Page 33 of Harboring Shantae

That's exactly what Trista was.

"She didn't mean that last part," Shantae stammered. "I mean, I haven't said anything to give her that impression."

And she was back to rambling. Would she ever be able to stop doing that when she was around Camron?

"I know." Camron took the seat Trista just abandoned. "Believe me, I know. Trista is in her own league when it comes to saying whatever she wants. She doesn't care who is around. If she thinks it, she says it. That's why I ignore almost everything she says and never react. It drives her insane and gives me a sick pleasure."

"I've noticed that."

Her finger traced a line on the wooden table while she waited to hear why Camron kicked Trista out. Her first thought was he wanted to shoot down Trista's idea without an audience. She would understand if he did. Even though he liked to remind her they were friends, there was only so much time one person could spend with another.

"Would you want to work for Wes?" Panther asked.

Her head popped up, and she locked on to Camron's copper stare. She could get lost in them if she allowed herself, but he asked her a question and she needed to respond honestly.

"I think it's the smart decision for the time being. Going back to school will be time consuming and I need something flexible. Trista mentioned the kids aren't always there, and I figured you aren't going to want me leaving the house alone. That means someone has to be with me, and if I'm at your work, then I wouldn’t be alone."

She was gifted with another one of his rare smiles.

"Smart and beautiful. A deadly combination."

Heat flooded her cheeks and neck. It wasn't the first time she had heard she was attractive. She was confident enough in herself to know she was decent looking, but hearing Camron say it was something else. Maybe because deep down she knew he only said things he meant.

"Does that mean you agree? I don't want you thinking I'm invading all of your time."

"You really need to stop with that. You're not taking over or invading anything. You came to Texas so I could keep you safe. I can't do that if you're off somewhere. I was willing to be okay with it, if that's really what you wanted, but you working for Wes is both smart and helpful."

"Do you think he will agree?"

The sexiest laugh she'd ever heard came out of his mouth. She wanted to find a way to make him do it more often.

"I think he will bitch that Trista thought of the idea first. But that's only because those two love to piss each other off. Otherwise, he'll probably be thrilled. I know hiring for that position has been a hot topic for months."

"Trista mentioned no one agreeing. I guess that's what happens when a bunch of overprotective men get involved."

She wondered if that's how Camron would've been with his child. She could just picture him threatening a boy for asking out his precious daughter.

"We don't exactly like outsiders. Especially not inside the barn, so yeah, it's been difficult. I think you would be a perfect fit, but only if that's what you want. I don't want you pressured into anything. The choice needs to be yours, and yours alone."

And right there was the final nail. This man owned her heart.

Chapter 16

AfterShantaedecidedtowork for Wes, Panther wasted no time bringing her down to the barn.

"Why don't you hang out with Missy and she can show you around while I go talk to the boss?"

Wes was going to want to evaluate where his head was at, and while he didn't keep things from Shantae, he didn't want her to witness the exchange. She was already rooted under his skin more than he liked.

"Okay." Her teeth latched on to the corner of her mouth. He wanted to either beg her to stop, or run his thumb along the abused area. Both options would tip his hand and let her know just how much that one simple gesture was causing his cock to stir.

With a hand on her lower back, he guided her farther into the barn. She didn't question the million checkpoints he walked her through. He remembered telling her in one of his letters how security conscious Wes was. It was likely why she felt it would be safer to work there. No one was getting in or around the place without someone knowing. Even the surrounding property was monitored with motion sensors and cameras.

They stepped into the daycare area of the building. Missy was waiting for them along with her husband, Kyle.

"Is that Blitz?" she asked Panther.

"Sure is. The kids love to play with him when they can."