by Kate Pearce
Do you get a break?
I can take one—what time?
20 minutes at Yvonne’s?
Get me a strawberry tart and a latte. I’ll see you there x
If he hustled, he could get there in ten, grab a table, and put in her order so it was ready when she arrived.
He texted Roy to say he’d be late, and then drove down the long driveway to the county road, which would take him directly into Morgantown. As he approached the final gate he squinted as the glare intensified, to find several TV trucks and a few reporters milling around.
His heart sank as they saw him, tried to wave him down, and pointed cameras at his truck. He slid his sunglasses down over his nose and glanced at Dog, who had somehow managed to get into the truck with him.
“Smile, buddy. We’re going to get our picture taken whether we like it or not.”
He drove about half a mile, pulled over, and took out his phone.
“Chase? We’ve got a problem at the back gate.”
His brother groaned. “What now?”
“Paparazzi.”
“You’re kidding me.”
“Nope. Gotta go.” He didn’t have time to get into it with Chase when he was rushing to meet Avery. And, anyway, his big brother was a match for anyone and had the financial resources to keep them all safe.
Well, Ry assumed he did.
He parked in front of Yvonne’s café, leaving Dog in the truck bed, and went in, inhaling the comforting scents of coffee and chocolate like a drug. If she would just sell bacon, his life would be complete. Yvonne waved at him from the counter.
“Hey, are you wanting coffee, or is this about the wedding?”
“Coffee for me, a latte for Avery, and two strawberry tarts, please.”
“For here or to go?”
“Here. If I can find a table.” The place was packed with a mixture of locals and tourists, which was hardly surprising as Yvonne was a superb baker.
She pointed to a small table right beside the kitchen, which had a reserved tag on it. “Use this one. It’s reserved for my friends.”
“Thanks.” He took a seat and consulted the time as Yvonne took more orders and disappeared past him to the kitchen.
“Ry?”
He looked up to see Marley Hayes smiling anxiously down at him. She wore a blue Hayes Historic Hotel T-shirt, a tight black pencil skirt, and high heels. Her brown hair was drawn back into some kind of fancy knot on the back of her head and her makeup was perfect.
He went to stand, but she slipped into the seat opposite him.
“I won’t take more than a minute of your time, but I just wanted to know whether Chase has made a decision about who gets the events coordinator job.”
“He only got your applications yesterday,” Ry said cautiously. “I don’t think he’s done anything other than read them yet.”
“Okay, that makes sense. He didn’t mind that I applied for the job, did he?”
“Well—”
“Because I am qualified.”
Ry looked her right in the eye. “Marley, what’s going on here? What Chase does in relation to the running of the ranch is up to him. I don’t make the decisions. I’m just a hired hand.”
“Like anyone would believe that. You’re a Morgan. Of course Chase listens to you, and as you happen to be dating my sister? I’m sure he listens to you a lot.”
“I’ve got no intention of interfering with Chase’s hiring process, okay?”
“Even though you suggested Avery as the wedding planner?”
“I did that because I felt sorry for her, and I thought her confidence needed a boost. It—”
He looked up, expecting Yvonne with the coffee, and instead found Avery listening in, and she sure as hell wasn’t smiling.
“Hey.” He stood up and kissed her averted cheek. “I’ve already ordered.”
“Hey. Ry, did you come to let me know when we’re going out horseback riding this week?” He blinked at her, and she kept talking. “You know, to see around the ranch so I’m more familiar with the place.”
Marley did a double take. “You’re getting on a horse?”
“Yes, I told you I was okay around horses now, didn’t I?”
“If you’re going out to look at the ranch, I should get to come as well.” Marley swung around to stare at Ry. “That’s fair, isn’t it?”
“I—”
“It’s fine by me,” Avery said airily. “Just give us the day and the time, Ry, and we’ll be there.”
Ry just about collected his thoughts. “I can do Friday afternoon—if that works for you?”
Marley checked her phone. “We’re both off for a four-hour block, so that could definitely work.”
“Then I’ll see you both at the ranch.”
“Thanks, Ry.” Marley reclaimed her bag of croissants and quickly vacated the seat. “Bye, sis. I’m going back to work now. I’ll see you in a while.”
Avery didn’t say anything, but she did at least take the vacated seat. Ry slowly sank down to face her. He had the sense to know the riding was a diversionary tactic, and was keen to get back to the matter at hand.
“I don’t know what Marley was trying to achieve by chatting to me,” he said cautiously. “All I could tell her was that Chase received the applications and would be dealing with the matter himself.”
She raised her eyebrows. “Fine.”
Fine was never good. He tried again. “Chase asked me whether I knew you were both applying for the job, but I had no idea.”
“Because you probably assumed the job offer was meant for me.”
“Exactly.”
“But from what you just said, Chase is considering us both.”
He shrugged. “It’s his decision, Avery. You wouldn’t want me to get on his ass and play favorites, would you?”
She considered him for so long that he almost started to sweat. Luckily, Yvonne arrived with the coffee and fruit tarts and spent a moment talking wedding plans with Avery while he desperately wondered how to regroup. After she’d sipped her latte and taken a bite of her tart, he tried to change the subject.
“I called you because I wanted your opinion on something.”
“What was that? Whether Marley should get the job?”
He put down his mug. “Avery . . .”
“Because she is better qualified than me, and you could probably recommend her without feeling sorry for her and thinking she needed a boost.”
Damn, she had a good memory, as most women seemed to do when they were determined to have an argument.
“That was before we were involved. I wouldn’t say that now.”
“That you feel sorry for me?”
He groaned. “Okay, it was a stupid thing to say, but it’s the truth. When I first came back here I hated seeing you so closed in, and I wanted to help you.”
“Thanks.”
“I don’t feel like that now.”
“Are you sure?”
He sat back in his seat. “What the heck is that supposed to mean?”
“That maybe with HW out of the picture you needed someone to . . . look after.”
“And I picked you?”
She shrugged. “As you keep pointing out, I am practically a shut-in.”
“You have no idea, do you?” He shook his head. “Yeah, that’s it, Avery. I wanted to look after you.”
“How come you say something horrible about me to my sister, of all people, and suddenly you’re the one whose feelings are hurt?”
“Because you twist things around. If you really think that all I want is to look after you like you’re my fricking horse, then go ahead. I thought we had much more going for us than that. Hell, I thought you were the one looking after me!”
His voice had risen, and several people were now staring their way. He took a deep breath. He didn’t like all these emotions; he didn’t like them at all. It made him feel out of control, and he hated that. He took a deep, steadying breath.
“Look, all I’m try
ing to say is that I don’t feel sorry for you, and that I won’t interfere if Chase decides he wants to interview both of you for the job. If that’s a problem, tell me now, and tell me what you want me to do about it.”
* * *
Avery dropped her gaze to the table and bit down hard on her lip. “I don’t expect you to play favorites for me with Chase.”
He nodded abruptly. “Okay.”
“And I might be a bit touchy about the subject of people feeling sorry for me.” She risked a glance upward. “Very touchy.”
He sighed. “I get that. I shouldn’t have said anything.”
“Not to Marley. She’s . . .” Avery hesitated. “She’s used to getting what she wants, and she’s determined to get this job.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know. Maybe to prove she’s better than me, or something? You know what families are like. How competitive they can be.”
“Do you want me to tell Chase to give you the job?”
Avery sighed. He was so straightforward. This was just what Marley had insisted would happen. “No. I want to win it on merit.”
“And you will.” He picked up his mug and sipped at his coffee. “And I’m sorry for being an idiot.”
“I’m sorry for being hypersensitive.” She took a gulp of her latte. “Now what did you want to ask me?”
“We’re done arguing?”
“Well, I am if you are.” She finished her strawberry tart.
“That’s kind of refreshing.”
“The tart?”
“No, the fact that we’re going to get over this bump and keep moving on.” He reached for her hand, which was sticky with syrup, and kissed her fingers. “I appreciate that.”
She smiled at him. “We’re finding our own way to keep communicating. Jenna will be so proud. Now what did you want to talk about?”
“Chase asked me if I was okay to continue the search for my mom. That they’d all decided the choice should be mine.”
“And?” she prompted.
“My first reaction was to tell him to let it go, and then I started thinking. If I don’t face her as she is now, I’ll never be able to see her clearly. I’ll always be that scared little kid.”
She squeezed his hand. “That makes perfect sense.”
“It makes no sense, but thanks for the support.” He managed to smile. “I’ve got to go through with this, and part of me, the kid part, doesn’t want to risk it.”
“Also totally understandable.” She paused. “But what if you meet her, and she hasn’t changed?”
“Then maybe she can tell me what the hell I did to make her hate me. If she can’t even do that, then I’ll know she’s the problem, not me. I’d rather know the worst and move on than live with the nightmares.”
She surprised him by bringing his hand to her lips and kissing his knuckles. “This is exactly why I like you so much.”
“Even when I say stupid shit in front of your sister?”
She smiled into his eyes. “Even then.” Her cell buzzed and she groaned. “The hotel is heaving. I have to get back in five.”
“Sure, but before you go? What’s this about riding the range?”
She rolled her eyes. “Marley was doubting me. I had to show her that I’m perfectly capable of working around the horses at the ranch.”
“You are. You don’t need to get on the back of one just to prove that.”
“But I want to.”
Ry considered her resolute expression. “You sure about that?”
“No, I’m terrified, but I’ve got to try.” She swallowed hard. “I know it’s not quite the same, but it’s a bit like you having to keep searching for your mom. You don’t want to do it either, but you know it’s necessary.”
“So we’re both going to have to be brave?”
She nodded.
“Then I’m in if you are.”
“And Marley.” She made a face.
“She can ride, right?”
“Sure she can. All the Hayes family rides.” Her cell buzzed again. “Oh man. I’ve gotta go. Marley’s such a nag.”
She rose and he stood as well, leaning in to cup her chin and kiss her sweet, coffee-flavored lips.
“Mmm.” He kissed her again, just for luck. “I’ll see you Friday, if I don’t see you before.”
“Okay.”
“And no pushing Marley down the stairs so you can’t both come out and ride.”
She fluttered her eyelashes at him. “As if I would do something like that.”
“I come from a big family. I know what it’s like.”
“You pushed your brothers down the stairs?”
“I tied HW to a tree once and left him by the creek. Not that he didn’t deserve it, but I was determined he wasn’t going to get all the coconut cream pie Ruth was making.”
She chuckled, and the sound made him want to scoop her up in his arms and carry her off somewhere more private, like the back of his truck, or her bedroom, or . . .
Behind him Yvonne cleared her throat.
“Can I get by, please? Coffee to grind, cakes to bake.”
“Sorry.” He drew Avery against his side. “We should go.”
“You damn well should.” Yvonne gave him a look as she squeezed past. “Cluttering up my shop with all that Morgan testosterone. What is it about you guys that’s made all my girlfriends go gaga?”
He winked. “I’d tell you, but then I’d have to kill you.”
“That line would sound so much better if it came from Blue, the scary Marine,” Yvonne groaned.
Avery dug her elbow in his ribs. “Come on, cowboy. Let’s go. We can’t afford to keep Yvonne out of her kitchen. How would we survive without her baking?”
“True.” Yvonne blew them both a kiss as she sashayed past. “Go on, you lovebirds. I’ll see you next Friday for the catering meeting up at the ranch, Avery.”
Ry paid the bill and followed Avery out into the sunshine. Dog saw him coming and sat up, ears flapping like sails.
Avery paused to pet him. “I didn’t know you had a dog.”
“He’s one of Ruth’s strays. People drop them off on ranch land all the time. He kind of adopted me.”
“What’s his name?”
“Dog.”
She looked up at him. “That’s it?”
He shrugged. “He seems to like it.”
“You have no imagination, do you?”
He leaned against the side of the truck. “Now, you know that’s not true, honey.”
She actually blushed. “I’m not talking about . . . that.”
“Glad to hear it, because no man wants to hear he’s boring in the sack.”
“Or woman.”
He smiled into her eyes. “I never said you were boring. You make me hard just standing here.”
“I do not.” Her gaze dropped to his jeans. “Oh, good Lord. You . . . and I have to get back to work.”
“So do I.” He grimaced. “Let’s hope everything’s settled down before I have to get on the back of a horse.”
She stood on tiptoe to kiss him. “Later, Ry.”
He and Dog watched her walk down the street toward the hotel, her ponytail bobbing as the sun caught flashes of copper in her brown hair.
Lovebirds . . .
Ry unlocked the truck and waited for Dog to jump out of the back and join him in the cab. Did he love her? Was it even possible after such a short time? Love was kind of a terrifying concept to him. Shaking his head, he started the engine and backed out of his spot. Dog had nothing to say about the subject, so Ry filed the revolutionary idea in his head to be investigated at a later date.
Before he forgot, he took out his cell and called Chase.
“Hey, I’m okay to go ahead with the mom thing.”
“Good. By the time you get back to the ranch there should be some security in place. I’ve given them your picture and vehicle information, so they should let you right through. If they aren’t in place, I don’t need to t
ell you to keep driving and make no comment, do I? The quicker we shut this down the better.”
“Got it.”
“Then I’ll see you in a few.”
Chapter Seventeen
“I’ll ride Nolly; Chase is okay with that. Avery can take Dolittle, and Marley . . .” Ry looked around the barn. “How long is it since you’ve been on a horse?”
Avery forced her gaze to her sister, who was looking superchic in her skinny jeans and fancy red sweater. For some reason Friday had come along way too quickly this week for her liking.
“About a year.”
Ry looked at Roy. “What do you think? Marigold?”
“Yeah. Sounds good to me. She’s steady as a rock.” Roy moved past Avery. “I’ll get her out and saddle her up.”
“Thanks, Roy.” Ry opened Dolittle’s stall. “Okay, stand back, ladies, and I’ll see if I can wake him up.”
Avery went out toward the hitching posts and open air. She was okay until the horses started moving in confined spaces. It reminded her of being trapped under her horse and almost suffocating in the mud of the arena floor.
“You doing okay, Avery?” Roy asked as she went by him.
“I’m good.”
To her surprise he gently took her elbow and drew her to a stop. “You’ll be fine. Dolittle’s not going to do anything stupid, and Ry will take care of you.” He paused. “And if he doesn’t, you come and find me.”
Which would be tricky if her body was smashed into a million pieces, but she appreciated the thought. “Will do. Thanks, Roy.”
He nodded and went into the tack room.
She hesitated outside. “Do you want a hand with anything?”
“Sure. Come and help an old man out.”
She’d forgotten how heavy the saddles were, and her left leg buckled as she attempted to lift one from its perch. Yeah, what a great way to start the day, failing to even have the strength to saddle her horse, let alone mount up.
“I’ve got that. Get Dolittle’s bridle.”
Ry came up behind her and took the saddle out of her hands with such effortless ease that she was torn between admiration and humiliation. He wasn’t as broad shouldered as Chase and Blue, but his lanky frame was strong. She also knew from her up close and personal inspection of his body that he didn’t have an inch of fat on him anywhere.