“No, all true. You’ve won a ticket and a free makeover,” Reagan assured her.
“Hold on a second. I’ll be right out.”
True to her word, Lauren emerged from around the truck moments later holding two cups.
“Sweet tea on the house,” she said, offering Reagan one of the drinks. Sipping from her own tea, Lauren shook her head. “I still can’t believe I won! Can I be honest?”
“Of course.” Reagan tasted her beverage and savored the cool, refreshing tea with a hint of mint. Good Lord, it was delicious. “Wow, this is good.”
“Thanks.” Lauren grinned. But the wattage of it dimmed a little as she led Reagan to a nearby bench. Sitting, she curled a leg under the other and twisted to face Reagan. “I’m a little embarrassed to admit this, but I didn’t even enter. A friend did it for me.” She huffed out a chuckle. “Still, I’m excited to win. I never expected to. And I can’t really pass up this opportunity to network with potential customers and investors. And shoot.” She held up her hands, that grin tugging at the corner of her mouth again. “What woman doesn’t enjoy a makeover?”
“A free one at that,” Reagan teased. “Not that I think you need one. You’re lovely just as you are.”
“That’s nice of you to say, but no.” Lauren nodded, her eyes gleaming. “I’m looking forward to some changes.”
“Well, then I’m glad I’m the one who could bring you the good news. And I’m looking forward to seeing you at the ball.”
“Thanks, Ms. Sinclair,” Lauren said, rising from the bench.
“Reagan.” She stood as well, smiling. “Please call me Reagan. And thank you again for the tea.”
“You’re more than welcome.” Lauren glanced over at the food truck where the line of customers had lengthened again. “I should get back. Thanks again, Reagan.” Waving, she retreated back to her truck.
Reagan paused to finish her beverage, then headed toward her car across the street. A sense of accomplishment filled her. It was always awesome when good things happened to good people. And though she’d just met the other woman, Lauren seemed honest, hardworking and nice. Reagan looked forward to seeing her at the ball—
She stumbled to a halt. Shock swelled and crashed over her, momentarily numbing her.
Too bad she couldn’t stay that way.
Already, the hurt and anger started to zigzag across that sheet of ice, the fissures growing and cracking. All at the sight of Ezekiel leaning against her car.
God, it wasn’t fair. Not at all.
After the way he’d basically cast her aside, the only emotions bubbling inside her should be fury and disdain. She might have walked away, but he’d let her. Without the slightest fight. That, more than anything, relayed how he felt about her.
Yet beneath the fury, there was also gut-churning pain and grief, for how not just their marriage but their friendship had ended.
And the ever-present need... Just one look at his tall, powerful body wrapped in one of his perfectly
tailored suits—this one dark blue—and that handsome, strong face with those smoldering green eyes... Just one look, and she couldn’t stem the desire or the memories that bombarded her, both decadent and cruel.
Slowly, he straightened, and she forced her feet to move and carry her across the street. Over the short distance, the anger capsized all the other emotions roiling inside her like a late-summer Texas storm. If he’d come to see if she was all right after he’d broken her heart, he could go straight to hell. She didn’t need his pity. And she refused to be a balm that he could smooth over his self-imposed guilt.
No, thank you.
She’d wanted to be his wife, not an act of reparation.
“What are you doing here, Zeke?” she asked, voice purposefully bland, even though it belied the knots twisting in her belly or the constriction of her heart.
“Looking for you,” he said simply, his gaze roaming over her face. Almost as if he were soaking in every detail.
Mentally, she slapped down that line of thinking. It could only lead to the seed of hope she’d desperately tried to dig up sprouting roots.
“After handing my ass to me in a sling, Harley told me where you were.”
Okay, so Reagan and Harley needed to have a serious come to Jesus talk about consorting with the enemy. Or since the enemy was Harley’s cousin, at least giving the enemy classified information.
“Well, you’ve seen me.” Reagan sidestepped him and reached for the door handle. “Now if you don’t mind, I have a meeting.” Not a lie, she had an appointment with a realtor to find land for the girls’ home she planned on building.