Falling for the Hometown Girl

by Shelli Stevens

  “Barry.” He stood up and shook the other man’s hand. The other man looked almost the same. Tall, lanky, and with dark, curly hair. “It’s been years. How the hell are you?”

  “Been too long, man.” Barry shook his head and glanced down at Katie. “Ms. Marshall. Hope you’re doing well.”

  “I’m good. Thanks, Barry. How are your kids?”

  Kids? Hunter’s brows shot up. Barry—the guy Hunter had used to play Yu-Gi-Oh! cards with at lunch—had a family. Probably a wife too? He glanced at the man’s ring finger and, sure enough, there was a gold band.

  “They’re doing just great.”

  “Well, Daisy is adorable. She’s been in the church nursery several times.” Katie slid out of the booth. “I’m going to run to the ladies’ room and then make a quick phone call. Have a seat and catch up with Hunter for a few minutes.”

  “Oh.” Surprise, then pleasure lit up Barry’s eyes. “Sure, yeah. That’d be great.”

  Hunter’s chest tightened with a hint of apprehension, even as deep inside a flicker of excitement started. He watched Katie walk away to the bathroom and then turned his attention to old friend.

  “Been a long time,” Hunter said quietly.

  “Too long if you ask me.” Barry folded his hands on the table. “Kind of sucked having my best friend leave town and never come back.” There was no heat in his words, just good natured ribbing. “It’s all good though. Your games are worth it.”

  “You play them?”

  “’Course I do, buddy. I’m proud of you.”

  “Thanks, man. It means a lot.”

  Here came the guilt. Maybe more than it’d been with his parents. He should’ve stayed in touch with Barry. Most of Hunter’s good memories from Marietta involved this guy here. He’d emailed and texted for a bit during the first year of college, but life had gotten busy. So had Barry, it seemed. Settling down and starting a family.

  “You got married?” Hunter nodded to the ring. “Had kids and stuff?”

  “Sure did.” Barry beamed. “Remember Alice from science? The kind of quiet one with the braces and bright red hair?”

  “Yeah I do.” Vaguely. Hunter leaned back in the booth, intrigued. “Huh. So you guys wound up together?”

  “Sure did. Started dating after we hooked up after a rodeo dance.” Barry scratched the back of his neck, a reflective smile on his face. “Had to have been just a couple years after high school. We have three kids now.”

  “I’m happy for you.” And he really was. There was some other emotion needling him though, that he wasn’t sure he wanted to acknowledge. Jealousy.

  “Thanks. How long are you in town for? Would love for you to meet the family.”

  His stomached clenched. “Leaving Sunday, unfortunately.”

  “Ah, well, maybe next time.” The waitress walked by and Barry caught her attention. “Hey, Mardie, can I get a Budweiser?”

  She gave a single nod and smiled. “Sure can, Barry. Grab that in a few minutes.”

  “Thanks.”

  Everyone really knew each other here. He’d forgotten what that was like. Unless someone camped out in the same bar in Seattle, no one really remembered who they were.

  “Anyway, while I’ve got you for a few minutes, fill me in on everything.” Barry grabbed a fry from Katie’s plate. “What you’ve been up—besides living the dream—what brings you back to town and, most importantly”—he leaned forward, eyes flashing with inquisitiveness—“what the hell you’re doing with Katie Marshall.”

  Katie left the bathroom and glanced at the table where she’d left Hunter. He was deep into conversation with his old friend. Barry laughed at something Hunter, just before a beer was delivered to the table.

  Hiding a smile, she slipped out of the bar and into the Marietta sunshine.

  She’d lied about needing to make a phone call, all just to give the two more time to catch up. It warmed her heart—gave her hope—to know Hunter had a friend in town. Some kind of connection that might make him resent it a little less.

  It was only when Barry had stopped at the table that she’d placed his connection with Hunter. The two had sat alone at lunch, playing some kind of card game. They’d been in their own world, oblivious to the chaos in the cafeteria. People had written them off as nerds. Loners. As a little weird. And, apparently, some people had used that as a reason to bully them.

  Just remembering that admission from Hunter sent a sharp stab of anger through her. She hadn’t known the extent of it. Sure, some of the people she’d known had made remarks, but if she’d heard them, she’d shut it down. That was what she did with anyone being teased though, not just Hunter.

  Katie leaned against the building, waving to the familiar faces walking across the street. She glanced around, debating whether to slip into a nearby shop and browse around.

  “Kaitlyn.”

  Tension rocketed through her and she winced, before turning to face Jim. He was out of uniform, off work.

  “Hi, Jim.” She gave a small smile, her gaze issuing another gentle apology.

  He seemed to want none of it. His expression was puckered, his eyes burning with resentment. She glanced back at the bar, wishing she hadn’t left now.

  “I just wanted to give you another warning,” he began. “Your hipster love interest has a record. He’s not who you think he is.”

  She frowned, tilting her chin to the side. “Are you referring to the stuff from high school? I’m aware.”

  “MIP. Destruction of property.”

  Irritation pricked that he’d try and tear down Hunter like this. “Yes, I know about these. They were a long time ago, and they happened when he was in high school. He’s changed—”

  “Sexual assault.”

  Her stomach dropped to the ground. “What?”

  “You heard me.” Jim folded his arms across his chest.

  No, he couldn’t be right. It wasn’t even possible. There was no way Hunter could’ve done something like that. “How old was he? When was he charged with this?”

  “He was fifteen.” Jim shifted. “It wasn’t reported, and so no actual charges filed with the sheriff’s office, but it happened, Kaitlyn. I was told by a deputy who was around back then. He said—”

  “Enough.” She lifted her hand, furious now, and moved to step around him. “This small-town gossip has already ruined enough lives. I try not to listen to it.”

  He blocked her path. “I’m trying to warn you. He’s not the man you think he is.”

  “No, you’re not the man I thought you were.” She glared at him. “You should be ashamed, trying to destroy an innocent man’s reputation.”

  With a clenched jaw and bitterness in his eyes, he stepped back. “Fine. Well don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

  Trembling, Katie strode past him and heading back inside the bar. The door closed behind her and she leaned against it for the moment. Her gaze sought out the table where Hunter and Barry sat. They were still talking away, looking completely comfortable and happy.

  Her heart thumped in her chest and she swallowed hard. Maybe Hunter had had some issues, but sexual assaulting someone? Deep in her gut, she knew it couldn’t be true. But now that seed had been planted and it dug at her conscience and left her uneasy. Which was exactly what Jim had wanted. Yet everything within her demanded she find out the truth.

  Hunter spotted her and lifted a hand in greeting, waving her over.

  She took a deep breath and approached the two. “Hey guys. How’s it going?”

  “Great.” Hunter slid over in the booth and patted the spot next to him. “Join us. We’re just catching up, I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all. I’m glad you too ran into each other.” She settled in the booth, reached for her beer, and tried not to think about what Jim had told her.

  With a carful of groceries, they made their way back to the ranch.

  Katie’s hands clenched around the steering wheel and she was silent. She knew she should be
talking. Should be acting normal. But she was upset and frustrated, and she had no one to blame but Jim.

  Even from her peripheral vision, she could feel Hunter’s gaze burning into her. “What’s wrong?”

  She stiffened. Thought about saying “nothing”. But that wasn’t who she was. She faced her problems head on. She didn’t play games.

  As she pulled her truck onto the ranch, she asked, “Did you ever sexually assault anyone?”

  Dead silence met her question.

  She turned off the engine and swung a glance his way. The sight of him was almost frightening. His jaw was rigid, his fists clenched in his lap, and his hard gaze was focused out the window.

  “No. I haven’t.” His voice was deceptively calm. “And I’d love to know where you got the idea that I might’ve.”

  She swallowed hard, even as relief and confusion swept through her. It was an odd reaction for someone proclaiming his innocence though.

  “Jim. I ran into him outside.”

  “Ah. That nice deputy you were dating.” Hunter climbed out of the truck.

  Katie rushed to follow him out. “I know he’s jealous. But that seems like a crazy thing to make up.”

  He laughed, but there was no humor in it. He stopped walking and turned to face her. “But that’s how this town works, Katie. The gossip mill has always been at full speed.”

  She bit her lip. It was definitely one drawbacks of a small town.

  “Katie, I swear to you on my life I’ve never sexually assaulted anyone.” He stepped forward and pulled her gently to him. Tilting her chin up, so she had to meet his gaze. “I can’t even tell you how important it is that you believe me over the gossip.”

  The solemnness in his eyes had her pulse racing. She searched her heart, not wanting to give him an answer she didn’t believe. She closed her eyes and let out an unsteady breath.

  “I believe you, Hunter.” She opened her eyes and placed her palms on his chest. His heart beat furiously against her touch. “I promise you, I believe you.”

  He gave a ragged sigh, wrapped his arms around her, and lowered his mouth to hers.

  Heat spread throughout her as she kissed him back. Her groan was part pleasure, part sorrow for having hurt him. And she knew she had.

  Dimly, she heard the thundering of footsteps on the stairs to the main house.

  “You get your sorry hands off her.”

  The harsh words registered as Hunter was jerked off of her and sent stumbling across the dirt driveway and falling to his knees.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “Cal!” Katie blinked in shock, then lunged forward, stunned at the violence in her brother. He threw out his arm, keeping her away from Hunter.

  “Well, doesn’t this just feel familiar?” Hunter drawled, rising again, but his words were hard. “But it’s a little different this time. I’m fighting back.”

  In an instant, his fist shot out and connected with Cal’s face, snapping back her brother’s head.

  Cal straightened, face red with rage, and circled Hunter.

  Katie gasped and tried to get between them, but both men pushed her away.

  “Stop it!”

  Why had Hunter said this felt familiar? Something pricked at the back of her mind. A connection she almost had, but wasn’t quite lining up.

  “Will someone please tell me on earth is going on before you kill each other?”

  “Stay out of this, Katie.” Cal shot her a hard look.

  Unbelievable.

  “Wyatt!” She called for her oldest brother, hoping someone would come in and break up this insanity.

  “Whatever history we have is between us, Richardson. You hear me? You don’t bring my fucking sister into it.”

  “This has nothing to do with, Katie.” Hunter bit out.

  “Doesn’t it?” Cal’s fists tightened. “Sure you’re not sleeping with her to get revenge on me?”

  Get revenge on him?

  Katie looked at the two men, and the almost tangible anger between them. A roar started in her head as it all began to line up.

  Hunter had been bullied in high school. Beat up once, he’d said.

  “Cal?” She looked at her brother, her body shaking. “Tell me it wasn’t you.”

  Cal’s mouth tightened. “Go inside, Katie.”

  Her throat closed up and she shook her head, dismay and panic coursing through her.

  “What the hell is going on?” Wyatt came running out of the house, just as Hunter football rushed Cal and sent them both sprawling to the ground.

  Hunter wasn’t sure how long he came to blows with Cal, before the two were physically separated. Wyatt dragged Hunter off Cal, while Lyle—the ranch hand—helped Cal to his feet.

  Adrenaline raged through Hunter’s veins, tempered with a small dose of rage. Looking at Cal a few feet away showed the other men appeared to be feeling the same.

  “Someone had better start talking,” Wyatt barked out. “What is this?”

  Hunter shook his head, not about to answer that. Because what answer did he have? Besides Cal Marshall was an aggressive asshole.

  “You think it’s all a coincidence?” Cal demanded, looking around at them. “That Hunter just happens to stay at Marshall ranch, and seduce our sister?”

  “What are you even implying?” Katie demanded, her face nearly red. Whether with anger or embarrassment, it was hard to tell. “And there was no seduction involved. I know what I’m getting myself into it. Not that it’s any of your business, Cal.”

  “It is my business, Katie.” Cal took a step toward Hunter. “Because he’s only sleeping with you to get revenge on me.”

  Fury erupted from Hunter’s throat, and he tried to lunge forward, but Wyatt held him back.

  “That’s ridiculous,” Katie sputtered, but there was a faint hint of uncertainty in her words.

  Cal shook his head. “We don’t have good history.”

  “And, why would we? You kicked my ass when I was a freshman in high school,” Hunter ground out. “Then harassed me until the day I left Marietta.”

  Katie gasped, swinging her gaze to Cal. “Is this true?”

  Cal’s nostrils flared and he gave a terse nod. “I’m not proud of it. I was stupid and hot-headed. When Jeanne told me Hunter assaulted her at the rodeo dance, I made sure he regretted it.”

  This must be what Katie had been asking about earlier. Hunter gave a harsh laugh, wishing the man across from him dead with his eyes.

  “I didn’t assault anyone, and we both know it.”

  Cal drew in a long breath and gave a small nod. “I do now. It took years to figure it out though.” His eyes narrowed. “But by then you’d already worked out how to get your revenge on me.”

  “I don’t understand this,” Katie whispered. “Any of this. Everyone, please leave and let me talk to Hunter alone.”

  “The hell I will.” Cal bit out, casting her a sharp look. “Didn’t you hear what I just said?”

  “Yes, and I’d like to speak with Hunter myself.” She shot her brother a furious look. “You and I will talk later. So don’t even think about leaving the ranch yet.”

  “Kat—”

  “Let her handle her own business.” Wyatt let go of Hunter’s arm and gave Cal a hard look. “You’ve done enough for the moment.”

  Hunter strode toward Katie, searching her face to see how upset she was. It didn’t look good. She wouldn’t even meet his gaze.

  “My cabin?” he suggested softly.

  She gave a nod and followed him there. Once inside, he closed the door behind them. Uncertain whether to speak, or let her go first, he simply waited.

  “You mention being bullied. Being beaten up. But never think to mention it was by my brother?” Her words trembled, and her gaze finally lifted to his. The betrayal in her eyes had him flinching. “Why?”

  He let the breath hiss out from between his teeth, before answering carefully. “Because it has nothing to do with what’s happening between us now.”<
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  “You can’t possibly believe that.” She shook her head, pressing her lips together. “The sexual assault Jim told me about. This was what he was talking about, wasn’t it?”

  Hunter sighed. “It never happened. Or not the way they thought.”

  “Enlighten me.”

  “Cal’s girlfriend at the time, Jeanne, found me at the rodeo dance. She’d snuck in a flask and was drunk. She was flirting with me—the hell if I know why—and then she kissed me.” Hell, he hated talking about this. He did his best to never think about it. The only person he’d ever told was Barry. “It was my first kiss, actually. Forced on me by another guy’s girlfriend. Your brother caught us. Jeanne spun it, saying I’d grabbed her ass and forced a kiss on her. You know the rest.”

  He watched her swallow visibly.

  “He bullied you for years.”

  “It was bad for a few months, before he backed off a little. Still, he was never what you’d call nice.” Hunter sighed and scrubbed his beard.

  Katie folded her arms across her chest, her gaze searching his. “You must’ve hated him.”

  “Yes.” It wouldn’t help to try and make things pretty for her.

  “I mean, wanting revenge would’ve been natural.”

  Hunter didn’t breathe as her words registered. He stepped toward her. “That’s not what this is about, Katie.”

  She stepped back, heartbreakingly confused and uncertain. “But why would you ever come and stay at this ranch when my brother was so awful to you? It doesn’t make any sense.”

  It hadn’t made much sense to him at the time either. He’d just seen it come up in the list of ranches, and he’d immediately thought of Katie.

  “I told you once. You were always nice to me.”

  Her expression softened. “Even though my brother was a complete jerk.” She paused and looked him directly in the eyes. “I need you to tell me, honestly, that you never once had the thought that screwing Cal’s sister would be the perfect payback.”

  Hunter opened his mouth, ready to say it, but guilt squeezed his gut. Once, yes, the thought that crossed his mind. When he’d seen her picture on the website, and started imagining what it would be like if he hooked up with her. He’d briefly thought how pissed off Cal would be to know Hunter was sleeping with Katie.