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“I haven’t heard from Ryder. I just…” He grimaced and scratched his chin. “Did you listen to my voice mail?”
“No.” She frowned. “My cell phone died last night, and I forgot to charge it this morning. What’s going on, Carl?”
She watched the man as a growing sense of unease settled in her gut.
“It’s Travis,” Carl admitted, eyes still on her.
“What about him?” But she knew. Somehow, she knew, and her gaze scanned the area behind them.
“He’s volunteered to help out, and I, well, I didn’t think. I know you two aren’t exactly friends.”
“Carl,” she said gently. The man’s discomfort was obvious. “Don’t be silly. We need all the help we can get. I’m fine.” She pasted what she hoped was a normal-looking smile on her face. “Really. I’m good.”
Carl wasn’t fooled. Not one bit. He cleared his throat. “He’s working with the crew planting trees on the other side of the park. I don’t expect you’ll see much of him if you stick with me. We’re working on the perennials.”
She kept that smile in place even though her emotions were all over the place. She felt nauseous and light-headed, and her muscles tightened in protest. Stress had never been her strong suit.
“Put me to work where you need me.”
“You’re sure?”
“Carl, I’m not a pussy.” The fact that she felt like bolting wasn’t something she was proud of. “I’m positive.”
“Okay.” Carl pointed to the large trailer full of grasses, hydrangeas, and lilies. “You’re with me. Let’s get started.”
They worked together for several hours, and eventually, the tension in Ruby’s shoulders dissipated as the fresh air, the earth and flowers, worked their magic. For a brief moment, she almost forgot that the only man on the planet who could throw her off balance was several hundred feet away. She should be mourning the fact she and Chance were done. She should be pissed that he’d betrayed her. Tricked her. But all she could think about was Travis.
Ruby sank back onto her haunches and wiped sweat from her brow. Her gaze found its way back to the other side o
f the park, and she watched as Travis and Zach propped up the last ornamental pear tree and readied it for planting. Travis’s face was hidden behind by his old ball cap and aviators. Dressed in old work boots, beige khaki shorts, and nothing else, he attracted more than just her gaze. In fact she noticed at least five women who kept glancing his way. Why wouldn’t they? His wide shoulders and impressive pecs glistened in the sun, and his killer smile was in full force as he chatted with his buddy.
Did he even know she was there? Honey, the bartender from the Coach House, was with them, and Ruby looked away, patting the dirt around the hydrangea bush. Something dark coursed through her. It was hot and sharp, and she might have attacked the dirt a little too aggressively, but hell, she needed to release whatever it was before she said or did something she’d regret.
No way was she jealous. She didn’t care that the attractive brunette was practically leaning against him as they planted the tree. Or that she’d been with him the entire day. Travis could do whatever he wanted with whomever. He meant nothing to her.
She closed her eyes. That wasn’t true. God, she wished it was, but after the other night, she couldn’t deny there was still something there. Was it a need to find closure? A need to confess her sins? The acknowledgment that he wasn’t entirely to blame?
Was it guilt and nothing more?
She didn’t know what it was, but Ruby was about done with it. At least for today. She’d finish up and head home.
She reached for the watering can and nearly knocked the damn thing over, cursing under her breath as she stood and bent over, making sure the plant got enough water to survive its first few days after transplant. She was so focused on ignoring Travis Blackwell that she had no idea anyone was behind her until she straightened and backed up, stopping cold when a hard, male body stopped her progress.
A hand on her hip. The other on her shoulder. She didn’t have to turn around to know who it was. Travis.
“Hey.” His voice was low. “I didn’t want you to fall.”
It took a lot of effort to keep her shit together, and Ruby carefully extricated herself from his touch, turning slowly so that she faced him. She had to tip her head up to see him properly, and he dragged off his aviators, his warm brown eyes serious as he looked down at her.
She didn’t know what to say. Or do. She was very aware that a lot of folks were suddenly interested in what was going down in the hydrangea garden. Some of them were discreet. Others, like Lou Anne Simmons, not so much. She was bent over her wheelbarrow so far that if she wasn’t careful, she’d topple the damn thing.
“These look great,” Travis said, eyeing the bushes she’d just planted.
“They do.”
His eyes were searching as if waiting for her to say something. But then he surprised her. “I met a woman—Thena. She said she’s a friend of yours.”
Ruby nodded. She couldn’t get any words out. Her throat was too tight. The damn lump too big.
