The sightof Lane’s childhood house caused a dust storm of emotions to stir to life inside of Celine. Sweet memories of evenings spent on the porch swing snuggled up against him came back to her along with the gut-punching reminder of the first time he’d walked out of her life.
When he’d left town without her, after promising to take her with him.
She gave a tiny shake of her head to toss those thoughts out of her mind. That was a lifetime ago, and she had more urgent issues consuming her at the moment—including Lane’s abrupt presence in her life. But even that had to take a backseat to this new danger surrounding her.
A vehicle pulled down the tree-lined lane behind them, and Celine turned in her seat for a better look.
Lane muttered under his breath.
Fear inched up her spine. “Who is it?”
“Suzy.”
Duke whipped around from his spot in the back. “Who’s Suzy?”
“Lane’s sister,” she said, frowning. How did this guy know Lane well enough to crash at his place but not even know the name of his sister? She had so many questions, but shekept them stowed away. She couldn’t afford to get invested in anything personal as far as Lane was concerned. Even if curiosity gnawed at her regarding the giant man giving off mega golden retriever energy.
A wide grin spread on Duke’s scruffy face. “Sister, huh? Where’ve you been hiding her?”
Ignoring the question, Lane stepped out of his truck just as Suzy parked her little sedan in the driveway.
Duke leaned forward, resting his forearms on the seatback. “Dude’s been in a sour mood since I showed up. He acts like he hates me getting him riled up, but it’s all in good fun. Just trying to get him out of his own head. Not sure it’s working, but don’t worry, I’ll keep trying.” He patted her on the top of the head before hopping outside.
She couldn’t stop from smiling at the guy. There was something about him that was charming as hell, in a way that she had no doubt drove Lane crazy.
Which made her like him even more.
Despite wanted to get back to Parker, Celine climbed out of the vehicle and walked around the hood to say hello to Suzy. Despite the difficulties between her and Lane, she’d always had a good relationship with Suzy. Kept her as close as possible, which made keeping the paternity of Parker a secret even harder because there was no doubt Suzy’d make the best auntie.
A twinge of regret had her second-guessing her decisions. Her mother was her only family, and as much as she loved her, the woman wasn’t exactly the warm and fuzzy type. Parker needed more people in his village to love and support him.
Maybe Lane, along with his sister, could be that for him.
Suzy smiled and gave a little wave. “Hey, guys. You having a party this afternoon, or what?” She squeezed her brother’s arm before pulling Celine in for a quick hug then facing Duke. Hergrin shifted into a lopsided smirk, brow lifted, and fisted a hand on her hip. “I don’t think we’ve met.”
Duke swept his cowboy hat off his head. “No, darlin’, we most certainly haven’t. I’m Duke, a friend of your brother’s.”
Lane snorted. “So we’re friends now?”
“Always have been in my book.” Duke placed his hat back on his head then held out a hand. “Nice to meet you.”
Suzy fit her palm in his. “You in town to visit Lane?”
“Sure am. Staying here for a night or two.” He dipped his head toward the house. “My pal has a few things to do for the rest of the day. It’d be nice to have a local to show me around. Maybe share a drink or two over a meal later.”
“No,” Lane growled. “Absolutely not.”
Suzy laughed. “Seriously? You’re back in town for one night and you think you can tell me what to do? Not gonna happen.”
“I’m not telling you what to do, I’m telling Duke whatnotto do.”
Although the situation was amusing, she didn’t want to stand around and watch an argument unfold that had nothing to with her. She had bigger problems to worry about than who Suzy decided to have dinner with tonight. “Do you think we can get things settled quickly so I can get back to Parker?”
Lane winced. “Sorry. Suzy, I was just dropping Duke off then planned to give Celine a ride.”
“Perfect,” Suzy said, beaming. “You and Celine go get that precious baby of hers and I’ll hang out with your buddy.”
Lane opened his mouth to argue, but Suzy looped her arm around Duke’s and yanked him toward the front porch before any words came out.
