The Country Star's Valentine by Heather Hiestand

Author:Heather Hiestand [Hiestand, Heather]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-02-17T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Daniel’s teeth showed. He spoke very slowly, as if it would make her believe. “It. Was. A. Mutual. Decision.”

“Sure,” Haldana said in her gentlest tone. Wind whipped around her, but that wasn’t the worst source of her chill. “Some relationships simply don’t work out. Well, you should get to work.”

“We are having lunch,” he said, still stiff.

She sensed his control slipping, then before she could react, he grabbed her hand. “Just like old times, Hal. We’ll eat mozzarella sticks and go see a movie.”

She didn’t bother to point out he needed to get to his shift, too mesmerized by the crazy in his eyes. Behind her, a truck rattled by. Soon enough, someone who knew them would see this drama play out. But whose side would the onlooker be on?

“You’ll take the ring back,” he continued, squeezing her mitten. “I’ll forgive you and it will be fine.”

Her head trembled. She wanted to ask him why he was doing this, but she doubted he knew. His life wasn’t going as he’d intended and she was bearing the brunt of it.

“Let me go.” She tugged at her hand. “You’re making me uncomfortable.”

He squeezed it harder instead. “It’s cold. We’ll get you inside. You’ll be fine. Get you a drink. We’re grown now. We can get day-drunk and relax.”

“I’ve never been day-drunk in my life. And we both have jobs to get to.”

“Such a goody two-shoes,” he taunted. “C’mon, it will be fun. We need some fun. You’ll forget all about what’s-his-name. It was just a mistake. I’ll forgive you.”

Behind her, boot heels stomped on the pavement. “You’ll forgive what?”

Haldana had never found a Texas drawl sexier. She pulled at her hand, thinking Daniel would release her, but instead, he squeezed even more. She tried to rotate her fingers inside the mitten, hoping she could free herself, but he locked on even tighter.

“Get out of here,” Daniel said. “I’m having a conversation with my girlfriend.”

Gerry glanced from Daniel’s hand, clutching at Haldana, to his other hand, with the ring box being crushed in it. “I see the lady returned the unwelcome gift.”

“Leave.” Daniel’s ears went red.

Haldana recognized his embarrassment, but it was no longer her job to soothe it away.

Gerry pulled out his phone. “I’m willing to call the police if you don’t let Haldana go right about now.”

“Not man enough to do it yourself?” Daniel sneered.

“Not dumb enough to get mixed up in the courts with the likes of you,” Gerry drawled. “You’re down and out. I suggest you get back up on your horse and ride out of here before it gets ugly.”

Daniel dragged Haldana a few steps until he was within spitting distance of Gerry.

“Please stop,” she begged. “My fingers are going numb. I have to work tonight!”

“Don’t give me that fake country crap, city boy,” Daniel growled.

Gerry shook his head. “I’m not about to put my hands on you.”

The restaurant door opened and a family of five spilled onto the pavement. They separated around the trio without making eye contact.

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