Taking Charge (Lone Star Burn #4)(31)

He didn’t notice Lucas until the younger man was beside him. “It’s not hard to see why you decided to stay.”

David glared at Lucas. “Get back to work before I decide you are not, in fact, the best choice for this job.”

Lucas smiled. “You won’t fire me. You need someone to take over here while you pursue other interests.”

David grunted. He had no intention of letting Lucas go, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t tempted to slug him. “I do need you this weekend. I’m heading back to Fort Mavis. Can you handle everything while I’m gone?”

“Does the job come with a pretty girl I can moon over, too?”

David snarled, “Lucy’s coming with me.”

Lucas laughed and raised his hands in mock surrender. “I was only hoping there was more than one woman in town.”

David relaxed and was reminded of how he’d felt with Wyatt when he’d made a similar joke. Some things never became funny. “Just watch over the ranch and the horses.”

Lucas was quiet for a moment, then said, “I might not look like it, but I’ve had my share of girlfriends. If you need any advice, don’t be shy about asking.”

David’s temper rose again. “I am perfectly capable of working things out with Lucy on my own.”

Lucas raised his hands again, but this time his expression was serious. “I know, but you’ve been good to me, and I want to see you happy. Everyone wants it to work out this time.”

“Everyone needs to step back and mind their own f*cking business.”

Undeterred, Lucas retorted, “We would, but no one wants you to—”

“Fuck it up again?” David snapped. He advanced on Lucas. “I did nothing wrong the first time, and she is coming around just fine. I don’t need or want anyone’s help with this. Why do all y’all find that difficult to understand?”

“Because no one wants to see the mopey, lovesick David again?” Lucas said, then ducked and retreated back into the round pen. “You didn’t have to deal with you.”

David swore and strode off. Lucas was wrong. He did have to deal with that side of himself. He’d lain awake night after night, asking himself why one woman could matter so much. He’d spent month after month doing whatever he could to convince himself she didn’t, only to find himself wanting her more instead of less as time went on.

If he had known when he first met Lucy that she was sadder and more desperate than she’d let on, he never would have returned to Fort Mavis. He would have stayed and made sure Ted York didn’t take advantage of her. He’d thought he had more time.

He’d been wrong.

His friends were well-meaning, but they didn’t see the difference between then and now. The first time, he’d played nice.

This time, he was playing for keeps.





Chapter Eight


That night, Lucy avoided her office and its contents. It would still be there on Monday when she returned. What she needed now was a dose of sanity, of calm. She tossed and turned until dawn and started the next day with a cold shower. She had no idea if it would be effective, but she was a wreck on the inside. With just enough makeup to conceal the circles beneath her eyes, she wavered back and forth while choosing outfits.

The practical choice was boots, jeans, and a blouse. She was going from one ranch to another. This wasn’t a date; it was a trip to see a good friend of hers. Although she didn’t know Mason well, she’d gotten to know his fiancée, Chelle, through Sarah. That couple lived a very different lifestyle than Lucy. They were often photographed at big events. They might want to go somewhere expensive. I should have asked. I need to call Sarah.

Thankfully, her friend picked up. “Lucy. Is everything okay? I’ve been calling you all week.”

In her underwear and bra, Lucy paced her bedroom. “I know. I’m sorry. I’ve been so busy with the new job. I saw your messages, and I meant to call, but time flew by and I didn’t.”

Sarah made a small sound, like she didn’t believe Lucy. When she spoke, she sounded hurt. “I’ve been dying to hear what it’s like to have David there, but I don’t want to bring up something you clearly don’t want to talk about.”

You just did. “Sarah, I didn’t call you because I didn’t know what to say.”

“Aha, I was right: not calling me was a decision. I thought we were getting close again, but sometimes I wonder. You didn’t tell me when your parents died. You didn’t turn to me for help when you needed it. Whenever something big happens in your life, you shut me out. How can we be friends if you won’t let me know you?”

Lucy sat on the edge of her bed, and her shoulders slumped. “Are you saying you don’t want me to come this weekend?”

Sarah made another sound of displeasure. “I’m saying I might slap you before I hug you. Or I might hug you, then slap you, then hug you. I’m not sure which. You have this idea in your head that people won’t love you if you’re not perfect. Have you looked at the rest of us? Whatever stupid thing you think you might be doing, chances are I’ve done just as bad. Talk to me, Lucy. Don’t shut me out.”

Lucy took a deep breath and a leap of faith. “If I tell you something, you can’t tell anyone. Not even your husband. Do you understand?”