Fighting Chance (Misty Grove Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

gaze back at Trent. “Don’t mean to be rude, Sheriff,” he said. “But I have business to conduct with Cassie and my time is limited. I’m sure there’re more pressing matters at county than our little town.”
    “Why, Wyatt, our dear sheriff was just showing some concern for me seeing that you have done nothing to dissuade Bowman’s men from showing up at the ranch.”
    “Not the time or place, sweet thing,” Wyatt gritted icily.  
    Trent stood. He’d heard enough, and he wasn’t about to be used as a pawn by Cassie to make the other man jealous because it was obvious there was something between the two.  
    “You’re right, Stratford, I do have more important matters to deal with at county. Ms. Reed, Lucas.” He waved at Millie and walked out the door without a backward glance. He’d passed on the message from Grimes; his job was done.  

    *****
    “Looks like you lost an admirer, sweet thing.”  
    “Stratford, shut the fuck up,” Lucas growled. Cassie was thankful her brother took the seat beside her because she couldn’t stand to be in close proximity with Wyatt right now. Even sitting across from him made her want to stand up and punch the smugness off his face. And to think she’d been in love with him for years.  
    “Thank you, Lucas,” Cassie said. “You know, Wyatt, I tell you Bowman’s men harassed me, and you didn’t even lift a finger—”
    “I knew you could handle them and you did.”  
    “—but one look at Sheriff Stone and you were foaming at the mouth.”
    “He had his hands all over you.”
    “So? What about it? Is that supposed to mean something to you? Are you my keeper? My boyfriend?”
    “Oh, but you want me to be, don’t you?”
    “Your ego is as big as your ... your bald head.”
    “Are you saying I have a big head?” Wyatt replied, unperturbed by her insult.
    Lucas chuckled but stopped when Cassie glared at him.  
    “Children,” Millie said in a chiding tone, walking over to their booth and sitting beside Wyatt. “It’s not wise to be friendly with the sheriff, Cassie. Not when we’re not sure where his loyalties lie. And you, Wyatt, stop confusing Cassie. You were acting all territorial over her. You either want her or you don’t.”
    “Damn straight,” Cassie muttered.
    “Jesus, not this again,” Lucas groaned.
    “I appreciate you looking out for me, Millie,” she continued, “but I’m not harboring any delusions about Mr. Hotshot Promoter here, because we all know that to him, I’m nothing more than dollar signs.” Cassie was pleased to see a marked wince twitch Wyatt’s otherwise stony facade.  
    “Cassie, you know you’re more than business to me. No matter what, I’m your friend first.”
    She snorted. Their relationship confused the heck out of everyone. He’d behave like a jealous boyfriend whenever someone would show interest in her. And whenever Cassie would think he’d finally make his move, he’d flaunt one woman after another in her face. Her heart would die a little each time, for she believed she’d been in love with him. He had been her savior at her most vulnerable time, and she had clung to him like a lifeline. He’d protected her, but he’d needed something in return, and she had let him use her.  
    “Oh, really? So if I refuse to participate in this next ‘business deal,’ you’d still be my friend?” Cassie taunted.
    This time it was Lucas who snorted. Millie and Wyatt glared at the twins.
    “It’s already been set,” Wyatt growled. “You can’t back out or I lose two hundred and fifty grand in promoter’s fees alone.”
    “Who am I fighting?” Cassie asked.  
    Wyatt pushed a thick binder toward her. “Someone whose been wiping out the competition in underground tournaments in Europe and Asia. It seems she fights better when she plays dirty, and in this case, believe me when I say you’re the underdog.”
    Cassie raised her brows at this.
    “We’re peanuts compared to the bigtime illegal