Rocky Start (A Rocky Start)

“Eat, baby. You’re going to need your strength for all that fighting you’re doing to resist our relationship.”

“There is no relationship. I don’t date men like you.”

He leans in and growls against my ear. “Careful there, Georgiana. The thought of you dating any bastard pisses me off.” He goes back to eating his food as if he didn’t just set my whole body ablaze with his deep, threatening, jealous tone. The way he uttered my full name possessively makes me want to climb on his lap. This man is dangerous, and I know I should avoid him—not because I’m scared he’ll physically hurt me, but because he’ll break my heart. He’s getting to me with his cheesy lines, his outrageous promises, and his subtle touches.

“Do you believe in love at first sight?” he asks me.

“No,” I lie. I’m watching it firsthand, looking right at my sister and Bennett.

“Well, I’ll just have to make you believe in it because it’s hitting me like a damn freight train.” He runs his fingers over mine, sending pleasure coursing through me. I’m so tempted to explore it, but he’s too intense to believe.

“Dude, stop laying it on so thick; this isn’t pizza. Keep those cheesy bits to yourself,” I snap at Sean. Everyone turns to look at me, and I feel the flush of embarrassment and so does Sean. It pisses me off because I want to believe him, and it is terribly naïve to fall for his stupid charm. “Cheesy or not, I’m serious, Georgiana,” he sighs.

We drive back up to the cabin, mostly in silence while Sean texts away. I’m curious who he’s chatting away with since he’s been spending the entire night flirting with me and on his phone the rest of the time. We hit a dark path in the road, and the light on his phone shines bright and I see a woman’s name on his phone: Beth. It’s hard to believe he’s serious when he’s playing on his phone at the same damn time with another woman. Granted, it could be a work thing. Not that I should care anyway because I’m not interested in getting into a relationship with someone I don’t know.

“It’s all work stuff, Georgiana, but I’m sure you don’t believe me.”

“It’s not my business what you do, Mr. McFadden.” He nods, and I see the weight of my rude, defensive behavior take its toll.

As soon as we get out of the truck, Sean says, “Bennett, I’m out of here. I’m gonna stay at the hotel tonight and then fly back to Texas as soon as I get the all-clear from the lawyer in the morning.”

“Are you sure?” There’s a strange look that Bennett gives him that is riddled with concern.

“Yep. I know when I’m not wanted. Take it easy. Are you still coming back on schedule?” I can’t help but feel the bitter sting of his words as if I’m a fool for pushing him away.

“Yes. I still have a small ranch to run,” Bennett says. I didn’t know he owns a ranch. This guy is a jack of all trades.

“Okay. Bye, ladies. I’m assuming I’ll be seeing you soon, Darcy.” Sean winks at her, and I get irritated by the fierce jealousy that strikes me out of nowhere. If I wasn’t such a hardheaded woman, that wink would have been for me.

“See ya, Sean.” Bennett shoots me a look and I duck my head with a downward gaze before he can read my shame, but I guess I’m too late because he passes me by and says, “He’s a good guy, ya know.”

A couple hours later, we’re relaxing and preparing for bed. I’m reading a book on the sofa, even though my mind hasn’t shaken Sean free from my thoughts, and Lydia sits still on the edge of the sofa, almost statue-like. It’s so not like her, and as I’m wallowing in my own misery, I almost forgot about my sister’s newfound romance.

“Lydia. You’ve been too quiet. Is this about the sheriff?” I ask, rubbing her back.

“It’s that obvious?” she asks me nervously, attempting to crack a smile.

“Yes.” I pull her in for a hug, reading the sadness on her pretty face that she can’t fake.

“You’re always the levelheaded one. Look, I’m trying to lose my virginity to the sheriff while you ignore the hottie. Bennett’s handsome agent was practically humping your leg, and you kicked him away like the smart one.” Smart? I don’t feel smart at all. My chest and stomach burn with regret like I’ve made the biggest mistake.

I release a long, drawn-out sigh. “Is that levelheadedness, or a stubborn attitude?”

Lydia throws her arms around me. “It depends. Was he really turning you off or turning you on?”

“On, regrettably, but I can’t just fall into a man’s arms because he’s hot. I need more. Especially since he couldn’t stop with his stupid pickup lines. Seriously, he’s acting like he’s in love with me, probably to just get into my pants.”