“Make sure you have all the facts!”Janice called after her, but with her eyes on the door, Ellie put one foot in front of the other.Now was so not the time to lose it.The movers and her friends were waiting for her.
*
Deep in thought,Becket entered the pharmacy.He wanted to get a few things for his bathroom for Ellie’s use.He’d been thinking about it for a while, but there was always so much else going on.It was only as he’d left Java Café a few minutes ago and saw the pharmacy in front of him, that he remembered what he’d been wanting to do.
As he walked through the aisles, looking for soap, his mind was back with the conversation he’d just had with June Kincaid.The tall brunette clearly knew what she was doing.She’d given him a contract—for a three-book deal!—to look over.They were offering him an advance.He didn’t know anything about the publishing world, but the figure mentioned in the contract nearly had him gasping out loud.He’d get the ranch’s attorneys to look at it before he decided what he wanted to do.
As he picked up some fabulous smelling soap, body cream and shampoo his eyes fell on the display of perfume.Taking his time, he sniffed each bottle until he got one that reminded him of Ellie—sexy and sassy, full of sunshine.
He was vaguely aware of other people in the pharmacy, but his mind was so busy, he didn’t really notice anyone.
Deciding to focus on his art sounded so tempting, but it would change his whole life.If he stepped away from daily work on the ranch, it would also impact everyone else’s life.
Would it be possible?Willow seemed to have it figured out.She spent most of her time in her studio with her art, but during busy times on the ranch you’d always find her out on her horse, helping where she was needed.Before he could make a final decision, he had to talk to all his siblings.
His first instinct had been to race over to Ellie’s house and tell her the news, but she was moving into her house, so there were other things keeping her busy.Besides, his mind was still processing.Anyway, he was on his way to help.His mom said he didn’t have to worry about food, between her and Annie they’d organize more than enough.He’d take beer and wine.
As he walked toward the till, he became aware people were staring at him.Aurelia Hill—of course—approached him as he joined the queue.
Hands on her hips, she glared at him.“She doesn’t deserve to be treated like this,” she finally said.
“What are you talking about?”Everyone was listening anyway, so he didn’t bother lowering his voice.
“You having a cozy coffee date with another woman while poor Ellie is working in her shop a few doors down—that’s what I’m talking about.She’s devastated, poor thing.”
“So you’ve told her?”
Lifting her chin, Aurelia squared her shoulders.“Of course I told her.How else is she supposed to know…?”
But Becket wasn’t listening anymore.He quickly paid for his purchases before he = left the pharmacy, cussing a blue streak.Didn’t people in this town have enough to do, damn it?
Chapter Sixteen
Ellie had changedinto shorts and a cool strappy top again, as it was a hot day.Laura, Willow and Arlene were the first of her friends to arrive.All Ellie wanted to do was crawl into one of the cupboards, close the door and cry until she had no more tears left.But one, she was supposed to be an independent modern woman, which definitely meant one didn’t cry over a man anymore and, two, she was moving into her dream house.This was what she’d wanted since she could remember.She was going to be happy if it was the last thing she did, damn it.
Walking toward the front door, her mind was racing with thoughts of Becket.Pictures of him flashed before her eyes.Becket catching her when she’d nearly fallen off the ladder, Becket helping her from his truck, Becket keeping her hand in his, Becket always finding a way to touch her, Becket…
What if there was a good reason he had to meet the woman?
As she stepped outside to talk to the movers, another car stopped in front of her house and Annie, Vivian, Riley and, to her surprise, Rose got out.Rose was wearing huge sunglasses, her long red hair pushed into a cap.
“Look who’s joining us!”Laura smiled as she put an arm around Rose.
Pushing her own thoughts to the side, Ellie held out her arms.“Rose!I’m so glad you’re here!Do come in.It’s a mess, but I’m so excited.I have a house.One I’ve been dreaming about since I can remember.Laura, Willow and Arlene are in the kitchen, why don’t you join them while I tell these gentlemen where to put my things.”
“If you want me to, I can help with that,” Rose said softly.“Interior decorating is, well, I like doing it.”
“Great!”Ellie smiled.She’d noticed the way Rose had amended her sentence, but that was okay.At least their friend was talking and sharing something about herself besides her name.“I have a vague idea what I want, but I’d love some help.”
“Just tell me when to shut up,” Rose said.
“Talk away—I need all the help I can get!”
As the movers brought in the first pieces of furniture, Ellie glanced outside.Would Becket show up?
Urgh.Irritated with herself, she quickly moved back into the house.She was not going to keep looking for him.If he had a good reason to be meeting with another woman and he wanted to tell her, he knew where to find her.
Somewhere a phone rang, but Ellie was concentrating on the movers.Rose seemed happy and focused, and she obviously knew what she doing, so Ellie left her downstairs while she moved to the second story.
