No one said anything in response, and somehow the tension managed to ratchet up another notch, which Archer didn’t think was even possible.Based on the tension Decker had carried into the building with him, they were moments away from turning into pink mist.As it was, he was fighting the urge to tug on his shirt collar, wondering if anyone else was choking on the suffocating silence.
Finally, Brantley spoke up.“This is my cousin Travis and his husband, Gage.”
Meredith’s eyes widened as she took in both men.Based on her expression, she recognized them.Their names, at least.
Because no one seemed to know what to do, Archer decided to take the lead.That was his job, after all.He moved closer to the group.“Did you drive here?”he asked Meredith directly.“From New York?”
Her eyebrows tipped downward.“I did, yes.”
“Very recently?”
“I got here yesterday.”
He noticed the lingering question, so he nodded toward her left arm.“You’ve got a tan on one arm.That’s usually from driving long distances.”And since it hadn’t faded, he knew she hadn’t been in the area long.
Meredith put her right hand on her left arm and rubbed.
“Why’s she here?”Brantley asked, his tone lacking civility.
“She showed up at the B and B late last night,” RT explained.“We figured it was safer to keep her presence on the DL.”
Driving her around Coyote Ridge was this man’s version of the DL?Good to know.
Reese stared directly at her.“You realize there are feds lookin’ for you.”
It wasn’t really a question, but Meredith nodded.
“What do you expect us to do with her?”Brantley asked RT.
RT looked at Z, who looked at Reese, who was still staring at Meredith.
“Is there somewhere she can go that won’t draw attention to her?”Archer asked when no one else seemed to know what to say.“I think it’s in her best interest to stay off the radar.We don’t want the FBI swooping her up.”
Meredith looked at Decker.
Archer was surprised to see he didn’t look directly at her.Although they’d walked in hand-in-hand, Archer got the feeling Decker was trying to put some distance between them.For a man who’d gone on the defensive to protect her honor not too long ago, he didn’t seem to be thrilled that she was there.
“She can stay at our house,” Gage offered.
“The hell she can,” Travis bit out.
“The kids’ll be with your parents,” Gage said, his tone calm.“We’ll be in Dallas.She can stay there until we get back.”
“I can’t ask you to do that.”Meredith’s voice was soft, almost meek.Completely unexpected.
“You’re right,” Travis said, glaring at her.“You can’t.”
“She can stay at the B and B,” Decker said, still not looking at her.
“I’d prefer somewhere that isn’t in the heart of town,” Archer told them.“What about a hotel in Round Rock?Or maybe Taylor?It’s not too far from here, and it’ll reduce the risk of anyone seein’ her.”
“Good idea.”Z pointed at Decker.“You can take her and keep an eye on her.”
Decker’s heated glare could’ve melted plastic.
Gage opened his mouth to say something, but Travis cut him off with, “I’ll spring for the room.”
Meredith was watching him closely, probably not sure how to take the gruff, outspoken country boy who clearly did not like her.
