remember. But I’m ugh.”
“Oh, stop. Many men want your curvy ass. Everywhere we go, they check out your tits. I’ve seen them fucking salivate.”
Frowning over the picture she paints, I mumble, “Ew.”
“Yeah, but it’s also a compliment. You’re like a pinup model.”
“I should work out more. Maybe I could work out right now.”
Coco looks at me like I’m mental. “You just ate breakfast and then these devil temptations. I don’t think exercising is a good idea.”
“I don’t know,” I say, losing control and squeaking in the annoying panicked way I get sometimes.
In reaction to my emotional outburst, the family chef stops fiddling on this phone and frowns at me. Coco takes my hand and tugs me out of the kitchen.
“You’re insane.”
“I know.”
“You don’t get how anything works.”
We end up near my bedroom suite. Coco takes me by the shoulders and has me breathe slowly until I calm down.
“Walla Walla knows you have a big ass. He’s aware you’re not a stick figure. He’s really interested. Like he isn’t even a little subtle about his lusty gazes. Why can’t you be happy instead of finding reasons to decide you’re not good enough?”
“I’ve been fantasizing about this for a long time.”
“Erase all that from your mind because nothing in life is as great as it plays out in our head. I bet those eclairs were better in your head than in your mouth.”
I don’t correct her on the dessert’s name. Coco’s point is a good one. With me so distracted by my fantasies about Walla Walla, I’m missing out on the man actually sharing space with me.
“When he gets back, I’ll be calm and stop worrying.”
Coco smiles at me. “I don’t believe you, but I’m glad you care enough to lie.”
I share her smile and ask, “I hope they don’t leave right away.”
