We waited for a few cars to pass before crossing over to the Merc. Walking through that door meant I was committing to a lot more than just a cup of coffee. It meant I was letting everyone know I was back. Mustang Mountain lived for gossip and Ruby Nelson was usually at the center of it all.
It was time to stop hiding. Time to stop trying to outrun my past.
The front door creaked as Torin held it open. As I stepped inside, the scent of strong coffee wrapped around me like one of Aunt Lois's hugs. Whether I liked it or not, I was home, and everyone was about to know it.
CHAPTER 3
TORIN
The door hadn't even closed behind us before Ruby rounded the counter and made a beeline toward us with her arms outstretched.
"Claire Hollister. Honey, is that really you?"
Claire didn't have a chance to say a word before she got caught up in one of Ruby's hugs.
"I didn't know you were coming home, sugar. Your mama must be so thrilled to have you back in town." Ruby pulled back but kept her fingers wrapped around Claire's arms like she was afraid to let go.
"Hi, Ruby." Claire's voice came out soft and small. Maybe she'd forgotten how overwhelming Ruby Nelson could be. Or maybe she didn't want to draw any more attention to herself. Too late for that. Everyone inside the Merc was already staring right at her.
I cleared my throat. "We're just here for a couple of those maple bourbon cinnamon rolls. Mind if we grab a table in the back?"
"Torin!" Ruby let her hands fall, then turned her sharp gaze on me. "Why didn't you tell me Claire was in town? How long have you known?"
"I just got in last night." Claire pulled her bag up higher on her shoulder. "We ran into each other at the hardware store."
"Well, no sense in you hiding away in the back. The two of you take this table right by the window. How long has it been, Claire? Five years? Six?" Ruby ushered us toward a small two-top right in front of the window.
Great. Now anyone passing by would be able to see the two of us sharing a table. I didn't mind being seen with the prettiest girl in Mustang Mountain, but it seemed like Claire wasn't too eager to be in the spotlight.
"Thanks, but we'll take that table in back." I wasn't about to let anyone push Claire around, not even the mayor's wife. A sense of protectiveness welled up inside my chest. It was the same feeling I got when I saw Claire stuck in that window last night. I had a habit of looking out for others—as a sheriff's deputy it was literally my job. But the way I felt about Claire went far beyond keeping an eye on someone in town. The knot in my chest proved it.
"Suit yourselves. I'll get you a couple cups of coffee and be right back with those rolls." Ruby bustled toward the counter, and I followed Claire to a table tucked into a corner at the back of the store.
"Thanks for not making me sit in the window." Claire slid onto a chair and scooted closer to the table. "I already feel like everyone is staring at me."
"Probably because they are." I smiled so the comment wouldn't land so hard. The truth of it was, everyone in the Merc had been staring at her since she walked in the door.
"I guess I forgot what it's like to live in a small town," she said.
"So, are you back for good?" Ruby set down the mugs, then two giant cinnamon rolls.
Claire's eyes widened. "I'm just here to settle Aunt Lois's estate."
"And then what?" Ruby asked.
"I'm not sure." Claire reached for her coffee, clearly uncomfortable.
But Ruby leaned closer and lowered her voice. "People are wondering what's going to happen to the land, hon."
"She left it to me." Claire looked up and met Ruby's gaze with calm, quiet confidence in her tone.
I didn't doubt Ruby's intentions. The acreage Claire was inheriting butted up to the land Slade Kincaid had offered for the rodeo site. Lois Hollister had never done anything with it, so most folks assumed it would stay that way.
Ruby had always walked the line between the feuding families, but she was definitely interested in seeing the plans for the rodeo go through. If Claire wanted to, she might be able to shut down the whole deal.
"The land your aunt left you borders the rodeo site." Ruby planted her hands on her hips and let her body language say what her words hadn't.
"I heard about the rodeo. My family has a lot to gain from seeing it move forward, just like everyone else in town." Claire stirred a splash of cream into her mug.
