Page 21 of Edge of Steele
“Still, it could be something different. Like the battery. “
“But Russ is expecting us, and we don’t have time to troubleshoot. Can I grab a ride from you now, and I’ll call for a tow on the way?”
“Your tow options around here are limited, but I know a good local mechanic. We could stop by his garage to give him the keys. He can bring it in to work on while we’re in the meeting.” He pulled her door open as if he expected her agreement.
She didn’t want to give in so readily, but that was childish, and besides, she didn’t have much of a choice. She got out and followed him to his truck. He opened the door, grabbed a worn pair of combat boots sitting on the floor, and tossed them in the back where he’d strapped in a child’s booster seat.
The contrast struck her hard. So many military families struggled to balance family and service to keep the country free for people like her, and she never really appreciated it enough. Sure, on the one day a year when the country remembered them, she did too, but since she’d split up with Finn, she’d tried hard not to think about the danger he raced into most of the year.
She prayed for the service members as she climbed into the truck that smelled of vanilla. The big vehicle had buttery soft leather seats, and he kept the interior immaculately clean. His military days had taught him organization, and he continued to apply it in his life. She remembered how neatly he could fold laundry when she shoved things into drawers.
He got behind the wheel and put his hand on the key. He sat for a long moment, not moving. He looked at her. “I have to be right up front with you about something.”
Please don’t let him say he’s in love with another woman.
“Okay,” she said.
“I have to stop work at five-thirty to pick Avery up at daycare before it closes at six. On the weekends, I head home to relieve her sitter at the same time.”
“Oh, okay.” She let out a silent breath. Why in the world was she so thankful that he didn’t tell her about another woman in his life? She might be attracted to him, but she wouldn’t give him another chance.Ifhe even wanted one.
“When we get home, we’ll have dinner and free time for Avery since there’s no homework with school out. Lights out for her is at eight, and we can work from the house after that if you want to.”
“Sounds fine,” she said and didn’t dispute that she would be staying with him again. If she secured other arrangements, she could tell him then.
He arched a brow and kept looking at her.
“What?”
“The Ryleigh I knew lived for her work.”
“Yeah, well, the Ryleigh you knew has changed.”A major hurt like you inflicted can do that.
He opened his mouth as if he planned to reply but turned the key instead. The big engine rumbled to life, and he pulled onto the road.
She sat back, but she wanted to continue the conversation. Obviously, he didn’t. Too bad. She was a big girl and had moved on from him.
Right?
Ryleigh ignored Finn and got out her phone. She stared at the black screen for a moment. Which sister did she call to bring her clothing? Mackenzie or Teagan? Only Mac knew about Finn, and they’d kept it between them, sparing Ryleigh an inevitable review of the breakup by her family.
The question was, which one would be the least nosy about him?
Likely Mackenzie. If Teagan got a hint of Ryleigh’s attraction for Finn, she would press and press until she got the info she wanted, where Mac would be more patient.
She punched Mac’s contact number, and her sister answered right away.
Ryleigh quickly explained her need and asked her sister to help.
“Glad to do it, but if I leave now,” Mac said. “I won’t get there for hours, and I’ll have to spend the night. I can hit Ryan up for a room. Where are you staying?”
“Not sure yet.” If Ryleigh did stay with Finn and had a working vehicle, she could meet Mackenzie at Ryan’s cabin, and her sister wouldn’t even have to know about Finn. “Text me once you get to Ryan’s place, and I’ll come get my things.”
Ryleigh thanked her sister and ended the call before Mac could ask additional questions. She looked at Finn. “Are there any car rental places nearby?”
“You can use my truck if you need it after work hours. Otherwise, during the day, I can drive you.”
“I have to meet Mackenzie at Ryan’s tonight.”
