Daddy's Angel (Montana Daddies 7)

“Arianna! Ari!” he yelled out. What the hell was she doing? She shouldn’t be running on her cut foot.

She’s running because she kissed you and you just stood there like a dickhead. Fuck!

Tom walked into the room; his eyes wide. “What’s going on? Arianna just raced past me like she had hellhounds chasing her. What did you do?”

“She kissed me.”

Tom grinned. “Good for her.”

“She’s the fucking client, Tom.”

His gaze narrowed. “You’re not interested in her? Certainly, hasn’t seemed that way to me. The way you look at her. . .the way you take care of her. . .I haven’t seen you act that way. Ever.”

Bain glared at him. “Still the client.”

“But she won’t be a client forever, will she?”

“Then what? Don’t think she’d be happy living on a ranch in the middle of Montana miles away from the nearest shops.”

“Woah, there’s some judgment right there. How the hell do you know what she’d be happy with?”

“She’s a famous singer. Worth millions. Lives in some fancy apartment. Her shoe collection probably cost more than I make in a year. I live in a fucking two-bed cabin that I don’t even own. Just recovered financially from my divorce. Don’t need to get involved with another woman who. . .”

“Who what? Will lie to you? Will spend all your money on shoes and jewelry while you get further and further into debt? Jillian was a bitch, man. I get why you’d be wary about getting involved with another woman. But it’s been five years. You got to let down that guard.”

“I don’t think Arianna is Jillian.” The two were nothing alike.

“No? Have you ever asked her whether she likes her life? She could still have her career and be with you. If you were willing to compromise a little. Or does it hurt your pride that she makes more than you?”

‘Course it fucking didn’t. He was proud of how talented she was. “Why the fuck we talking about this? I barely even know her. I was hired to do a job and soon I’m heading home. That kiss should never have happened.”

A gasp had him turning. Fuck. Him.

She stood there, gaping at him. Her face pale, eyes wide. She looked exhausted. Stressed. And here he was being a complete prick.

“Way to go” Tom muttered.

“Ari, whatever you’re thinking, stop.” He ran his hand over his head.

“Real smooth man,” Tom muttered. “I’ll leave you two alone for a moment.” Then he walked out.

Which left Bain facing Arianna. Fuck. How did he apologize for this? What could he even say to make it better?

“Arianna, I didn’t mean—”

“Bain! You might want to get in here! Now!” Tom yelled.

Bain moved past Arianna, aware of her darting away from him as he grew closer. Regret bit deep.

He moved into the living room just as Tom rewound something on the T.V.

“Fuck. Is that Larry?”

“Larry? What is he doing?” Arianna asked.

He glanced back at her, noting how much distance she was keeping between them.

Why had he said what he did? And now she couldn’t even look him in the eyes.