Page 60 of Her Cowboy Blind Date

“Overnight in Australia.”

“That’s right. My people found it quickly. We’re killing the story.”

“Is it only one article? I’m offline, and my social accounts are set to private.”

“You’re not online anywhere?”

She shook her head. “Not since I moved here last year.”

“That’s a blessing. The trolls won’t be able to harass you.”

“Okay.” She hadn’t considered how Logan’s followers might react to this news. “How do your people handle this?” What if Sam or Cindy found the article?

“We have good relationships with key people who can shut down false stories.”

“That’s comforting.”

“It really is. Everyone in Gilead knows I never planned to be here. Leo’s accident wasn’t planned.”

“True.” She blew out a long breath. “You’ve been followed for weeks, and I live in a dorm full of people. I don’t even know where you live.”

“Which means you can answer truthfully if someone asks.”

“Will they ask? Or will people assume it’s a made-up story because it’s obviously wrong?”

He shrugged. “Small towns protect their own. Sam’s well known here. Everyone is used to seeing you with Sam.”

“Good point.”

“Plus people wouldn’t guess we know each other.”

“Except for the photos. We weren’t hiding behind hats and sunglasses in Australia. They cut Jarrod out of the photos.”

His frown deepened. “It’s possible Jarrod’s the source.”

She gasped. “No. Surely he wouldn’t stoop this low and make up more lies.”

“Think about it, Becky. Jarrod’s in Sydney. He’s not in any photos. The article makes him look like the good guy when we both know he cheated on you.”

She nodded. It was suspicious. Mel’s warning lingered in her mind. Jarrod’s interest in her location might be a clue. She updated Logan on her conversations with Mel.

“I’m sorry Jarrod cheated.” His voice held compassion. “I didn’t know the details until we started digging for this story.”

She blinked. “It was hard.” Jarrod’s betrayal was like a raw wound that wouldn’t heal.

“I’d hold your hand and give you a hug if there weren’t cameras around.”

“I know.” His life was complicated. Someone would be watching them. “I moved countries to get a fresh start.” Except her past had caught up with her in spectacular fashion. Now a new list of lies needed to be countered with facts.

“I’m sorry to drag you into this.”

“It’s okay.” She was a survivor. If she could survive Jarrod, she could survive anything. “Will people believe we’re only friends?”

“The people who matter will believe us. Everyone else?” He shrugged. “It’s outside our control.”

“What do we do?” There had to be something she could do to make this situation right.

“Nothing until we confirm the source. I’ve got interviews and articles lined up for next week when I return to LA.”

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