Page 104 of Hideaway Heart

“What a lucky break,” Julia said.

“It’s not luck, it’s talent,” said Connor. “Right, Wags?”

“Right.”

“And it doesn’t hurt to have Duke Pruitt pulling strings for you, either.” Connor winked at Kelly and lifted his whiskey, which he liked neat.

“No, it doesn’t hurt,” she agreed.

“He thinks you should sign that PMG deal.”

“You talked about it with him?” Kelly’s tone took on a sharp edge.

“A little. He’s got so much experience, you know? I figured it would be good to get his input.”

“I don’t need his input, Daddy. And I’d appreciate it if you didn’t talk about me with him. We’re not together anymore.”

“Now, peanut, don’t get upset. I’m only trying to help.”

“I don’t need your help with this. Or Duke’s.”

“You shouldn’t go into those negotiations alone. When’s the next meeting with the label?”

“I don’t remember,” she said stiffly, and I could tell she was lying.

“I think Duke mentioned it’s coming up next month,” Connor went on, swirling the whiskey in his glass.

“Could be.”

“I’ll be with her,” Wags said. “No need to worry. She won’t be alone.”

“Good.” Connor nodded. “I just don’t want her to make a mistake she’ll regret later.”

Kelly stood up. “I’m tired after the long drive. I’m going to bed.” She looked at me. “Xander, come on upstairs. I’ll show you where your room is.”

I gladly rose to my feet.

“Goodnight, Xander,” Julia said. “Thanks for keeping an eye on her in the woods, and for bringing her back safely. I was so relieved when she said she wasn’t driving back alone.”

“Of course.”

“And you’re going to stay a few days, is that right?” Wags asked. “Get new security measures for her in place?”

“That’s right.”

Her dad spoke up. “That seems like a big imposition on you, Xander. You know, Duke offered to send some of his guys over to—”

“I don’t want Duke’s help, Daddy,” Kelly said sharply. “Xander is here, and he’s going to handle it.” She looked at me. “Let’s go.”

I followed her up the stairs and into her bedroom. She shut the door behind me and leaned back against it, squeezing her eyes shut. “Take me back to the cabin.”

“Jesus. Do your parentshaveto live with you?”

She exhaled. “No. But I can’t kick them out.”

“I think maybe you can.”

Pushing off the door, she moved toward me and looped her arms around my torso, laying her cheek on my chest. “My dad will be gone soon. He never stays around long. As soon as I tell him I’m not giving him the money for his new business scheme, he’ll take off. And my mom isn’t so bad.”