Authors: Amanda Renee
“It wasn’t what I wanted anyway.” Bridgett grabbed a tissue for herself. “You did the best you could, struggling to provide for me and growing this business. I have a lot of respect for you. But how you did it alone is beyond me. And that’s why I’m furious with Darren. You shouldn’t have had to do it alone. You were entitled to child support. I don’t understand why you let him get away with it.”
“Do you realize how embarrassing it would’ve been?” Ruby asked.
“Embarrassing for who? You? I’d think it would’ve been more embarrassing for the married man who cheated on his wife and kids.”
“He wants to see you.” Ruby shuffled her feet.
“Maybe I’ll want to see him, too, but not now.”
“Abby on the—”
Bridgett held up her hands. “We’re talking about me, not Abby. I have to focus on myself. I don’t know what the future holds. I don’t even know if I’m going to stay in Ramblewood.”
“You’re thinking of leaving?” Her mother’s complexion paled. “With Adam?”
Bridgett shook her head. “In theory it sounds wonderful, but he’s a ranch hand, mom. I can’t ask him to spend all his money on an apartment with me. Room and board is part of his pay, take it away and I have no idea how much of a paycheck he’s really left with at the end of the week. I might as well tell you...I’ve been contemplating leaving Ramblewood since the night you told me the truth. I want a fresh start where no one has heard of me. It might be a little difficult with Darren’s media coverage, but I’m willing to try.”
Bridgett had expected her mother to ask her to stay. Instead, she remained silent. Her shoulders slumped forward with resignation, the fight completely gone. She’d seen her mother through rough times in the past, but she hadn’t looked this physically dejected before. It frightened Bridgett.
“Are you still seeing the owner of the movie theatre?” Her mother had sworn there was nothing going on, but Bridgett knew better.
“I haven’t been to the movies in a few weeks.” Her mother turned quickly, facing her desk and grabbing another tissue. “I’ve been spending time with Darren lately.” The words were barely audible.
Bridgett’s knees buckled, and she steadied herself against the filing cabinet. “Mom, no. He’s still married.”
“We’re not having sex.” Ruby faced her daughter.
Bridgett squeezed her eyes tightly. “Please stop. Too much information, Mom. I—I really need to go.” Bridgett gave Ruby one final hug and dashed out the salon’s rear exit to avoid the salon patrons’ watchful gazes. Her mother and Darren? Correction. Her mother and her father were seeing each other. The thought left an acrid taste in her mouth.
Running across the street, Bridgett pushed open the iron gate leading to the Bed & Biscuit walkway. Realizing it hadn’t made its usual heavy clank behind her, she stopped at the base of the porch stairs and spun around.
“Adam!” Bridgett jumped into his arms. “You have no idea how much I needed to see you.”
“Didn’t you hear me calling you from across the street?” Adam gave her a quick kiss and stepped back, looking at her carefully. “It was all I could do to keep up with you. I saw you run out of the salon. What’s wrong?”
“Mom wanted to talk, which went better than I had anticipated. She agreed to continue to give me space and then she told me she’s seeing Darren.”
Bridgett wondered if she’d looked as stunned as Adam when she’d heard the news. He snapped his mouth shut, closed the distance between them and gathered her into his arms. His mouth claimed hers in a deep, passionate kiss. Pulling back slightly, he ran his hands up and down her arms. “I’m sorry.”
Bridgett shook her head in dismay. “Let’s not talk about it right now. What are you doing here so early?”
“Shane sent me to pick up an order from the Feed & Grain. And I wasn’t about to pass up the opportunity to kiss you.”
“I can’t wait till tonight, and please tell me you don’t have to work too late tomorrow. It’s Halloween, and Lawson’s Farm puts on an incredible show. I really want to go with you.”
“Need me to protect you in the haunted maze?” Adam’s fingers drifted over her collar bone. “Afraid a vampire bat will bite you.”
Bridgett shivered against his touch. “Stop that. You’re giving me goose bumps.” She giggled. “You’re never too old for a Lawson Halloween haunting.”
“I think I can swing protecting my girl from ghosts and ghouls.” Bridgett swatted his hands away. “I need to get back to the ranch, though. See you later?”
“Are you sure you have time for me tonight?” Bridgett fingered the buttons on his shirt.
“I’ll make time.” Adam’s expression stilled, becoming more serious. “There’s no place I’d rather be than with you.”
Chapter Eight
The following night Adam wasn’t sure if he should be frightened or horrified by the hayride they’d just left. He was still trying to figure out how they’d pulled off the headless horseman. He thought the horse was Shane’s, but the rider had been far too short. The worst part had been its eerie resemblance to one of his shows. An “Alice Cooper meets Lizzie Borden” vibe. Although having just been chased with a chainsaw in the middle of the night left little to be desired. Whether it was real or not, it sent his pulse soaring.
Adam’s phone rang. Roman. He’d given his new number out to only three people from his old life. Lizzy, Phil and Roman.
“Happy Halloween,” Adam answered, distancing himself from Bridgett and the Lawsons so they wouldn’t overhear his conversation.
“I hope you’re enjoying yourself in Texas because it’s hitting the fan here.”
Adam felt as if his heart had stopped beating. “What do you mean? And how did you know I was in Texas?”
“Phil told me. And have you checked out TMZ lately?” Roman’s irritation bit through the phone. “During a radio interview this afternoon, JP announced the band had broken up, and according to reputable sources—brace yourself—you’re in rehab for every addiction the tabloids have ever claimed.”
“I’m in what?” Adam shouted, attracting Bridgett’s attention from across the field. He waved and lowered his voice. “What the hell is my family going to think? They might actually believe it this time.”
Not that this was any different from ninety percent of the stories the so-called media tossed his way.
“It gets better.” Roman cleared his throat. “They say you’re in rehab in Texas.”
“What the hell? Who goes to rehab in Texas?” Adam felt his shirt begin to cling to his body. “Where in Texas?”
“San Antonio.”
Adam exhaled loudly. “It’s not exactly the next town over, but it’s close enough. When they don’t find me, the paparazzi will hit the neighboring towns. Can’t you release a statement for me? Divert them far away from here. Confirm the band breaking up part, but deny rehab. Tell them I am off hiking somewhere in Ecuador or...I don’t care where. Better yet, have one of the body doubles we used in Japan to divert the fan-mobs photographed in the Australian outback. Sell it to the media. No paparazzo will trek through that terrain to find me.”
“Then how am I going to explain the supposed photograph of you?”
“What, I have to do your job for you?” Adam’s hand trembled. “Say a tourist took it. Don’t make it too perfect. Put my publicist on it.” Bridgett caught his attention out of the corner of his eye. “I have to go. Text me when you have something. I can’t talk when I’m at the bunkhouse. Too many people around.”
“Why are you living in a bunkhouse anyway? You can afford to buy any house in the world.”
Adam took a deep breath in an attempt to steady his nerves. “It’s not about the money, it’s about rebuilding my life. You wouldn’t understand. I have to go.”
Adam hung up the phone before Roman had a chance to answer him. He had faith his manager would handle it. But he’d wished his team had been more proactive instead of reactive. Of course, that was his own fault. If he’d issued a press release as soon as their tour ended, none of this would have happened. Instead he had decided to wait for the right time and now his lies had begun to snowball. He needed a better grip on the situation. He also needed to stay away from the center of Ramblewood. On Bridle Dance he was safe from the prying eyes. He’d promised to take Bridgett to the Halloween party at Slater’s Mill tonight, but he should probably stay home and lie low. Would wearing a mask fool the paparazzi?
“What’s wrong?” Bridgett asked. The worry etched into her brow was visible in the moon’s glow. “You seemed upset on the phone.”
Adam had repeatedly told himself he wasn’t lying to Bridgett. He had just purposely left out a portion of the truth. But that didn’t make him any more honest, and the longer this ruse continued, the deeper he dug his own grave. “It was just news I didn’t want to hear. It will work out in the end.”
“You’re not leaving, are you?” Bridgett tilted her head, studying him. “You don’t look good.”
“I’m not leaving.” Adam entwined his fingers with Bridgett’s. “I have an idea. Instead of going to the Halloween party tonight, why don’t we pack a midnight picnic and take a drive.” Maybe if he had her alone, the truth would come easier.
“I’d love to, but I have to be at the luncheonette by three in the morning to prepare for catering the police chief’s retirement party tomorrow. I would have had to cut tonight short anyway.”
“When were you planning on telling me?”
Bridgett fiddled with the frayed waistband on her denim jacket. “It’s been a few days since we spent time together, and I hoped I’d have the energy to stay out. But I’m wiped. Between the Halloween orders and the retirement party, Maggie and I have spent the past few days decorating a thousand cupcakes, twenty sheet cakes, and we still have to prepare a full dinner and dessert menu for the chief. It’s extra money, though, and I’m grateful for it. It will help me afford an apartment and a new car. Well, a new used car.”
“An apartment?” Adam hadn’t thought of Bridgett moving out of the Bed & Biscuit. “Where are you moving to?”
“I’m not sure yet. But a restaurant in San Antonio asked me to come in for an interview. If they hire me, I’d be managing a place similar to The Magpie, only with more employees. My interview’s Tuesday afternoon.”
“You’re really going through with this?” Adam turned, storming to his truck. He’d asked her to stay the other day and she had totally disregarded it.
Bridgett scrambled to keep up with him. “Why are you so surprised? I told you from the beginning I planned on leaving town. No one here is hiring for the position or salary I’m looking for. I’ll need to make a lot more money to buy my own restaurant.”
Adam opened the truck door and then slammed it shut. “I figured since you and I had something going on, you’d reconsider. Especially when I told how much I’d hate to see us end before we began.”
“I don’t want that, either.” Bridgett reached for him, but he shrugged out of her grasp. “But I can’t put my life on hold forever. I’d already applied for this job before you came to town and I at least have to see whether it’s something I want.” She looked up at him, her eyes begging him to understand.
“You’re not even sure how long you’ll stay in Ramblewood,” she continued. “Maybe you could move to San Antonio—it’s not that far. Plus, you’re missing the giant
if
factor. A lot has to fall into place before it happens. I have to get myself there first. My car certainly won’t make it and I can’t ask Mazie to borrow hers without raising suspicion.”
“She knows.” Adam dug his boot into the ground. “She told me the day of your birthday. You forgot to clear your browser history and I forget to tell you.”
Bridgett pulled her jacket tighter across her chest. “What she must think of me.”
“She thinks what you’re doing is admirable.” Adam met her eyes, hoping she could see how much he wanted her to stay. “But she’d rather you did it in Ramblewood.”
“Defeats the purpose of a fresh start, doesn’t it?” Bridgett paced the length of the truck. “I can’t do it, Adam. I need to get out of here.”
Adam’s heart tore in half. Bridgett worked multiple jobs, only one of which she was paid for, and couldn’t afford a decent car or an apartment. He busted his ass for a job he didn’t need. He could afford to make their lives much more enjoyable if he’d tell her who he was.
“Why don’t we move in together?” Adam asked. Bridgett didn’t need to know how much he brought home. She wouldn’t have to use any of her own money toward the rent, enabling her to buy a car and still save for her restaurant.
What the hell am I thinking?
He couldn’t consciously live with Bridgett and continue to hide the truth from her. It was hard enough now, but sleeping with her...creating a home together? No. The whole truth needed to come out and then she could decide if getting a place together was still an option...or if she still wanted anything to do with him. He took a deep breath. “Bridgett, we need to talk.”
“Adam, we’ve only known each other for a week and half.” Her laughter had a sharp edge to it. “I may be untraditional in many ways, but I still believe in getting married before moving in with a guy. I’m in no way pressuring you to propose to me. I am enjoying us, and that doesn’t have to change if I move away. We’re both working crazy schedules anyway, so then why does it matter if I’m here or an hour and a half from here? I need to do this for myself. I
need
a fresh start.”
The reality of what she’d said hit Adam square in the jaw. He’d already admitted to himself that he kept the truth from her because he selfishly wanted a fresh start of his own. He understood her drive to make a new life for herself. He wouldn’t stand in her way.
“You’ve made up your mind, haven’t you?”
Bridgett nodded. “I told Maggie last week and my mom the other day. Why does it have to affect us?”
Adam jammed his hands in his pockets. His pulse slowed as if it tried to beat through molasses. “I won’t ask you to change your mind. You deserve to put yourself first. But leave me out of the equation. It complicates things.
“Are you breaking up with me?” Bridgett’s voice shook.
“I just think maybe we should take a break until you figure this out. If you really want a new life, own it. Once you’re grounded wherever you go, then we can see where we stand.”
“Please take me home.” Bridgett climbed in the truck and firmly closed the door, staring rigidly ahead. Sliding in beside her, Adam drove Bridgett back to the Bed & Biscuit in silence.
The truck pulled to the curb, barely stopping before Bridgett hopped out. Without a glance behind her, she ran up the porch stairs and disappeared inside. Adam’s chest ached at the possibility of never knowing what they could have had. It wouldn’t have been fair to try to talk her out of doing what she desperately wanted. She needed her independence more than she needed him. Once she had it and recognized her own worth, maybe there would be a place for him in her life. Until then, he’d wait.
Adam had his own life to straighten out. After Roman’s news tonight, there was nothing preventing him from putting his Los Angeles home on the market—the whole world already thought he was in rehab and soon, hopefully, they’d think he was in Australia. He’d arrange to have the contents packed and put in storage near Katy until he decided what to do with everything. He had no reservations about leaving his old life behind. His true friends, the few he had, would respect that decision. He hoped that when Bridgett figured out where she wanted to be she’d include him, too.
Shifting his truck into Drive, he drove to Bridle Dance, the one place he felt at home. Unless he counted being wrapped in Bridgett’s arms. His body burned with regret. He’d miss her...more than he had a right to.
* * *
T
WO
WEEKS
HAD
passed since Bridgett had seen Adam. From what Lexi told her, he had been putting in eighteen-hour days. She longed to see him, but whenever she drove out to Lexi and Shane’s house, she took one of the many other ranch entrance roads to avoid running into him.
She hated how they’d left it Halloween night, but she respected Adam for putting her first. She was beginning to realize having space could be lonely, though. She’d come to miss the daily interaction with her mother, and even though she’d only known Abby for a short time, she missed her, too. Mazie and Maggie were both upset and Adam...she missed him more than she would have imagined.
She’d finally told Lexi her plans, and as much as her friend hated to see her leave, she’d offered Bridgett her complete support. Lexi had loaned Bridgett her car to use for her interviews. She’d gone on five in total. All in San Antonio. And there’d been more qualified applicants for each one.
Bridgett’s 1984 Toyota Corolla puttered down the road to Lexi’s house, sounding worse by the mile. With one final sputter, it jolted to a stop, quickly becoming engulfed in white smoke. One of the guys from the garage had told her a few weeks ago that it didn’t have much time left—he wasn’t kidding. She had hoped to find another car before it died, but there’d been slim pickings in her price range.
Bridgett quickly grabbed everything she could from the car, which wasn’t much, and moved a safe distance away. She doubted it was on fire, but with the amount of smoke billowing out from under the hood, she didn’t want to risk it. She removed her cell phone from her pocket and called Lexi. Fifteen minutes later Adam pulled up alongside her.
“What happened?” Adam jumped from his truck. “Are you all right?”
Bridgett attempted to contain her happiness at his arrival. His skin had tanned from the strong Southern sun, making his features appear more rugged, borderline dangerous. A black Stetson rested on the dash of his truck and Bridgett ached to see him wearing it.
Bridgett swallowed hard, her throat instantly dry. “I am, but Bubba bit the bullet.”
“You named your car Bubba?” Adam chuckled.
“My car burps and farts like a Bubba.” Bridgett shrugged. “Can you think of a more appropriate name? Let me guess. Lexi called you.”
“Close. Lexi called Shane and he called me. Let me pop the hood and take a look.” Adam opened her car door and reached for the hood release. “Although with all this steam, you may have blown your radiator. Will Bubba turn over?”
Bridgett shook her head. “Bubba’s dead. The radiator’s shot, it leaks oil, the pan is smashed in, the exhaust has a hole in it, one of the tie rods is bent and the crankshaft needs to be replaced. It’s not worth it. Bubba’s had a good run. The car’s older than I am.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this feisty before.” Adam lifted the hood and fanned away the smoke. “You’re running as hot as this engine.”
“What do you expect when your man walks out on you, you’re working your fingers to the bone to get ahead and your car craps out?”
“At least you’re not bitter.” Adam smiled the glorious smile she’d fallen for the day they’d met, almost a month ago. And she still fell for it today. “If it’s any consolation, I have missed you.”