Page 34 of Wild Highway (Runaway 2)

The tension in the room grew thick. The plates and the food were of sudden interest as all eyes dropped except for Easton’s and JR’s.

My plate was overloaded with mashed potatoes, roast beef, gravy, beans and a roll. It seemed like the perfect time to shove a huge bite into my mouth and occupy myself with chewing.

Was something happening on the ranch? Were Easton and JR fighting? If I wasn’t sitting here, how would this conversation really have gone?

“Jake, I was hoping you could help me for a couple of weeks.” Katherine was brave enough to break the silence. “I’ve got a project and need your expertise.”

“I can probably do that.” He nodded, aiming his eyes to Easton. “That means you’ll need to handle the equipment and prepping the snowmobiles for winter.”

“I know.” He sighed. “I’ve got it covered.”

Why was I suddenly feeling bad for the guy who’d been a jackass to me this week? His shoulders were bunched and his back stiff. The frustration radiating off Easton’s body was palpable.

Part of me wanted to put my hand on his forearm and give him a reassuring smile. The other part remembered . . . jackass. Besides, whatever this family dynamic was, it was not my business.

“Gemma, we never did hear your answer to Mom’s question.” Cash sent his brother a smirk. “How long are you staying?”

“I’m not sure exactly. Maybe for a few weeks. Katherine said something about an empty guest bedroom at your place.”

Easton scoffed.

I ignored him.

But Carol wasn’t having it. “What is your problem tonight?”

“She’s not staying, Grandma.”

“That’s not really up to you, is it?” she snapped.

Easton put down his fork. “I’m not saying she can’t stay. I’m just saying she won’t.”

Really? Because to me, it sounded a lot like him telling me I couldn’t stay.

“And why not?” Katherine asked.

“She’s like the guests here, Kat. They love Montana for a week. But soon, she’ll be ready to get back to the city. Back to her manicures and massages and Starbucks. This isn’t the place for her.”

“And who the hell are you to dictate the place for me?” I twisted in my chair, meeting his glare with one of my own.

“I’m calling it like I see it.”

“Well, you’re wrong.”

“Yeah? You won’t last a month. Hell, you only made it a few days before you went running to Kat because you were bored.”

I guess Katherine had told him the reason for my sudden employment. When I glanced her way, she mouthed, “Sorry.”

“I like to be busy.”

“Sure,” he deadpanned.

I leaned in closer, sitting taller in my chair. “You truly are an asshole.”

The table snickered around us but I kept my eyes locked on Easton’s.

He leaned closer, his breath caressing my cheek as he taunted, “But am I wrong?”

“Yes.”