Page 177 of The Heartbreaker for Hire

The truth was, every time Mikayla wasn’t by my side, I did feel restless, cranky, had a tightness in my chest, and I couldn’t stop thinking about her.

Which made no sense.

I'd spent most of my adult life avoiding women who wanted more than I could give. Now I was following one around like a golden retriever with separation anxiety.

And the worst part? I didn't care.

I liked knowing where she was. Liked catching her eye across a crowded room. Liked the way her expression softened when she saw me, even when she tried to hide it. Especially when she tried to hide it.

Two years. I'd spent two years getting under that woman's skin. Turns out she'd gotten a hell of a lot further under mine.

I rounded the barn and stopped up short when I heard voices. Mikayla was twenty feet away. And she wasn’t alone.

Kenny stood in front of her, his hands shoved into his pockets, wearing the smug expression of a man who'd never been punched in the mouth.

An oversight I was suddenly interested in correcting.

"Come on, Kay-Kay," he said. "You have to admit it's a little convenient."

She folded her arms. A defensive move. I'd learned her tells.

The crossed arms meant she was uncomfortable. The lifted chin meant she refused to show it. And the way she was rubbing her thumb against her index finger?

That meant she was self-soothing.

"I don't have to admit anything to you, Kenny." She tried to step around him, he blocked her exit.

"I'm just saying, you show up here single, find out I'm with Annie, and suddenly you've got yourself a boyfriend?"

"Yes. That's exactly what happened. I ordered him online. Free two-day shipping. Excellent customer service."

God, I loved that woman. Kenny didn't appreciate her humor. His loss.

“I know you, Kay-kay.” He shook his head slowly. "I can’t stop thinking that something isn't right about this whole thing."

"Then I'd suggest you stop thinking about it."

"I've been talking to people around town."