Page 17 of Unforgotten

That’s why she gave the reply that she did. She shrugged and said, “It just is.”

Ryan didn’t back off. “Sorry, but no one says something like that without a reason.”

Not only had his attention sharpened, but his accent became more pronounced. It was disconcerting and reminded her that he wasn’t just an attractive man who was offering her a ride. Wariness consumed her. She inhaled and stayed silent. Half waiting for him to pressure her.

When he spoke again, his voice was slow and measured. “You don’t have to tell me a thing, but I’m just saying that it’s obvious to me that there was a reason you said that.”

“You’re right,” she said at last. “It’s personal, though. So I’m going to take you at your word and not talk about it anymore.”

“You’re serious.”

“Deadly,” she said.

Sure, that sounded over the top and a bit dramatic, but she couldn’t deny her feelings.

Right then and there she realized just how guarded she’dbecome. She didn’t protect herself the way Bethanne did, but she had built her own walls.

Focusing on the two-lane road, Ryan didn’t speak for several moments. Amid the passing trees and hilly, vacant farmland, they’d been the only ones on the road for miles. So much so that when a commercial truck sped past, the sound was jarring.

“Candace Evans, I’m beginning to think you are far more than just a pretty face.”

She smiled. “Thank you.” He’d never know it, but that was one of the sweetest compliments she’d ever received.

7

“How’s it going, son?” Ryan’s dad asked. “You ready to come home yet?”

Leaning against his kitchen counter, nursing his third cup of coffee of the morning, Ryan stifled a laugh.

When he’d decided to take the job with the Marion police, Ryan had every intention of renting a place for a year. Just to be sure the move had been the right decision. This two-bedroom, one-bath Craftsman with a huge front porch had changed his mind. The price had been a refreshing change from the prices back home too. Before long, he was touring it with a real estate agent, falling in love with the small backyard lined with an ancient black iron fence, and dreaming of one day coming home to a wife waiting for him on the front porch. Next thing he knew, he was putting 20 percent down and filling out change of address cards.

None of it was like him. It was shocking, really. His big family still acted like he’d lost his mind.

“I’m good here, Dad.”

“Come on. Kentucky can’t actually be agreeing with you.”

“Itactuallyis. You need to come out and see this place for yourself.” Frowning at the empty room, he added, “I mean, as soon as I buy some furniture.”

“You should’ve rented a place,” he chided. “That’s what you said you were going to do.”

“I like this house, Dad.” After walking to the set of windows that faced his backyard, he grinned at the pair of rabbits sleeping in the middle of the lawn. He’d never been a fan of rabbits until now. “Mom would’ve liked it too.”

“Your mother would’ve liked anything you liked.” He grunted. “But she would’ve agreed with me. If you’re not getting fresh fish from the bay, you’re missing out. There’s no fresh seafood in Kentucky, son.”

“It’s got rivers and lakes, Dad.”

“Hmph.”

“How’s everything been going for you?” His father was semiretired and took vacationers out fishing a couple of days a week.

“Good. Going well enough to support my needs. Fish are biting.”

“And the tours? Everyone treating you good?”

He cackled. “Well enough there too. Son, stop fussing and worrying.”

“I can’t help it, Dad. You’re on your own.”

---