Total pages in book: 127
Estimated words: 120186 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 601(@200wpm)___ 481(@250wpm)___ 401(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 120186 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 601(@200wpm)___ 481(@250wpm)___ 401(@300wpm)
For some god-awful reason, I actually blush at the question. “No!” I don’t know how I do it, but I manage to laugh off the idea. “I thought he went back to the country club.”
He looks me up and down, searching for a lie. “Is that what he told you?”
“No, just what I had assumed. He didn’t actually tell me anything.”
“What did he say? Did he mention going anywhere at all?” he demands.
“He really didn’t.” I do my best to look and sound worried. I mean, I am worried. Just not about Jackson. “Could he have had an accident on the way back? It gets real dark out in the country, and animals dart out across the road all the time.”
He heaves a few deep breaths and readjusts his very shiny, not-worn-at-all hat. “I don’t know. It could be. He’s not answering his phone. We’re supposed to fly back on the jet in an hour, and I can’t get ahold of him.” He rubs a hand up the back of his neck, grimacing. “I called the hospital, too,” he adds in a softer voice.
“This is awful,” I whisper. That much is true. “I’m sure there’s an explanation. Did you go to the police station?” I really, really hope not, though it would make sense if he did.
“I was just leaving to head there now. Are you sure you don’t know anything? You have nothin’ to be ashamed of if...” He breaks off, and this time thankfully lowers his voice. “If you two got carried away and did the deed. It’s okay. No one will judge you. You’re about to be married. I just need to make sure he’s okay.”
This accusation actually makes me queasy, and bile climbs up my throat.
Where is Kade? I need Kade. I can’t do this by myself.
“I swear,” I whisper, shaking my head. “I have no idea where he is. He dropped me off and left.”
“Miss Allie?”
I look around, confused, but then I almost break down crying when I spot Buck coming our way. Thank God. He gives me a friendly wave, dodging a passing truck before joining us.
“I thought that was you,” he says with a grin before turning to the man now glaring down at me like he wants me dead. His good-ole-boy act has failed. “Sorry, sir, we’ve never met.” He holds out his hand. “Buck Davis.”
They shake hands, and I think for a second Joseph flinches before Buck releases him. “Joseph Lowry,” he replies, though his tone is more pissed off than anything.
“Really?” Buck lets out a high-pitched whistle. “I must say, sir, I’ve been an admirer of your ranch for quite some time. You all do some pretty big business out there, from what I understand.”
“Yes, we do.” He can’t help but accept admiration whenever it comes his way, and it seems to be enough for him to drop whatever the hell happened there with Buck.
“I sure would like the chance to go out there and take a look sometime. I used to work for Miss Allie’s mama,” Buck explains. “Now I’ve taken a job elsewhere, but I sure miss working for a big operation.”
“Yes, I’m sure you do.” Lowry looks down at me, and at least it’s not so vicious this time. “I’ll be in touch. If it wasn’t for a very important meeting I have this afternoon, I wouldn’t leave town.”
“Of course, if Jackson reaches out to me, I’ll let him know you are looking for him.”
He nods and continues down the sidewalk, finally stopping at a dark SUV, where the driver opens the back door for him.
Oh my God. I didn’t expect that. The gossip, yes, but I didn’t imagine Joseph confronting me. I made it through, though. Thanks to Buck.
“You’re a lifesaver,” I tell him in a weak voice. “Thank you.”
He’s staring after Lowry, watching as the SUV pulls away. “So that man is gonna be your father-in-law?”
He was. “I’m afraid so. A real sweetheart, right?”
“What was he so worked up about?” he asks, finally turning toward me once the car is swallowed by traffic.
“Something about his son Jackson. I’m sure it’ll work itself out.” It helps the lie that I didn’t like him very much anyway. I can sound unconcerned because I didn’t care to begin with.
“I don’t envy you,” he says. “Dealing with all of that.”
“It’s not easy, that’s for sure, but I’m grateful that you came to my rescue.”
He tips his hat and gives me his usual grin. “Anytime, ma’am. You stay out of trouble, now.”
“I’ll do my best,” I say, even though what I want to tell him is that I’m trying, but that trouble has a habit of finding me.
Speaking of trouble, I feel him before I see him. What the hell is Kade doing here? Is he watching me? I stare at the windshield as I cross the street to get to my car.