Free DEFIANT (A WESTERN BAD BOY ROMANCE) by Scarlet Pierce

Instagram? I'd rather just ask you, instead of having your cousin make you do it."
    "Done already. I know it's a liability. I'm not stupid, and I'm not as immature as you make me out to be."
    Katie snorts, "I highly doubt that."
    "It’s true."
    "Whatever. Are we done?"
    "Yes, and thanks for remaining professional. I don't think I've ever been called obsessive, immature and unprofessional all in two minutes."
    "Yeah, I doubt that too. Delete your stupid Instagram."
    She hangs up before I can have the last word. Shit. At least I made my presence known, and then some.
    I towel off and turn out the light, walk back to my bedroom as the tub drains. I pick Katie's panties off the floor, fold them and set them on my dresser.
    Just a few days of this Instagram experiment. At least I'll have Katie to occupy my mind while my newly acquired adulthood sets in.

14

Katie
    " I like the website concept . I like it a lot."
    I can't believe it: I think Vince smiled. Like the edges of his mouth sort of crinkled.
    "Clif tried making one himself one evening with help from a friend, but it didn’t amount to much."
    Of course he did. I try not to wrinkle my nose in disgust at the thought of Clif trying to put together a website half-drunk with a naked woman sitting on his lap.
    "I like the links to the social media stuff, too. Don't really understand it, but it looks professional, so that's good." Then he leans forward and puts his hands together, a serious expression in his face. "We really do need a good image going into that town meeting next week. We're going to be under a lot of scrutiny for the first time ever."
    He is very concerned. Vince doesn't look like the type to get overly stressed out, but I can tell it's bothering him.
    "We're not the only investor in this project, not by far. Actually, we're the smallest player. Clif and I are a couple of regular guys from a little town like Coal Butte ourselves, that's why we're the easiest pill for the people of Coal Butte to swallow. That's why we've been chosen to be the front men of the money and development that's going to pour into that little town."
    I understand. I bet it's a lot of pressure for a small company.
    But does he think it's right? Don't the people of Coal Butte have the right to determine what the future holds for their community?
    As if he can read my mind, Vince smiles and leans back, putting his hands behind his head.
    "You might be wondering how I can sleep at night. My rationale is, if we don't develop it, someone else will. It’s only a matter of time. There'll be a land trust to preserve working ranches. I made sure everyone agreed to that, and it wasn't easy. I don't want the same thing that happened in Jackson to happen in Coal Butte. But ultimately, at the end of the day, if I have to risk my business and my principles to get my way, I'll do it. I really want this project to happen."
    I feel as if I’m in the exact same position as him—I may not be entirely comfortable with everything I’m doing in my life at the moment, but it’s got to be done.
    Vince leans in towards the desk again. I surprise myself by reaching across and grasping his hands in mine—they're rough, like a working man’s hands. "I won't let you down, Vince. That's a promise."
    "I believe it. I just want you to know what’s at stake."
    I've also got a lot on the line. The medical bills are piling up, a total fucking crisis that no one knows about but me. Not even my father. I'm responsible for everything...for my dad's life, for his financial security, for everything...if he even lives through this hell.
    The phone rings, interrupting.
    "I’ve got to take this," Vince says. "You can leave if you want. We’re done here anyway."
    I nod and step out. Not two steps down the hall, my cellphone rings.
    Oh my God! It's Noah!
    I practically run outside to the balcony before answering.
    "Hello?"
    "Hey. Hey babe. How are you?"
    "Noah, what's up? I haven't heard from you in forever." I don't know