Beulah’s suggestion that she needed to deal with Derek crossed her mind. What could it hurt? Sure, she hated the idea of facing Derek, but if Beulah was right, and it made all her insecure behavior and second-guessing disappear then it would be worth it. She’d better talk to him fast, though, or risk losing Cash forever.
She got dressed in jeans and a tank top. She had the morning off and was planning on checking out the hardwood floors at her place, then picking up a few groceries. She’d cleaned out the fridge when she’d moved over to her parents and had nothing to eat. She wondered if she’d be eating alone...should she ask Cash over for supper?
She could fit in a quick trip out to the Dobbins house. The thought of facing Derek made her cringe, but the more she thought about it, the more she was afraid Beulah might be right.
In the kitchen, Cash was just pouring the pancake batter. He looked up as she hovered in the doorway. “Morning, sunshine. Did you sleep good?”
“Yes, you?” Should she go over and kiss him? Why wasn’t he reaching for her? Did his voice sound like the ‘old’ just friends Cash or her new lover Cash.
Why was she reading too much into everything? If she wasn’t careful, she was going to ruin things for them. But now she was worried that Cash didn’t want things to continue, and if she acted like she did, would it ruin their friendship, too?
She’d waited too long now and Cash was holding out a plate, so she simply took it and brought it to the breakfast bar.
He came up behind her, putting his hand on her neck and giving it a gentle squeeze before sitting down and digging into his breakfast. That was a good sign, right?
“Thanks for making breakfast,” Tessa said. “I’m going to miss having that made for me.”
“Me, too.” Cash put down his fork and turned to her. “I was thinking maybe we—“
His cell phone blared on the bar in between them, cutting off his words. They broke eye contact to look at it.
Cash’s forehead creased in concern. “It’s Gramps. I hope nothing is wrong.”
He picked up the phone. “Gramps? ... Sure, I can check ... her, too ... yep ... Okay, I’ll swing by after.”
He pushed up from his chair, looking at her apologetically. “Sorry, Gramps is worried about one of the teen moms that he helps out. She may be in trouble. I told him I’d check, but I need to feed the horses first.” His eyes flicked from her to the clock as he grabbed his plate.
She tugged at the other end of the plate. “Go. I can clean up here.”
“You sure?”
“Of course. It’s no problem.”
The look of relief on his face was reward enough, but Tessa felt a twinge of disappointment that he hadn’t finished what he’d been about to say earlier. Now the moment had passed and he was already rushing out the door, clearly more worried about helping out Gramps than continuing their conversation.
What had he been about to say?
Tessa’s mind was bursting with guesses. Was he about to suggest they continue their intimate relationship or break it off?
The uncertainty tangled her up in knots, but she knew now wasn’t a good time to talk to him about it so she did what she always did during a crisis. She headed downtown to shop for a new pair of cowboy boots.
But even the fifty percent off sale at McQuade’s did little to take her mind off her problem. Though she did get a fantastic deal on a nice pair of two-tone leather boots in almond and brown with brass studded details, her excitement was dampened by the continual worrisome thoughts of Cash.
Why had’t he said anything about what would happen after they moved back to their own places? Then again, she hadn’t said anything either. He was probably waiting for her to be the first. After all she was the one with all the issues. And she only had one idea on how to get rid of them.
The Dobbins place was only ten minutes away. She could zip out there and still be back in time for work that afternoon.
The thought terrified her, yet she knew she had to do it.
Squaring her shoulders, she turned the corner, ready to get into her car and drive out there before she changed her mind.
A man was coming out of a store at the end of the block and the familiar set of his shoulders, his haircut, and his frame made her blood freeze.
It was Derek!
Before she even knew what she was doing, she ducked between two buildings. She wasn’t ready to confront him yet! She’d needed the time in the car on the drive out to think about what she was going to say. She couldn’t face him right now.
She pressed her back against the hard bricks of the building, bile rising in her throat, her head spinning. After taking a deep breath to calm herself, she peeked around the edge of the building.
Thank God he hadn’t seen her. He was alone, a shopping bag clutched in one hand as he headed toward a row of cars.
She pulled back behind the building, squeezing her eyes shut, taking a deep breath. Should she run out and talk to him now?
She hadn’t formulated her plan of attack, didn’t know what to say, but confronting him here in public would be less scary than driving to his house.
She needed to muster up the courage somehow.
Thoughts of Cash, the sweet dinner he’d cooked, his delicious kisses, and their passionate lovemaking surfaced. She wanted him forever and if this was the only way then she would have to face her fears and confront Derek.
She willed her eyes open and pushed off from the building, ready to march right over to the parking lot and have it out with Derek.
She glanced down the alley to the next street over and a couple caught her eye.
It was Cash and Melina!
Her brows furrowed. Thoughts of Derek retreated to the back of her mind for the moment as she peered down the alley between the buildings at them. What were they doing here? Her eyes jumped up to the sign on the building they had come out of.
Planned Parenthood?
Her heart crashed to her feet. Now it made perfect sense. The way he was always going out of his way to help her. How he’d covered for her at the school. She knew it was Melina that day, but Cash had insisted it wasn’t. Now she knew she hadn’t imagined the strange look she thought she’d seen pass between them last night at the Bull.
Did Cash have something going on with Melina?
They were out of sight now as they’d walked past the building. She ran down to the edge, peeked around. There they were walking slowly side by side, their backs to her now. They didn’t look like a couple, though. Just friends.
Friends like she was with Cash?
Her eyes flicked from Cash and Mel to the building. Planned Parenthood. Parenthood. Was Melina pregnant with Cash’s baby?
Hadn’t Sam mentioned something about Cash helping Mel out at the hospital?
Her stomach turned inside out as her eyes flooded with tears. It was happening all over again. Just like Derek had gotten someone pregnant behind her back, now it looked like Cash had done the same thing.
Her heart was a jumble of emotions. Her mind whirled and her eyes stung as she turned and ran for her car. The tears blurred her vision and she bumped into the side of the building, then a shrub, then a parked car. She didn’t stop. She had to get out of there. She jumped into her truck and tore out of the parking lot.
The wood floor refinishing would be done today. She could go home tonight. In the meantime, she’d get her stuff out of her parents’ house before she ran into Cash, and then she needed to get to the one person that had pulled her out of her depression when this had happened to her before. The one best friend that she knew she could trust. She needed to get to Sam.
“I’m glad I could talk some sense into Gloria and she’ll be taking precautions. Your grandfather was a big help, too...Cash, are you listening to me?” Melina asked as they walked away from the Planned Parenthood clinic where they’d taken Gordy’s mom, Gloria, for a consultation.
Cash wasn’t listening. He was busy replaying every second of the breakf
ast he’d had with Tessa. Why hadn’t he continued the conversation he’d started when Gramps had called? He should have been man enough to do that, but instead, he’d let the call act as an excuse to cut the conversation short. But Tessa had been acting so hesitant that he was afraid of ruining their friendship now if he pushed to keep it at a more intimate level.
She’d practically shoved him out the door after Gramps had called. Was it because she’d known what he was going to say and didn’t want to talk about it?
“Earth to Cash.” Melina was standing in the road with her hands on her hips, looking at him.
“Sorry. Got a lot on my mind.”
Melina’s brow creased and she tilted her head, sliding her giant sunglasses down on her nose and looking over the tops at him with concerned, bloodshot eyes. “Anything I can help with? You’ve been so good to me I’d love to return the favor.”
“Nah. It’s nothing.” Cash turned back to look at the building they’d just left. “It’s great that you talked Gloria into seeking counsel. The last thing she needs is another kid.”
“No kidding.” Melina pushed the sunglasses back up and continued down the road. Cash was glad Melina had a purpose now and had slowed down on the drinking, though he knew she’d gone on a bender last night because she’d been hung over this morning. Oh, well, baby steps.
At least they’d gotten Gloria on the right track, and he could ease Gramps’ mind when he visited him later today.
But what about Tessa?
The niggle of doubt that had sprouted last night when Becky had mentioned Derek was in town had festered and grown. Tessa had had several opportunities to mention her intentions toward Derek to Cash but she’d said nothing.
Maybe he was overthinking things. He was so mixed up inside that now he was even seeing Derek everywhere he went. Like over by that car in the parking lot. Wait a minute...that was Derek
A jolt of adrenaline spiked through him and he stopped in his tracks, resisting the urge to go over and have it out with him.
Have it out over what? This wasn’t the middle ages and if Tessa wanted to be with Derek then Cash would just have to live with that. And if the guy was now back in Sweetrock, he’d just have to live with seeing him here all the time, too. Maybe even seeing them together.
He was so intent on staring at Derek that he nearly smashed into Melina, who had stopped and was looking at a car racing down the side street.
“Isn’t that Tessa’s truck?”
Cash jerked his attention from Derek to the direction in which Melina was looking. A pickup truck sped away heading out of town. Tessa’s pickup.
“Looks like it,” Cash said.
“Hmmm... Looks like she’s going pretty fast,” Melina said.
Cash’s gaze flicked back to Derek, who was now starting his car, and then back toward Tessa’s truck in time to see the red taillights disappear around the corner.
Was it any coincidence they were both here downtown at the same time?
His heart grew heavy with the weight of his worst fears. Was Tessa ditching him for Derek like Grandma had ditched Grandpa for that rodeo rider?
He had to ask her. He had to know for sure. Was she racing off for home or to go to Derek’s place? Her stuff was still at the Riley ranch and if he could drop Melina back at her place and get to the ranch fast enough, he could confront Tessa and ask her exactly what was going on.
She owed him that much.
“Come on. I have to go.” Cash grabbed Melina’s elbow and pulled her toward his Jeep.
“Hey. Slow down.” Melina stumbled in her high heels and frowned at him. “What is your problem?”
Cash’s jaw tightened. “Nothing. I’m just in a hurry, okay?”
“Okay. Okay.” She pulled her elbow away, and walked to the car then turned and looked at him. “You know, Cash, if you have a problem you can tell me. Especially if it’s a woman problem. I’m good at helping with those. Lord knows I got enough experience in that department.”
“I know.” But he wouldn’t tell her. He didn’t want to lay his problems on Melina. She had enough of her own. He just wished she’d hurry up and get in the Jeep so he could drop her off and get back to the ranch.
“Suit yourself. You can drop me at The Chuckwagon, if you don’t mind. I’ll get a ride home with Rena. I’m meeting her there later,” Melina said.
Cash glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. “Later? How much later?” Cash knew the bar at The Chuckwagon was one of Mel’s favorite haunts and if she had extra time, he hoped she wouldn’t be spending it drinking.
She glanced at her watch and shrugged. “About an hour. I’m not a child that needs to be watched every minute.”
“Okay. You’re right. Sorry.” Just as well. The Chuckwagon was closer than Melina’s place.
He dropped her off, declining her invitation to go in and then took a rarely traveled shortcut to the Riley ranch. He was out of the Jeep while the engine was still spinning, pounding up the steps and running into the house straight to Tessa’s room.
She wasn’t there. Her suitcase was gone. He opened the drawers, looked in the closet. No clothes.
He ran back to the living room and looked out the window. He hadn’t even registered whose cars had been parked in the driveway when he’d pulled in. Hers wasn’t there. Nor was it at her little house across the field.
He was too late. She was already gone.
16
Tessa had thrown her clothes into her suitcase and then tossed that into the bed of her truck. The wood floor refinishers were just clearing their things out of her house. She’d go back and unpack later—now she needed to get to Sam.
By the time she pulled into The Chuckwagon, her eyes were red from crying and her throat clogged up with snot. The giant dust plume from someone who’d just high-tailed it out of there hovering in the parking lot didn’t help much and she coughed her way through it and into the restaurant. She stood in the doorway as her eyes adjusted, trying to compose herself.
Beulah came from the left where the bar was, her long-fringed brown suede vest swaying back and forth, her wrinkled face scrunching up even more as she noticed Tessa.
“What’s the matter, honey?”
“I...need to see Sam,” Tessa blurted out, barely holding back the tears.
Sam appeared from the same direction, stopping short when she saw Tessa. Her eyes drifted from Beulah to Tessa. “Is something going on?”
Beulah shrugged, diverting her focus to a stack of menus. Tessa stood there, trying to speak through the lump in her throat. Finally, her words blurted out in a rush. “It’s happening again. The same thing that happened with Derek!”
Sam’s frown deepened. “What? What are you talking about?” She took Tessa’s arm, and led her to an empty table away from the rest of the diners and pushed her down into a chair. “Let me get you some water.”
Tessa was glad for the reprieve. She composed herself while Sam was getting the water. Now she was starting to feel a little silly. She wasn’t a naive college student anymore. She was a grown woman and she couldn’t run to Sam every time things didn’t work out with a guy. Of course, this wasn’t about just any guy. This was about Cash—one of the most important people in her life...or so she’d thought.
Sam put the water in front of Tessa and sat in the chair beside her, her face full of concern. “What happened? What do you mean the same thing as Derek? Did you see him? I know Becky said he’s in town...”
Tessa shook her head. “No. I mean, I did see him. He was downtown, but when I saw him I hid, and that’s when I saw them.”
“Them? Maybe you should back up and start from the beginning.”
Tessa hesitated. She couldn’t start from the beginning without telling Sam about her and Cash. Suddenly, she felt nervous, embarrassed. She’d made such a fool of herself—though it wouldn’t be the first time Sam had seen her make a fool out of herself. Maybe not even the last, either.
“It’s not Derek...it
’s...” Tessa stumbled on the words, not knowing quite where to start.
“Does this have something to do with Cash?” Sam asked.
Tessa’s heart jerked at the sound of his name. Did Sam know what was going on between them? Had Cash told Nick? “Did Nick say something?”
Sam shook her head. “Nah, it’s as plain as day that there’s something going on with you two.” She leaned forward, put her hand on Tessa’s and squeezed. “I could tell he had eyes for you my first week here. My only question is what took you so long?”
Tessa snorted, grabbed a napkin and blew her nose. “Well, it looks like that was a mistake. The same mistake I made before.”
“That’s the part I don’t get. What mistake?”
“I thought what was between Cash and me was real.” Tessa took a shaky breath—she could barely bring herself to say the words. “He’s the first guy I actually felt anything with since Derek. I thought maybe I’d finally found someone, you know? But it turns out I was just a momentary fling to him.”
“Momentary fling? I don’t think so. Why do you say that?”
Tessa’s cheeks burned with embarrassment. She could see getting fooled by a guy once, but twice, and in the same exact way? Sam must think she was a total idiot. It was clear her internal guy-trusting radar was way off. Maybe she’d been right to push all her other boyfriends away when things got serious.
“I guess I should’ve known. He never said anything about keeping things permanent. I suppose I was just convenient because we were living in the same house.”
Sam scowled at her. “Convenient? That doesn’t sound like the Cash I know. Sure, he’s dated a lot of women but he’s always been respectful and judging by the way he looks at you his feelings are much more than a convenient fling. Do you think this simply because he never said anything was permanent? Did you even give him a chance?”
Too Close For Comfort (Sweetrock Cowboy Romance Book 2) Page 10