Harlequin Special Edition: March 2022, Box Set 1 of 2 by Judy Duarte

Author:Judy Duarte
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

As Shane turned the corner onto his street, he did a double take as he looked up ahead into his driveway. Two cars. One was Bethany’s.

The other, his mother’s.

She wasn’t due back in Spring Forest till tomorrow.

Oh damn.

He sped up and parked, noticing Bethany through the open front door. She stood inside with her bags. He could see his mother, hands on hips, just beyond Bethany.

He raced up the steps. “Mom, you’re a day early.” He shot a look of commiseration to Bethany, who looked like the ole deer caught in headlights.

“Is that a crime?” his mother asked, walking over, around Bethany without looking at her, to give him a peck on the cheek. Princess sat beside her, staring at him. Like: Try to tell me what to do now, trainer-man! “I stopped over to leave you a key lime pie for taking care of my baby girl.”

“Just didn’t expect you,” he said.

She lifted her head, smoothing her chin-length ash-blond hair. “Obviously. Since you didn’t mention you were now shacking up with someone.” She turned to Bethany, looking her up and down. “Elliot’s house wasn’t enough for you, huh?”

He saw Bethany flinch, though she didn’t say anything. She looked too stunned to respond, not that his mother deserved a response.

“Mom, I’m going to make myself very clear,” Shane said. “Do not speak about or to Bethany disrespectfully. This is my house.”

Bethany’s eyes widened, and he could see a vein working on her neck.

“Oh, is that how it is?” his mother said in a wounded tone. “I’ll be leaving then!” With that, she picked up Princess and marched out.

Shane shut the door, a hot burst of anger pulsating inside him. “I’m very sorry you got ambushed like that. I knew she was coming home early, but she was supposed to arrive tomorrow. Not tonight.”

“Guess she still hates me,” Bethany said. “Another reason why...” She trailed off, shaking her head.

He stared at her. “Why what? Why this won’t work? Why we shouldn’t even try for a second chance?”

“Yes, exactly,” she said. She hoisted up her bags and turned toward the door.

No. Absolutely not. “Bethany, don’t give her that power. You’re here because you need a place to stay. You’re here because I want you here. And hopefully because you want to be here. So let me show you the guest room.” He jogged to the stairs, hoping she’d follow.

She took in a breath and then did.

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