Rachel's Journey by Kelly Dawson

Author:Kelly Dawson
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Tags: Western, Man-Woman Relationships, Love Stories, Fiction, Chick-Lit, Cowboys, Romance, Women's Fiction
Publisher: Blushing Books Publications
Published: 2015-06-01T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Rachel hadn’t heard from any of her old friends since she’d been back in the country, so when the text message came through late that morning, she was pleasantly surprised. One of her old acquaintances was having a party that night, and she was invited. Her first thought was to turn it down – Mike might be there – but then she decided she would go. Evenings weren’t exactly fun anymore since she was still holding a grudge against James, and this would be the eighth night in a row she would have to stay in her room in order to avoid him.

“I’m going to a party,” she told James that evening, once they’d finished work. She wasn’t telling him out of courtesy, it was more to brag – to let him know that people still cared about her, still wanted to see her, and she still had a life.

At first he looked shocked, but he recovered quickly. “Are you going to drink?” he asked.

“Of course I’m going to bloody drink, it’s a party!” she snapped at him. “What do you care anyway? You’re not my father.”

“All I meant was: I’ll come with you. I’ll drop you off, then go to Simon’s. Then I can drive you home afterwards. That way you’ll be safe.” Always placid, James didn’t rise to the bait – he simply spoke calmly, quietly, just as he always did. And just like always, protecting her, keeping her safe, was his prime motivation. Even when she wasn’t currently speaking to him, he wanted to take care of her. Except when he was beating her backside with his belt, she reminded herself.

“Yeah okay, then, hurry up and get ready. I’m leaving at eight,” she told him. She didn’t really want the pleasure of his company all the way into town, but at least she had a way of getting home. She didn’t want to drink and drive, but depending on who was at the party, staying the night there might not be an option.

***

The first person she saw at the party was Mike. She’d expected it – she’d thought she would be okay with it – but actually seeing him in the flesh, and remembering what he’d done, not just the blonde bimbo he’d cheated on her with, but the fire – and all she wanted to do was run. But she forced her feet forward.

“You tried to burn down my house!” she accused him loudly, poking him in the chest with her finger.

Mike just grinned. “The Police accepted my alibi – they think it wasn’t me,” he informed her. He looked smug, and she noticed he hadn’t actually denied the offence, either.

“You bastard. Why can’t you just leave me alone?” she snarled at him.

“You owe me,” he told her in a threatening tone.

Just then, Anna, the girl who had invited her to the party, appeared by her side, hugging her in greeting. “Rachel! Welcome!” she said, pushing a drink into her hand.

Rachel pushed the drink away. “I’m sorry, I can’t stay,” she managed to say, then turned and ran outside.

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