The Law of Attraction (22 page)

“Lily's making soup,” she said, trying to sound more cheerful than she felt.

“What kind?”

“Apache corn. She's going to bring you some when it's done.”

“That sounds good.” He released her hand. “What did you do today?”

“I went for a walk. Down by the barn.” She studied the fireplace, the rugged structure, the natural beauty of each carefully placed stone. “I ran into Ethan.”

“Really?” Ryan perked up. “How'd it go?”

“Fine. We only talked for a few minutes.” She glanced at her cousin and saw him scrutinizing her beneath his dark brows. Anxious, she fidgeted, then caught herself, folding her hands on her lap. “I used to have a crush on him.”

“I know you did, pumpkin. I think everyone knew.”

Embarrassed, she laughed a little, picturing herself as she was, a teenager in tight clothes and too much mascara. “I wasn't very subtle about it.”

“It's hard to hide those kinds of feelings.” He was
still watching her, looking at her with a knowing expression. “Old crushes run deep.” He paused, then said, “Lily was the love of my life when I was in high school. And look what happened to us.”

She shook her head. “It's not like that between Ethan and me. I hardly know him.”

“The heart doesn't forget.”

She leaned forward, tempted to touch Ryan's cheek. She knew he'd loved his first wife. She'd been his childhood friend, the woman who bore his children. But Lily was the fire in his soul. “You're just an old romantic.”

“And you're a young woman who needs a good man.”

“I have my career.”

“And a big, empty condo in California. That's not enough, Susan.”

“I'm not ready to fall in love.” And especially not with Ethan, she decided. She didn't need the complication. Not now. Not while she was in Texas. “I spent enough time mooning over him.”

“Like I used to do over Lily?”

She leaned back against the sofa, doing her damnedest not to lose the fight. Apparently Ryan was determined to drive his point home, to compare his life to hers. “I never pegged you for a matchmaker.”

“Are you kidding? Me? The old romantic?” He chuckled under his breath. “It's right up my alley.”

She forced a smile, humoring him. And humoring herself, as well.

Because deep down, she wanted to see Ethan again, to summon the courage to stop by the hunting cabin. But she knew she wouldn't.

Susan wasn't about to chase him.

Not ever again.

 

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NOT THE END
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