Page 19 of Sweet Madness
Settle down, heart.
I’m taking this blissful and calm feeling inside my chest as a sign that this is exactly where I’m supposed to be. On this very ranch owned by none other than Shaw Banning—former bodyguard and number one object of all my once-buried heart’s desires.
“What the hell are you wearing?” My bodyguard snaps in disbelief. If he didn’t look so irresistible right now, it would be funny. The look on his face is priceless. I’ve caught him off guard. Good.
His mesmerizing whiskey-brown eyes narrow, showing annoyance, yet there’s something else behind his stare—something that looks a lot like… desire and a bit of tenderness too.
Feeling a surge of confidence, I grin, pushing aside my embarrassment at feeling out of place. For too long, I’ve been dressing like my mother and younger sisters, sticking to a dull wardrobe of white, cream, and black. Dull and lifeless, yet very chic.
Nothing like the clothes I used to wear. When I was younger, I loved dressing up in bright colors and sparkly clothes. That was before the relentless scrutiny began—daily reminders that I don’t resemble my mother and my half-sisters, technically speaking, since Mom isn’t my biological mother. But she’s mine, and I’m hers in every way that matters, even though the media and many of our family’s supporters don’t seem to agree.
Ignoring the sudden rush of sadness that usually hits when I think about how weak I am for letting other people’s perspectives of me and my family hurt me, I focus on the task at hand: my latest adventure.
I focus on having the best day ever today with the man who still makes my heart gallop like crazy. I fix Shaw with a knowing stare. “You said I needed appropriate clothing.” I twirl in place, giving my moody bodyguard a view of my newly bought clothes.
I might look ridiculous to him, but I like it.
It’s… me, and it’s fun.
I haven’t felt like myself in so long, but at this moment, I do.
His eyes leisurely travel over my body while he remains silent, his gaze fixed on me as if he can’t figure me out. It should offend me, yet strangely, it doesn’t.
I love being different—at least with him, I do. I can’t afford it with everyone else. Not when all eyes are on me, judging me.
Putting into question my relationship with my mother.
But with him—Shaw—it’s different. It’s always been different, and not even time and space could change that. He’s not the man I used to know, but the man who made my days brighter is still there. I sensed him with me during the drive here, feeling his curious gaze all over my face and skin as I pretended to sleep.
I wasn’t sleeping. My brain was too busy wondering how I ended up here, and my heart kept me awake, beating a mile a minute.
“That’s too much pink.” Shaw’s deep baritone voice breaks through my thoughts. I look at him and notice how his nose twitches while looking me up and down. Again, his penetrating gaze and deep scowl should make me uncomfortable and hurt my feelings, but they don’t. It’s quite hilarious how one outfit can offend such a beast of a man.
Okay, I get it. I went overboard, but come on. I look good. From my soft pink cowboy hat, white tight crop top, skin-tight jean shorts, and sparkly pink cowboy boots.
His words from a second ago come to mind. That’s too much pink…
Blasphemy.
I gasp dramatically and narrow my eyes playfully at him. “Take that back, grump.” I take a step closer, while he takes two steps back.
I follow him until he hits the bright yellow wall behind him.
Gotcha.
Pointing my finger up at his face, I clarify, “There can never be too much pink.” Pink is the most magical of colors. Pink has always evoked feelings of comfort, warmth, and hope for me. The color has always made me smile.
The man is completely oblivious to what he’s saying. Absolutely clueless.
Out of nowhere, something that feels like pink happens. Again.
Shaw’s upper lip twitches momentarily—so fleeting that I almost miss it. Almost.
He smiles.
Well, it’s something close to a smile before he gets a hold of himself.
Bummer.