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Lacey didn’t push her. She never did. “Well, you let me know if you need anything. I’ll be right over there.”
Bella nodded her appreciation and she dug into her food, but it wasn’t enough of a distraction from her turmoil. If there was one thing she’d learned as a kid, it was that a person’s experiences growing up made them into the people they were as adults. And if her absentee father had had this severe of an effect on her current relationship, how would it affect her when she became a mother and had to share responsibilities with someone she might never fully trust?
Grant had dodged a bullet with her, anyway. Maybe they both had. It was clear he didn’t trust her and she didn’t trust him. They weren’t suited for each other. She needed to move on.
She grabbed the knife and sawed at the steak, expecting it to be harder than it was. The knife went through the meat like butter. It was perfection. And still, all she could think about was what Grant had meant when he said he was leaving.
Leaving Sagebrush or leaving Rocky Ridge altogether?
It doesn’t matter what he decides to do. This isn’t about your relationship with him anymore. You need to let him go and just focus on finding the threat.
Easier said than done.
Bella picked up her fork and moved the mashed potatoes around her plate. She wasn’t hungry anymore. A group of cowboys moved toward the bar, five in total. Their conversation was loud, but mostly about the ranch where they worked.
She blocked out their conversation until she heard the names Bo and Eli. Then her ears pricked right up. Bella glanced over to the men out of the corner of her eye. At least three of them looked familiar.
Tucking her hair behind her ear so she could hear them better, she forced herself to sit still and not be obvious about it.
Why?
Why was she intent on listening to these men just so she could hear how Grant was doing? They’d practically ended it. If they hadn’t, it was as good as over. Still, she couldn’t help herself. She turned to face the one closest to her. “Excuse me, but you work with Grant Shaw, right?”
The whole group stopped their conversation to look over at her, and her face flushed.
He nodded. “I work out at Sagebrush, why? You looking for him?”
She glanced away, still embarrassed that she was acting like a teenager. Clearing her throat, she shook her head. “No, I was just curious if he was planning on coming out with you guys?”
The men exchanged looks of amusement. “Grant?” One laughed. “Grant wouldn’t come within ten yards of a bar. He doesn’t drink.”
Another piped up after taking a swig of his beer. “Yep. Grant is too strait-laced for that. Doesn’t touch the stuff.”
Bella huffed. “Just because he doesn’t drink doesn’t mean he wouldn’t come out and spend time with you guys.”
The first one chuckled, his blue eyes flashing. “He’s got a kid. He’s probably helping him with homework or taking him for an evening walk.”
One of the men who hadn’t spoken yet nodded. “It’s a real shame that he’s a terrible ranch hand. Eli really likes the family-man type. They’re less likely to be involved in?—”
Someone elbowed him and he coughed on his drink.
“What? I was just saying that no one thinks he’s involved in all that stuff. But Eli’s getting tired of having to deal with it. I think it’s only a matter of time before he asks him to leave.”
There were some murmurs of agreement between them. Then the guy closest to her leaned closer. “It’s too bad Dee kept his kid from him. That boy could have used a dad like that when he was younger. Good man.” He turned to the others with a laugh. “Do you think little Nick will take to riding with Grant being his father?”
More laughter. “Remember when Buckeye threw Grant to the ground without giving him even five seconds in the saddle?”
The closest cowboy turned to her again. “He’s no cowboy, but at least he’s trying.” He cocked his head. “Wait a minute. You’re that deputy that’s been hanging around, right?” He waved his finger at her. “I almost didn’t recognize you with that makeup and your hair down.” He winked at her, leaning close again. “What would you say if I asked you out?”
She gave him a patient smile. “Thanks, but I’m not looking to date right now. I… just got out of a relationship.”
He shrugged and turned to his friends to join in on their conversation again.
Well, she’d gotten one thing out of this interaction. Grant was telling the truth about Dee. She’d kept her son from Grant.
Wait, no, she confirmed two things. The other was about his drinking. He’d said he didn’t drink; he’d insisted as much to the doctor. If he wasn’t a drinker, then why were all those beer bottles in his truck on the day he was drugged?
Bella reached over and tapped the cowboy. “Does Grant ride at all?”
