by Nash, Willa
“Oh no.” I pulled her into my arms and gave Hux a worried look.
His scowl was aimed at the man in the suit, who spared us one quick glance before sliding into his Jaguar and driving away.
“What can I do?” I asked.
Kerrigan shook her head, standing straight. Then she wiped her face dry, her gaze fixed on Jane’s. “I need a drink.”
Without another word, she marched toward the bar.
“Are they even open?” I asked Hux. It was barely past ten.
“Guess we’ll find out.” He took my elbow and steered me after my friend.
Three hours later, Kerrigan had explained all about her financial problems. Problems that wouldn’t have been problems had her investor not passed away, leaving everything to his ruthless grandson.
“I’m screwed,” she slurred, raising her empty tumbler.
Jane appeared across the bar, trading Kerrigan’s empty glass for a full one. The bar didn’t officially open until eleven, but Jane had heard Kerrigan’s rampage too and had made an exception to business hours.
“You know? I can’t even taste the vodka anymore.” Kerrigan hiccupped and gulped her drink.
“Cuz that’s water, sweetie.” Jane patted her on the shoulder. “And as much fun as it’s been for you girls to keep me company all morning, I think it’s time for you to go home. Your daddy’s here.”
“No,” Kerrigan groaned, collapsing forward on the bar. “You called my dad?”
“Yes, she did.” Kerrigan’s father appeared, helping her to her feet. Then he collected his daughter in his arms while she burst into tears. He shuffled her to the door, turning to mouth, “Thank you.”
“Phew.” I gave Jane a smile, then stood. “Thanks, Jane.”
“She’ll bounce back.”
“I hope so.” I waved and made my way outside. The bright morning light was blinding after three hours in a dark bar.
Once Hux’d had Kerrigan and me situated at the bar, he’d returned to cover the gallery. He’d been texting me but I was anxious to give him the full recap of what I’d learned. Only the gallery was empty when I walked through the door.
“Hux?” I called.
Footsteps pounded above me. What was he doing upstairs?
There was no need to ask. Hux appeared with fresh paint smears on his jeans. “Think I’ll turn the upstairs into a studio. Then we can both come here during the day.”
I hid a smirk, having thought of that months ago. But now that it was Hux’s idea, he wouldn’t resist.
“What if you get sick of me?”
“Never.” He stepped close, bringing a finger to my face. He traced the bridge of my nose with a finger smeared with white. “Love you.”
“Love you too.”
And there, with a streak of white on my nose, I melted into my husband’s arms.
This marriage had begun as a lie. A ruse. A hoax.
Turns out, the only people we’d been bluffing were ourselves.
Want more Everly and Hux?
Click HERE to download a bonus epilogue!
The Calamity Montana series continues with Kerrigan’s story in The Brazen.
Acknowledgments
Thank you for reading The Bluff! I’d like to give special thanks to my incredible team for all the work they do on each of my books. My editing and proofreading team: Elizabeth Nover, Julie Deaton, Karen Lawson and Judy Zweifel. My cover designer: Sarah Hansen. It is such a pleasure to work with you all on each project. To my publicist Nina and agent Kimberly, thanks for all you do!
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Thank you to the amazing bloggers who take the time to read and post about my books. I can’t thank you all enough for the endless support. Perry Street, you never cease to amaze me with your kind words and enthusiasm. Thank you to all of my author friends and the Goldbrickers for being so supportive. To my friends and family, I wouldn’t be here without your unconditional love.
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And lastly, a thank you to Hux and Everly. The two months I spent writing your story were a couple of really hard months. You gave me a place to hide and escape the madness for just a few precious hours each day. For that, you’ll always hold a special place in my heart.
About the Author
Willa Nash is USA Today Bestselling Author Devney Perry’s alter ego, writing contemporary romance stories for Kindle Unlimited. Lover of Swedish Fish, hater of laundry, she lives in Washington State with her husband and two sons. She was born and raised in Montana and has a passion for writing books in the state she calls home.
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