into trouble and constantly resenting his older brother’s interference in his life.
“How are things around town these days?” Ethan asked as he set a second beer on the table next to Sam.
“Quiet for a change.” Sam took another bite of pasta then swallowed hard as Julia tilted back her head to laugh at something Lainey said. The column of her neck was smooth and long. He ached to trail a line of kisses across her skin.
He pushed away the beer, realizing he was going to need his wits about him to remain in control tonight.
“Were you involved in the drug bust over in Tellet County a few nights back?”
Julia stopped midsentence as her eyes snapped to his. “What drug bust? Sounds dangerous. Why didn’t I hear about a drug bust?”
Sam threw Ethan what he hoped was a shut your mouth look.
“Sorry, man,” Ethan said quickly. “Hey, Lainey, let’s hit the dance floor.”
Lainey popped out of her chair. “Love to.”
“Cowards,” Julia muttered as she watched them go. She turned her angry gaze back to Sam. “You were saying?”
“A meth lab outside the county lines,” he told her. It had been a long time since anyone had cared about what he was doing and whether it was dangerous or not. “It’s been kept quiet so far because the sheriff thinks it’s part of a bigger tristate operation. We want to see if we can flush out a couple of the bigger fish.”
She tapped one finger on the table. “I don’t like you being involved in something like that.”
“It’s my job, Julia.”
“I need to know about these things. I bet Abby Brighton knew where you were during the drug bust.”
“She’s my secretary. Of course she knew.”
“We’re engaged.”
“Is that so?”
To his great amusement, she squirmed in her chair. “As far as everyone around here thinks. I need to be kept informed.”
“Why?”
“To know whether I should worry.”
“One more reason I wouldn’t be a good bet in a real relationship. Ask my ex. I don’t like to report in. I don’t like anyone worried about me.” He blew out a frustrated breath. “My job is dangerous almost every day. I deal with it, but I don’t expect you or anyone else to.”
“No one’s allowed to care about you?” Her eyes flashed, temper lighting them.
“I don’t need anyone to care.”
“The Lone Ranger rides again.” Julia pushed away from the table. He grabbed her wrist so she couldn’t escape.
“Why are you mad? This doesn’t have anything to do with you. We have a business arrangement. That’s what we both wanted. It’s not going to help either of us to be emotionally involved with the other one’s life.”
“Some of us care, whether we want to or not.”
Her eyes shone and his heart leaped in his chest. He pulled her tight against him, aware they were gathering stares from people standing nearby. “Thank you for caring. I’m not used to it, but it means a lot.” He pressed his forehead to hers. “I’m sorry I’m bad at this. Even for pretend.”
“You’re not so bad,” she whispered.
“Do you want to dance?”
“Do you?”
He grinned at her. “Hell, no. But I can make it work.”
“Give me a minute. I need to catch up with my mom and Joe, make sure Charlie’s okay.”
He studied her. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re avoiding me right now.”
She shook her head. “I want to find Charlie.”
“They headed back toward the game booths. I’m going to say hi to the mayor and I’ll meet you over there.”
The gym was full, and without Sam at her side, Julia got a little panicked by the crowd.
She moved toward the far end of the gymnasium where the carnival booths were set up, then veered off quickly when she saw two women from her high-school class standing together near one of the attractions. One was Annabeth Sullivan, whom Julia felt friendlier toward after their conversation at the salon. The other was Lucy Peterson, their graduating class’s valedictorian. Julia had always been uncomfortable around her. She’d made it clear during high school that Lucy was persona non grata and knew the slightly chubby teen had suffered because of it.
Lucy had gotten her revenge, though. Because of her work in the school office and her access to the files, she’d found out about Julia’s learning disabilities. She hadn’t told anyone outright, but had spread the rumor that Julia had only graduated because she’d slept with one of her teachers and he’d fixed her grade.
She’d told Julia that if she denied it, Lucy would tell people the real reason she had so much trouble in school. Having a reputation as a slut hadn’t been half as bad as the school knowing about her LD.
She ducked out a door and into the cool night air, walking toward the football field situated next to the main building. Two streetlights glowed in the darkness as her eyes scanned the shadowy length of the field.
She’d spent so much time here in high school. If she’d been queen of her class, this was her royal court. She’d felt confident on the field in her cheerleading uniform or on the sidelines cheering for Ethan. She’d hated falling back on her looks, but the insecure girl who had nothing else to offer had exploited her one gift as best she could.
Now she breathed in the cool night air and closed her eyes, remembering the familiar smells and sounds.
Her memories here were a long time gone. She was no longer a scared teenager. She had Charlie to protect. She’d made mistakes and was trying her damnedest to make amends for them. There was no way of moving forward without finally confronting her past, once and for all.
She took another breath and headed toward the school, determined to hold her head high. She had as much right to return to her high school as anyone.
Once inside, she stopped at the girls’ bathroom to sprinkle cold water on her face. When a stall opened and Lucy Peterson stepped out, Julia wondered if she’d actually conjured her.
“Hi, Lucy.” The other woman’s eyes widened in surprise.
Lucy hadn’t changed much since high school. She was still short and full figured, her chest heaving as she adjusted the wire-rimmed glasses on her face.
“Hello,
