Page 34 of Timber's Line

“Hello.” I try to smile sweetly.

“I’m taking you on a drive,” he sneers, but the camera doesn’t catch it.

I don’t say anything.

“Your date is in Atlanta, Timber.” Carlton actually looks worried.

“Let’s go,” I say. I actually get in the car with the asshole, regretting that the camera crew is following. Since about forty minutes of this is in the car, the date will be short and I can ride back with the crew.

“Well, well, well.”

“Cut the crap,” I hiss, not wanting to be here.

“I can’t believe you are on national television.”

“Why are you here?”

“To show the world that you aren’t as cookie cutter as you claim.”

“What do you want?”

“You think you know me?”

“Everyone has a price.”

“I want to fight. You know the guys, even saw you talking to Brice this morning. Get me a meet with them.”

“And you’ll keep your mouth shut?”

He laughs. “Maybe.”

“Fuck off.”

“I would have, but you had to get all whorish on me.”

“No, that was your doing.” I stare out the window, wanting this day to end.

CHAPTERSIXTEEN

DAYTON

I knew the minute the guy opened the door that he would be trouble. He didn’t say a word, but it was as if I could see the wheels turning in his head.

The minute he stepped out, I knew something was wrong. Timber tightened up, and everything was forced. And when she got in the car, I wanted to run after her.

“Whoa.” Brice held my arm.

“Something is wrong with her,” I say. “She knows him and it’s not in a good way.”

“She’ll be okay,” he says, but I wasn’t sure.

“She will get rid of him tonight.”

He was right—he would go.

Nothing I can do until the date is over.

“Let’s sit down and wait.” Brice leads me to the couch.