The Peppermint Lodge by Jean Oram

Author:Jean Oram [Oram, Jean]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781989359730
Publisher: Oram Productions

Chapter 8

“What is this?” Cass asked, holding on to the screen door like it was an anchor into reality. A reality where, if she didn’t fully step outside, the shiny new truck in the driveway would make sense.

Landon tossed her a fob.

Cass stepped onto the porch to catch the piece of fresh black plastic. A beautiful green truck. New. Four-door. Not a scratch or a smudge on it.

Her brain was screaming No.

“Landon?” Her tone held a warning that would probably send shivers up the spines of every man within a five-mile radius.

“Go on, check it out.”

“Landon.” Things had been going good—no, amazing—with them sharing duties around the house and with the kids. Tag-teaming like they’d been born to co-parent.

So what was he doing?

Yes, he could be simply showing her his new, second vehicle, because he was a wealthy professional athlete. But she’d been living with him for over a month now and knew that wasn’t it. Plus his gigantic grin was a dead giveaway.

“Adjust the seat and mirrors. Program your favorite radio stations.”

“No.”

People didn’t buy her a truck. Nobody cared that much. They had an agreement, and this was way beyond its scope.

“Landon…” she said, easing to the edge of the porch, unable to tear her eyes from the vehicle’s shiny, perfect beauty. “This is for me, isn’t it?”

“Of course!”

“Well, I can’t.” She crossed her arms. The idea of accepting a gift this expensive sent the breath rushing from her lungs.

“Sure you can.”

“No, Landon. This is ridiculous! I won’t drive it or accept it. Nick got Alexa’s truck going again for me.”

“How many times has it died on you in the past week?”

She threw her hands in the air. It wasn’t like it had left them on the side of the road. It either started or it didn’t. Once it was running, it was fine. Sure, the old Ford wasn’t her first choice, but she needed all of her savings for Dusty.

And letting Landon act like her sugar daddy on such a grand scale? It would ruin their whole dynamic. Besides, she’d bet this beauty had every upgrade under the sun, which went way beyond “just solving a problem,” like he’d surely claim.

She chucked the key fob back at him.

“The truck isn’t about you,” Landon said in a hurt, sharp tone.

“You said you had something out here to help me with the kids.”

“I do!” He waved toward the vehicle like a game show host revealing a prize.

“Landon. Just…no.” She reached for the door to go back inside. “I’m not your…your sugar thing.”

“My what?”

“A kept woman. I don’t know. What’s the name for a woman with a sugar daddy?”

He laughed, which angered her.

“It’s not funny!”

She’d already become used to the luxurious fridge, the better-quality food he bought, and a fully present man who talked trucks with her son, as well as fronted her interest-free money for her Christmas tree business.

But this? This was too much.

She could save up for her own vehicle. One that wouldn’t disappear when he did.

He was still chuckling, and she was ready to pummel his big, wide chest with her fists.

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