29. Legalities
Chapter 29
Legalities
Dread blooming inside Neve’s belly had made eating the pancake breakfast she’d prepared nearly impossible. And honestly, she’d only cooked to give herself something to do besides watching the clock tick down to their scheduled video chat with Jill Carlisle.
Now that said appointment was underway, Neve’s stomach threatened to purge itself of its meager contents. Reece, on the other hand, had had no trouble chowing down two platefuls and didn’t act a bit rattled as he and the attorney exchanged questions and answers.
Jill Carlisle was middle-aged, with light eyes set in a round face, her graying hair pulled back in a casual bun. She telegraphed confidence and competence without behaving like an intellectual superior, which Neve appreciated. If only they were discussing something besides the end of Reece’s and her unplanned nuptials …
“Annulment is definitely an option that has certain advantages,” Ms. Carlisle advised. “As long as you haven’t been living under the same roof—”
“Uh, um,” Reece stammered, “actually, I moved into Neve’s guest room when the pipes broke and the water at my apartment was shut off.”
The speed bump didn’t slow Ms. Carlisle. “Okay. Have you since moved back into your apartment?”
“Not quite yet,” Reece hedged. It had been ready days ago, but he hadn’t been mentally prepared to leave Neve’s house. Still wasn’t.
The attorney’s brows furrowed. “Because the water’s still off?”
“No, it’s back on. Only recently, though.”
She tapped her pen against her cheek. “We can work around that—as long as you conducted yourselves as simply roommates. In other words, you two didn’t share a bed .”
Neve chewed her thumbnail as she traded glances with Reece. “Um, well …”
The attorney’s gaze bounced between them. “So you did share a bed.”
“Yes.” Neve tucked her hands under her butt to keep them from fidgeting.
“This is getting more complicated. Was one of the beds … broken? Did you merely share mattress space?”
Reece cleared his throat. “Not exactly.”
“Penetrative sex?”
He straightened, like a little kid in trouble. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Were pregnancy precautions taken?” Ms. Carlisle furiously wrote on a legal pad.
Jeez, the attorney was getting mighty personal, wasn’t she?
She seemed to sense the effect her probing questions had because she looked up at the camera. “I only ask because if there’s a chance a child was conceived as a result of the, ah, activity, it can muddy the waters further.”
Reece cleared his throat. “Neve’s on birth control. But the whole thing was my fault. I started the … activity.”
“Not really,” Neve countered. “I think I’m the one who, um, initiated. Oh, and I’m definitely not pregnant, if that’s what you need to know.” No, her period had come and gone like clockwork, as it always did—thank God. That would “muddy the waters” all right .
Neve could’ve sworn she saw the ghost of a smile on Ms. Carlisle’s lips as she continued jotting notes. “Am I safe to assume the sex was consensual?”
They both nodded vigorously.
“And it’s still ongoing?”
Again, they nodded in unison.
“Annulment is probably not an option.” She canted her head. “I understand you were under the influence, that you didn’t intend entering into this union, but are you both certain you want to proceed with terminating it?”
Neve’s mouth went slack as she searched Reece’s eyes.
He swallowed and addressed the attorney. “Yes. We’ve discussed it, and we’re both on board.” Glancing at Neve, he mouthed, “Right?”
Neve’s eyes clouded, so she wasn’t sure if she read his mossy greens right, but she thought she saw a mixture of hope and regret in them.
She mustered logic—he was leaving for Vermont, they hadn’t meant to get married—even as her heart was tearing in two. “Yes,” she whispered, the word catching in her throat and nearly choking her. Unshed tears burned her eyes.
“As long as you’re both in agreement.” Ms. Carlisle’s tone was more question than statement, but when neither Reece nor Neve spoke up, she continued. “It sounds as if there’s no urgency on either party’s part, so give me a week to research. I’ll get back to you with a plan of action.” Her gaze, along with her voice, softened. “In the meantime, if either of you has a change of heart, I urge you to let me know right away.”
“Yes,” Reece agreed for them both. Neve couldn’t speak for fear those tears of devastation might break through her fragile walls.
“Are you okay?” he asked softly after they ended the video call.
Averting her eyes, she lied. “Fine. I have a yoga class I need to get ready for.”
“Today?”
She was already halfway out of the room, her back to him. “Yes. They needed me to fill in.”
Hopefully, she wouldn’t go to pieces in front of the entire class.
Neve not only held it together, but she got a lift from instructing a mother and her eight-year-old daughter trying the class for the first time. She had walked to the rec center this time, and the brisk air helped clear her head and steel her spine on her way home. No ninjas lurked behind trees, and the sky overhead was achingly blue. All was right with the world. Life would go on, and she would survive.
Someone once said that when one door closed, another opened. Her mind wandered to what future might be awaiting her behind the door she could not yet see.
She was relieved when Reece’s truck wasn’t in her driveway. Her house would be her own for a while, giving her a chance to love on the animals and brace herself for facing Reece again. They had been living in a happy bubble for weeks, both succumbing to an illusion. Now that the illusion had been scoured away, how would she act around him? Would he sleep in the guest room? If he slept with her, would it be weird? Comforting? Heartbreaking?
Her phone chimed with a text—Reece saying he’d be back from errands soon, and would she please go with him to the Miners Tavern tonight? They could play it however she wanted. He was leaving that up to her.
Pearl whined at her.
“I have to go, don’t I?” The dog wiggled. “That’s what I thought.” Not going would bring more attention to an uncomfortable situation than simply getting it over with. Besides, this was about Hailey and Noah, and Neve wanted to celebrate with them. She’d known Noah as long as she’d known Reece, and she’d never seen him happier.
“See, Pearl? It does happen for some of us.” She sent Reece a reply and took a shower, finally letting the dam of tears burst.
“What do you want to tell people?” Reece asked as he parked his truck behind the bar.
She raked her fingertips through her hair. “Do we have to tell them anything?”
“They’re going to expect us to be together. We can keep going the way we’ve been, or we can tell them we’re about to undo something we never meant to do and act like we’re only friends. It’s up to you.”
She shifted in her seat so she partly faced him. “I appreciate you letting me make the call, but I haven’t heard what you want to do.”
He reached out and fingered a lock of her hair. She loved it when he toyed with her hair. One side of his mouth quirked. “I want to turn around and drive home, rip off your clothes, and lay you out on the bed. Either bed. Couch is fine too. Or the floor.” He shrugged. “I kinda like the kitchen counter too. Your desk. Your bedroom wall. The shower.”
A laugh burst from her, the tension that had coiled tighter and tighter inside her throughout the day letting loose like a snapped spring.
He waggled his eyebrows. “I get the feeling you like that idea.”
“I do. I like it very much. But I think your brothers and sisters-in-law will be disappointed if we skip the party.”
Giving her hair a light tug to pull her closer, he leaned in and nibbled her bottom lip. “All right,” he murmured against her mouth. “We’ll put a pin in that awesome idea and revisit it later.”
“You’re on,” she breathed.
They walked in through the back door, Reece’s fingers at the small of her back, gently propelling her forward into a loud burble of happy people. Any hope she had of slipping in unnoticed was shattered the moment someone yelled, “They’re here!”
All eyes turned toward them. Cheers rang out, and fists pumped the air. Someone yelled, “They finally got together!”
Neve’s cheeks blazed so hot they practically caught fire.
Dixie, standing by the front entrance, parted the crowd and scurried toward them, a smile splitting her face from ear to ear. She grabbed Neve’s face and held her at arm’s length. “I’m so glad y’all finally decided to come out of your broom closets and admit the good news. It’s about time.” She placed an enthusiastic kiss on each of Neve’s flaming cheeks.
Dixie turned to Reece, reaching for his face, but he grasped her hands in his own before she could get a hold of him. He dropped his voice so low Neve could barely hear. “We’re not out of anything, Dix. There isn’t any good news to spread around, so may be best not to talk about it for now, yeah?”
The poor woman’s face fell, and she picked up Neve’s left hand, then Reece’s. “Where are your rings?” she gasped.
Reece cocked an eyebrow, and Neve clearly read his expression. It broadcast something like, “No reason for rings if there’s no real marriage.”
Apparently, Dixie read it too because she dropped their hands and parked her fists on her hips. Deep creases appeared between her furrowed brows and around her orange-lipsticked mouth. “My land, sometimes I swear y’all can’t get out of your own stubborn ways. Of all the people who should be together, it’s you two.” She looked Reece up and down, and he might have withered a little under her stern glare. “Why’d you go and get hitched if you don’t intend to act hitched?” Without waiting for an answer, she spun on her heel and, shaking her head, parted the crowd once more on her way back to check on guests.
Neve glanced up at Reece. “Well, that went well.”
He snorted and guided her toward the bar, where Noah and Hailey greeted them. Noah, a broad grin on his handsome face, kissed her cheek. “Glad you came, sis.”
Ever-intuitive, Hailey’s happy expression switched to one of concern, and she pulled Neve in for a hug, whispering, “How did it go with the attorney?” Neve shook her head against her friend’s shoulder. Hailey hugged her harder. “I’m so sorry. Talk later?”
Neve squeaked out a yes, and Hailey released her. Neve swallowed. “Where are Charlie and Joy?”
“Upstairs, inspecting the apartment.” Hailey looked over her shoulders. “Is Reece planning to move back in before he leaves?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Good. Noah really wants Charlie to get started on that space right away, but if you guys need, you know, some separation ... ”
Neve patted her arm. “We’ll be fine. I know Reece wouldn’t want to hold up his brother’s plans, and neither do I. It’s only for a few more weeks anyway.” And I plan to get my fill of Reece Hunnicutt for as long as I can .
“And you’re okay—I mean, emotionally—in the midst of all the upheaval?”
Neve’s answer came a little too quickly, a little too glibly. “Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”
Hailey’s brow dipped skeptically. “We’ll talk later.” She gave Neve a squeeze before sliding behind the bar to help Noah. Meanwhile, Reece was busy accepting congratulations and slaps on the back—whether they were for getting married, getting un married, or moving to Vermont, Neve wasn’t sure. Nor did she care to know.
Catching her eye, he lifted his chin. “Why don’t you take a seat? I’ll buy you a margarita.”
She plopped onto a barstool, hunching her shoulders, hoping to disappear. When he finally broke free, she said, “Never mind the frills. Tequila. Straight.”
With a nod, he stepped behind the bar, reached for a bottle of Don Julio 1942, and turned to Noah. “I’ll add these to the POS. I’m paying for them.”
“No, you’re not,” Noah shot back.
Reece poured, and Neve threw back a shot, letting the smooth burn settle into her stomach while the brothers talked and townies came up to greet her. They appeared unsure what to say. As she stumbled through stifled conversations, she arranged and rearranged her empty shot glass on her cocktail napkin until it was perfectly centered, her eyes tracking Reece, who finally melted into the crowd and disappeared from her sight. Noah deposited another shot and a fresh napkin in front of her.
When Amy appeared by her side, Neve’s shoulders dropped with relief. They chatted about everyday goings-on, and Neve felt herself unwind inch by inch—until she heard Germaine’s hyena laugh and looked up. Practically spilling out of her too-tight top, the bimbo was hugging Reece’s arm possessively to her ample assets . He smiled that polite smile of his and extracted his arm, but he didn’t move away. The skank probably knew this thing between Reece and Neve wasn’t permanent, and she was staking her claim .
Neve corralled an urge to yank Germaine’s red hair and instead fumed silently.
“Neve? Everything all right?” Amy prodded.
“Oh, sorry. Yeah, I lost my train of thought for a sec. What were you saying?”
Amy turned her head. “Ah, no wonder. The town ho is on the move.” She looked back at Neve and smiled a syrupy smile. “Want me to poke her eyes out?”
Neve couldn’t contain her laughter. Amy was the kindest, sweetest person in town, and the offer was so ridiculous it tickled Neve’s funny bone.
Amy tapped the side of her mouth. “Or I could put something nasty in her coffee next time she’s in.”
“No,” Neve giggled, “she’s not worth risking a knock against your business.”
They chatted a few minutes more. Amy turned to hunt down Micky, and Leo Cantrell stepped into her spot with a broad smile. “How’s married life treating you?”
“It’s … I’m …” Neve paused, sucked in a breath, and recovered from the shock of seeing him. “Hi, Leo. I’m surprised you’re here, but I’m glad to see you.”
He shrugged. “Everything’s back on track at the resort, so I thought I’d take a break and come celebrate the sudden wedding outbreak.” His blue eyes sparkled, with what, she wasn’t sure, but she winced inside nonetheless.
They fell into easy conversation about the repairs he’d completed at the resort and the latest news on the railroad spur and train depot. How nice it was to focus on Fall River and the exciting changes coming to her hometown instead of her own messy life.
Leo flicked a finger at her second empty shot glass and asked if he could buy her a refill, but a laser gaze on the side of her head snagged her attention. In her peripheral vision, she spied Reece frowning as he watched Leo with hawk-eyed intensity. The obvious possessiveness both pleased and annoyed her. So they were married, but it was coming to an end. So they were sleeping together, but she wasn’t one to play two men at the same time—like Chelsea. And finally, Reece was leaving . He hadn’t given any hint he might reconsider his move, nor had he asked if she might want to come to Vermont with him. Would she, though, if he asked? She didn’t have an answer at the ready, but a girl liked to be asked nonetheless.
Before she could accept Leo’s offer to buy her a drink, Shane imposed himself between them. “Hey, Cantrell. I need to talk to Neve about a few things.”
Leo smiled at him, though there was no warmth behind it. “Sure.” To Neve, he said, “Another time for that drink. Maybe after you get things squared away, we can do some catching up.”
Shane’s eyebrows hit his hairline, though Leo didn’t see because he’d already turned his back.
“Huh,” Shane huffed. “Guy’s got some big ones, I’ll give him that.”
Neve narrowed her eyes. “What did you need to talk to me about?” The thought occurred that Reece had sent Shane to check on her. Well, she was calling the deputy’s bluff.
Turned out he wasn’t bluffing. “Sorry to interrupt, but I wasn’t sure when else I’d get a chance to talk to you. Can we maybe step into the back, where it’s more private?”
“Sure.” She followed him into the dimly lit hallway that led to the bathrooms. Neither was occupied, and they had the space to themselves. Crossing her arms over her chest, she leaned against the wall. “What’s up?”
“I put out some feelers and finally got some solid information back. I can confirm that neither Lauren nor Culbertson was in town when your clinic got trashed. They didn’t have anything to do with it.”
She grasped at straws. “Couldn’t they have hired someone to do it?”
Shane’s answer didn’t surprise her. “Highly doubtful. For one, it’s not like the haul was enough to split with someone else, and there was a high level of emotion there. A thief is going to get in and get out. They won’t take the time to unleash a mega temper tantrum.”
Neve bit her thumbnail.
Shane braced his arm above her head. “Have you given any more thought as to who it might be?”
She looked up at him. “What about a jealous lover from Reece’s past who’s not happy about his and my … who’s not happy and decided to get revenge?”
Even in the murky hallway, the skepticism in his eyes was noticeable. “I don’t know of any lovers from his past. ”
She mustered skepticism of her own. “Do you know everything about his past?”
“No, but we’ve been best friends a long time, and I’d know if he was seeing someone—especially someone with a Fatal Attraction tendency. The revenge play doesn’t make sense.”
So Shane didn’t know about Chelsea. Neve tucked that little factoid away.
“Besides,” he continued, “you were targeted before the Vegas trip.”
“Thank you for saying that so tactfully.”
He grinned down at her. “Anytime, Doc.”
“Hey, what’s going on back here?” Reece’s voice was low, curious, but the edges held some sharpness.
Shane pulled back and glanced over his shoulder. “Just bringing Neve up-to-date on some of our latest findings.”
Reece took cautious steps toward them. “Such as?”
“I’ll let her fill you in.” He smacked Reece’s arm and ambled back to the party.
Reece got right into her personal bubble. “So?”
She shot him a look. “Isn’t Germaine looking for you?”
“Possibly, but I don’t want her finding me. Where did you leave things with Leo?”
She tilted her head. “Are we doing this?”
“Doing what?”
“Acting jealous?”
“I can only speak for myself, and yeah, I definitely thought Cantrell had no business standing that close to you. I didn’t particularly like Shane hovering over you either.”
A burst of happy bubbles fizzed in her chest. “He wasn’t hovering.”
Reece trailed a fingertip along her jawline. “You gonna tell me what Deputy Dawg had to say?”
She filled him in on the news about Lauren and Jimmy Culbertson.
“You sound disappointed. I would’ve thought you’d be pleased it wasn’t Lauren.”
“It’s not so much that I wanted Lauren or Cully to be the ones responsible. It’s more that I want to know who’s doing this.” The specter of someone out there watching, waiting, and hating unsettled her to the marrow of her bones. Better to know your enemy and see them coming than having to look around every corner, anticipating the next blow.
He leaned down and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. “As long as I’m around, no one’s getting to you.”
“As long as I’m around.”
That wouldn’t be much longer, and her heart sank into a hollow of heartbreak.
The following Monday, Neve was finishing her workout when Reece’s phone rang in the kitchen. He answered, his stiff tone perceptible through the thin walls. Her senses went on high alert, and she shamelessly crept toward the partially open doorway and listened, fingers clutching the fabric over her heart.
His voice dropped lower, as if he intended to keep the conversation private and knew her prying ears were listening in. “Yes, sir, I’ve completed all the training videos except two, and I’ll get those knocked out before Christmas.” A pause. “No, no new questions.” And another. “Yes, sir. My flight is booked, and I’ll forward the itinerary to you.” He listened for a beat. “Christie? Yes, I’ve been in touch with Christie. I have her email address, so I’ll get it to her instead.”
Neve’s mind leaped to who the hell Christie was, conjuring a young, shapely redhead who was the reigning queen of Stowe Mountain Rescue. How well did Reece know this imagined ideal woman? And how close might they get?
With an inner growl, Neve demanded the little green monster living inside her climb back into its hole—in time to hear the rest of Reece’s one-sided conversation.
“I’ll be there Tuesday after New Year’s. And may I say thank you again for this opportunity.” One final pause. “Yes, sir. I’m looking forward to it as well.”
Neve slumped, her forehead against the wall as Reece ended the call on a noisy exhale. A chair scraped, and she heard him stand and stretch. Next came the thumping of his footfalls in her direction. She straightened, pushing stray strands from her face, yanking the hem of her top as she pulled on the carefree mask of a woman whose heavy heart wasn’t spiraling ever downward.
He poked his head through the crack in the door. “Done with your workout?”
“Yes. How about you? Sounds like you were on a call.”
“Yep,” he tossed out with an overly nonchalant air. “By the way, I need to head to Durango tomorrow to pick up your cameras. Think you can get along without me for a day at the clinic?”
“It’s a light day. I’ll manage.”
She looked up at him, waiting for some sign he was having second thoughts about Vermont, but his expression didn’t waver. What had she expected? That he would give up a chance to pursue his passion in order to stick around Fall River with her and fill his time with meaningless chores? No, nor should he. He wouldn’t be happy if he wasn’t doing what gave his life meaning, and she loved him enough to want that for him—despite the fractures forming in her heart.
He grinned and gave her hair a playful tug. “How about some breakfast? My turn to cook.”
“Sure.” If she could even eat. Better she focus on the performance of a lifetime as she trod after him through a garden of ghosts and wilted vows.