Page 49 of Beat of Love
“And he was at the bar, watching you, all evening. Followed you to the ladies.”
How had she not noticed? “We had words in the restroom hallway.”
Stas’s eyes narrowed. “Is he harassing you, Brandy?”
“No!”
You’ve turned me into a stalker.
“No,” she repeated, softer. “Nothing like that. It’s just …” How did she explain something she didn’t understand herself?
“Complicated?” Stas supplied, using her earlier word.
“Yeah.”
“He’s been to hell and back.”
“I know.”
“And needs time to heal before starting a relationship.”
“There will never be a relationship between us.”
“Because of you having dated Sullivan?”
“Exactly. And I part-own Blaze Canyon Stables. I’ve already lost one business to a failed relationship, not risking this one, too.”
“Hmm.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Just strange how you ended up here.”
Brandy bit back an outburst of frustration at his cryptic words. “Stas, I am tired. And a headache, a real headache, is forming. I need to get home.” She placed a booted foot on the runner board and hopped up into the seat.
He leaned in. “Brandy, I don’t think you should dismiss the” — he gave a half-grin — “complication between you and Lawson. But not yet. He needs to learn how to live free first.”
“Live free?”
“I’ve done undercover work. A few months here and there. It changes you in a fundamental way, and it’s a battle to regain your footing. Rafferty Lawson spentyearsliving a lie, becoming the lie. It’s going to take a while for him to be ready for a healthy relationship.”
“You’re assuming I want to go there with him.”
Time will tell. In the meantime, if you need a sounding board, I’m here. As a friend — just a friend. We both know there’s no spark for anything more.” Stas stepped back. “Drive safely, Brandy. And text me when you’re home.” He closed the door and slapped a hand on the roof.
Brandy gave him a crooked smile and pressed the starter, more confused now than earlier.
12
Happy Birthday
Lawson’s Landing, end-October
Happy birthday, brother.
Rafferty closed his eyes in frustration hearing the familiar voice.Get out of my head.
Ah, but today’s a special day.
