He ordered the burger, ate slowly and let himself enjoy the rare luxury of having nothing to regret. By the time he dropped cash on the counter and headed back to the office, the grin had settled into something quieter. Just a good feeling he didn’t feel the need to explain.
He’d told himself for years he wasn’t interested in anything long term. Had told anyone who’d listen the same thing. But somewhere between the apology and that last smile at the door, he’d started to wonder if maybe he’d been wrong about that.
He crossed the street to the courthouse, took the stairs and settled in at his desk, pulling up what they had on White and digging into the family tree. Cousins, associates, anyone they hadn’t looked at yet.
“Got him,” Creed called from across the room. “Amos White lives in Shelby, not Sunburst.”
“How far?”
“Less than half an hour.”
“Bingo.” Hud pushed back from his desk and crossed to Dave’s office. “Don’t book Sunburst. Make it Shelby. That’s where White’s brother is.”
Dave leaned back. “I’ll get it sorted. Monday if I can swing it.”
“Appreciate it.”
He passed the news to Creed on his way back.
Creed nodded. “I’ll be ready.”
Hud stood and worked the kinks out of his spine with a groan. Felt like he’d been planted in that chair for two days straight. He lifted his Stetson from the rack and looked around. The office had emptied out the way it always did on Fridays, people vanishing like smoke the moment the clock gave them permission. Dave’s office was dark.
He set his hat on his head and caught the elevator down.
Deputy Jack Lawrence was pushing through the main doors just as Hud stepped off, and he smiled at the sight of him.
“Jack.” He stuck out his hand.
Jack shook it. “Hud. Working late.”
“Lost track of the time. You heading in or out?”
“In, unfortunately. Paperwork before I can call it a weekend.” Jack grinned. “But Randi and I are driving up to Kalispell tomorrow. Sam’s letting us use his cabin.”
“Good place. I’ve stayed there a few times.”
“She’s been looking forward to it all week.” Jack touched the brim of his hat. “Have a good one.”
“You too.”
Hud pushed through the main doors, jogged down the front steps and crossed the empty lot to his truck. By the time he pulled onto the road his mind had already drifted to Blair. He’d sent her his address thatafternoon and she’d replied with a simple see you then. Three words. He’d read them three times.
He knew better than to expect much, knew how these things tended to go. But that wasn’t what this felt like. He just wanted to sit across from her and talk. Figure out who she was.
That alone seemed like enough.
Chapter Seven
Saturday morning, Blair locked up the townhouse, climbed into her car and punched Hud’s address into the GPS. She was anxious to see his place. If she was being honest with herself, she was anxious to see him.
She hoped things went better this time.
After talking it through with Celine she’d realized she’d gotten angry over nothing. What man wouldn’t make a move after a good date? She’d have been more disappointed if he’d just said goodnight and walked away. That thought had taken a few days to settle in, but once it did it was hard to argue with.
The GPS chimed and told her to turn left. She followed the asphalt driveway up a long gentle rise and stopped when the house came into view. A log home, beautiful and solid, framed by mountains in the distance. She sat there a moment just looking at it.
She pulled up beside the front steps and got out, raising a hand against the sun as she took in the place. A wide porch stretched across the front, furnished with rocking chairs and a swing. The door opened and Hud stepped out.
