Page 58 of Dark Side of the River

“No kidding,” the sheriff said. “Did you ever think I might be on top of this?”

“I sure hope so,” Cooper said. Stu wasn’t inspiring confidence. Had he really not gotten either message? And if he knew about this, then why wasn’t he out busting the thugs running the lab before they could move it?

“Now get out of my office.”

STUARTHELDHIShead in his hands after Cooper left. He was falling down on his job. He was going to get fired. He was going to lose everything if he didn’t snap out of it. Last night... He couldn’t believe that he’d driven to Billings, picked up a woman at some bar... He had to quit drinking. He wasn’t good at it.

He wanted to blame the job, but he knew that wasn’t it. His father had seen this coming. “You always seem to want what other people have instead of being thankful for what you have,” his father had told him all the time he was growing up.

It was true. He’d wanted what Cooper had, what Cooper had never appreciated, a huge ranch, a life Stuart would have given his left arm for. Leann had only been a symptom, he could admit now. He’d never really been in love with her. But Tilly, she was a different story. He’d loved her as a friend. He thought it could be more.

“But did you love her because you knew how Tilly and Cooper felt about each other for years?” It was his father’s voice making him cringe because he knew there was truth in it.

He realized he’d been angry with his friend for leaving, for giving up his place on the ranch as if it meant nothing to him. When Cooper had returned and started hanging out with Tilly, it had been the last straw.

Rubbing his eyes with the heels of his hands, he wondered if he could feel any lower. His phone rang. He picked up. He swore. Another fight down at the bar. And just when he was thinking his day couldn’t get any worse.

TILLYHADBEENexpecting a call from Cooper, so she wasn’t surprised to hear from him so early. “Did Stuart bust the lab?”

“No. He said he didn’t get my messages. I think he plans to go check it out himself now. That’s all we can do, but there is something else I need to talk to you about. Can we meet?”

She thought about CJ. She didn’t doubt he would be keeping an eye on her. “I’ve been craving a burger. You know that place in Baker?”

“I do.” She could hear the grin in his voice. “Perfect. Why don’t I pick you up at the junction outside of town? Ten thirty?”

“See you then.” She hung up, wondering what he had to tell her. Yesterday, she could tell that something was bothering him. She’d thought it was the kisses and the discussion of their first time making love. Of course he hadn’t wanted to talk about either.

Then last night at his house she’d seen the desire in his eyes, felt it in his kiss and the way he’d squeezed her against him. He wanted this as much as she did. So if that was what he had to talk to her about, denying what was going on, she swore she would deck him.

This morning he’d gone to see the sheriff? She hoped what he had to tell her wasn’t about Stuart. She had to quit speculating and go meet him. Maybe it would be good news.

But as she got ready to leave, there was a knock on her bedroom door. Her mother stepped in. Tilly saw her hesitate and felt her stomach drop. “It isn’t Oakley, is it?”

“No,” Charlotte said quickly. “CJ mentioned that Deacon Yates brought you and your horse to the ranch last night.” She waited, letting her mother lead this conversation. “He said you’d gotten thrown from your horse. Are you all right?”

“Just a little sore. I’m fine. CJ shouldn’t have worried you with it.” She felt the full intensity of her mother’s gaze.

“He’s apparently heard the same rumors I have about you and Cooper McKenna.” Still Tilly held her tongue. “Matilda, you need to tell me. Are you seeing this McKenna boy?”

“He’s no longer a boy.”

“I thought you were dating the sheriff,” her mother said.

“We went out on a few dates, yes.”

“You’re not seeing him anymore?”

“No.”

Her mother looked as if she was ready to stomp her foot in frustration. “What is going on? You tell me right now.”

“I’m seeing Cooper McKenna. I had dinner with him and his family last night at the ranch. Holden invited me to join them.”

“You what?” Her mother grabbed the door frame for support.

“Holden wants to put an end to this ridiculous feud between our families.”

Her mother looked aghast. “If you think one dinner will take away all the bad blood and history—”

---