Town of Chance: Sweet Caroline (The Dare 5)

Hunter nodded and then looked past Sam, and Sam noticed his eyes widen. Sam turned to look at what caught Hunter’s attention and he felt his own reaction mimic Hunter’s. His eyes widened and then he felt that excited sensation fill his heart. Shelby and another petite young woman were walking down the path and heading their way.

“Okay, let’s see what we can find out and try to help them,” Sam said.

“Right now? Are you sure?” Hunter asked and Sam hid his chuckle. Hunter was one big dude and to see him panic like this over a woman was something to remember.

As they got closer, Sam spoke up.

* * * *

Caroline was surprised to feel intrigued by what her sister was telling her instead of scared. It seemed like the perfect relationship for someone normal and without fears like they both had. To have multiple men cater to your every need and desire, to protect you and watch over you and put you first. It seemed like some sort of fairy tale story. She couldn’t even let a man touch her hand and be close, except she let C.J. He even kissed her neck and covered her knee with his large warm hand. She bit her lower lip and wondered if she would ever feel safe and free. That was when they heard the voice and she grabbed onto Shelby’s arm. So much for feeling safe.

She hadn’t expected to see Hunter, nor the good-looking guy he was with who zeroed in on Shelby instantly. She felt Shelby reciprocate the hold and then straighten out her shoulders.

“Hello, Sam, Hunter,” she said all businesslike. Caroline wondered how the hell she did that. Because right now, Caroline couldn’t peel her eyes from Hunter’s. He looked upset, on edge, and well, nervous. What was he up to?

“It’s a nice day for a walk. Is this your sister?” the other man, Sam, asked.

“Yes, Caroline, meet Sam. He’s Kenneth’s brother,” she said and Caroline immediately realized what was going on. As Sam talked a mile a minute, forcing Shelby to reply, she came to the conclusion that her sister hadn’t been honest with her at all. Apparently she had men who were interested in her and she was blowing them off. Caroline could tell from her body language that she liked Sam. He was tall, attractive, and had a military-style haircut. He seemed very in charge and perfect, actually.

“How are you, Caroline?” Hunter asked, drawing her attention away from Shelby and Sam and toward him.

“Good, enjoying the park. It’s really beautiful,” she said to him as she looked way up into his eyes and then lowered her own. He was so big, so intimidating looking.

“Are you warm enough with that light hoodie?” he asked her and tugged on the hem. She felt that singe of pleasure from his small touch and she knew that she was attracted to him. What woman wouldn’t be? He was older, sexy, and capable, but she was timid, fearful, and indecisive in everything. Maybe he wasn’t legitimately a nice guy and maybe he just wanted to have sex with her. It was a possibility and because she couldn’t even make small decisions it was best to not give into these feelings and an attraction. Plus, as Shelby said, it wasn’t just one man a woman was accepting. It was multiple. She shivered. He clenched his eyes with concern.

“So when do you get the cast off?” he asked her.

“In a few days,” she replied.

“How did you break that arm?” Sam asked and Shelby explained about the high heel.

“She can be a bit of a klutz sometimes.”

“Well that explains her near fall off the ladder in the store. I’ll have to warn my mom about your past,” he teased and she felt her eyes well up with tears and widen at his use of the word past.

“Well, we need to get going. Enjoy the park,” Shelby said and started to drag Caroline with her.

“Wait, are you two available for lunch? We’re heading back soon,” Sam asked.

“No,” Shelby said very firmly.

Sam stood pretty close to Shelby and Shelby swallowed hard. Caroline could tell this man affected her sister.

“I don’t bite, Shelby. It could be fun, and we could get to know one another and take things slow,” he said.

“I’m not interested. Have a nice time,” she said and pulled Caroline along with her. Caroline glanced at Hunter, who held her gaze and looked her over. He seemed upset and disappointed, but Caroline actually felt disappointed, too.

“So, that’s how you know so much about ménage relationships and dodging a group of men who are interested in claiming you.”

“What?” Shelby asked and looked back over her shoulder. Caroline snorted.

“Sister, I think we’re both in a heap of trouble. You like him, and I’m assuming that goes for your boss and the third brother, Bender, who is a detective in town, I believe? I met him briefly Saturday when Mike introduced us.”

“I’m not interested and pretty much for the same reasons that you’re not interested.”

“But you like him. It’s obvious and he seems very military-like and he is really good-looking.”

“And what about you who said she was fearful of Hunter and his size, yet seemed to be affected in a positive way by his close proximity?” she retorted. Caroline thought about that a moment.