“Sorry. What?”
Sierra’s gesture encompassed the bed. Then she shook her finger at Rielle. “I’d better not see you heading to town in your gardening clothes. You aren’t a bag lady. You are an entrepreneur. You have several chic outfits to choose from. And you need to own the fact you’re still young and hot.”
Rory laughed. “Yeah, Mom, she’s got your number too.”
“My work here is done for tonight.” Sierra bowed and slipped out of the room.
Rielle hugged Rory again. “I’m so happy to see you.”
“Let’s have a drink and you can tell me all about Gavin Daniels.”
She stiffened. How had Rory known she’d gotten involved with Gavin? “What?”
“Gavin and Sierra. They’ve been living here months. Are you ready to move into my cabin yet?”
Not even close. In that moment, Rielle decided not to tell Rory about her relationship with Gavin. Luckily, her daughter was easily distracted. “You’ll never guess who I ran into at the hardware store last week.”
“Who?”
“Remember Connor? The cute guy who installed the replacement electrical line in the barn?”
“Oh yeah. Definitely some electricity there.”
“Funny you should say that, because he asked about you.”
“Really?” Rory went off on a tangent and Rielle had a reprieve.
Chapter Nineteen
After four days attending to business in Phoenix, Gavin was damn glad to hit the wide open spaces of Wyoming. He called Charlie, letting him know he’d fetch Sierra from the bus stop. He’d missed his daughter, but her random texts amused him.
He’d missed Rielle too. It was a new feeling, missing a romantic partner. Missing the whole of her, the way she smiled at him, their conversations, the way they’d end up twined together. He hadn’t texted or called her. Would she be annoyed with him?
Maybe you oughta ask Sierra for advice since you’re acting like a teenaged girl.
Gavin waved at the assorted McKays, huddled in big pickups at the bus stop as they waited for their kiddos.
Sierra hustled to the car, fighting the fierce Wyoming wind. He remembered when his little girl threw herself at him, assuring him she’d missed him. In recent years he’d considered himself lucky if she even acknowledged him in public.
“I didn’t think you got back until later tonight.”
“I switched to an earlier flight.”
“I’m glad you’re here.”
He smoothed a wisp of her dark hair from her cheek. “Me too, sweetheart.”
“Can I drive?” she asked hopefully.
“In this wind? No.”
“Damn.”
Gavin laughed and pulled onto the highway. “I imagine Charlie let you drive?”
“Every day. I practiced parallel parking, which he says I rock at. Then we had hot chocolate and pie at the diner before we drove home on the back roads. He’s so sweet and funny.”
“So it’s not awkward?”
Sierra frowned at him. “What? Spending time with Charlie?”
“Yeah.”
“No. At least he wants to spend time with me.”
Gavin shot her a sharp look. “Was that a dig at me?”
She rolled her eyes. “God, Dad, paranoid much? I just meant if it wasn’t for the McKays, I’d never get to see anyone or do anything. It sucks being stuck in the middle of nowhere with no way to get around.”
Never failed—she found a way to poke at him about the fact she still wasn’t driving on her own. He knew better than to take the bait. “How was school this week?”
“Crappy. I got a hundred percent on my math quiz and blew the curve for the rest of the class so my classmates are pissed at me. Which is probably why I’m spending another Friday night alone. Yay.”
“Never feel guilty for using your brain, Sierra. I’m proud of you for getting the top grade.”
“Did you see anyone I know when you were home?” she asked.
“Just the people in the office.”
“I wouldn’t even mind listening to Manny complain about the heat and everything else.” She sighed. “Can I go with you next time?”
“I don’t know when that’ll be.” He glanced at her again, seeing that brooding look settle on her face. “Back up. Why don’t you have plans for this weekend? Is there something going on?”
“Besides the fact I don’t have any friends except Marin and she’s busy all the time? Besides the fact the weather always sucks so I can’t drive? No. Besides that, everything is awesome.”
And…there was the sarcasm. He counted to ten. “But didn’t you just say if not for the McKays—”
“Read between the lines, Dad,” she snapped. “As much as I try to convince myself everything is fine, it’s not. When you’re gone it just reminds me that I want to go home. I hate it here.”
She hated it today. Didn’t mean she’d hate it tomorrow. Or next week. She changed her mind as often as her nail polish color.
Gavin parked in front of the house to unload his luggage, which included a token he’d picked up for his daughter. Surly girl would probably throw it at him, so he’d save it.
“So what? You’re not talking to me now?” she demanded.
“It’s pointless to argue with you, when you’ll pick apart anything I say.”
“That’s because you know I’m right. Not that you ever listen to me.” She scrambled out of the car and…yep. Slammed the door hard enough to rock the entire frame.
Welcome f**king home.
Screw that. He wouldn’t let her shitty attitude sour the fact he was glad to be home.
Gavin left his suitcase in the entryway and hung up his coat. He loosened his tie on his way to the kitchen, searching for Rielle.
He pushed open the swinging door and there she was.
His damn heart skipped a beat. His stomach performed a happy flip. His c**k stirred. He needed to wrap himself in her warmth, softness and light.
“Goddamn, Ree, you’re looking mighty tasty today.”
She flashed him an unsure smile. “I thought you’d be here later.”
“I couldn’t wait to get back.” He stalked her until her back connected with the refrigerator.
Rielle’s eyes softened. “Really?”
“Really.” He pressed his body to hers, curling one hand around her face and the other around her hip. He whispered, “I missed you,” against her lips.