Chapter 7
CHAPTER SEVEN
S taring into his cup of coffee, Reilly shook his head. He had been unaware of his desperate need to hear her say she hadn't abandoned him, or even being sorry for leaving without a goodbye. Heck, just some explanation.
It had been a week before he was to leave for his last year of law school. He’d split his summer into two parts. Time working on the ranch and time with Lynne. He had planned to propose before they both left for their final year of college. She was going to be a veterinarian.
Lynne informed his mother that she no longer wanted anything to do with him. That was it. No explanation. She didn’t return his calls or texts. Then she blocked him. Her grandfather seemed just as confused as to why she suddenly left for school early. He did say she was visibly upset.
Any time Reilly questioned his mother, she just told him he was better off. But he hadn’t been better off. He was so haunted by it that he could no longer trust women. He dated a few times, but none of them were Lynne. And as much as she had devastated him, he still wanted her.
So he had thrown himself into being the best lawyer he could be and earned many accolades in Billings. He only came back home when something happened, such as his brother McKenna turning into a low life thief and drug pusher. He hadn’t wanted to take the chance that he’d run into Lynne. It had just been easier to stay away.
It had been difficult seeing her here in the mountain house. His traitorous heart still beat for her. Repeatedly, he attempted to control his feelings, yet failed every time. He did have a great poker face that he had perfected in the courtroom.
Why, why, why had she thrown him away? She’d loved him. He hadn’t been mistaken about that one fact.
And now…what to do about it all was on his mind.
He’d get her settled and then go after West. West had a lot of explaining to do. On top of that, he needed to find the source of the rumor of the dead bull. The fact that West accused her of having something to do with it at The Morning Glory was his best clue.
The truck hauling the trailer honked its horn as it came up the drive. He’d best stop all this musing and go outside.
Lynne’s rosy smile of excitement instantly captivated him. She clearly had a sense of accomplishment over acquiring the trailer.
“I’ll show you where to put it!” he yelled up at the driver.
Her own home. No one could kick her out except… She’d have to see Stewart and let him know she was living on McKeegan property. She had Reilly’s blessing, and that was all that mattered, but having Stewart’s blessing would mean she didn’t have to practically hide. It would be awkward if he just happened upon her and the animals. Especially if he really blamed her for killing his prized bull.
Lynne found herself panting as she followed Reilly; he sure did walk fast. It was futile to try to catch up to him. She eyed the trailer being towed in, knowing she owed him her gratitude. He’d come through for her when he didn’t have to.
The air crackled with excitement as she urged, “Reilly, look!”
“It’s practically brand new,” he marveled. “How’s the inside?”
“It looks barely lived in. I can’t thank you enough.” Tears welled in her eyes. “But…I will need a lease. I don’t want anyone to be able to make me leave.”
“Who would make you leave?”
“Your mother,” she managed to choke out. “I can’t talk about it now, it makes me cry, ugly cry.” She took his hand. “Come on, they have it situated. Let’s look inside.”
His nod and light hand squeeze were such a relief.
She climbed the few steps, opened the door, and went in. With pride, she gestured for Reilly to follow her. “What do you think?”
She smiled as he looked around. He even opened the refrigerator and oven. Then he stepped into the bedroom and nodded his approval at the bed and dresser.
“I think you got a great deal. I imagined it to be smaller. It’s like a house. Nice of them to leave some furniture. You can borrow some sheets from the house to make up the bed.”
“Thank you,” she whispered. “For everything.”
“I’m impressed, and yes, I will draw up a lease agreement. It’s time we let Stewart know. Rent checks will go to him. Why are you looking at me like that? I’ll go with you.”
“I need to do this myself. I appreciate the offer, though. Tomorrow should be soon enough.”
The front door burst inward, and Stewart pushed inside.
Lynne sighed. Speak of the devil…
“What the devil are you doing, Reilly?” Stewart bellowed, staring around the trailer. His jaw dropped for a moment as he stared at Lynne. “Really? Reilly, I don't think this is wise. Have you forgotten what she did to you last time?”
She hesitated, giving Reilly time to defend her, but he didn’t utter a word. She dashed out the door and into the barn. Clinging to a stall door, she gasped for air. What I did?
After stepping inside and closing the stall door, she slid down into clean hay. What did I do? Had Reilly told his brother she had broken up with him ? Tears threatened, but she refused to allow them to fall, even as she remembered his mother's cruel, scathing words. She had recited so many reasons why Lynne would never be allowed to marry Reilly. And then she casually mentioned the fact Reilly had a lady friend at school. That had been enough to make her pack up and run.
Thinking she could live here had been a huge error. Her original plan of leaving town was the better one.