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“Not a chance,” he muttered to himself while parking the truck.
At twenty-four, he still had plenty of time to get his life in order before meeting a girl he wanted to marry. Ahead of him were nights at Dulcy’s, hanging with other ranch hands while watching single women laugh and dance. No way did he want to miss out on those experiences.
Logan had dated little, most of his youth spent concentrating on work and school. His mother had required his help to pay the bills. Life had been complicated.
His and Quinn’s father had been the same man. Their mothers different women due to an affair which resulted in Logan’s birth. His father did what he could, but Wallace Sawyer wasn’t a rich man. Not even close.
Money made at the small ranch he owned had to stretch across a wife and two children. Adding Logan and his mother to the mix made for a slim existence. From the time he became a teenager, he’d worked whatever jobs were offered to help with food, clothing, and medical bills. Dating had been an activity far out of his reach.
Even now, and with his mother still working her job as a law office receptionist, he sent some of his wages to her each month. He didn’t ask what she did with the money. It had never mattered to him. Claudia Baker had bet on the wrong man. A married man who got tangled in an affair with no intention of ever leaving his wife.
Logan had made a promise to himself as a teenager. If and when he married, it would be for life, and there’d be no cheating.
Sam had already been married and divorced. She was older by three years. Wyatt and Virgil considered her one of the best ranch hands at Whistle Rock. She had much more experience than Logan. He also suspected she was much smarter than him.
A wan smile tipped up the corners of his mouth. And she was also much better looking. Not beautiful or stunning, but a very attractive woman with a gorgeous smile.
It was a smile which lit up his world every time she aimed it at him.
Chapter Nineteen
Sam parked her truck in front of Laurel’s shop, sitting for a few minutes to gather her thoughts. She hadn’t called ahead or heard anything on the status of Aiden’s meeting with her. A meeting which Sam guessed had turned into an interrogation.
Leaving the truck, she tried the front door, not surprised to find it locked. She cupped her hands to look inside. When she didn’t see Laurel, she knocked again, louder this time.
Several minutes ticked by before Laurel appeared. She visibly relaxed when she spotted Sam standing outside.
“Sorry to keep you standing out here.” Laurel motioned her inside. “I didn’t know who was here until I came downstairs.”
“Trying to avoid Aiden?”
Closing and locking the door, Laurel stared at her. “How did you know?”
“I was at the ranch when someone started the fire.”
“I see.” Laurel moved passed her toward the soda fountain. “Have a seat. What can I get you?”
“You’re already set up?” Sam slid onto one of the stools covered in new black vinyl.
“Pretty much. More supplies arrive every day. Plus, I’ve hired two people. One for thirty hours a week, and the other for twenty. When school starts, he’ll cut back to about ten. How about a chocolate shake? I want to test the equipment.”
“I’d love to help you test your shake machine.” Sam watched as Laurel prepared the ingredients. “Tell me if I’m out of line, but do you feel comfortable telling me what happened with Aiden?”
Securing the container in the blender, Laurel turned it on. Turning around, she leaned against the counter.
“I don’t mind. Aiden asked me questions about my stay at the ranch, what I saw when the first arson fire occurred. He wanted to know where I was when the first started.” She turned to remove the container from the blender. Grabbing a shake glass, she poured the chocolate confection into it. “Here you go.” She handed her a straw.
Removing the paper, Sam slid the straw into the shake, taking a slow sip. “Oh my, this is fabulous. Your machine worked perfectly. What else did Aiden ask?”
“He kept asking the same questions in different ways. It was as close to an interrogation as I’ve ever had. I know he was doing his job. It’s just, he made me feel as if I was the arsonist. I was angry and annoyed by the time he left. I’ll never view Aiden the same again.”
Sam set down the glass, having already drank half of it. “I think he’s a good guy, Laurel. He’s in a tough spot.”
“I know you’re right. It’s just…” She shrugged.
“It’s just what?”
“I thought Aiden was a friend. Goes to show you how wrong I can be about people. I should never jump to conclusions.”
