Page 66 of Fire and Rain
They’d gone into town, where Eden had bought a small, prepaid flip phone. Then they’d taken Maverick to play at one of the city playgrounds before stopping at the base commissary to buy groceries. Sean had picked up a few things, too.
By the time Maverick was buckled in, the bags were loaded and Sean was pushing the shopping cart back to the corral. Eden started to climb into the driver’s seat, but her gaze caught Sean’s backside, which looked incredible in jeans.
Good grief!
She knew women who would pay money for this view.
A car pulled into the parking spot next to her, and Dalton Leavitt got out.
She smiled. “Hey, Dalton. How are Angela and Noah?”
He ignored her and strode toward Sean, who was now on his way back to the vehicle. “You lied to me, McKenna. People saw you on the dance floor with Eden. They saw you two kiss, and your car was parked in her driveway all night at least a couple of times. Now you’re shopping together, a happy little family?”
Eden gaped at him, stunned.
Sean kept walking, his expression hard. “Mind your own business, Leavitt. I don’t owe you or anyone else an explanation.”
Dalton stepped in front of him, blocking his path. “Did you go behind Justin’s back? Did you sleep with Eden before he died, or did he leave her to you in his will?”
“What thefuckdid you just say to me?” Sean’s fists clenched, and he looked angry enough to kill.
Oh, God!
“Shut your mouth, Dalton Leavitt!” Her face hot with rage, Eden darted over to the two men and pushed in between them, glaring up at Dalton. “Howdareyou? Sean was like a brother to Justin. He almostdiedthat night trying to save him. Not only are you insulting us, but you’re also insulting Justin’s memory.”
“It’s okay, Eden.” Sean’s voice was unnaturally calm. “Dalton was on his way inside.”
Dalton didn’t budge. He looked surprised and amused at her outburst, grinning down at her. “People saw you slow-dancing and kissing the other night.”
By now, others had stopped and were watching.
“We dancedonce—and I gave him a little thank-you peck on the lips. What business is that of yours? You’re a worse gossip than my little sister. You should apologize—to both of us.”
Dalton’s face flushed an angry red, his smile gone. He opened his mouth as if to speak but said nothing.
From the back seat came a little voice. “Mama?”
“Let’s go, Eden.” Sean rested a hand on her shoulder. “Maverick is hungry, and I think Dalton has said all he has to say.”
Dalton glared at him. “I outrank you.”
“I don’t think that will cover falsely accusing me of adultery with my best friend’s wife.” Sean’s voice was as smooth and cold as ice. “But if you want to continue this conversation in Walcott’s office, that’s fine by me. Should I set something up?”
Dalton’s gaze dropped to the pavement. “No.”
“I didn’t think so.”
Dalton turned and walked away.
Eden climbed into the vehicle, pulse still pounding. “I’m sorry, Mavie. We’re going home now. Do you want mac and cheese for lunch or chicken and stars?”
But Maverick only cried.
Sean took the passenger seat, his expression tense.
It was a quick drive back, and neither Eden nor Sean spoke.
Eden seethed. How dare Dalton! He’d turned one dance and a little kiss on the lips into accusations of an affair. It was absurd. Eden had never even looked at Sean in a sexual way when Justin had been alive. She’d known he was hot, but she could appreciate male beauty without wanting to get into a man’s pants.
