Chapter 13: Chapter 12

“ARE YOU GETTING A COMMISSION FOR THIS?” Hayes asked as he came to sit beside me on the pink velvet couch that Saylor had on one side of the bookstore. It was the first time I’d sat down since she’d opened the doors.

Everyone in town had come out to support her. It was great to see. No one deserved it more than Saylor.

I crossed my feet at the ankles as I glanced over at Cutler talking to Oscar Daily, who owned the grocery store in town, the Daily Market. Our boy looked like a cool cat with his fedora. The kid had more swagger than any six-year-old should be allowed.

“What can I say? I’m a natural when it comes to selling love. Who knew?” My voice was all tease.

“You were a born salesman.” Hayes shook his head. “But tell me this… how does one sell love when they’ve never experienced it?”

“You are one naïve, bitter bastard.” I laughed. “How does a plastic surgeon sell a procedure he hasn’t had done to himself? How does a pharmaceutical rep sell drugs they don’t need to take? How does a lactose-intolerant ice cream maker sell ice cream he can’t eat? It’s about believing in it, not experiencing it.”

“How many lactose-intolerant ice cream makers do you know?” His lips twitched as he tried to keep from laughing.

“There are plenty out there. Let me tell you, dairy has been doing a number on my digestive system lately.” I shrugged. “And how do you know I’ve never been in love?”

He raised a brow, resting his elbows on his knees. “Because I’ve known you my whole life. Are you telling me I’m wrong?”

“I’m telling you that I don’t like being put into a box.” I leaned forward, glancing over my shoulder to make sure no one was listening. “Unless by box, we’re talking about a pussy, and then you can put me in there all day.”

Loud laughter bellowed from him, and I couldn’t help but smile. Hayes didn’t laugh often, and I’d always been the one to make him do it when he did. It was an honor I wore proudly. Because Hayes Woodson was one of the best men I’d ever known. I liked to give him a hard time, but he was good to his core.

“Anyway, thank you, brother. You’ve stepped up for Saylor big time, and I’m grateful. You got this place up and built quickly, and I appreciate it. It means a lot.”

“You know I’d do anything for her,” I said, quickly backing up my words. “All of us would. She’s family.”

He nodded. “Yeah, I wanted to talk to you about that.”

My stomach dipped. There was no way he could know what was going on in my head lately. I hadn’t told a soul that I’d been getting myself off to thoughts of my best friend’s little sister.

Those were words you didn’t say out loud unless you had a death wish.

Hell, those were words I was never supposed to allow myself to think either.

I cleared my throat. “Go on.”

“I didn’t want to tell Saylor today, it being her big day and all. But Cook called me last night,” he said, keeping his voice low. John Cook was the fire captain at Magnolia Falls Firehouse.

“Everything all right? Is he announcing his retirement?” I asked, because I knew that he’d be retiring in the next few years, and Hayes wanted that job badly. He was a Lieutenant now, and it was the next step in his career. And he fucking deserved it. The dude was the best out there.

“Nah. He’s not there yet. But apparently, there are some bad forest fires dangerously close to Barley Creek outside of Rosewood River, and they need help. They are gathering guys from each house in the outlying towns to try to help, and Cook wants to send a few of ours out there for the next couple of weeks, if necessary, and he wants me to lead the crew there.”

“Damn. I’m sorry to hear that. You’ll be safe, yeah?” I asked. I worried about him when he went into these types of situations. Hayes was trained for this, but that didn’t stop any of us from worrying.

“Always. That’s not why I’m telling you.” He rubbed his hands together, and I followed his gaze to his sister. The dress she wore managed to be sexy as hell, with the thin straps resting on her tan shoulders. The front dipped low, outlining her perky tits, and I’d cussed myself out many times today for the thoughts I’d had. The skirt on her dress hit her mid-thigh, and the desire to drop to my knees and bury my head between her legs was strong.

I was a fucking asshole for having these thoughts.

But I’d save them for when I was alone later tonight.

“What is it?” I asked, keeping my voice low.

“I wanted to see if you’d keep an eye on Saylor while I’m gone. I’m heading out in about an hour. Ruby’s over at River’s every night, and Saylor’s alone at their place. Lionel told me Barry’s been to Whiskey Falls a lot lately, which means he’s drinking again. And when that asshole drinks, it’s never a good thing. He’s got a chip on his shoulder that he isn’t included in anything with us, and he sure as shit won’t come to me about it. He’ll go to her, which he wouldn’t dare if he thought he’d run into me. But the minute he knows I’m out of town, he’ll be looking for her. I want to make sure he stays the fuck away from my sister, you know? I just don’t trust the dude. Never will.”

“Yeah. Don’t give it a second thought. I can keep an eye out. She and I talk often. I can stop by and make sure she’s all right as often as you want me to.” It was the truth. I would do anything for him. For her. But there was a lot of guilt weighing on me for the attraction I was fighting. I knew if I could just go out and get laid, it would probably go away.

But I hadn’t been able to.

I didn’t want anyone else at the moment, and that had never happened.

So, I’d just wait it out. That’s why I’d been trying to keep my distance from her.

But it hadn’t passed yet.

And Hayes needed me, and there was no hesitation. I’d always say yes.

“Thanks, brother. I know River’s busy with Ruby, and Romeo is in over his head wedding planning with Demi, and Nash has Cutler.”

“So, what are you saying? I have no life, and that’s why you’re asking me?” My voice was laced with humor, but I feigned irritation.

I’d never be irritated about helping Saylor.

In a lot of ways, it felt like my purpose.

I’d always wanted to be that person for her.

“Don’t be a sensitive asshole. Of course not. I’m asking you because I trust you, brother. I trusted you all those years ago with her, and I trust you today.”

A heaviness settled on my chest, just as River, Nash, and Romeo came over to sit with us.

“Hey now,” I said, as they crowded me. “Give a man some space.”

“Mrs. fucking Brighton just squeezed my ass. I’m done with these horny women today. Make room for me,” Nash grumped, and everyone laughed. I was smashed between him and Romeo, and River and Hayes sat on the loveseat across from us.

Hayes filled them in about leaving town for a bit, and we all discussed his concern that Barry would find out he was out of town.

“King’s going to keep a close eye on her, and he’ll let you know if anything goes down. I appreciate you all having my back while I’m gone. I shouldn’t be away too long.”

River leaned forward, meeting each of our gazes. “Ride or die. Brothers till the end. Loyalty always. Forever my friend.”

We all repeated the words. It had been our mantra for as long as I could remember.

“You never need to worry. We’ve got you,” Romeo said.

“King, you just say the word if you need us.” Nash clapped me on the shoulder.

“Of course. I’ve got this.”

But it was River’s eyes that found mine and studied me.

There was a warning there.

Don’t cross the line.

I’d never told my brother about my attraction to Saylor.

Nor had I shared just how deep our friendship ran during the time she’d stayed with us all those years ago.

There’d been no reason to.

Nothing had happened, therefore there was nothing to discuss.

I was a grown-ass man. I could handle myself.

We pushed to our feet, and Hayes was going to let Saylor know that he was leaving. I’d promised to help her lock up here and make sure she got home safely. The place was thinning out.

He pulled me into a hug. “Thank you, brother. I owe you.”

“You owe me nothing.” I clapped him on the back, and everyone started saying their goodbyes.

“Uncle King, will you come ride with me and my girls this weekend again?” Cutler asked.

“How’s the devil’s driveway feeling?” Nash leaned against me and whispered in my ear with a laugh.

“It’s finally healing,” I said under my breath before turning to the little dude in front of me. “Yeah. I just need to make sure I grab a saddle this time.”

The guys all laughed, and I gave a few high-fives, and they held their hands up in a wave and walked out the door.

Saylor turned around to look at me with a puzzled look on her face. “Are you staying to help me finish up?”

“Yeah. I thought you could use some help.” I shoved my hands into my pockets.

Her gaze searched mine, and she looked upset. I knew she was worried about her brother. “Did you know he was leaving before today?”

“Nope. He just told us.”

“And he asked you to watch out for me, didn’t he?” she said, and she wasn’t smiling the way she usually did. Saylor was stronger than most people knew. She was sweet and kind, but she also had this inner strength that I’d witnessed many times. She was protective of the people that she loved, her brother being at the top of that list.

“I’m not going to lie to you. You know he worries about you. And if I’m being honest, he has every right to worry about Barry. The guy is a drunk asshole.”

She raised a brow, not hiding her irritation. “You know what? I think you and Hayes should worry about yourselves. I think there’s plenty to dive into there, don’t you?” Anger radiated from her hot little body.

“I can’t believe you’re this mad about me looking out for you. It’s not a big deal. You had a long day. We’re friends.” I shrugged. “And I’m not sure what you’re talking about with me and Hayes, but have at it if it makes you feel better.”

I glanced outside the window, noting it was completely dark now. It had been a long day, and I’m sure she was tired. She stormed around the other side of the counter and looked up at me with fire in her pretty gaze. She stood almost a foot shorter than me, blonde hair falling down around her shoulders.

“Let’s unpack this, then. Hayes is a goddamn firefighter,” she hissed. “And now he’s going to fight a wildfire. But by all means, the concern should be on me and my romance bookstore.”

I couldn’t stop the chuckle that left my lips, and she narrowed her gaze. “I’m not laughing at you. You make a valid point, that’s all. But Barry is here, and that was his concern. Not you.”

“Then why don’t you babysit Barry?” She crossed her arms over her chest, and my eyes moved to where her tits were pressed above her arms before quickly shooting back up to look at her.

“Because no one gives a shit about Barry as long as he stays the fuck away from you.”

“That’s what I thought. You guys are such hypocrites.” She started slamming things into the register, and I didn’t know where all this hostility was coming from.

“Hey now. Don’t turn this on me. I’m helping out a friend.”

“Are you?” Her tongue swiped out along her bottom lip, and I had to adjust myself when my dick throbbed against the zipper of my jeans.

“Am I helping out a friend?” I asked, not hiding the surprise in my voice. “Are we not friends anymore?”

“I don’t know. You tell me.”

“I think we’re friends. I think we’ll always be friends.” I crossed my arms over my chest and studied her.

“So that’s the only reason you agreed to babysit me?”

“Don’t say it like that. You know I consider you one of my best friends.”

“Yet you’ve avoided me since Easter. Was that because we weren’t friends during that time?”

I shrugged. “I would never avoid you. We’ve both been busy. I didn’t see you calling me this last week either.”

“You’re correct. Because I was avoiding you.”

“You were intentionally avoiding me?” I asked, shaking my head in disbelief.

“Yep. I’m not too proud to admit it.” She walked around the counter and tipped her head up to look at me. She held the dandelion I’d left on the counter in her hand. “To admit that I’m confused by what I feel for you.”

“There’s nothing to be confused about, Saylor. We’re friends. Close friends.”

“Do you get off to all your friends in the middle of a party in your bathroom?” she whispered, and my fucking mouth went dry.

She’d fucking heard me.

I wouldn’t deny it. I couldn’t look her in the eyes and deny it.

“Saylor.”

“King,” she mimicked me. “Answer the question.”

“Fuck. I’m sorry you heard that. I’m a horny asshole.”

She nodded once, her gaze locking with mine. “What did you mean when you chose the book Forbidden King? Are you forbidden, King?”

I looked away for a minute, trying to gather my thoughts. She was so close, and my body was reacting. My dick was throbbing uncomfortably behind my zipper. My heart pounded in my ears. “Obviously, being best friends with your brother makes us both forbidden, right?”

“So, I’m curious. Do you want to kiss me as much as I want to kiss you?” Her hand fisted in the fabric of my tee.

“That wasn’t the question.”

“Well then, I guess there’s a new question for you.”

I reached for the flower in her hand. I don’t know why I did it. I ran the yellow petals along her bottom lip slowly. Back and forth. My free hand moved to cover the side of her neck, while my thumb grazed along her jaw. My mouth watered at the way her plump lips parted for me. “Do I want to kiss you? That’s the question? Of course, I’ve thought about it.”

Her eyes fell closed, and she whispered. “Then do something about it.”