Page 19 of The Moment He Saw Her

“I’m really just looking,” Libby protested.

In minutes she was stripped out of her jacket and sweatshirt and handed a thick, ribbed navy jumper that fit her perfectly and a long fur-lined khaki hooded jacket that came to mid-thigh.

“I really don’t think I can afford all this,” Libby said for perhaps the first time in her life.

“Don’t you worry, we’ll work that out. If you want to sell that jacket you had on, I’m sure we can do a deal. I’m June Matilda by the way. Nice to meet you, Libby.”

“How do you know my name?”

“Linda told me.”

She walked out of the shop thirty minutes after entering wearing her new jacket, which she’d traded for the old one, and June had given her the ribbed sweater for free. She’d said that was too generous, but the woman was determined. On her head was a striped woolen beanie with a pom-pom, which had also been free.

The clothes in Libby’s wardrobe had always been expensive, and not once had she thought about price when she’d purchased them. This, what was happening to her now, was completely foreign.

“I’m a spoiled brat,” she muttered as the reality of who she’d been smacked her in the face.

Looking at the sky, Libby realized it would be dark soon. As there appeared to be no accommodation in Lyntacky she knew where she could sleep tonight, but first she had to locate where her car was parked. A meal, and then she’d find it. If it was parked outside, she could sleep in the back seat without freezing now she had her new warm clothes on.

Entering the Courtesy Turn Cafe—another strange name in a town full of them—she took a seat.

“What’ll it be?” the young girl asked her.

“Coffee and the raspberry-chocolate waffles, please.”

Looking out the window, Libby watched as snow began to fall, which was just what she needed.

“Here you go.” The girl placed the waffles before her, along with the coffee.

“I’m Cherry. If you need anything more, just let me know.”

“Hey, you must be Libby.” A man in a police uniform slid into the seat across from her minutes later. “I’m Dan, Ryder’s brother.”

She saw it in his features; he had the look of the other two Dukes she’d already met.

“Found a place to stay yet?”

“Yes,” Libby lied and then shoved a large forkful of waffle into her mouth so she didn’t have to speak again.

Was telling a lie like that to an officer of the law a felony?Yet another thing you’ve done since walking away from your life, Libby.

At least if he arrested her, she’d have a place to sleep that night.

Never, not once in her life, had she not had a warm bed to sleep in and food to eat. She wished her father in hell for this. He wanted her to fail. Wanted to bring her back into line by cutting off her funds so she’d crawl home and beg for everyone’s forgiveness.

But that is not happening.

“Good?” Dan Duke nodded at the waffles she was eating far too quickly.

Libby nodded, still chewing.

“I’m picking up the order for my uncle and me. Don’t tell anyone, but other than Ryder’s place—which isn’t open, so I’m not being disloyal—this is my favorite eating spot in town.” His eyes went to her suitcase standing beside her like a sentry, in silent disapproval that still she had no place to put it for the night.

“You sure you’re all good for a bed tonight, Libby?”

She nodded again and still hadn’t spoken a word to the man.

“Okay, well, if you need anything or that place doesn’t turn out, you head to the police station, and we’ll help you out. I know Lyntacky is full tonight.” Dan Duke got out of his chair then and left with a smile. She watched him pick up a big order of take-out containers and leave.

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