Russ didn’t question but fell into step with his brother on the way to the door.
Megan tracked their exit. Confident. Strong, capable men. Caring and warm. Willing to share their family home. Christmas week, and they were probably busier than usual, yet they put their lives on hold for her and Ella.
“How about a cup of tea?” Sydney headed for the open kitchen.
“That would be great.” Megan followed her and took a seat at the counter. “Are you responsible for this wonderful aroma?”
“Poppy—Reid’s cook—and Jessie made stew for you guys. Poppy left to stay with her sister for a few days due to Fowler’s threats.”
Another person affected by this man. “I hate that we displaced her.”
Sydney glanced toward the door and then leaned closer. “Between you and me, she was reluctant to go. She feels a huge responsibility to Reid and Jessie since Diane died. But I assured her that you and I could make sure Reid and Jessie were fed. Of course, she’s much more than a cook. Like a family member really. She’s been working for the family since the Maddox boys were kids.”
“Sounds like quite the woman. Too bad I didn’t meet her.”
“You could if you stayed around.” Sydney winked and slid a tea basket across the island. “Choose whatever you want.” She went to the stove and poured steaming water from the kettle into two mugs.
Megan pulled out a green tea packet. “You seem right at home here.”
“Hard to believe it’s been such a short time since Russ and I reconnected.” She turned with the mugs. “In fact, our first kiss was down the hall. I’ll share that story someday.”
Not likely. Megan liked Sydney and liked the thought of knowing her in the future. But once Fowler was out of the picture, Megan doubted she would be friends with Reid’s sister-in-law.
“You look worried.” Sydney put her tea bag in the mug. “Russ is sure Fowler didn’t follow you here. You’re safe.”
Megan could point out their earlier worried expressions but decided to keep it to herself. “I don’t know how I can ever repay you.” Megan took a sip of her tea.
“No need for that.” Sydney got a glint in her eye. “Of course, you could consider dating Reid. That would be the best payment ever.”
Megan choked on her tea and coughed to clear her throat.
“Why so surprised? Russ said there’s something going on between you and Reid.”
“Well, Russ is wrong. There was something. Once. A long time ago. But there will never be anything between us again.” The vehemence of her tone shocked her.
Instead of responding to Megan, Sydney peered over Megan’s shoulder. Megan followed Sydney’s gaze.
Reid and Russ stood in the doorway. Thunder darkened Reid’s face. Okay, so he’d heard what she’d said.
Good.She hated to be so stern with him. Wished she could take it back. Apologize. But if he was mad at her, she would no longer need to find a way to fight off the feelings for him that seemed to swamp her good intentions.
16
After dinner, Reid held his cell in hand, a text from his buddy, Jack, waiting for a return call. Reid had been antsy to call since the text had come in during their meal of savory stew and buttery homemade rolls. He’d ignored it to have a pleasant meal with the others. He hoped Jack had texted to say he’d gotten his supervisor to approve a safe house for Megan and Ella or obtained a warrant for the employee names from the gas station or for the bar’s video. None of which Reid expected because nothing had changed in the probable cause arena, but he had to hope for something.
He headed outside for privacy from Jessie, Megan, and Ella still sitting at the dining table. They’d had a wonderful time at dinner, and Reid didn’t want it to end. Especially not the conversation and family atmosphere that’d been missing in his life since Diane’s death.
Not that this thing with Megan was going anywhere. She’d made that perfectly—vehemently—clear in her statement to Sydney. It had taken him a few hours to come to grips with the rejection, but if pressed, he would’ve said the same thing. With Diane’s loss still weighing him down, he wasn’t free to pursue Megan. Once they apprehended Fowler, he and Megan would go their separate ways.
End of story.
A blustery cold wind whipped in Reid’s face and moisture dampened the night air. His breath whispered through the air in white puffs as he tapped Jack’s phone number. Reid wouldn’t be surprised if the predicted snowdidfall this week. A fantastic thing with Christmas coming up.
He pulled his jacket tighter and made the call. “You wanted to talk.”
“You’re not going to like this,” Jack said.
Of course it wasn’t going to be the good news Reid had hoped for. “What’s up?”
