Page 227 of Broken Daddy

Her cheeks hurt from smiling so much and her mind was swimming with names and faces. The first people she’d met were Clint and Charlie. Clint was a formidable-looking guy, with a big bossy streak.

As soon as they’d walked up to where he was grilling, he’d handed her a plate with a burger patty, steak, and chicken skewers. When she’d tried to protest that she couldn’t eat that much, he’d just glowered at her.

That was a man who was used to being obeyed.

Then his wife, Charlie, had come over to meet her. Charlie was lovely. So was Ellie, who was so friendly and cheerful.

The more people she met, the more she realized that this really was a special place. But it was also a lot for someone who hadn’t grown up with a lot of friends and family. Although, she loved being around people, she wasn’t used to being the center of attention.

Hayes stayed with her the whole time, helping her create a s’more, which was absolutely delicious. She was just finishing it when his phone rang.

“Shit. I have to take this. Baby, stay here.”

“Sure. I’ll be fine.” She hoped. She was feeling a bit tired, though. And she still couldn’t shake the feeling that she wasn’t good enough for this place . . . for these people.

Hayes gave her a concerned look.

“I’m good. Just a bit tired. Another s’more will help.”

“We’ll get you one after this. Do not do it yourself. You are not allowed around fire on your own.”

So bossy.

She heard a squeal of excitement and looked over to find one of the women on the back of a unicorn. One of the ranch horses had been dressed up with a horn and colorful braids.

“Fly, unicorn! Fly!” the woman cried.

What was her name? Oh, Gigi. She was so cute. And her man had a sexy accent.

Although she didn’t think unicorns could actually fly.

But she wasn’t going to tell her that.

Finding a quiet spot, she sat on the ground with a bit of a thump.

She leaned back against an old tree with a sigh and closed her eyes. She just needed a few moments of peace.

“Devi?”

And her peace was gone. She opened her eyes to find Zeke standing over her. There wasn’t a lot of light back here, but he seemed concerned.

“Hey, here she is.” Kent appeared beside him. “I saw Hayes take a call and I was coming to find you. Wasn’t sure where you’d gone.”

“Are you all right?” Zeke asked, crouching down. “Are you in pain? Need me to get Hayes?”

“No, no,” she said quickly. “I’m fine. I just needed a moment by myself.”

“This is too much?” Kent asked. “Shit. Hayes was right when he said it would be too overwhelming for you. We just thought he wanted to keep you to himself.”

“Locked away in his castle,” Zeke joked. “I’m shocked he let you go more than an arm’s length away from him tonight.”

“Well, I think that was probably part of it. He’s very . . . protective.”

“I guess that’s understandable after what happened to May,” Kent said.

“If he’s going too far, though, you need to tell him,” Zeke said, sitting next to her.

“Oh, no, it’s fine. I’ve never had someone take care of me the way he does. I’m just worried he’s spending too much time looking after me. You must need him back at work,” she said to Kent.