She Can Hide (She Can #4)(45)

“No, ma’am,” Derek answered.

Abby followed Lorraine into a large country kitchen. A long trestle table occupied half the space. Worn cabinets formed an L along the remaining walls. Pots and pans, their copper bottoms discolored from age and use, hung from a circular rack. Lorraine’s kitchen was no fancy entertainment space. It was a workroom.

Abby’s finger trailed along the scrubbed-smooth table. “I’m sorry about the mess.”

“Don’t give it another thought. I raised three boys. This old house has seen it all.” Lorraine pulled a first aid kit from the kitchen drawer. She dabbed some antiseptic ointment on Zeus’s nose. The dog stood quietly for her. “He’s a very nice dog. I imagine he can be fierce if he wants to be, though.”

“Yes, I guess he could.”

Lorraine packed away the first aid kit and moved to the freezer. “Do you and Derek like spaghetti and meatballs?”

“Oh, we can’t trouble you for dinner,” Abby protested.

“Nonsense. I’m cooking anyway.” Lorraine gave Abby an appraising stare. “In fact, you should stay in our guest room tonight.”

“What?”

“Well, Ethan’s going to be tied up with the horse for quite a while, and you really shouldn’t be alone, should you?”

Shame filled Abby. “What did Ethan tell you about me?”

“Honey, I’ve been on the committee of the Methodist church for more than thirty years. Ethan doesn’t have to tell me anything about what goes on in this town.” Lorraine put an arm on her shoulder.

Abby had no words.

“Why don’t you go out to the barn and let Ethan know you’ll be staying.” Lorraine steered Abby toward the back door.

“Yes, ma’am.” Abby zipped her coat. Wait. Had she even agreed?





CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Ethan leaned his forearms on the half door. Inside the stall, the bay horse dozed, head low. But the animal’s sleep was restless. Its hips shifted restlessly as it transferred weight from one rear hoof to the other.

The barn door opened. Cold night air—and Abby—rushed in. A healthy pink flush colored her cheeks. The change was welcome after the despair she’d emitted at the sight of the filled-in well that afternoon.

“Dinner will be ready soon.” Her warm brown eyes peered out from beneath a black knit cap pulled low on her forehead. Too-large gloves flapped on her delicate hands. Both were his, extra sets kept in the mudroom. At the sight of her in his outerwear, his heart did a touchdown dance.

He was an idiot. And he was beginning to think he was an idiot in big trouble. Every time she blinked those big brown eyes at him he remembered their kiss, and he wanted to do it again. This time without all the despair. He wanted her edgy with desire instead. “What are we having?”

“Spaghetti and meatballs.” She sidled up next to him and peeked into the stall. “How is he?”

“The vet thinks he’ll be OK. Probably an infection of some sort—not a surprise considering where the poor guy lived.” He told her about the rescue.

“The poor thing.”

“Ronnie says she’s seen worse pull through.” But the horse’s lethargy worried him.

“Can you come in to eat, or do you need to stay out here?” She turned.

Ethan glanced at the bay. “I don’t want to leave him just yet in case he has a reaction to the medication. Cam or Bryce can come down after dinner and take a turn.”

“You must be hungry,” she said.

“I am.” Ethan dipped his head and caught her mouth. The kiss was soft and sweet. “That’ll tide me over.”

Her eyes darkened, and Ethan’s pulse kicked into second gear.

“Did I mention your mother invited me to stay in your guest room tonight?”

“Invited?” Ethan raised a disbelieving brow.

“Well, suggested.” Abby’s mouth pursed. “OK, insisted is probably a better word.”

“Don’t feel bad.” Ethan grinned and threw an arm around her shoulders. “My mom can twist a conversation until you don’t know what’s happening. Let me guess, you were nodding your head and had no idea what you were agreeing to?”

Abby blushed. “I’m sorry. I should have said no. I should have checked with you. Do you mind?”

Ethan grinned. “No. It’s fine as long as she didn’t bully you into it.”

“Bully me?” Abby said. “Your mom is one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met.”

“Yes, that’s one of the many weapons in her arsenal.” Ethan brushed his mouth against hers again.

Abby laughed. Pleasure filled Ethan’s chest at the sound. He could overlook his family’s idiosyncrasies if his mom and brothers could make Abby smile.

“It’s a great idea. After dinner I’ll run Derek home, and you can pick up a change of clothes.” He brushed his lips against hers again then lifted his head. “Is Derek OK?”

Abby’s smile turned fake. “Sure.”

“I get the feeling his home life isn’t the best.”

“Not everyone lives the American dream.”

“Yeah. I know that,” Ethan said. “I looked him up in the system the other day.” Derek had been in the foster system a few years ago.