on his mind, it was the redheaded stripper. What was her story? Why was she stripping against her will? She needed help. No. He resolutely turned over. She didn’t need his help. It was none of his business—absolutely none.
THE NEXT MORNING Ethan picked up all the clothes and put them in the washing machine. He cleared away the trash and washed the dishes in the sink. By the time Travis stumbled out of the bedroom, Ethan had the clothes folded and the room as clean as he could get it.
Travis scratched his head and glanced around the apartment with bloodshot eyes. “Damn, Ethan, when did you turn into my mother?”
“There’s no coffee or food here, so I had to do something until you dragged yourself out of bed. Get your clothes on. I’m hungry and I desperately need coffee.”
“Yeah, I can tell,” Travis said with a grin. “I’ll take a quick shower and we’ll be out of here in ten minutes.”
“Hurry.”
In no more than seven minutes, Travis emerged from the bathroom with his wet hair slicked back and dressed for the day. Ethan was surprised at the transformation. He’d have sworn that Travis would have a hangover for the rest of the day. Years ago a hangover was a daily occurrence for Ethan; he quickly shook off the thought.
“Tell you what,” Travis said as he fastened his watch. “I have to check out a job in Fort Worth—make sure the materials I ordered were delivered. We can eat at a café not far from the site.”
“How long will it take to get there?”
Travis slapped him on the back. “Don’t worry, brother, I’ll have you there in no time.”
Ethan followed in his truck. He was heading back to Junction Flat as soon as he’d talked to Travis. That was the reason he’d hung around this morning; he had to try once more.
The café was a typical down-home kind of place with red gingham curtains and country music playing on a radio. They sat in a booth and Ethan ordered coffee immediately.
“Thanks for straightening the apartment,” Travis said. “I usually do that on the weekends.”
“Just be glad your sister didn’t see it.”
The waitress brought the coffee and took their order.
“Speaking of Molly…how is she?” Travis asked.
“Not good and neither is Pop,” he said truthfully. “Molly’s depressed and Pop’s worried about her, and it’s getting to him.”
“My being there’s not gonna help.”
“You might be surprised.” Ethan met his eyes.
“Ethan,” Travis groaned, and changed the subject. “How’s Cole handling all this?”
“He’s angry as hell at his father, which is understandable. I’m just glad he and Molly are at the ranch with us. Listen, they’d both like it a lot if you could come for a visit…maybe just a weekend. That’s all I’m asking. A weekend out of your life.”
Their breakfast arrived and Travis didn’t answer. They ate in silence. Finally Travis wiped his mouth. “Okay, I’ll come home next weekend.”
Ethan smiled—he couldn’t help it. “Thanks,” he said. “Why don’t you call Molly and tell her?”
“So she won’t think you pressured me?” Travis grinned.
“Something like…” His voice trailed off as he noticed a woman sitting in a corner by herself. There were papers scattered on the table and she was reading them as she drank coffee. Ethan blinked. It couldn’t be, he told himself. But there she was, the redheaded stripper. Looking a bit different, but it was her, he was sure of it. Her hair was pulled back and clipped in a knot, and she wore a brown business suit. The face was the same, though. He had studied it thoroughly last night and he’d know her anywhere.
“Ethan, what are you staring at?” Travis asked.
“I can’t believe it.”
“What?” Travis turned and followed Ethan’s gaze. “Well, I’ll be damned! It’s her, isn’t it?”
“Turn around and quit staring.”
Travis glanced at Ethan. “I’m going over to say hi.”
“No,” Ethan said. “Her life is her business.”
“You said she was scared and being forced to strip. Well, she doesn’t look too scared now. I’m gonna prove to you how wrong you were.”
Before Ethan could stop him, Travis was out of the booth and marching toward the woman. Ethan slowly followed.
“Howdy,” Travis said, and she raised her head. Ethan recognized the sparkling blue of her eyes, but he saw no fear in them today, just annoyance.
“Do I know you?” she asked.
“No, but I know you,” Travis said glibly.
She arched a fine eyebrow. “You do?”
“Yeah, and you look as good with your clothes on as you do with them off.”
“I beg your pardon?” she said in a haughty tone. “If this is a come-on, it’s not working and I wish you’d leave.”
Ethan put his arm around Travis’s shoulder. “You’ll have to excuse my brother. He’s forgotten his manners. We’re sorry if we bothered you.”
Travis shook off Ethan’s arm. “Yeah, and to make up for it, when you get off work tonight, I’ll take you out for an early breakfast. How’s that?”
She frowned. “Get off work? What are you talking about?”
Travis placed his hands on the table and leaned toward her. “The strip joint, honey. If you want to keep it a secret, that’s fine with me.”
“A strip joint? You think I work in a strip joint?”
“I know it for a fact,” Travis told her. “And you don’t just work there, you’re the star attraction.”
Her eyes narrowed to mere slits. “If you don’t leave me alone, I’m calling the police.”
Ethan knew when enough was enough. If the woman had a secret, it was hers to keep. He caught Travis by the collar and pulled him away. “Sorry, ma’am,” he said. “I apologize for the intrusion.” He pushed his brother toward the door.
Outside Travis straightened his shirt. “What the hell did you do that for?” he growled. “She may be able to fool you, but she can’t fool me.”
“She has a right to her privacy.”
“You didn’t think so last night. You wanted to rescue her.”
“Something’s different today. I can’t explain it.”
“She’s
