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Wicked with the Mountain Man

Page 2

by Lara London

I look around baffled at the rest of the guys who seem to be waiting on something. In answer to my unspoken question, Betty takes the shirt from me and shakes it out, turning it around with a flourish. The huge lettering on the back reads: You don't need a stud finder. I'm right here.

"I'm not wearing that." I cross my arms as the rest of the guys burst out into loud laughter and Betty smiles sweetly.

"Oh, but Knoxy. You are."

"No." I shake my head.

"You would waste an opportunity to advertise your new company?" Betty chides me – the disappointment is thick in her voice. I look over at Jameson, silently begging him for help.

He sighs. "It's kind of a tradition."

My mouth drops open. I glance around at the group. Max and Archer couldn't wipe the smiles off their faces if their lives depended on it.

"We've all done it," Hayes says with an apologetic shrug.

I close my eyes for a moment and then grab the shirt from my aunt. "Dirty bird," I mutter.

She grins. "Until the day I die."

I put it on and sigh heavily when I realize it's about two sizes too small. It pulls tight across my chest. It's the kind of shirt I would use to show off my muscles if I was looking for a woman. Which I'm not. If this is Betty's way of setting me up with someone, she's got another thing coming. I cross my arms and glower at her.

Violet and Naomi come out of the big tent and take one look at me before bursting into laughter.

"Oh Knox," Naomi says. "She gotcha."

I scowl and Violet grins. "At least she gave it to you when it's just set-up time. She made some of the guys wear it during the actual events."

"Are you giving him preferential treatment, Betty?" Max asks with his trademark grin. Apparently seeing me in this ridiculous t-shirt is all it takes to snap him out of his early morning funk.

"He is my nephew," Betty says with a twinkle in her eyes. "Besides, I got to pick the costume he's wearing in the haunted house tonight."

My heart drops. "Fun."

"Oh, it will be," she promises.

"Alright, everyone. Thank you all for coming." Violet claps her hands, done with the shenanigans and ready to put us all to work. She consults her clipboard and quickly shuttles everybody off in different directions.

"And, then Knox," she glances at Betty. "We're going to put you in the main building to help with goodie bags, if you don't mind?"

"Wherever you need me," I say. I like Violet and I've gotten to know her husband Brooks. He's an artist who works with steel. He's done some gorgeous pieces for some of the homes we've worked on so far, and we've watched a couple of games at McGurdy's together.

This town is great and there's always someone to hang out with if you want to grab a burger or need help with anything.

"Wonderful." Violet beams at me.

"I'll take him over to his station." Betty leans in and whispers to Violet, who gives her a startled look and then grins.

"Perfect," Violet says, looking like the cat who ate the canary.

"Follow me, Knox." Betty turns not waiting for me to respond. I narrow my eyes after her. I love my Aunt Betty, but she's trouble.

When we get to the curb, she takes my arm before stepping into the street, and I glance at her out of the corner of my eye.

"What are you up to, Auntie?"

"Who? Moi?" Betty rolls her eyes. "I'm far too busy to be up to anything today." She pulls open the door, and I hold it for her, not believing a word she's said.

"Alright, Knox. Here we are." Betty guides me into the only other room of the small space. It's practically deserted except for a woman standing toward the back.