Reactions ranged from surprise to displeasure to resistance. Aaron didn’t blame them. He’d already intruded enough on what was a private matter. Besides, someone else needed him more. “I can’t take you. My daughter’s expecting me home any minute.”
“What if I drive you?” Frankie asked Samantha.
The young woman raised her chin like before. “If he doesn’t take me, I’m not going.”
Aaron had witnessed this same stubbornness in Mel, usually when she refused to give up on a sick or injured animal. Also, the one time he’d broached the subject of them dating like a regular couple.
She’d insisted what they had suited them both. Why complicate matters? Lately, he’d been thinking he should have argued more. She deserved better than what they had, even if she didn’t believe so. And he had started wanting more, even if he refused to admit it.
Their gazes briefly connected, and he wondered if she also ever reconsidered their arrangement.
“This is probably best handled by your family,” Aaron said to Samantha.
“They’re not my family,” she contradicted him. “I already have one. My mom and dad and two brothers.”
Again, everyone except Ray seemed taken aback by the news, eyes widening and jaws going slack. What other secrets was he keeping?
Mel was the first to speak. “Maybe you should drive her to Dad’s house. We certainly can’t keep standing here all night.” Before Aaron could refuse, she added, “I’ll go with you.”
No one brought up the obvious. As deputy sheriff, Aaron was familiar with the town and didn’t need directions. Could Mel be trying to find time alone with him? As alone as they could be with another person sitting three feet away.
That wasn’t why Aaron ultimately agreed to drive Samantha. It was the scared look on her face. She was a kid in trouble, though no one else apparently saw it. If his daughter ever needed help, he hoped a responsible and trustworthy person like himself stepped in.
An unofficial vote was taken, and Aaron found himself in his SUV with Mel in the front, Samantha in the back and a heavy silence surrounding them. Guess he’d been wrong about Mel’s motives.
“Take a left,” she instructed when they reached the parking lot exit. “Turn east onto Harvest Street.”
Traffic was never heavy in Mustang Valley, with the exception of holidays when the whole town came out to celebrate. With each occasional vehicle passing them in the opposite direction, the interior of the SUV was illuminated by oncoming headlights.
Aaron caught quick glimpses of Mel’s profile. She was just as scared as Samantha. He also understood why—her entire life was changing—and was glad he’d come along for her, too.
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