The widening of Madden’s green eyes told Reid he’d noticed the defensiveness in his tone. He opened his mouth, but the ringing phone on his desk kept him from saying anything.
Reid hunched low in the leather chair and took another sip of coffee. The temperature had gone from scalding to hot, allowing him to take a longer drink. An internal war waged, blocking out Madden’s voice as he talked to whoever was on the other end of the line. The complicated feelings he had for Eve combated with a lifetime of not wanting to become his father and twisted him up inside. Because of that, he’d left a woman alone all night after she’d experienced a traumatic event. What a dick move.
He’d make it up to Eve. As soon as Madden got off the phone, he’d track her down and let her know he was around for anything she needed.
Frowning, Madden ended his call.
Reid rose to his feet. “You’re right. I’ll get a hold of Eve right away and see if there’s anything else I can do.”
“Sorry, but that’s going to have to wait. That was the sheriff. A woman was found dead down at the rodeo. Sheriff’s department has requested our assistance. We need to go now.”
Chapter 4
Eve wiped a wet cloth over Suzy’s messy cheeks then smoothed back an unruly curl. The blond pigtails made her face impossibly cuter. She tossed the dirty towel in the hamper then washed her hands in the pedestal sink. Spending her morning with her best friend and favorite little girl was the perfect way to start her day. Especially after such a traumatic night.
Fisting her hands on her hips, she faced Suzy with a wide grin. “All clean, baby girl. Nana will love the pink bows we put in your hair. So fancy.”
Suzy’s bottom lip jutted out, and her blue eyes grew larger. “I want you. No Nana.”
Eve’s heart melted. She gathered Suzy in her arms and settled on the edge of the tub in the small bathroom. She’d always assumed she’d have a child of her own at this point in her life, but at least she could pour all her love into her goddaughter. Suzy filled the holes in her life, smothering her in unconditional love and slobbery kisses. “I’m sure you’ll have a blast with your nana today, honey. She always has the most fun things planned.”
Becca popped her head in the room. “Suzy, be happy you got to see Eve at all today. Now be a good girl and grab your shoes.”
“No.” Suzy burrowed her head against the curve of Eve’s neck.
“Didn’t you get new purple sneakers?” Eve hurried to find a way to get the child to listen before Becca lost her patience. Giving Suzy an opportunity to show off new shoes would always entice cooperation. “I want to see them. Can you show me?”
“Okay!” Suzy jumped onto the ground and ran from the room.
“I don’t know if I should be appreciative or annoyed she listens to you better than me,” Becca said as she fastened a golden hoop earring into place.
Eve shrugged, happier than she should be with Suzy’s cooperation. Her dream of having a family one day might never come true, but no matter what, she had a bond with Suzy that could never be severed. “I have a gift and, to be honest, some free time this morning. I could hang with her for a few hours before I need to head to work. Give your mom a morning to herself.”
Scrunching her nose, Becca studied Eve. “Are you sure? You’ve had a tough night and not much sleep. You should relax. Take the day off. Nellie and I can handle everything.”
The idea of spending the whole day and evening alone sent a shiver down her spine. She trusted her staff to handle the restaurant without her, but right now she needed to be busy. Not sitting idle while her mind played tricks on her.
Made her feel like her attacker was watching her. Waiting for her.
The pitter-patter of little feet snapped Eve out of her spiraling thoughts. Suzy wiggled past her mom and stormed into the room, hoisting her little shoes high in the air. “Look!”
“Oh my! Those are beautiful.”
Suzy beamed.
Eve gathered her in her arms and sent a pleading look toward Becca. “I know what would make me feel better today, and it’s more of this.” She gave Suzy an extra-big squeeze to accentuate her point. “We can have some girl time before I head to work for the dinner shift. We’ll be slammed tonight, and there’s still a lot to plan before tomorrow night. Fridays are always busy with locals coming in to listen to the band and dance. With the rodeo in town, we should expect at least double the usual crowd. We need all hands on deck.”
“We could cancel the band. The fine folks of Cloud Valley can go one week without some line dancing.” Becca secured her hair in a low ponytail then fixed concerned eyes on her. “People will understand.”
A part of her wanted to agree, wanted to cancel the weekly entertainment. But that one event brought in half the revenue for the week, and on the one night a year when a horde of tourists were in town, that revenue went through the roof.
“I can’t do that. Besides, there’s no real reason to cancel anything. Yes, I’m a little shaken, but I’m totally fine. I just need a few hours with Suzy and I’ll be right as rain.”
Becca didn’t look convinced. “If you’re sure, I’ll call my mom. But if you need a break or change your mind, let me know. I’ll tell Mom to be on standby. I still think you should take the night off work.”
“We can argue about that later. Right now, I have a fun day to plan with my favorite girl. Maybe some flower picking? What do you think, Suzy?”
“Yay!”
