Back to Texas (6 page)

“Bridgett.” Adam took her into his arms, uncertain of what to say.

“I need time to wrap my head around this,” Bridgett continued against his chest. “I have my mother begging me to forgive her for twenty-eight years of lies and a new sister who decides Clay’s the man for her, gets herself engaged, moves to town and is a constant reminder to me and everyone else of what happened. I’m humiliated, hurt and pissed off.” Bridgett withdrew enough to look up at him. Swiping at her tears, she continued, “So please forgive me if it’s a topic I try to avoid and heaven help the next person who lies to me. I can’t deal with one more betrayal.”

Adam’s stomach turned and his heart squeezed so tightly he thought he might be physically sick. Here he was, another person lying to her. He could tell her the truth, see what happened and be out of her life by morning if she chose. It wasn’t fair to build a relationship with her if it meant she’d hate him in the end. He should walk away immediately.

“I need to tell you something.” An image of Bridgett slapping him across the face flashed in his brain. Tabloid covers, leaked cell-phone photos, his near arrest in London last month played before him like a music video. “This isn’t going to be easy.”

“Save it.” Bridgett pushed away from him. “I’ve heard it all before.
From
what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
to
your mother meant well
, I’ve had enough. I don’t want to hear it anymore. I’m tired of people pitying me. Hell, I’m tired in general. I want to have fun.” Bridgett raised her arms in the air. “Real fun. I want to get out of this place.” She grabbed the front of his shirt as she pressed against him again. “Let’s go. We’ll see all the touristy things you told me about. I can take off alone, but it would be much more incredible if I had someone to share it with. Be that someone. I know you feel the same way. You said it yourself. You had a falling out with your family.”

Adam took her face in his hands. “Honey, slow down. Leaving doesn’t solve anything. Trust me. I regret it every day.”

“Then why are you here?” Bridgett questioned. “If you regret leaving why aren’t you back home with your family?”

Adam felt a stab of pain in his chest. He willed himself to breathe. “That’s what I’m trying to explain to you. I can’t go home. Not yet—”

“Exactly!” Bridgett arched her back. “You do get it. You need time, too.”

“No, Bridgett.” Adam released her, their eyes locking. “I can’t let you run away. Not with me, not like this.”

It would be better for her if he just left, Adam knew. He should kiss her goodbye and walk out of her life before he added to her pain.
You don’t deserve to kiss her, just walk away.
He’d never managed to make the right choice before, why should today be any different. He tugged Bridgett to him and kissed her, hard and deep.

He broke their kiss and held Bridgett at arm’s length. Her chin trembled. She must sense what he was about to do. She began to step away. Her lips pinched tightly to keep from quivering. It was all right. He’d get through it and she’d thank him once the news broke. Bridgett lifted her chin, seeming to steel herself for what came next.

And then he couldn’t.

He was too selfish to leave before he even got to know her. So far, she was the one bright spot in his attempt to start over. She might hate him eventually, but maybe she would forgive him. He’d find a way to make things right with his family, and hopefully with Bridgett. It was true... They were in similar situations. They both just needed a little time.

“When do you think you can find out if Bridle Dance is hiring?”

The rigidity flowed from Bridgett’s body instantly. He wasn’t sure if she was glad he was staying or disappointed they weren’t leaving together.

“How about tonight?” she asked.

He nodded. Adam knew it was wrong, but remaining in Ramblewood made sense to him and a job was his best cover until he figured a way out of the mess he had created.

Chapter Four

It was barely Monday when Adam rolled onto his stomach, pulling the pillow down on top of his head. The plaster ceiling hadn’t offered much of a view for the past two hours and he needed some semblance of sleep. One problem—his conscience wanted no part of it.

Cole Langtry had asked him to the ranch on Sunday so he could see how well Adam worked the horses. But Adam hadn’t expected anyone to hire him on the spot. He had a two-day grace period before starting his new job, and only because they wanted him to start at the beginning of the pay week.

Still stunned the Langtrys had hired him without any form of a background check, Adam knew he was digging himself into a deeper hole with each passing day. What would happen if the truth got out?

It shouldn’t matter what the people of Ramblewood thought, but it did. If they were willing to give him a chance, he had to give them a hundred percent of himself. His immediate to-do list had just grown exponentially. He needed to surrender his California driver’s license considering he’d told everyone he was from Katy. It may have been a long time since he’d earned a regular paycheck, but even he knew a driver’s license was the first item they’d ask for when he started working. He’d picked up a few bare necessities when he was on the road, but didn’t have enough clothes to sustain him very long. And his California cell-phone number was a dead giveaway.

With only two days to reestablish himself as a Texan, Adam prayed they wouldn’t ask him to take a driver’s test as they had when he’d moved to California. He didn’t have much time to get everything done before he raised suspicions as to where he was, and he needed to make sure he did it outside of town. Preferably in San Antonio, where he wouldn’t run into someone from Ramblewood.

A faint squeak came from down the hall. If he’d been asleep, he’d have missed it. He rolled, lifting his head and checked the bedside clock. Half past four in the morning. It had to be Bridgett getting ready for work—she’d mentioned she started before five. Who else would be up at this hour?

Dashing into the bathroom, he quickly brushed his teeth. He wanted to charm her, not chase her away with his morning breath.

Easing the door open, Adam peered into the hallway. He tiptoed down the stairs, catching Bridgett before she disappeared into the dining room.

“Adam.” Bridgett’s hand flew to her chest. “You scared me half to death. You’re awfully stealthy this early in the morning.”

“I’m sorry. I wanted to wish you a good day.” Leaning in, he kissed her softly on the mouth. It wasn’t a passionate kiss—he’d keep those on reserve for later. Especially since he heard Mazie bustling about the kitchen a few feet away—people sure were early risers in Ramblewood.

“Are you always this sweet first thing in the morning?” Bridgett tugged at his shirt hem.

“Actually, I’ve been told by family and friends that I’m a first-class ass when I wake up.” Adam wrapped his arms around Bridgett’s waist, pulling her closer. “You bring out the best in me.”

“Well, I’m glad to hear it, but if we keep this up, I’ll be late for work.” Bridgett released herself from his arms and stepped back, still holding his hands. “Stop by the luncheonette if you want. I’ll be there until two-thirty. Now I must go console Mazie for once again coming in second to Maggie in the pie competition.”

Bridgett started for the kitchen, but Adam couldn’t resist one more kiss goodbye. It amazed him how clearly he envisioned Bridgett fitting into his life—his new life. He’d easily be able to deal with mornings such as this. Los Angeles was quickly becoming a distant memory. Whether he stayed in Ramblewood or moved back home to Katy, LA was a part of his past.

* * *

B
RIDGETT
HATED
HER
five-minute walk to The Magpie this morning. She wanted to play hooky with Adam and visit the toilet seat museum. Okay, it wasn’t her type of thing, but as much as she’d love to leave Ramblewood for good, she’d settle for a day trip to San Antonio.

She still hadn’t figured out what had compelled Adam to stay. On Saturday she’d had the distinct impression he’d been about to say goodbye. But then he’d asked her about Bridle Dance again.

Apparently Adam had told the Langtrys he wasn’t certain how long he’d be in town, but they’d hired him anyway. Regardless of whether Adam stayed or left she knew getting involved too soon would be a mistake. She still had plans to leave Ramblewood and she refused to allow anyone to get in the way. At least she’d have a good portion of the day to keep her mind on something other than Adam Steele.

Bridgett breezed through her morning setup and even found a spare moment to make a peanut pie before the breakfast crowd arrived. Maggie commented on how much more at ease she seemed, which was ironic considering her anxiousness to see Adam again.

The bell jingled atop the luncheonette’s doorway, a sound Bridgett would forever equate with the moment she had first laid eyes on him. A tingle traveled the length of her spine. When she turned around, she had hoped to see Adam standing there. The sight of Darren Fox, her biological father, quickly killed her good mood.

“What do you want?” Bridgett spat.

“I thought I told you the other day—you’ve got no business here.” Maggie dashed from behind the counter and stood in front of Bridgett, hands on hips. “I respectfully ask you to leave my restaurant...again.”

“Maggie,” Darren said. “You can’t throw me out.”

“Yes, I can, just like your wife kicked your sorry butt to the curb. Think of this as an instant replay. You’re officially out. Bridgett told you she needed space and I told you not to bother her at work, yet you insist on coming in here day after day. Personal issues aside, I won’t allow you to harass one of my employees. Don’t make me call the law.”

“I’m her father.”

Bridgett snorted at the declaration.

“Yeah, and it took you almost twenty-eight years to acknowledge her.” Maggie turned and steadied Bridgett’s hand before she had the chance to hurl the sugar dispenser she’d swiped from the counter. The woman truly did have eyes in the back of her head. “When and if she’s ready, it is something to be worked out after business hours. If you keep it up you will find a restraining order slapped across your forehead.”

“This is between me and my daughter.” Darren remained firmly rooted to the floor. “I spoke to Abby and—”

“Exactly.” Bridgett pushed past Maggie. “You spoke to Abby and that’s the only reason why you’ve acknowledged me. If Abby hadn’t come to town and your affair with my mother hadn’t been exposed, I still wouldn’t know you were my mother’s sperm donor.”

Darren physically recoiled at her choice of words. “A little vulgar, don’t you think?” He adjusted his tie as if Bridgett had physically roughed him up, and it suited her just fine, considering she was way past offended at this stage.

“If the sperm fits.” Bridgett stormed past Lark, who looked ready to throw knives at the man herself. The other waitress might be new in town, but she’d witnessed almost every encounter Bridgett had had with Darren. She hadn’t hidden her opinions on the situation, either. Something in Lark’s past must have triggered her reactions because she’d defended Bridgett as if it were personal.

Running up the back staircase, Bridgett paced the length of the catering kitchen. She couldn’t hide out all day, but a few minutes to calm her anger were necessary or else she would break down crying. And she refused to give any of them the satisfaction of seeing her cry. She’d head back down shortly, and if Darren still lurked she’d call the police. She despised the hatred building inside her. It wasn’t her nature to stay so angry, but she couldn’t seem to work past the feelings.

Tired of the daily drama, Bridgett wasn’t sure how much longer she’d be able to control her fury in front of people. By now, half the town would already know she’d almost thrown a sugar shaker at the mayor. It only reconfirmed her desire to escape Ramblewood.

Leaving led her back to Adam. A small part of her wondered if she was only using him as a distraction, and it wasn’t fair to either of them. How do you know when your feelings are real? She had the indescribable urge to ask Abby how she’d known her feelings for Clay were true, but Abby wouldn’t be able to leave it at that. She’d read too much into it and start grilling her about Adam. It was too much.

In a way, she found herself jealous of Adam. He had the fresh start she desperately wanted. She’d get hers. Until then, she needed to remain focused and patient.

Darren had offered her and Abby money to compensate them for not being around when they were growing up, but both women had refused. Bridgett’s shoulders still tensed at the casualness of his offer. As far as she was concerned, Darren had been around the entire time, yet he had actively chosen not to participate in her life. While his money would help her realize her restaurant dream faster, she’d rather work twenty-four hours a day than take one cent from him.

The only problem she foresaw with getting the job that would take her one step closer to that dream was not having a reliable ride to an interview. One of the mechanics from the garage had looked at her car for free last week and told her it wouldn’t be much longer before it died. Not what she wanted to hear. He’d promised to look out for a cheap, dependable replacement. Cheap being the operative word. She didn’t want to blow any more of her savings than she had to.

Bridgett hated to admit how much she held herself back. She had blamed everyone else, but the truth began to stare her in the face. She had chosen to stay at The Magpie when she could have worked in any of the countless places along restaurant row. Maybe if she had, she’d have more money in savings. And instead of working for someone else, she’d be working for herself by now. But she’d never taken the time to find out.

Bridgett admired Abby’s gumption to pick up and move on a whim. She’d chastised her sister for moving because of a man, despite Abby’s protest that she’d done it to be near her newfound family. Now Bridgett imagined herself doing the same thing with Adam. Only this time it would be to run from family.

“How are you doing?” Maggie stood in the doorway.

“Is he gone?”

“Yes, and I don’t think he’ll be back anytime soon.”

“I’m sure he’ll stop in tomorrow, acting pathetic...if not, it’ll be the day after.” Bridgett sighed. “He won’t go away until I give him what he wants.”

“After the way Bert chased him down the street with the soup ladle, I disagree.”

Bridgett’s laughter echoed throughout the kitchen. “Seriously? I’m sorry I missed it.”

“Oh, you would’ve been proud. Who knew Bert could move that fast.” Maggie’s face remained serious as a smile began to curl the outer edges of her mouth.

“Thank you, Maggie, for standing up for me.” Bridgett hugged the older woman. “I need to do something nice for you and Bert this week.”

“You’ll do no such thing.” Maggie withdrew from her embrace and squeezed Bridgett’s shoulders. “My offer still stands if you want to take a week off and get away from here.”

“You have no idea how tempted I am. I can’t really afford to go solo, though, and my car won’t get me very far.”

“I’ll give you the money, and if you feel you need to repay me, fine. But I wish you’d accept it as a gift. Go somewhere tropical and fun. Fly down to Cancun or Belize and clear your head. They’re relatively short flights from here. I think Adam’s nice, but I’m not necessarily sure if getting involved with him is the best escape. Don’t jump into anything too quickly.”

Yet another warning. It wasn’t exactly what she wanted to hear, but Bridgett also knew her friends meant well. She loved Maggie, who she knew had her best interests at heart. However, Adam had been the best part of her life recently.

“Maggie, I’ve already questioned my own intentions.” Bridgett tried to find the words to convey how she felt, but if she couldn’t describe it to herself how would she describe it to her friend?

“Well, he means something to you. You call it whatever you want.” Maggie’s brow rose. “Take your time. Breathe.”

“I moved out of my mother’s house so I could breathe. But I come to work and I still face the daily drama of this whole secret-sister, hidden-paternity nightmare. If it’s not Darren, it’s somebody else asking personal questions or staring me down. I’m not on display for the world to gawk at. If I leave for a week, it’ll just start again when I get back. I’d have to leave town for good.”

“You’re planning on leaving us?”

“What choice do I have?” Bridgett had wanted to wait until she had a new job lined up before she told Maggie she was leaving. “I’m a constant source of gossip. Abby’s a novelty, but I’m the one who’s lived a lie in front of everyone. Don’t you hear what they say? How they remember me waiting on my father while he pretended I was just another waitress.
Poor Bridgett
. If I hear it once more—” Bridgett balled her fists and paced the room again. “Now his other daughter rolls in and suddenly Darren wants to play daddy. And please, explain why the minute his wife walked out people started to feel sorry for him? He’s not a hero for finally doing what he should’ve done twenty-eight years ago.”

Maggie folded her arms and grinned. “There’s the fire I’ve been waiting for. Get mad, Bridgett. You keep trying to bottle it when it’s okay to let it out.”

“You don’t want me to let it out, Maggie. It won’t be a pretty sight.”

“I’d rather have you vent on me than leave town. Don’t you waste another thought on leaving us. I need to head back downstairs. Lark’s working the front alone. Stay up here as long as you want. And remember, I’m always here for you.”

“Thanks, but I’m right behind you.” Bridgett tightened her ponytail. She should have known Maggie wouldn’t take her leaving seriously. “I’m done feeling sorry for myself. If I keep my mind occupied it doesn’t hurt as much. Don’t worry, I won’t go off on another customer.”

Maggie linked her arm in Bridgett’s. “We’ll trade places today. I haven’t worked the front in ages. Are you game?”

“You want me to be your pastry chef?” Bridgett had shadowed Maggie when time permitted, but hadn’t thought she’d get a chance to work in the kitchen for the entire day.