And he knew she hadn’t been. Just as he knew that he had done nothing to put her at ease around him. He didn’t have much patience for social niceties. It was no wonder they all called him Rambo. All he’d ever cared about was the job.
“If you don’t want to come, I’ll bring you up some food,” Abby said quickly. “Of course, by the time I get it up the hill, it will probably be all over the floor of the truck. . .”
“I’ll come,” he said abruptly.
“What?” She blinked, staring at him. Even Kent looked shocked. Considering how he treated any social get-together in the past as more painful than being stabbed in the eye, he got their incredulous looks. But he also couldn’t have Abby feeling bad, or worse, trying to bring him up some food.
“I’ll come,” he growled again. “Just don’t make a big deal out of it.”
“Sure. Okay. See you there!” She smiled big.
He just shook his head and stomped away. She was going to make a big deal about it. He just knew it.
* * *
She had no business being here.
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
She needed to leave. Just turn her car around and head back to her house in Russell.
Except it’s not your house. Your belongings fit into the trunk of your car. You have nothing.
You are nothing.
No. That wasn’t true. She was something. She wouldn’t let that asshole’s words get to her. She was loved. She was smart. She was Daisy.
Not nothing.
She took a deep breath and pulled out the sucker in her mouth. It was nearly gone. She crunched on it. Hopefully, the sugar would help with the jitters that were making her hands shake. She looked around, unable to see Ellie anywhere. As instructed, she’d parked her car in front of the huge, imposing gates.
Sanctuary Ranch.
Nice name. She doubted it lived up to its promise, though. No such thing as a sanctuary. Well, once she’d had it. In Jed’s arms. It was the only place she’d felt safe. Loved. At peace.
She took a deep breath. Let it out. She had to move on. She knew Jed had. A few years ago, she’d made the stupid decision to go searching for information about him. Only to discover he was engaged. To a gorgeous, classy brunette. They would be married by now.
She pressed her hand to her stomach as though there was a gaping wound she was trying to put heal. She should never have gone looking. It hurt too much.
No doubt his grandfather approved of her. At least that old bastard was dead now. Her brother had sent her his death notice eight months ago.
Yes, it was definitely time to start a new life. Make a place for herself.
Headlights approached.
No going back now, Daisy.
* * *
He knew it was a bad idea as soon as he arrived. This was not his scene. He’d just eat some food, drink a beer and head back to his cabin. Alone. Jed walked towards the tables that were laden with food. Charlie must have been prepping for this for days. He grabbed a plate, and started to load up.
“Hey, Jed.”
He looked over at the greeting and nodded at Charlie as she walked closer to the table and started rearranging dishes.
“Charlie. Good spread.”
Her smile flashed like a beam of light across her face. “Thanks. I wasn’t sure if you’d come, especially after Abby put her foot in it. I mean. . .um. . .I’ll just shut up now.”