River's End (River's End Series, #1)(6)

“It’s my ranch too.”

Erin tensed up at what she sensed in the undertones between these two men. What was it? Jack eventually nodded, and smiling at Joey, said, “It is, Joe. You’re right.”

That was it? Erin almost swooned with relief. She thought for sure Jack was about to make her leave. He was staring only at Joey, who smiled and nodded. What did Joey think he’d done? Proven his masculinity and leadership to his brother? He hadn’t. Jack had all the power here. It was so Jack’s ranch. She almost turned and explained that to Joey. Whatever… Jack seemed to be offering Joey a few crumbs here today. Crumbs like letting her stay. She felt nothing but relief. And gratitude. And she couldn’t spoil Joey’s little bit of control by explaining that to him.

“It is you. I thought Jack was mistaken. What the fuck are you doing here?”

Erin whipped around on her heel in surprise. Chance was walking up from the behind the trailer, his lips curled cruelly in disgust. He came up through the field that was hidden by the trailer. Her heart picked up. This was it. She’d be discovered. Chance would refuse to help her and the Rydells would kick her off their land. And then what would she do? Sleep in her car along the river somewhere?

She meant to ease Chance into all of this; and intended to talk to him alone and lay out a convincing case about why she came and why he had to let her stay with him.

Instead, she licked her lips and glanced at her side. Joey was staring with displeasure at Chance and curious to know her motives. Jack smirked, no doubt, ready to point out to Joey he was right about her before he told her to get off his land.

She had no recourse and looked down and then back up at her brother. She only hoped it mattered to Chance what she had to say. “Mom’s dead.”





Chapter Three



Jack stepped back. He never expected her to say that. Shocked, he stared down at Erin’s profile. Her face was to the ground now, studying the toes showing through the black straps of her idiotic shoes. Jack looked up at Chance, who shuffled his feet in surprise. Then his face went blank. He scowled down at Erin as Jack had previously. God! He was a cold son of a bitch. Jack always felt a weird chill go through him whenever he was in Chance’s presence. He couldn’t quite explain why. There was just something off with Chance, almost a kind of evil inside him.

“So? What do you want me to do about it?”

She flinched. “I just thought you’d want to know.”

“Okay, I know now.”

Erin bit her lip and stared up at her brother. Chance suddenly straightened. “She leave any money?”

“No. No, there’s no money. There’s nothing.”

“You’re not lying, are you? I’ll find out if you are, you know. Lawyers and shit will know.”

She shook her head. “I’m not lying. I thought, maybe, I could stay with you for a few days, to figure this out.”

“Stay with me? Here? Are you shitting me?”

Joey’s head bobbed between them. “Are you for real? You think she’s stealing from you? Why would she come here if that were the case?”

Then the strange demeanor that Chance only ever used with Joey suddenly overcame him. Chance purposely tried to tone down who he really was, so Joey didn’t see it. Judging by the expression on Joey’s face, he really didn’t like how Chance was treating his sister.

Neither did Jack. What was wrong with this man? Just because he didn’t want Erin there, near his brother, didn’t mean he needed to listen to that.

Chance suddenly smiled. “I’m sorry. You surprised me. Joey’s right, of course. Let’s go inside and talk, huh? You can tell me everything.”

Erin stepped back. Perhaps she was surprised by Chance’s suddenly affable tone. She nodded and glanced up at Joey before following her brother.

The Polettis disappeared inside the trailer. His trailer. On his land. What was that all about? A pathetic act for his benefit? Or did the girl’s mother just die and she came here to tell her brother? He supposed it would be a good reason to need a break from college. Or did that just coincide with her story about the break from college? Yeah, he was that gullible. Joey believed every word. Jack didn’t. He wasn’t so sure the Polettis hadn’t just put on a very fine show for Joe and him.

****

Chance crossed the trailer and shoved a heap of clothes off the couch. He sat, sprawled with his legs open and arms folded as he glared at her.

“Mom really dead?”

“Yes. She died a few weeks ago.”

He didn’t express any trace of sorrow. Or ask how she died. He didn’t care. He never did. About her. Or their shared mother.

“Why did you come here?”

Erin glanced down and tapped her toe. “Brian was eager for me to join him in ways I would never. When I refused you can imagine his reaction. I didn’t dare risk trying to get inside the apartment. I left half my stuff and took off.”

“Apple didn’t fall far, did it?”

“Like you didn’t either?”

He smiled and goose bumps broke out over her arms. She hated him. So much so, it suffocated her to think of them being anything alike. They were not. They could never be alike. But she needed his help; and therefore, had to rein in her disdain of him and keep it in check. She vowed if she ever got over this, she would never subject herself to the mercy of her brother again. Someday, she would not have to rely on the kindness of others ever again.