by Geri Foster
“Yes, I would have.”
“How? I never picked up the phone, remember?”
“Kendall would have told me and I would have been there in a heartbeat.” He had her there. No way Kendall would have kept that to herself. And no way she couldn’t tell her best friend about it.
“I stayed away the next night because I realized we were at a turning point. Did we continue, get married right away instead of waiting a year like we planned, or what? I was as confused as you.”
"Oh, then you were worried it would have messed up your big career plans." She leaned back and let out a harsh laugh. "And if it had? Maybe you're more like Aaron Travis than you like to admit."
He gripped the steering wheel until his knuckles turned white. "You're not thinking straight. You’re finally airing all your grievances and it’s got you feeling vengeful. I'll forget you said that, and you’d do well to thank me for it because it is the worst thing anyone has ever said to me." He turned and captured her chin, pulling her toward him. “I’ll take a kiss as thank you.”
Before she could react, he kissed her, his mouth pressing against hers with an urgency that sucked out her breath and torched her whole body. The world tilted slightly and her head spun. The touch of his lips on hers ignited a fire that had long been extinguished and she was certain could never be relit.
How wrong she'd been.
She balled her hands into fists to keep from clutching his massive shoulders and pulling him against her. He tasted of tea, and salt, and him. She'd forgotten how potent his kisses were. How they turned her insides to jelly and made her squirm before she could take another breath.
His powerful arms came around her and she had no choice but to be crushed against his chest as he tilted his head and deepened the kiss. His mouth opened and lightning shot from her mouth to her heart in record time.
She wanted him all over again.
No, she had always wanted him. It was just, now, in this moment, she wasn’t sure that feeling could be denied any longer.
A moan filled the truck as all the anguish and torment from the past moved aside and all the love she'd once felt for him filled her heart. She wanted him as much as that night on the dock. How could she ever forgive herself? His breathing increased as his grip tightened and, then, as quickly as it began, it was over. He released her. For a moment she was stunned, her eyes still closed, bewildered. It was as if her soul had been stolen and her true feelings laid bare and exposed.
Seemingly unfazed, he reached down and started the truck. Looking straight ahead, he said, "If you still want me to help you be at Gert's tomorrow. If you're not there…well, I guess there wouldn’t be anything left to say."
She fumbled for the door handle and when she finally opened the door and stepped out, she gulped the night air, trying to get her bearings. After she took a step toward the house, Lucas drove away.
On the porch, Rachel grasped the tall column and hugged it for fear she'd crumble. She rested her head against the cold, hard wood and tried to breath normally, but it was difficult. Heart pounding, gasping for air and shaking like she’d been caught in a snow storm, she struggled to make sense of what had just happened. She blinked several times as she watched his taillights disappear into the night.
This wasn't eight years ago, she wasn't eighteen and she didn't love him so naively anymore. That time of her life was long gone, leaving nothing salvageable in its wake. Or so she had thought. She had to remind herself that life changed that night. Nothing could go back to the way it had been. And that included her and Lucas.
So, what did she feel? She let go and stepped back, forcing herself to focus. Did she need a reminder of why she'd agreed to come back to Rainwater? Was she going to enjoy Lucas' kisses while her dad rotted in prison? Could she come close to being the girl she was so long ago?
Chapter 9
After a night without a hint of sleep, Lucas came into the office the next morning wishing he could redo what happened last night—especially the kiss between him and Rachel. He knew he still loved her, but how was he to know that something deep inside him would awaken with a force so strong it came close to suffocating him? No kiss should have that kind of power, but it damn sure did, and the aftereffects kept him wide awake.
"Morning, Sheriff," David said. "What brings you in so early?"
His deputy was just finishing up the night shift and would be heading home as soon as he or Tyler came in. Neither was due for another two hours.
"Couldn't sleep, so figured I'd come on in and get some paperwork done."
"We had a pretty quiet night. Bobby Joe got out of jail and said to tell you he was coming back this morning to kick your ass for busting his chops."
He growled. "The mood I'm in, I hope he tries. If I see him coming he better run."
David scratched his head. "What's got you so riled up?"
"Rachel Snyder’s back in town. That seems to be all it takes."
"You see her last night?"
"For a little bit. But, with her, that goes a long way."
David walked up with a fresh cup of coffee and handed it to him. "Here, this will help." He tilted his head, "You ever consider you two are still crazy about each other? Whole town figured a Quinn/Snyder wedding was in everyone's future."
"Well, they figured wrong. After everything went down surrounding her dad, there wasn't a lot of anything left between us."
"I know it's none of my business, but you shouldn’t have let her get away."
He took a sip of coffee, then growled, "I didn't let her do anything. She was eighteen. What was I expected to do, kidnap her?"
David scrunched up his face, "Maybe."
Tired of the conversation, he stomped to his office and shut the door. He didn't need David's advice. God knows he’d had everyone in town telling him what to do about Rachel for years, and that included the Canfield sisters.
Sitting at his desk, he propped his elbows on the top and rubbed his face. Damn, he was tired. His eyes felt like he was in a desert storm and he was so grouchy he couldn't even stand himself. He planned on hiding out in his office most of the day, but he didn't know if he was going to go to Gert's Diner later. Why bother? What if they found out that her dad did rob the bank? She’d said she would accept it but, honestly, who would Rachel really blame for that?
Him.
She'd twist it around until it was all his fault, one way or the other. That is, if he could even muster up any kind of proof to convince her in the first place. She was so pigheaded. Where did that even come from? Rachel Snyder used to be the sweetest, softest, kindest girl in town. Always smiling, helping people, the most popular girl in school. Now, she was so bitter, he wondered if the old Rachel was even there anymore, hidden so deep it would take a miracle to find her and bring her back. Lucky for him, she used to believe he could perform miracles. He’d just have to muster one up now, because he wanted that girl. Not the one so bitterly tormented that she could hardly be civil. Her dad’s verdict, and what came after, had changed her, and he didn't like it. Did she plan to hate him and the people of Rainwater forever?
Just as he took the last sip of coffee and stood to get a refill, and to tell David to go home, a knock sounded at his door. Glancing at the clock on the wall, it wasn't even seven yet. He turned the knob and Mercy Snyder, Rachel's grandmother, burst into his office like a category five tornado with her finger going a hundred miles a minute. She had him backed up against his desk before he even realized what she was saying.
"You stay away from Rachel. You hear me, young man. I know your mama and daddy. If I see you sniffing around her again I'm going to be paying them a visit."
Lucas stepped around her, went out into the front office and told David to go home and get some rest. Walking to the coffee pot, he filled his cup before turning back to Mercy. She looked so mad she could spit fireballs at him. Then he noticed she wore only a robe over her nightgown, with slippers on her feet. She no doubt rose before Rachel and her mom. S
he didn't want to miss the opportunity to crawl up and down him.
"Miss Mercy, there's no need for you to come in here threatening me. I'm too old for my parents to spank, and I am the Sheriff. That means even you can't take the liberty of walking into my office and pitching a fit."
"I can do what I damn will please," she narrowed her eyes. "I pay your salary." She lifted her head proudly. "I was a citizen of this town before you were a twinkle in your daddy's eye."
"I know that. I know you're an Advisor to the Council and the President of the Senior Citizen's board. But that still doesn't mean you get to tell me what to do. Besides, isn't Rachel old enough to do her own talking?"
"She is, but I'm her grandma and I don't want her making another mistake."
"What mistake?"
She pointed at him. "You, you traitor. Took her daddy off to prison like he wasn't nothing but a bag of trash," she spat. A look of disgust drew her features taut.
That hurt. It seared his heart in a way he hadn't expected. Mercy's respect had meant a lot to him ever since he was a kid. After the trial and Rachel and her mom moved away, he'd avoided a confrontation with the elderly woman because he still loved her granddaughter. He knew how she felt, but hearing the words cut like a knife. He was tired of bearing the whole burden.
"I was a first-year deputy when that happened.” He pressed his fingers to his chest. “I asked the FBI if they’d allow me to escort Jim to prison because I’d rather it be me than a stranger. Your son-in-law thanked me, Miss Mercy. He appreciated that I respected him enough to want the trip to prison to be as comfortable for him as possible.
“I've taken a lot of heat for what went on that day and I've held up my head and done the best job for this town any man can do." He clasped the badge on his chest. "You want this? Believe me, the mood I'm in today, you can have it. But remember this, every time a citizen of Rainwater has needed me, I've been there."
The fire in Mercy's eyes still burned bright. "I want you to leave Rachel alone. She's been through enough." She turned to leave. "And I will be talking to your daddy."
Miss Mercy stormed out of his office with as much gusto as she'd entered, leaving him alone and angry. Damn, he was tempted to apply for another job.
He took his cup and headed back to his office when the door opened again. If Miss Mercy said another word, he swore he'd lock her up. He turned, prepared to literally lay down the law, when Levi Burke stomped through the door looking like he'd had rusty nails for breakfast.
Lucas mentally reminded himself not to ever come into work early again.
Rachel and her mom returned from Denton, where they'd picked up a few things for grandma's birthday party on Saturday, early in the afternoon. Not only would grandma's two sisters be there, but half the town as well. Mostly seniors.
Her mom took everything in stride. "You don't turn eighty every day."
Rachel smiled. "Funny, but I don't think of her as that old. Or maybe she's been that age since I was born. In a way, she's ageless."
"Oh, I don't know," her mom said. "Lately she's been feeling her age. Lots of aches and pains."
"You’re right, I guess. Since I don't talk to her that much, I just always imagine she'll be around forever."
"Never take life for granted."
She looked at her then. "Mom, have you ever imagined what our lives would've been like if Dad hadn't gone to prison?"
Her mom lowered her lashes and bit her bottom lip. "Oh God, don't get me started on that." Coming over, she put her arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. "I knew coming back here wouldn't be good for you. I'm so sorry Grandma insisted."
Rachel tried to brush off the melancholy. "It's okay. I'm an adult now. Coming home shouldn't be that big a deal. What's done is done."
"Your Grandma said you were with Lucas last night."
She stepped out of her mom’s embrace, moved to the sink and drew a glass of water. For eight years she thought she’d managed to hide her pain from her mom. It obviously hadn’t worked. "I wasn't with him. Kendall and I went to Gert's Diner and he showed up out of the blue."
"What did he say?" Her mom moved closer. "You and I have never talked about Lucas, but I know how much you two cared for each other. I still think you should've taken his calls when we moved away."
She looked at her mom, putting down her glass. "Why? What was between us ended when he delivered Dad to prison."
"That wasn't Lucas' fault. Someone had to do it and I’m glad it was someone your father cared about."
"Lucas didn't seem to mind the task."
"Then you weren't looking, Rachel. He was heartbroken."
That surprised her. In all this time, no one but Kendall had defended Lucas, especially no one in her family. However, her mom had been silent about the matter, and she had just assumed she agreed with her about him.
"How can you, of all people say that, Mom? He took Dad away."
Her mom clutched her upper arms. "No, he did his job. One he dreaded and apologized for all the way to Fort Worth Federal Prison. He told your dad that nothing could convince him that he was guilty."
Last night he didn't say anything close to that. As a matter of fact, he warned her not to get her hopes up. What was he up to?
It was almost two. Time for her to leave for Gert's Diner, if she was going, which she had yet to decide.
"I didn't realize he'd showed Dad so much compassion."
"You are aware that he visits your dad, aren't you?"
Stunned again, she rubbed her forehead, hoping to ward off a pending headache. Shaking her head, she muttered, "Dad never said a word."
Nodding, her mom moved to the counter and made a pot of coffee. "Every other Thursday. Never misses. I can't explain that. But, he’s there. Your dad mentioned him several times in his letters."
Rachel turned around, avoiding her mom's questioning gaze. "I don't know what to think. I'm supposed to meet him and Kendall this afternoon."
"Then, what are you waiting for?"
"I'm not sure I want to be around him, Mom. It's been such an emotional time. You're right about coming back here. Too many memories, good and bad, for me."
"That shouldn't keep you from enjoying your friends." Opening the cabinet, her mom reached for the mugs. "Do you have time for coffee?"
"I don't know."
Her mom turned and leaned back against the counter. "I know you're going to think I'm a romantic," she chuckled, "but I always thought you and Lucas would someday get married and give me and your dad a couple of grandkids."
That thought had Rachel's heart pounding like a carpenter on a nail. "I doubt that will happen. We're barely speaking."
"Is that your choice or his?"
"It doesn't matter."
Unwilling to discuss her future with Lucas, she grabbed her coat and left the house. Once in her car, she leaned her forehead on the steering wheel and sucked in several deep breaths. Had she been unreasonable all this time, making Lucas out to be nothing but a villain? Why hadn't her dad been honest with her? Didn't he think she had a right to know if Lucas was visiting him? Would it have changed things? The thought no sooner formed in her mind than she recalled a conversation she’d had with her dad on her second visit, where she’d told him that she wasn't there to talk about Lucas—ever.
She bit back tears. The loneliness of not having her dad holding her ripped through her like a sharp blade. They'd always been so close. Much closer than she and her mom were. There wasn't anything she couldn't tell him, once. But now, when she visited him, the glass between them was like a mile-wide glacier. What else were they keeping from each other?
Chapter 10
Lucas's morning went from bad to worse when the mayor came through the door, joining him and Burke. He seriously wanted to shoot himself right about now.
Stepping forward, his fists jammed on his thick waist, his cheap toupee all cock-eyed, and his fat jowls flapping like a flag in the wind, Burke spit out, "It's been brought to my atten
tion that those Snyder women are back in town."
"That's true," he confirmed. "They're here for Grandma Mercy's birthday in a few days. They may stay over for the holidays."
The mayor moved in as well, attempting to intimidate him no doubt. "Can't you run them out of town?"
He didn't like that remark and it was all he could do to keep from grabbing the short, little man with thick glasses by the scruff of his collar and throwing him out the door. "I can't and won't do that. They've done nothing wrong."
"Jim Snyder robbed our bank. And might I remind you that we've never recovered the money?" Burke lifted his chin and looked down his nose. "I want them out of town. I don't want to see them walking around my streets."
"I feel the same way," Mayor Tate said. "Throw them out."
"No," Lucas said, then, turned back toward his office.
"You listen here," Mr. Burke grumbled. "We pay your salary. How would you like to lose your job?"
He stopped, counted to ten, then turned to face the two men. "I'll remind you two that the people of this town elected me. I work for them, not you or any politician or business. Now, get out of my office. What you're asking me to do will open this city up to a lawsuit that we'll never live down."
"But we—" Mayor Tate began before he cut him off.
"Get out of here now before I lock your asses up."
With a satisfied smirk, he turned and went to his office, slamming the door. Hours later he wondered if he’d be done in time to go to Gert’s Diner, that is, if he decided that’s what he wanted to do. He was sitting at his desk and working at getting caught up on another case he was working when his phone rang. He mentally crossed his fingers that it was the FBI returning his call from earlier that morning. "Sheriff Quinn here."
"This is Larry White with the FBI. I got a message you wanted to check out the evidence in the Snyder case. That right?"
"Yes. I was hoping I could stop by your office tomorrow and take a quick look."
