“Nice to meet you, Ry,” I said softly.
“Same to you, Parker,” he grinned at me as he turned onto a long driveway. It was just wide enough for two vehicles to pass each other carefully, and I stared at the window at the long fields lined with wooden fences on both sides.
“It’s really pretty out here,” I admitted. “I thought it would be more like the drive was when we came into town from the airfield.”
“Yeah, it’s nice,” he said. “I’m originally from up north in a big city. I had never lived on a farm until I moved here with Gage. I wasn’t sure I’d like it, but it grew on me quickly. It’s quiet and peaceful. Except when the rooster starts crowing at the crack of dawn,” he laughed under his breath.
I wondered about his story. There was a hint of sadness in his tone that made me wonder if he truly missed the city, or if there was something more.
A large, breathtaking house appeared in the distance. It looked like it had been standing for decades, definitely not one of the newer, modern houses I’d seen between the trees on the drive. It was white with wooden siding. Black trim and shutters brought it into the 21st century. At the same time, a huge front porch looked like it was made for sitting and staring out into the fields while drinking a big glass of ice cold lemonade. I could almost picture the beautiful woman from the inn doing just that with a man by her side, looking at her with hearts in his eyes.
I shook my head at my wistfulness. “I’m surprised his aunt gave this place up. Though I’m sure it would have been too much work for one woman to take care of.”
“She’s a great woman,” Ry said. After her husband passed, she didn’t want to live in this big old house anymore. Too many memories. I guess it hurt too much.”
I nodded without saying a word. I understood perfectly. After my sister was taken from us, it was like her ghost lived in the walls. As much as I loved her, my heart ached every time Iwalked past her room. Every time I sat on the couch where we spent hours playing video games, I would feel that familiar ache building inside me until I hurt so much that I needed an outlet for the pain. I gripped my thighs tightly, trying to dispel the memories.
We drove past the large house and continued on to a row of four much smaller ones a short distance away. They were cute, painted to resemble the main house. It was lovely. I was honestly excited to get out and explore. I couldn’t wait to look around the cabin, but I also wondered if I’d have time to walk around the farm while I stayed here. Unfortunately, I had a feeling that it wasn’t in the cards. We were here to work, after all. We had a murderer to catch.
Ry parked in front of the small cabin and climbed out of the SUV. I met him at the back of the vehicle as he was pulling my single suitcase out. “I’ll carry it so it doesn’t get dirty,” he told me with a wink. I wanted to protest, but just smiled while trying to ignore what that wink had done to my insides. It seemed the more I was around the guy, the more butterflies multiplied in my belly.
“Thanks,” I murmured and followed him up the single step to reach the porch. It was reminiscent of the main house’s design. Though obviously not as elegant, it was very charming. He produced a single key from his pocket, dangling from a butterfly keychain. A sudden lump in my throat had me choking as I tried desperately to swallow back the unexpected storm of emotions that the sight of the butterfly gave me. I quickly turned my head so the observant detective wouldn’t see.
I took several deep, slow breaths to dispel the heartache as I toured the main room. It was an open concept with the sitting area and kitchen all in one open space. The loveseat was positioned for a perfect view out the large window, and the kitchen had all the basics on a smaller scale than a full-sizedhome would have. Everything was clean, and a fresh vase of flowers sat on the coffee table in front of the love seat.
A door was open, revealing a bedroom, and I suspected the bathroom as well. Ry walked through the doorway and placed my luggage on the end of the bed on top of a floral quilt. By the time he came back into the main room, I had composed myself.
“This is lovely. Thank you for letting me stay here.”
“No need for thanks, Parker. We are happy to have you as a guest.” He eyed me closely, and I wondered if I had hidden my reaction to the butterfly keychain as well as I hoped. “There should be some food stocked in the fridge, but we will be having dinner in about half an hour if you’d like to join us. I’m sure Gage would want to meet you.”
There was something in his tone that had me pausing for a beat before nodding my head. It seemed rude to turn down the invite, plus, I should introduce myself to the other owner of the ranch. “Okay, thank you. I’d like that.” I looked down at myself to see I was definitely looking a bit travel-worn. “I think I’ll take a quick shower before heading over.”
Ry looked me up and down before heading towards the door. I could have sworn I saw a hint of appreciation in his gaze, but I told myself to stop seeing things that weren’t there. Not only was the man in a relationship, but it was also with anotherman. Why would he bother looking twice at me? He paused in the middle of the small living area. “Personally, I think you look great, but I understand needing a refresh under hot water after all the travelling.” He pulled a business card out of his wallet and set it on the coffee table. “If you change your mind, or get lost on the way to the main house,” he said with a wink, “give me a call.”
I watched as he closed the door behind him, continuing to stand there for a long moment before finally turning toward the bedroom. The man was stupidly hot. Just that square jawline alone could make men and women weak in the knees. Addteasing to the mix with that cocky smile ghosting along those perfect lips. Damn. His partner was a lucky man.
With a sigh, I took my 9 mm handgun from the holster under my arm and slid it into the nightstand drawer. It wasn’t the best way to secure a service weapon, but I had little choice.
I unzipped my small suitcase and looked at what I had brought with me. I had packed in such a hurry, I hoped I hadn’t forgotten anything important. Pulling out my smaller overnight bag, I unzipped it and then glanced inside. I still had empty brand new mini travel bottles meant for vacation, down at the bottom of the bag. They were just visible under the full-sized bottles I’d tossed in. Honestly, I couldn’t remember the last time I took a vacation. Maybe a year ago during spring break? If going to the coast by myself for three days to stare at the water was considered a vacation. I really needed to take a trip sometime soon before I burn myself out.
For the last several years, I had been in school, heavily focused on my studies and determined to do the best I could in order to make it into the FBI. It hadn’t left any time at all for parties, dating, or even relaxing. Once I made it into Quantico, my focus had strengthened even further. Failing hadn’t been an option I was willing to even consider.
Walking into the bathroom with my toiletries, I glanced around. I saw it was already fully stocked for guests with basic hygiene needs. Looking at the stuff in my overnight case, I shrugged one shoulder. I took out my toothbrush, followed by my hairbrush. I then set the bag with the rest of my toiletries to the side on the bathroom counter. I might as well take advantage of the shampoo and conditioner provided. It was a better brand than my cheap stuff anyway.
After turning on the water, I stuck my hand under the spray and was pleasantly surprised to feel that the water had already heated up. I stripped quickly and stepped under the spray, thenlet out a contented sigh. Even a small cottage in the middle of Texas still had better water pressure than the apartment I paid an arm and a leg for in Virginia.
I had to force myself not to linger. Detective Nakamura had said dinner was in thirty minutes. If I didn’t want to be late, I needed to get a move on. But I would definitely be spending time relaxing under the hot water in the near future.
Chapter 8
Ry
“Hey,” Gage called out from the bathroom as I stepped into the bedroom. “How did your day go?” His words were a simple greeting that most people would say to their significant other when they arrived home from work. However, I knew what he was really asking.
“We may have new information on the killer.”
I waited for his response as I took my gun from the holster against my side. Walking over to the safe in my nightstand drawer, I used the biometric lock to open it by placing my thumb down on the scanner. After it beeped to confirm my thumbprint, the top unlocked. I glanced over to see Gage standing with a towel wrapped around his hips, watching me, waiting for me to elaborate.
