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“What a delectable spread,” she said, walking to the counter and perusing all the fresh food and baked goods. “How thoughtful.”
Easton beamed. “Mama baked and Dad shopped. We just delivered.”
“Please tell your parents thank you, and thank you for delivering.” She smiled at him.
Easton’s blue eyes were hopeful. “Anything for you, Jacey.”
Jacey was uncertain how to respond. Behind Easton, Cade’s mouth and jaw tightened.
A truck motor flared to life outside. Easton flinched. He looked to Cade and back to her. “I’d better go, unless I want to get left in the dust. Clint’s … not himself right now.” He glanced hopefully in her direction, twisting his hat in his hands. “That’s actually not a bad idea. Do you want me to get left behind?”
She shook her head, and his eyes dimmed. “That’s unbelievably kind of you, Easton, but I believe the doctor said I require peace and quiet to heal. You should go home and take care of your responsibilities.” She had no idea what that meant for him. Was he a rancher like Cade, or did he have a different occupation? “I’ll rest here in this beautiful valley. Certainly by tomorrow I’ll have my memories back.”
She risked a glance at Cade. He didn’t appear as closed off. His green eyes had a yearning in them. For her? Or for the woman he and Clint had fought over? Were currently fighting over? Where was this woman?
“Oh.” Easton deflated. She wished she had a grasp on their relationship. How long had she resided on their ranch? She wanted to ask but didn’t think this was the time. “All right,” he said. “If you change your mind, you know who’s at your beck and call.” He flashed her a winning smile. She imagined it made most girls go weak in the knees.
“Thank you. We will keep in touch.” She didn’t want to say see you soon and have him galloping back up the mountain road on a white steed. She glanced at Cade. The image of him on a white steed made her breathless. No. Black. His horse should be black and larger than life.
“Catch you on the flip side.” Easton replaced his cowboy hat and headed out the door, shutting it behind him.
Neither of them spoke as the truck door opened and shut and the truck engine sounds disappeared.
Where to start? Did she have the privilege to ask about this woman? Would he share his heartbreak?
“Are you all right?” was what she managed.
“Sure.” His voice was as tight as his muscles. He appeared ready to bolt out the door.
“What is the distance to town and the Coleville Ranch?” she asked.
“About twenty minutes to the ranch, thirty to town.”
“Do you visit often?”
He sensed what she was searching for. He shook his head. “I go into town for supplies every few weeks and I try never to miss church and Sunday dinner with my family.”
“That is nice.” Her smile was plastic. Their interaction didn’t feel ‘nice’. Cade was upset and withdrawing. She should have encouraged the distance. She was befuddled in her mind and in no position to fall for an incredible and protective cowboy.
“Do you have any other questions about … anything?” he asked.
She blinked at him. “I should, but I cannot pinpoint where to begin. You are referring to my amnesia, correct?” Or was he indicating he would reveal the story of the woman who had damaged him and Clint? She doubted that was his intention.
“Right.” He nodded. “I think you’re dead on, what you said to Easton about needing peace and quiet. I have a few chores I need to do. We’ve got the cameras and sensors set up and I won’t leave the yard. You lie down and rest this afternoon. If you can’t sleep, there are books upstairs in the master, or you can watch a show.” He gestured to the television. “I don’t get Netflix up here, but I have a load of DVDs. They sell for cheap nowadays.” He smiled slightly.
He was abandoning her. It was obvious. Panic filled her chest. He needed a reprieve from her, but she needed him.
She tilted her chin. An instinctive response. She refused to be needy. It was reflexive to hide her needs. Weakness should never be revealed or it could be exploited. Quaid was her only refuge. She could not allow herself to turn to or trust anyone but her brother. How she knew that when she couldn’t even picture what Quaid looked like was beyond her.
“Of course,” she managed to squeak out. “Can I please phone Quaid again?”
“Sure. I know from personal experience that you have a healthy fear of being tracked, so you won’t be calling anyone else.”
They shared a smile. Then he went on. “I’ll leave the phone with you and check back in. All right?”
He was very kind, an impressive cowboy, but there was no possibility of developing a relationship with him. Her brain was not forming solid memories but was clearing of the fog and confusion, and the lack of a future between them was transparent.
“Thank you.”
