In the Rancher's Arms by Trish Milburn

Author:Trish Milburn
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2017-06-30T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Neil was aware that his family watched him as the evening progressed, but still he couldn’t seem to stop stealing glances at Arden. The sound of her laughter made him happy. But he should have suspected the power of his family. After all, his parents had taken in kids who’d gone through their own traumas and they’d all grown up to be decently happy people.

They wrapped up another game that featured more making fun of each other than actual artistic ability.

“I really do need to be getting home,” Arden said.

Though she seemed a lot better than she had been at the rodeo, he could see fatigue beginning to weigh her down. She likely needed to go home and get some more rest. When she stood and glanced at the front door, he saw a flash of fear in her eyes.

“I’ll walk you out. I should check on the horses anyway.”

Her smile seemed nervous, and he wondered if it was because night had fallen outside or because he was accompanying her. He certainly hoped she didn’t fear him.

Once she said goodbye to the rest of the family and promised his mom she’d visit again and bring her parents next time, he ushered her toward the door. The moment it closed behind them and they stepped out onto the porch, the decibel level dropped.

“Hope we didn’t wear you out too much,” he said as they walked slowly toward her car.

“No, I had a great time. I’m sorry I just dropped by unannounced, though. I’m afraid your mother felt obligated to invite me to stay.”

“You don’t know my mom very well. She’d invite half the county and feed them if she could. She didn’t grow up with much, so she’s very conscious of no one going hungry. She gardens and cans and freezes food as if we’re preparing for the zombie apocalypse or something.”

Arden patted her stomach. “Well, I certainly won’t be hungry for a while, and that’s saying something.”

There it was again, a hint at what she’d gone through. He wondered if her attempts at humor when revealing those nuggets were meant to help her deal with it all without the memories becoming overwhelming. That she’d mentioned the safari earlier—which had to have been in Africa, the same continent where she’d been held—had been a surprise. The look on her face told him she’d shocked herself. Even though the light was dimmer out here now, he could tell she wore the same look again as she turned her face toward the sky.

Neil stayed still and quiet, letting her speak or move or whatever she needed to do at her own pace. If she hadn’t gone through such a horrible experience, he thought he might turn her to face him, pull her close and kiss her, ask her if she’d go out with him. But she had been through it and he wouldn’t take advantage of her that way.

“Why didn’t any of them ask me questions about what happened to me?” She turned to face him.

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