my friend,” she began.
“I’m not interested in getting laid and moving on,” Will told her. “I’m too old for that. I’d like to get to know her. She’s resisting the process.”
Nevada smiled. “I’m not surprised. Jo keeps to herself. She’s a friend, but even I don’t know anything about her past. She never talks about it.”
“Any men?”
“No. There have been offers, but she always refuses.”
“Know why?”
Nevada shook her head. “There are dozens of theories. Everything from Jo being a Mafia princess on the run from her father to her escaping an abusive husband. I doubt either is true.”
Mayor Marsha probably knew all about Jo’s past, as the good mayor seemed to know everything about everyone. Nevada had never been able to figure out how she got her information. But even if the mayor did know the truth, Nevada knew she wouldn’t share it with Will.
“I don’t have any dating advice when it comes to Jo,” she admitted. “I guess you’re on your own. I will warn you not to hurt her. She’s one of us and we protect our own.” Will was a good guy and she liked him, but family came first.
He nodded slowly. “I’m glad she has friends looking out for her.”
“One of the advantages of a small town. Are you finding it enjoyable here, or are the walls closing in?”
“I like it. I heard there’s going to be a festival soon. I’m looking forward to it.”
“Don’t worry. If you miss this one, there will be another one in the next couple of weeks. We’re known for our festivals.”
She heard someone on the steps, then the trailer door opened. She expected one of the guys to walk in, but instead Tucker stepped through the doorway.
Will glanced at his watch. “Nearly noon. Going for a personal best?”
“I was filing paperwork at city hall. Fool’s Gold hasn’t embraced the digital age.” He looked at Nevada. “Sorry. I meant to be here on your first morning. Did Will get you settled?”
“Yes. I’m doing fine. Don’t worry about it.”
She managed to speak the words and act normal, but her gaze settled on the faint shadow of a bruise on his jaw.
News of Ethan hitting Tucker had spread quickly. Outside of her immediate family, no one knew the reason, which left people speculating.
Will excused himself to talk to the surveyor. For a second, Nevada thought about escaping with him, but knew she had to talk to Tucker eventually.
“I’m sorry about what happened with my brother,” she said as soon as the door closed behind Will.
Tucker rubbed his jaw. “He’s good. Nailed me one.”
She did her best to remind herself that there was no reason to get embarrassed. Her brother had been looking out for her and there was nothing bad in that. It was just the idea of them fighting in public that made her squirm. And everyone knowing why.
“He shouldn’t have hit you.”
“If the situation had been reversed, I would have done the same.”
She rolled her eyes. “Because you couldn’t simply have a conversation? I’m not sorry he defended me, but there were a lot better ways to do it.”
“I don’t agree with that, but okay.” He crossed to the small refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of water.
“Ethan did say something interesting,” he told her, before pausing to drink.
Panic exploded, making her chest tighten. She waited, hoping it wasn’t anything hideous. Like, “Nevada never got over you,” or, “It’s kind of funny how she was so in love with you and you only had eyes for Cat.” Not that Ethan would know any of that, but still.
Tucker lowered the bottle and looked at her. “He said it was your first time.”
Involuntary reactions were a bitch, she thought grimly as she felt color flare on her cheeks. She ignored the sensation, grabbed her sandwich and held it up like a pitiful protective shield.
“Don’t flatter yourself,” she hedged. “I had a boyfriend in high school.”
Tucker studied her for a second, relief battling with concern. “You sure?”
“It’s something I would remember.” She took a bite of her sandwich and forced herself to chew. After she swallowed, she managed a faint laugh. “Don’t sweat it. You were not my first time.”
“Good. Because that would have made a difference.”
“You were pretty drunk. I don’t think that kind of information would have helped.”
“Probably not.” He shook his head. “So we’re done talking about this?”
“You’re the one who brought it up. But, yes, we can be done.”
“Friends?”
“Of course. Always.”
She’d never thought of herself as Tucker’s friend. She was the girl he hadn’t noticed, despite her love for him.
He was the one who got away. But a friend? Maybe it was something to try. After all, they were going to be working together and she wasn’t stupid enough to fall for him a second time.
AFTER LUNCH NEVADA went outside and checked on the surveying team. A hundred acres was a lot to deal with, so they worked on a grid. Her attention kept drifting to where the guys were using the real equipment to clear.
A timber company had already been through to take out the biggest trees. The heaviest growth was being left intact. The walking path would weave through it.
One of the guys—she thought his name was Brad—walked up to her, holding one hand in the other.
“Cut myself,” he said. “Do you have any bandages in your truck?”
“Sure, but there’s a first-aid kit in the office.”
He shook his head. “Using that means filling out paperwork.”
She hesitated. The last thing anyone wanted was more paperwork, so if the cut was small, she would go along with his request. Later, she would talk to Will and find out if she’d made the right call, or if the guys were trying to get her in trouble. After all, she was new to the team, not to mention female.
She hurried to her truck and pulled open the passenger door. As she reached for the glove box, she saw something move on the bench seat.
A snake was coiled up on the driver’s seat.
Nevada managed to keep from jumping, more out of self-protection than bravery. She studied the dark brown color, the
