“She followed me out to the barn after the wedding. And we—nothingreallyhappened. But we”—why is this so hard?—“kissed and?—”
“Youkissedher?”
“She told me she was divorced.”
“The guys were crackin’ jokes left and right. Don’t think I missed any of that ‘cause I caught every word.” He looked away, a little embarrassed to ask. “Did you two?—”
“No. We didn’t. I swear I just kissed her.”
“Alright.” Tag went a little white. “Bea is gonna be pissed.”
“I’m sorry. This wasn’t supposed to happen. I never would’ve touched her if I knew she had a husband at home. Why wasn’t he at the wedding?”
“I’m not sure. I’ve never met him.”
I frowned. “Really? Even when you’ve gone to Colorado?”
“No. He’s some sort of business exec and works every holiday, apparently.”
“Do you think she told him what happened?”
“I can’t imagine a husband would be alright with her comin’ back and workin’ on the same ranch with you if he knew the truth.”
I concluded, “So she probably didn’t.”
“I’d say that’s safe to assume.”
“Are you going to tell Bea?”
He swallowed, thinking for a moment. “I should.”
“This is embarrassing enough as is.”
“Her sistercheatedon her husband. And before you object, in my book, kissin’ another man qualifies.”
We agreed there. And “kiss” didn’t explain the half of it.
“Would Bea tell Hollie’s husband?”
That made Tag pause. “I don’t think he has much of a relationship with the Thompsons, so I doubt it. And we desperately need Hollie’s help. But…this could hurt their family.”
The wordfamilybarrelled into my chest like a bullet.
What if Nora and Izzy suffered for it?
My world spun again.
“I should tell her,” he whispered. The regret in his tone made me feel like the scum of the earth.
Quietly, I promised. “Tag, I won’t go anywhere near her. Ineverwould’ve touched her—I swear it.”
Tag looked at me, nodding. The rigidity in his shoulders drained away, his tone softening. “I know. It’s a big deal—you kissin’ someone.” He paused, his eyes roaming my face. “You alright?”
“I’m fine. That was a…” The gravel became the most interesting thing around, and I dragged the heel of my boot through it. “Just a tough day.”
“What day? The wedding?”
I swallowed, feeling small for even bringing it up. “Yeah.”
