I wanted to defend myself, to argue that I was just doing my job. But he had every right to be angry. Just last night we’d shared something special, something extraordinary. And now I’d ruined it the first chance I got.
I heard Xavier’s footsteps behind me as I left the cabin. The moment I stepped off the porch into the dirt, I heard him clear his throat.
“Don’t bother texting me either,” he growled, not caring that Beau and Lucas were standing right there. “You can suck your own dick from now on.”
Then he slammed the door shut.
I couldn’t help flinching, but I couldn’t bring myself to look back at Lucas and Beau either. Instead, I just hunched my shoulders in shame and headed for my truck.
This was all my fault.
Chapter 20
Xavier
I’d been avoiding my phone for nearly four days. Everything that needed to get done was done from my laptop and from the cabin. I saw no reason to leave the ranch anymore, not when the sheriff and probably the entire town thought I was a thief.
I didn’t even bother checking my texts. For all I knew, Marcus had sent a dozen apologies, or maybe he hadn’t sent anything at all. Either way, I didn’t want to know and I didn’t care.
The wedding was in three days, and I’d managed to coordinate everything remotely. The florist confirmed delivery, tents had already been set up, and the photographer knew the timeline. I’d even finalized the seating chart and sent it to the printer in town, arranging for Mabel to pick it up rather than face anyone myself.
I stared at my laptop screen, reviewing the ceremony timeline for what felt like the hundredth time. Everything was perfect. Everything was ready. And the moment this wedding was over, I was getting the hell out of Texas and never looking back.
A knock at the cabin door made me tense. I considered ignoring it, but the knocking persisted.
“Xavier?” It was Lucas. “I know you’re in there. Open up.”
I sighed, closing my laptop and crossing to the door. When I opened it, Lucas stood there with two cups of coffee and a determined expression.
“I brought a peace offering,” he said, holding up one of the cups.
“I’m not mad at you,” I replied, but I took the coffee, anyway. The smell alone was enough to make me soften slightly.
“I know. But you’re hurt, and you’re hiding, and that’s not like you.” He pushed past me into the cabin, making himself comfortable on the small couch. “The Xavier I know would’ve marched into town and given everyone a piece of his mind by now.”
“The Xavier you know hasn’t been accused of being a thief by someone he—” I cut myself off, taking a sip of coffee to avoid finishing that sentence.
“By someone you care about?” Lucas finished for me, his expression knowing.
I didn’t answer, just sat down in the chair across from him.
“He’s miserable too, you know,” Lucas said quietly. “Beau told me Marcus hasn’t been sleeping. He’s been working the case nonstop, trying to find the real thief. I think he’s trying to make it up to you.”
“Well, that’s just wonderful for him,” I said bitterly. “He gets to play hero and catch the bad guy while I get to sit here feeling like the entire town thinks I’m a criminal.”
“Nobody thinks that,” Lucas insisted. When I didn’t budge, he let out a long sigh. “Everything set for the wedding then?” he asked, changing the subject.
“Yep,” I nodded, taking another sip. “All I need you to do is confirm everything with Dolly for the food.”
“Oh, well Beau and I were just about to head down to the diner for dinner. Why don’t you come with us?”
“I don’t really feel like?—”
“Xavier,” Lucas said, his voice firm as he placed a hand on my arm. “You’ve been holed up in here for four days. You need to get out. Some food and fresh air would do you good.”
“I won’t be getting either of those at Dolly’s,” I sighed.
“Well, that’s too damn bad.” He stood up, holding his hand out to me. “You’re coming with us to dinner. No arguments.”
