He pulled a jug from the fridge and set it on the counter next to the stove. “Driving in this weather was stupid, but I?—”
“It was stupid, full stop. Just because you’re on ranch roads doesn’t mean you couldn’t have serious problems. It’s one thing to take chances by yourself, but you had Lani with you.”
“I did.” Guilt washed over him. “There’s no excuse for putting her in danger.” What if he’d miscalculated on those turns? Hit a jagged rock and punctured a tire? They wouldn’t have died, but he would have created a problem, required an elaborate rescue and caused everyone to worry.
“I texted Vanessa when you pulled in. They’re very relieved you made it.”
“I’ll apologize to them.” He lined up four mugs on the counter. He’d allowed his focus on a goal to override responsibility to a loved one. He owed Lani a huge apology, too.
“I hope this discussion is important, because if it’s some minor?—”
“It’s not minor.” Didn’t mean he’d easily forgive himself, though.
“Are you and Lani involved?”
His breath caught. Of course she’d jump to that conclusion. “It’s not what you think.” Which was true. She likely thought they had a personal announcement to make. Sadly, they did not. But they were involved.
“You’re nuts about her.” She stirred in the milk.
“I am.”
“But you’re not here to discuss your relationship?”
“No, ma’am.”
“Okay, then. You can reveal whatever it is when we’re gathered by the fire. But before we leave the kitchen, I need totell you something. You deserve to hear it in private so you have a chance to process it.”
“What the hell?” His heart jerked in his chest. Her solemn tone meant bad news. “Are you sick? Are you and Andy?—”
“No, no. We’re both disgustingly healthy and still madly in love. It’s?—”
“Buck? Marybeth?”
“Calm down, son. This has nothing to do with someone you love. In fact, it’s someone you don’t much care for. Neither do I, for that matter.”
“Then why is it important?”
“Your father called this morning. He’s arriving tomorrow.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Had Desiree been that tough on Rance? Lani couldn’t think of any other reason for the haunted expression in his eyes. He’d smiled when he’d brought in the tray of hot chocolate, but the smile had held no warmth.
The mugs topped with festive swirls of whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles presented a stark contrast to Rance as he put the tray on the coffee table and sat down next to her. When Sam came over for a treat, he fished one out of his pocket and absent-mindedly gave it to him.
The collie took his dog cookie over to his bed, as if knowing his normally affectionate friend wasn’t in the mood to pet him. Rance’s body radiated tension and his fingers curled as if he longed to make a fist and punch something.
Andy grimaced. “She told you. That’s why the hot chocolate took so long.”
“I needed to give him time to swear and stomp around.” Desiree laid down a plate of Christmas cookies and a pile of napkins on the coffee table. Then she glanced at Lani. “Irving Quick, aka Rance’s father, is coming tomorrow and staying through Christmas.”
Lani stared at her, the hot chocolate forgotten. “Irving Quick, the thriller writer?”
“Yes.”
She turned to Rance. “And you didn’t tell me?”
“Why would I? He’s not my father. Well, technically he is, but I don’t claim him.”
