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There was no hiding the grin of pleasure that spread across his face. He might not be rich or exotic. He wasn’t romantic in the traditional sense. But maybe he had a knack for impressing her. “Are you saying you’re going to make me pick the next activity again?”
She lifted a shoulder. “I suppose I could pick the next one.”
With his curiosity piqued, he pulled her closer to him once more. “I don’t care what we do as long as I’m with you,” he murmured.
“What if I wanted to go dancing?”
He made a face. “I’ve told you before that I don’t dance.”
She tapped her chin. “Oh, right. It was Shane who—”
Wade stiffened, and that light feeling that had been swirling overhead fell like hail.
Brielle laughed. “Are you always going to be jealous of him?”
“Why would I be jealous?” he grumbled. “Shane is only a tall billionaire and easily the best-looking guy in all of Copper Creek.”
She laughed again, but this time it was harder. “I can’t believe you’rejealous. He’s engaged to Eloise.” Her hands framed his face so she could force him to look at her. “I don’t care about Shane. There’s a reason it didn’t work out between us.”
Yeah. You were married.
The words flitted through his head, but he had the good sense to keep them there. Already he felt like his relationship with Brielle was teetering on the edge. She could change her mind at any second, and he had this feeling that if he wasn’t on his best behavior, that could very well happen.
Brielle’s features softened and she cocked her head to the side as she offered him a smile. “Don’t worry. The reason I’m here is because I want it. There is nowhere else I’d rather be than with you.”
Again, he fought the urge to bring up the fact that Tad was still hanging around. But then he had to remind himself the man would only be here for a couple more weeks—maybe less if Shane’s guys found anything on him. Wade forced a smile and nodded. He brought her hand over to his lips and kissed her fingertips. “If you want to go dancing, then dancing it is. I’ll pick you up Friday night.”
He walked her to her horse and peered up at her as she got settled. She let out a little laugh as she removed the hat on her head and placed it on his. “See you Friday.”
For the remainder of his workday, Wade’s heart bounced from one feeling to the next. Relief that she picked him. Elation that they were getting closer. Desperation to keep her. Anxiety that she might leave. The uncertainty was what got him the hardest.
By the time he got back to the ranch, he was exhausted. Then when he got a message on his phone, his heart burst into hyperdrive.
Shane:Tad was spotted at Marc’s
What business didTad have at Shane’s cousin’s place? The guy was under house arrest. Wasn’t Marc the good one? Or was that all for show, too?
Wade lifted his focus from his phone just as he exited the barn and saw Tad’s Jeep pulling onto the property. Without thinking about what the consequence of such an encounter might be, he shoved his phone into his pocket and charged toward the vehicle.
Tad flashed him a smile. “Hello, Mate.”
Wade bristled but ignored the man’s infuriating term. “What were you doing out at Marc Owens’ place?”
Tad pulled his brows together. “Marc Owens? Doesn’t ring a bell.”
Wade yanked Tad from the vehicle and dropped him to the ground. He stood over the man who was now sprawled on his back. Wade’s hands clenched, and he reminded himself that Brielle wouldn’t approve if he lost control of his temper. He unclenched his fists with effort and glowered at Tad. “I don’t know what you’re up to, but you’re not fooling me. Whatever reason you have for being here won’t expire soon enough. You’re losing ground and you know it. Why don’t you just tuck your tail between your legs and walk away while you still can.”
Tad chuckled as he gingerly got to his feet. He dusted the dirt from his clothes and shook his head mirthfully. “I know you’re having a hard time with this, but I’m here for one thing and one thing only. I’m going to win her over, and there’s nothing you’re going to be able to do about it.”
Wade stepped toward him threateningly, but Tad held up both hands.
“Ah, ah, ah. You wouldn’t want to do anything to draw unwanted legal attention to yourself, now, would you?”
“Is that a threat?” Wade said through clenched teeth.
“Perhaps.” He flashed Wade an infuriating smile. “As always, Wade. It’s been a pleasure.” He stepped around Wade, retrieved his keys from the ignition and whistled as he headed for the house.
If Wade’s brothers didn’t like the guy, Wade would have thrown the jerk into the barn himself. Shane better get the dirt on this guy and soon.
