Fix Me: Men of Sander’s Valley, book 2
Page 18
“My troubles are much more boring, I assure you. And I promise you won’t even notice me. In fact…” Blaine focused on him.
Each second of her intense study quickened his pulse. He couldn’t look away, though. She’d ensnared him with the force of her will. Her intelligence bled through it. She was judging him. Why, though? He’d given her a subtle fuck-off vibe. He was sure of it. She shouldn’t even be talking to him any longer. She was, though. The “why” bothered him. What was she planning?
Finally, she glanced over her shoulder. “I should make myself as scarce as possible. Iona doesn’t need me around to ruin this thing she’s found with your brother. She’s happy. Happier than I’ve ever seen her.”
“They’re in love.” At least that was what everyone around him kept saying.
“I suppose.” Blaine faced him. “It’s definitely inspirational.”
“Yeah? Is seeing the two of them together giving you second thoughts? Maybe making you think about falling in love too?”
Grinning, Blaine rolled her eyes. “If boyfriends have no place in my life, why would I be looking for love?”
“I don’t know. Women say shit they don’t mean all the time.”
“So do men.” Blaine rested her chin on the heels of her palms. “First thing Mother taught me about boys growing up is a truth I’ve found very helpful in life.”
“And that is?”
“The boys who pull your pigtails and tease you are the ones who will end up kneeling at your feet, waiting for your next command, if you reel them in properly. Once they’re there, a smart woman will use them. Then toss them before they break her heart.”
The tension returned, locking his muscles. He could’ve been surrounded by the enemy in some stifling, run-down village. He wasn’t, though. He stood across from Iona’s friend.
Jack leaned over the bar, an attempt to ease the stiffness in his shoulders that failed miserably. His muscles burned. “That’s not a very politically correct thing to be telling a little girl.”
“Maybe, but it’s still been good advice. I tend to write and sing about the grittier sides of love. Manipulation and betrayal are perfect catalysts for my creativity, but it might be nice to put out something…”
“More sensual?”
Blaine caught her lower lip between her teeth, but it didn’t hide the sexual interest in her eyes. “I’d need a different type of inspiration for that.”
“Be careful looking for it here. The men in this area who are willing to provide that kind of inspiration aren’t the ones a girl like you should be messing with.” Because if his cousin Eric crossed paths with Blaine, he’d readily offer up his dick for use. The moment he did, he’d lose any chance with the girl he’d loved since high school. Brenna still hadn’t forgiven him for choosing a different date for the prom.
“I hadn’t planned on it.” Her eyes twinkled. Those laugh lines that made her look real showed the depth of her amusement. Blaine was beautiful. Like this, however, she was dangerous. Her smile was addicting. “But I might have to experience a country lover myself while I’m in town. Although, I was thinking more along the lines of a sweeter side of love. You know what I mean. Don’t you, Jack? The kind of love that makes you want to give up everything for a girl.”
“I’m afraid I don’t, actually. Girlfriends have no place in my life.”
“Just one-night stands, then?”
Not even that lately. The last woman he took to bed ended up being one Levi had his eyes on. A night of fucking wasn’t worth pissing off his twin. Girls were interchangeable. Family was not.
Jack shrugged. “Something like that.”
Blaine licked her lips, making them glisten and tempting him to dip his head for a taste. “I understand, which is why I should make myself as scare as possible before I break some code I didn’t know existed.”
Jack stole a quick glance at his little brother before narrowing his eyes at Blaine. “Don’t worry. Wyn won’t be tempted by you, no matter what you try. He’s committed to Iona.”
“Wyn?” Blaine laughed. “No, no. I’d never cause that kind of trouble for my best friend. I do, however, think having me around might make Iona and Wyn’s budding relationship awkward, which brings me back to my earlier thought.”
“And that is?”
“I need to find a different place to stay.”
“There’s a motel in town, but—”
“No.” Blaine shook her head. “I was thinking of something a little more intimate.”
“Intimate?” What could be more intimate than living in Iona and Wyn’s house? Unless she was looking for a different Sander to put her up. “I’m sorry, but if you think I’ll invite you to stay with me, then—”
“A rental, silly.” Blaine covered his hand with hers. “You’ll help me find one. Won’t you, Jack? It’s best for your younger brother if Iona’s not worrying about keeping me amused. If I’m not underfoot, she won’t be fussing over me. She’ll be focused on Wyn.” Those intriguing laugh lines stood out. “It’ll be a win-win for everyone.”
Wyn stepped next to Blaine before Jack could answer. “Iona’s wondering what’s taking so long. Everything okay?”
“Yes.” Blaine flashed a wide smile. No laugh lines showed this time, however. Her eyes didn’t brighten either. “Jack was just volunteering to take me house shopping tomorrow. I want to find my own place to stay at while I’m here.”
When had he agreed to play Realtor? Jack glared at this woman who’d put words in his mouth. “I was?”
Blaine held up a hand. “Trust me. It’ll be best for everyone. Unless you think Wyn would enjoy being woken at daybreak to my regimen of vocal exercises.”
“You know, Ronnie’s dad’s place would be perfect. It overlooks the lake. It’s close. It’s just sitting empty too.” Wyn pulled out his phone and texted. “I’m sure Ronnie will be good with it, and Jack can help you move some stuff up there tomorrow.”
“Oh, that is perfect.” Blaine grabbed Jack’s forearms and leaned over the counter. Her shirt gaped, giving him a peek of her deep cleavage. “Thank you so much, Jack. You’re a sweetheart.”
Blaine linked her arm with Wyn’s. They walked to Iona. A few words were exchanged, then the three of them slipped from the bar.
Jack stared at the door for a long time. The anxiety from earlier finally made sense. He had faced a threat. And lost. Blaine Zima, the famous singer he’d never heard of, had weaseled her way into his life. Too bad he wanted nothing to do with her. Even a quick fuck would be too much.
Blaine had “predator” written all over her. So did he, though. If they came together, they’d both walk away wounded.
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About the Author
Hayden Wolfe is Nancy Corrigan’s contemporary romance pen name. She’s a dreamer who one day decided to write down what the voices in her head were telling her. When she's not lost in her imagination, she's busy being a wife, mother, and chemist. Yes, she might run on caffeine some days as she juggles all her roles, but that's okay. She loves coffee.
Nancy resides in Pennsylvania with her husband, their three children, dog, snake, cats, and guinea pigs. Her other interests include tattoos, animals, classic cars, and mythology.
Nancy also writes under the pen names: Hayden Wolfe and Dana Archer.
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This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale or organizations is entirely coincidental.
Nancy Corrigan writing as Hayden Wolfe, P.O. Box 563, Riverside, PA 17868
Fix Me Copyright © 2015 by Nancy Corrigan
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Electronic publication: August 2018 (3rd edition - previously released)
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ISBN: 978-1-946672-05-6