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“Yeah, Dan, it helped. Thanks.”
Sliding off the bar stool, Rick tried to appear casual as he walked back, but he wasn’t sure if he was convincing. The last thing he wanted was to make eye contact with either Duke or Big John, and he stared directly at Bailey.
“What took you so long?” she asked as he sat down.
“Nothin’ much. I just felt like a shot, and Dan wanted to talk to me about some renovations he’s plannin’. I told him not to change a thing. This place is great just the way it is. And it looks like I have good timin’. Here comes our food.”
Though he continued to smile and chat as the waitress set their plates in front of them, his heart refused to settle and his muscles were riddled with tension. Bailey was in danger.
Real danger.
They had two days left in the town.
Should he tell her, or keep it to himself?
And how could he keep her safe?
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
During the meal, Mandy and Susan brought Bailey up to date with the latest barn gossip. Though he pretended to pay attention, Rick kept a subtle eye on Big John. The hefty man didn’t seem to pay any attention to Bailey, but every now and then Rick would see him risk a glance, only to quickly look away. After Susan ordered dessert, Big John waved the waitress over, and Rick heard him ask for chocolate cake and more coffee.
“Rick, are you okay?” Bailey asked softly. “Is it my imagination or are you upset?”
“I am, but it has nothin’ to do with you,” he murmured. “I’m tryin’ to make my mind up about something.”
“Can I ask what it is?”
“Not here, but I’ve decided what to do. I just hope I’m right about this. I need to speak with Duke and his friend. Stay here.”
Before she had a chance to respond, he was on his feet and walking away.
“Hey, Duke,” Rick said, pulling out a chair and sitting down. “I need a word with Big John here.”
“Do you two know each other?” Duke asked with a grin. “Wow, what a small world.”
“I know who you are, but I don’t remember meetin’ you,” John grunted. “What can I do ya for?”
“Actually, it’s a private matter. Duke, would you mind keeping the ladies company for a minute?”
“No problem,” Duke exclaimed, his eyes lighting up, then lowering his voice, he asked, “Do you know if Mandy is attached?”
“No idea, but she lives two hours away, so—”
“Heck, that’s next door, and from where I’m sitting, she’d be worth the drive.”
“Good luck,” Rick said as Duke pushed back from the table.
“Thanks, I’ll take it.”
“So, Rick, what’s on your mind?” Big John grunted as Duke stepped away.
“I know who you are, where you live, and what you did.”
“Most of this town knows who I am and where I live,” he retorted, “and I’ve done a lotta things. What exactly are you talkin’ about?”
“Are you sure you want me to spell it?” Rick said, staring at him and leaning across the table.
“Hey, you ever heard the sayin’, if you assume you make an ass out of you and me?”
