CHAPTER TEN
M y gaze wanders to the colorful bouquet on the counter again. The arrangement is innocent but represents the entire inventory of Sassy Stems that was delivered to my apartment this morning. And here I thought a trip to my favorite boutique would be a worthwhile distraction.
Memories from last night float to the surface. Brody’s lips against mine felt like an explosion of fireworks. That crackle sizzled in my veins and burned me from the inside out. After the initial sparks faded, a wave of relief filled me. It was intoxicating but detrimental. I’d been lulled under a false sense of satisfaction.
That moment of weakness was a major hit to my pride. As if that wasn’t bad enough, I practically begged for a second kiss. The only thing salvaging my confidence is the reminder that he was turned on. There was no mistaking the solid bulge nudging into me. He couldn’t fake his body’s reaction .
That doesn’t change the original purpose, or the harsh truth. Brody is trying to use me and I’d let myself forget. My guard slipped down as his mouth caressed mine. Damn, it felt good to be taken by surprise.
But the pleasure was fleeting. Now I’m stewing in shame. Indefinitely.
“Jeez, sis. What did the hangers do to you?” Gemma’s voice startles me from the pit of regret.
It’s only then I realize that I’d been whipping clothes along the rack. My reckless decision mocks me.“I’m just… frustrated.”
She hums, lifting a skirt for closer inspection. “Does this frustration have anything to do with your smoochy sesh at Paddock?”
My nose wrinkles at her creative terminology. “How did you hear about that?”
“I might not be physically allowed in the bar, but that doesn’t mean I miss the fun.” Her brows wag.
“That’s quite an accomplishment.”
“The snaps and texts flooded in. I even saw a video.”
“Creepy,” I mutter.
Gemma scoffs. “Wouldn’t have to rely on the gossips if you’d spill the beans like a lopsided can. Now’s your chance, sis.” Intrigue shines in her blue eyes—the bright shade we inherited from our mother. “What’s going on between you and Brody?”
I feign an unwavering interest in a sweater that would be cozy for the approaching fall. It’s bright pink and sparkly, which is my signature. “Nothing.”
“Is that why he bought you every stem that Sassy had available? ”
My teeth clack shut. If the cocky cowboy thinks an entire flower shop’s supply will win me over, he’s more delusional than I thought. He’s tainted the romantic gesture for me.
“Those were from my secret admirer,” I grumble.
“More like your partner in tonsil hockey. You’re not fooling anyone.” Her raised volume awards us several glances from fellow Bronco Bling customers.
I drag her behind a display of jeans to escape the curious stares. “He needs a… favor and is trying to mark his territory in order to convince me.”
“Wait a minute.” She palms her forehead. “Brody Benson kissed you in order to get something else from you?”
It sounds silly repeated back to me. Not that I’ll admit it. “And now my tiny studio is full of Sassy Stems.”
Gemma’s lips curve into a coy grin. “You did the favor.”
“Nope,” I cluck. “Brody decided to shower me in gratitude. I guess that’s my reward for not dumping a drink over his head.”
My sister laughs. “Wow, you’re not falling at his feet.”
“He wishes.”
Her humor escalates into a cackle. “Damn, I love this fierce vibe.”
“What can I say? He brings out the worst in me.” And I’m entirely too much for him to handle.
Gemma wanders to the candle section. Her face sours after she smells an orange jar. “So… what’s the favor?”
My pulse skips as I consider how to answer. Brody’s parting words play on a loop like a haunting omen. But I’m not his, and never will be. Fake relationship or otherwise. A gut instinct tells me he won’t accept that easily. It wouldn’t hurt to get people in my corner.
I push out a thick exhale. “He wants to pretend that we’re a couple.”
She goes abnormally still for several seconds. “And you’re hesitating?”
“Obviously.”
Her jaw drops. “Why?”
“For starters? To protect my dignity,” I deadpan.
My sister narrows her eyes. “Is he expecting something… more explicit?”
I glance at two women hovering nearby. “No.”
“Then your integrity is safe. Just do it.”
“Absolutely not,” I blurt.
“What’s the big deal?
“I’m not interested in being treated like a pawn just so he can get richer and more powerful.”
Her upper lip curls slightly. “Is that how he makes you feel?”
The heat from last night rekindles in my belly, spreading in a tingly wave that almost makes me gasp. “Not necessarily, but I didn’t agree to his conditions. Who knows what might happen if I did.”
“And what are you getting out of it? Besides him ravishing your mouth and flooding your house with flowers,” Gemma teases.
A crease forms between my brows. “I’m not sure.”
“You should find out.”
“It won’t change my answer.”
She huffs hard enough to send hair flying off her forehead. “Fine, don’t let me live vicariously through you. Who cares about bagging a billionaire. It’s not like Pretty Woman actually happened.”
“Don’t make it sound so glamorous,” I mutter.
My sister mumbles under her breath about a wasted opportunity. “What’s your plan instead? Other than taking me on a spontaneous shopping spree to avoid your botanical garden.”
I shrug and continue browsing the store. “To just ignore him. He’ll realize I’m not worth the effort eventually.”
Gemma snorts while trailing after me. “Brody doesn’t seem like the type to give up.”
“An unbeatable challenge is only fun for so long. There are plenty of other women who will gladly—and much more willingly—fill the role,” I say.
“But the entire town already thinks you’re dating.”
“We’re not.”
“Could’ve fooled me,” she chimes.
That deserves a glare. “Whose side are you on?”
“The one where you live happily ever after with Brody freaking Benson. The man is a legend. He’s feeding the rumor mill and supporting our local businesses. It’s no wonder Cloverleaf Meadows puts him on a pedestal.”
My mind is quick to picture him standing tall and proud and capable of annihilating logic. I shiver as if his presence towers over me. Spicy musk and crisp pine infuse the air until I’m breathing him in. His influence is already too much and he’s barely trying.
Gemma is staring at me. Her eyebrows raise higher with each rapid beat of my heart. There might as well be drool collecting on her chin as she anticipates the potential of a juicy reveal. I pull in a slow breath to compose myself. The last thing I need to do is give my sister a reaction she can use against me. Another flurry of assumptions will descend along Main Street soon after. Brody would be very pleased.
“Oh, shit. You’re smitten.” Her chirpy tone is positively giddy.
“Definitely not,” I retort. “He bothers me.”
My sister’s audible inhale probably smells bullshit. “Then set the record straight. Find a guy you actually like and throw it back in Brody’s stupid handsome face.”
I’m weighing the option when my phone vibrates in my back pocket. A glance at the screen makes me wince.
Bianca: PAISLEY JANE KEATON!
Me: Uh-oh, you full-named name.
Bianca: Don’t try to act cute. Is it true you kissed my brother?
Me: To be fair, he kissed me.
Bianca: Not the time to split hairs.
Bianca: Why was Lynn Ellen Paige the one to tell me and not my best friend? She provided very disturbing details too.
Nausea sloshes in my stomach while I imagine her upset about the news. Her grief is more than enough turmoil. Bianca doesn’t need me dumping fabricated drama into the mix .
I slap a palm over the gurgle, folding in half to muffle the noise. A thought occurs to me when I spy several gazes assessing my position. After last night’s scene at The Paddock, this crowd will probably assume I’m sick for an entirely different reason.
I straighten in a hurry and whirl to dismiss their judgment. Gemma is there to squeeze my shoulders. Her attention lowers to my screen when another text comes through.
Bianca: Don’t make me spell out your full name again.
Me: Don’t be mad. It’s not what you think.
Bianca: I’m waiting…
Me: Brody was trying to prove a point.
Bianca: To confirm that his mouth fits over yours? Were you doing a sexy version of Cinderella?
Me: Not exactly…
Me: Have you talked to your dad lately?
Bianca: It’s been a few days. Why?
Me: Did he mention any changes at the company?
Bianca: OMG! What’s going on? You’re freaking me out.
Unease squirms in my gut again. I don’t want to stress her out. There’s not much she can do about family politics while abroad. She’s not overly involved in Benson Farmstead regardless.
My attention lifts to the ceiling. Sunlight streaks across the painted rafters, reflecting a glow that doesn’t penetrate. I’m a jumble of uncertainty. This is something I can handle without dragging Bianca down. But hiding the truth doesn’t sit well.
Me: Can I call you? This isn’t something I want to text.
Bianca: I’m at a restaurant and it’s really loud. Just type.
Nerves bubble up my throat and tremble my fingers.
“You’re super jittery. Is your secret admirer upping the stakes?” My sister’s voice is practically bouncing at the possibility.
A defeated whimper slips from me. “Worse. It’s Bee.”
“Is she talking some sense into you?”
I nudge Gemma with my elbow. “Aren’t you supposed to be back at college this week?”
“You’re stuck with me until tomorrow, but I’ll let you text in peace.” She blows me a noisy kiss before sauntering to the makeup section.
Me: So… it sounds like your dad is considering retirement and giving the business to Brody.
Bianca: What else is new?
Me: He added a slight stipulation.
Bianca: Which is?
Me: Brody needs to settle down, or at least give the impression he’s getting serious.
Bianca: That doesn’t make sense. My brother is nothing but committed.
Me: To a woman.
Bianca: What?
Me: In order to officially become the owner, your dad is requiring Brody to be in a relationship.
Bianca: Why would he do that?
Me: Not sure. Maybe you can ask him.
Bianca: Okay, but what does that have to do with my brother kissing you?
I pause to give her a moment to process. The pieces fit together within seconds. A stream of messages floods in faster than I can read them.
Bianca: OH HELL NO!
Bianca: Brody wants you to be his girlfriend?!
Bianca: Just for show??
Bianca: What is he thinking?!
Bianca: Absolutely not. I won’t allow it.
Bianca: Is this a joke??
Bianca: I can’t believe he’d suggest using you like that.
Bianca: Tell me you’re kidding.
Bianca: Don’t you dare fall into that trap.
Bianca: For real, Lee.
Me: Not planning on it.
Bianca: Gah, I’m so mad. This is probably why he’s been asking about your schedule and what kind of flowers you like.
Me: Mhmm. He cleaned out Sassy Stems. Poppies are officially ruined for me.
Bianca: Grrrr. I thought he was being nice. What a jerk.
Me: It’s fine. I’ll figure out how to get even.
Bianca: Make him pay, babes. Don’t hold back.
A slow smile lifts my mood at her prompting. Several possibilities sprout in my mind, taking shape into brilliant ideas. Brody is definitely going to feel my wrath.
Me: If you insist…
Bianca: I do, and he’ll be hearing from me too.