Chapter Three #3
“My boys,” Lucinda said, opening her arms wide, though they would’ve slid out of the booth to hug her without the encouragement.
“You’ve made my day.” She hugged Sven first and ensured he was enjoying a much-deserved day off.
Sven worked as a stylist at Lucinda’s salon, and his services were in high demand.
He only allowed himself one Saturday off a month, and Keegan was humbled that Sven had spent it with him at art therapy.
“Rue,” she exclaimed, cupping his face. “You get more handsome every time I see you. Marriage really suits you.” Then, it was Keegan’s turn to say hello.
“Keegan,” Lucinda said reverently. She took his hands in hers and squeezed.
“I love you so much it hurts sometimes.”
Emotion clogged Keegan’s throat. If he could have torn his gaze away from Lucinda’s, Keegan knew Sven would be wearing a smug expression. “I love you too.”
“You better, because I’m keeping you,” Lucinda said before she dropped his hands. “I better pick up my carryout order and head back to the salon. My break between clients isn’t very long today.”
“Are there any updates on Kerry’s lawsuit?” Rue asked.
She smiled and kissed his cheek. “Steven and Kerry were holed up in the war room when I left. I know they have Dom working on the case since they can’t see Vinny until Monday.
Kerry texted me a little while ago and said he was headed to the rescue station to stay busy.
That’s better for him than watching a Jurassic Park movie marathon and eating his weight in buttered popcorn and M&M’s. ”
Sven visibly tensed, and the smugness drained from his expression. “Did you say Dom?”
Lucinda looked at him with a puzzled expression. “Surely you haven’t forgotten Kerry’s best friend. You used to follow them around like a little puppy.”
Sven smiled, but the gesture looked forced. “Of course I do.”
“Dom went over to Kerry’s house last night as soon as he heard about the lawsuit.” She reached for Keegan’s hand again. “I’m so glad my son has such wonderful people in his life.”
That time, Keegan caught Sven’s smug expression. He was tempted to ask questions about this Dom guy just to wipe the arrogance off Sven’s face. Maybe he should bring the guy up every time Sven poked his nose into Keegan’s business.
“Are you coming to family dinner tomorrow night?” Lucinda asked Keegan.
“Um, I’m not sure.” Despite Kerry’s denial, Keegan still felt like he was underfoot. Kerry needed one Keegan-free zone in his life.
“He’ll be there,” Sven said.
Lucinda’s light blue eyes twinkled merrily. “Maybe the newlyweds will join us,” she said to Rueben.
“Maybe,” he replied noncommittally.
She kissed the air, spun on her heels, and strolled to the counter, where her order waited for her. Lucinda paid for her meal and waggled her fingers in their direction as she headed back out the door.
“Mama Lulu is planning your wedding to her son,” Sven announced.
“She is not.” Keegan looked to Rueben for help, but his best friend only shrugged. “Are you guys finished eating, or do you want dessert?”
None of them had room for sweets, so they headed up to the counter to pay for their meals.
Keegan went first and stepped aside after he finished to make room for the others.
The owners had hung a corkboard by the register so local businesses could advertise their goods and services.
One colorful ad caught Keegan’s eye, and his stomach dropped when he recognized the name at the top.
“Dahl Rescue and Retrieval,” he read aloud.
Sven snapped his head around so fast it was a wonder he didn’t wrench his neck.
“What the—” He let out a gasp when he saw the ad.
“You’ve got to be kidding me. Fucking Chuck.
” He finished up his transaction, then stomped over to the board and ripped the ad right off.
“I don’t fucking think so. Come on.” He shoved the door open and hauled ass down the sidewalk without making sure Keegan and Rueben followed.
“He’s my ride,” Keegan said. He’d ridden to town with Rueben, but Sven volunteered to drive him home afterward so Rueben wouldn’t have to double back before going home to his husband.
“I can run you back to the ranch if you don’t want to get caught up in Sven’s crazy schemes,” Rueben offered.
“And miss all the fun?” Keegan replied. “I’m sure it will be fine.”
Rueben’s widened expression said, “Famous last words,” but he told Keegan to call him later and tell him what happened.
Keegan nodded before hustling out of the diner. He caught up to Sven just as he reached his vehicle. “Where are we going?”
Sven stopped at the driver’s door and held up the ad he swiped off the board. “To the rescue station.”
“We’re going to confront Chuck Dahl?” Keegan asked.
Sven pursed his lips as he opened the door. “Why didn’t I think of that?” He shook his head. “Hell no. Kerry would kill us. We’re going to Hart’s Creek Rescue to make sure Kerry knows about this. The timing of the lawsuit and Chuck’s new business can’t be a coincidence.”
Sven got in the car and closed the door, but Keegan didn’t budge.
He ached to see Kerry and make sure he was doing okay, but not so soon after a night of vivid dreams. And definitely not with Sven’s tantalizing words still filling his head with hopes he couldn’t afford to cling to.
Rueben stepped out of the diner down the street.
It wasn’t too late to call out to him and catch a ride to the ranch.
Keegan could regroup and recharge before facing Kerry later that afternoon when he started his first shift at the Feisty Bull.
Rueben looked in his direction and stopped.
He must’ve sensed Keegan’s internal struggle because Rue headed toward him.
The passenger window of Sven’s car rolled down, and his friend leaned over the console to look at him. “Are you coming, gorgeous?”
When had Keegan ever missed an opportunity to lay eyes on Kerry Hart? And if Sven was right, Keegan would get to lay his hands on him someday. He waved goodbye to Rue and reached for the door handle. Surviving was great, but Keegan’s stubborn heart insisted that Kerry was the key to thriving.