Kat shook her head. From what she knew about her father, he had zero regrets. He got the life he’d wanted. He got the woman he wanted. And he’d never said a single word regarding her mother’s position in their family.
She chewed on the inside of her cheek until it nearly felt raw. She’d be lying to herself if she said she wasn’t nervous about seeing Leo again. Things between them had been somewhat strained the last time they’d seen each other. And she’d only piled on by not accepting his calls.
Even if she wanted to place blame on Leo for speaking to her father without telling her, she couldn’t bring herself to do so. Yes, she was irritated. And yes, there was a part of her that wondered if things would have turned out differently had he stayed put.
But Leo was a man of action. Could she blame him for getting antsy?
A groan seeped from her chest and she let her head fall back against her seat. What was she supposed to do? She couldn’t avoid him. They lived in the same house. There was no way he’d accept it if she told him everything was fine.
For the very first time in her life, she actually wanted to run from her problems.
What had Leo done to her?
Upon her arrival,Kat hurried into the house and went straight to her room. It was early evening which meant Leo was likely still out. The men at Sagebrush didn’t typically head to their homes until it got too dark to see their hands in front of their faces. Even then, some of the guys stayed out as late as they could to prepare for the following day.
The smell of supper reached her nose, but with how quiet Kat was, Sonya didn’t call out to her. Maybe if she was lucky, she could stay hidden in her room and pretend that she hadn’t come home.
Maybeshe could avoid him for one more day.
An hour later with a knock on her door, Kat knew there was little chance of that happening.
“Kat, honey, I heard you come in. Supper’s ready.”
Kat shut her eyes tight. Leo would surely come later tonight if she didn’t show up for dinner. He’d insist on speaking to her. She moved closer to the door then stopped. “Actually, I’m feeling a little jet-lagged. I don’t feel up for dinner.”
“I’m so sorry, sweetie. How about I fix you a plate and bring it up later.”
Sighing, Kat shook her head. “Oh, you don’t have to do that.”
“It’s not a problem, dear. The food’s already been made.” Her footsteps faded but then returned. “Kat? Tomorrow night is Simon’s surprise birthday party. Katrina’s husband. I’m not sure if you met him. Katrina’s Leo’s cousin. Anyway, they’re having a party at the lodge. Everyone from Sagebrush is going to be there.” The expectation hung in the air. She didn’t explicitly invite Kat to come with, but Kat knew better than to assume otherwise.
It was Sonya’s way—to include her.
Not to mention, Leo would likely insist they go together.
The avoidance game wasn’t going to work past tonight.
For heaven’s sake! Why did seeing him feel like the ending of something great?
“Kat? Are you okay?”
Voice hoarse, Kat nodded. “Yes, of course.”
“We’d love it if you came with us.”
We. Sonya and Leo.
Kat was smarter than Sonya was giving her credit for. If she had to bet, she’d say Leo had put his mother up to this. Heck, he might even be loitering in the hall waiting to hear what Kat would say.
Shoot!
Clearing her throat, Kat moved to the edge of the bed and slumped down. “Sure,” she said weakly. “I’d love to come.”
“Wonderful,” Sonya said through the door. “I’ll have Leo bring you up a plate.”
Kat shot up from the bed, her head pounding. No. She didn’t want to see him. Not yet. But her refusal remained stuck in her throat. She waited. Then waited some more. Her eyes remained locked on the door until several minutes later there was a knock.
“Kat?”
