Making it Country (Clementine Creek, #2)

by Alexandra Hale

“Just because Mama will protect you in here doesn’t mean I won’t beat the shit out of you when we get outside.” “Why must you always choose violence?” he asks innocently. I look across the table. “Case, come get your twin.”

“Otto said he’d walk me back,” she says lightly. “Not happening.” “I’ll go break the news to him.” Case sighs dramatically

Otto is my new fav

She pauses to make sure I’m paying attention, but she doesn’t need to worry because I am and it’s undivided.

I’m man enough to admit the gesture warms my heart and also makes me want to bang my head against the counter.

then follow after the woman that is bound to be my destruction and if I’m lucky, my salvation.

This beautifully damaged man is mine

“Would it turn you on to know that I am a boss at parallel parking?” “I”—he stops midrefusal and shrugs as he gets out—“maybe.”

“Hank doesn’t know he’s hot.” “Of course he’s hot; he’s related to me.”

“I didn’t take you for a Carrie fan.” I nod toward the radio. He shrugs. “I like her voice,”—then smiles—“and her legs.”

Otto teases and I want to take back all the nice things I was thinking about him.

He’s an idiot but he’s our idiot, and I love the fuck out of him.

Otto looks homicidal as he turns to Case. “If I can’t take care of Isla, let’s go find Brent. I haven’t been arrested in a while.” “Excuse me?” Mama hollers. “I mean ever, Mama. I’ve never been arrested.”

“Mama said hell,” Case whispers to Otto and they snicker. My father ignores them.

“That’s too bad. I was kind of looking forward to the touch her and die speech I was sure you were going to give me.”

“My sister can take care of herself. But on the off chance she needs backup, you’re getting four brothers, a sister-in-law who throws eggs, her brother, and hopefully my girl who is hell on wheels if I can get her back.”

I put out my hand to shake and when he does, I pull him into a half hug. “Thank you for not giving up on me,” I say before stepping back.

“So do we have to kill this guy or what?” “I don’t think murder is on your list of approved stress-free activities.” He smirks. “You know I’d just pay someone to do it.”