Page 93 of The Cowboy's Country Charm

“Look, I am good at what I do, Kristy. And that is creating beautiful events. I am not a businesswoman. I hate that end of things. I don’t know the first thing about pricing out an event, preparing contracts, negotiating with vendors. And I don’t want to know. I’m an idea person. A creative. I can’t do it. I didn’t sign on to do that part of the business. And who would Marcia get to run Gillette then? That guy you think is a bozo who is running Cheyenne now?”

Ariel looked like she was ready to burst into tears.

“I know. But it won’t be for long. Just until Dean calms down. Two years. That’s what my dad is asking for.” She was trying to convince herself as much as Ariel. She hated doing this to her best friend and cousin. To herself. To Rusty.

“There is no statute of limitations in Wyoming. And don’t ask me how I know that.”

“There isn’t?” That was a new wrinkle. “Well, at least it will give me more time. If Dean does decide to run for a seat in the state legislation, he likely won’t want this known. Getting forceful with a woman and then getting knocked out with the first punch doesn’t seem the cowboy way, which is important here in Wyoming.”

“You’re seriously considering this.” Ariel shook her head. “Have you talked to Rusty?”

“I’ve been trying since I left my dad, but he’s not answering the phone or my text messages. It’s like he’s dropped off the face of the earth. Or he’s mad at me, which doesn’t make any sense.”

“I can’t believe he’d want you to do this. For all intent and purposes, you’d be breaking up with him.”

“I’ll be four hours away. We can see each other on weekends.”

“Because you aren’t going to be busy with your father’s stuff on weekends? Doubtful.”

Ariel was right. Politics never stopped.

Kristy put her hand to her temple and rubbed. But the blistering pain was still there. “I don’t’ know what to do. But I know I can’t let Dean ruin Rusty’s career before it even gets started. I have to do it, Ariel.”

***

“What are you doing here?”

“Making sure you’re all right. It’s Monday morning, and you’ve been missing since yesterday.” His sister Lexi stood outside the door to the cabin, a bag in her hand. Clad in jeans and a short-sleeved shirt, sweat on her brow, she didn’t look happy. “Are you going to tell me what happened?”

“No.”

She stepped into the cabin. He really couldn’t prevent her because it was on her land, but he wanted to. The scent of baked goods wafted through the room. His stomach growled as he retreated to the unmade bed. The McClanes’ dog, Bandit, slid past her and proceeded to the table, where the animal knew the bag would likely reside. Lexi followed and, as Bandit suspected, placed the bag on the table.

“Well, I know something did. You look like hell. Like you slept in your jeans and shirt. And I got a call from Kristy. She’s worried about you. You haven’t answered her calls or texts.”

He saw no reason to. “Tell her you couldn’t find me.”

Lexi sat down in the lone chair by the stove. “I’m not delivering that message without knowing what happened.”

“Fine. Don’t. I don’t care.”

“And I’m not leaving here without you.”

“I claim the bed.”

She huffed. “Be serious, Rusty. Is it that you hit that guy?”

He jerked his head up. “Does the whole world know?”

“Everyone connected with the event. You know the rumor mill in a small community.” She reached over and touched his hand. “I’m sure he deserved it. But does Kristy deserve this?”

If he didn’t tell Lexi, he knew she wouldn’t let up. Persistence was her MO. “That guy was her supposed ex-fiancé, and he spent the night at her place.” He told her in detail what had happened when he rang the doorbell. “And all that night she didn’t answer my texts or calls.”

“So you think she went back with him?”

“What else could it be?”

“But you haven’t asked her? She called me and said she’s has been trying to reach you. Maybe she wants to explain.”

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