“It’s Billy’s birthday.”
“I know.”
He raked a hand through his hair.She wasn’t making this easy.“I thought we could spend some time together after I get off work.We could go to dinner or something.”
She flinched at the suggestion, as if it pained her.“Dinner?”
“Sure.Wherever you want.”
“What if I want to go to the bar?”
Wade struggled to hide his annoyance.She knew it was the last place he’d choose.He refused to be around her when she was drinking heavily.She assumed he would say no.She was trying to avoid his company—as usual.
“I already made plans with Patty,” she said stubbornly.
“Fine.I’ll come along.”
To his surprise, her eyes filled with tears.“Okay then.”
Wade felt his own emotions rising to the surface, which was stupid.They’d agreed to an outing at her favorite dive bar.This was not progress, or a breakthrough, in their relationship.It was a concession to her illness.A step toward defeat.
Even so, he didn’t feel hopeless, and he couldn’t stop the warmth that spread through him at the sight of her tears.She cared about his request to spend time with her.She cared about him.And damn it, as much as he tried not to, he cared about her, too.Despite all the hurt and anger between them, he loved her.
“See you tomorrow,” he said in a gruff voice and left the room.
Chapter Eighteen
Meredith emerged fromthe shower with her mind in turmoil.
The day spent with Wade had been like a dream, a perfect fantasy that couldn’t last.Returning to Nolan Ranch had brought a stone-cold reality check.Wade’s touch hadn’t cured her of any problems.She still needed a getaway vehicle.
Now the cat was out of the bag thanks to Wynona.Meredith had left a message about the truck two days ago, after seeing an ad in theGazette.The 1970s Ford pickup was in working condition, according to the seller.She would call him back and make arrangements to meet tomorrow.If the truck met her standards, she’d buy it.
That didn’t mean she had toleave.She didn’t want to leave Lost Lake.But it was better to be prepared for trouble than to pretend it didn’t exist.Tripp had threatened to kill her family.She had no doubt that he would try to harm Wade and Wynona if they got in the way.Meredith wanted the freedom to hit the road at the first hint of danger.
She left the bathroom with wet hair and a towel wrapped around her body.She’d overheard the earlier conversation between Wade and Wynona.Now the kitchen was silent, the air weighted with emotion.She put on an old T-shirt and leggings before she ventured that direction.Wynona was standing near the window with a far-off expression.Wade had probably retreated to the barn.Meredith felt a flurry of anticipation as she imagined him there, waiting for her to join him.
First things first, however.She approached the phone, picked up the note, and attempted to puzzle out the hastily scrawled name.“Does this say Victor?”
“Yes.”
Meredith dialed the number.A man answered on the third ring.She introduced herself and asked a few questions about the truck.They made plans to meet at the Rocksprings Café tomorrow at noon.When she hung up, she found Wynona staring at her.
Meredith sat down at the table.
“Why won’t you let me give you the Subaru?You’re the only one who drives it.”
“I can’t afford it.”
“You can’t afford free?”
“Wynona, it’s worth ten grand.”
“Consider it a bonus.”
“No.I need a truck.”
“For what?”
