Page 11 of Grid Search

“Are you okay, ma’am?” he asks softly, and all I can manage is a nod.

I pick up the worksheets I printed earlier and pass them out, focusing on my duties. After a moment, Ryker walks back up to me.

“We need to talk.”

“After school,” I reply, silently praying I won’t have to move again or lose the friends I’ve made over the last couple of months.

Ryker and his lieutenant leave, and I resume my class. When they head outside for their final recess, I sit at my desk and think over everything.

The past two months since I moved here have been amazing. I’ve settled into a routine. The principal wasn’t happy when I told her I’d need to take maternity leave in February, but I reassured her I would be back. My second job found out I was pregnant last Friday when I got nauseous from the smell of meat they were cooking in the kitchen. I assured them I wouldn’t be taking any time off.

I think about Ryker Murphy, and the worry creeps in that I might lose the new life I’ve started now that he sort of knows. He didn’t ask if the baby was his. The look that crossed his face wasn’t one of anger, but more of hurt.

Iwalk to the parking lot and spot Ryker leaning against my car, his long legs crossed at the ankles. Aviator sunglasses shield his eyes from the bright sunlight. As I get closer, he stands to his full height. He takes my large bag from my hand when I stop in front of him. I almost forgot how small and petite he makes me feel, but also safe. I never experienced that with Sayler. He had always made me feel unsettled and wary. It’s why I left the bar that night with Ryker. I trusted him already.

“How did you know this was my car?” I glance around the lot at the other staff’s vehicles.

“I have my ways.” He waits until I unlock the door then places my bag in the back seat. “Plus, I asked the principal. I’ve known her for years.”

“She shouldn’t give out personal information like that.”

“You’re right. Like I said, I have my ways.”

“Would those ways include your brother who works for the sheriff’s department?” Isla told me all about her family. I don’t have a family to talk about, but I did share a little about Sayler and his family, about my gram, and how I’d always felt like a pawn to my parents.

I watch as Ryker’s shoulders tense, and his expression hardens. “You did your research on my family before you sought me out? What do you know about us? And if you think that byaccidentallygetting pregnant you’ll get the vineyard, you’re mistaken. There will be a DNA test to confirm I’m the father.” His words are bitter and full of acid. I remember what Isla said, and I shake my head.

“I didn’t know your family until I moved here permanently,” I say, trying to keep my composure. “Your sister, Isla, is my friend. She told me about her two brothers—Ry, the firefighter, and Logan, the deputy sheriff. I’m not after the vineyard.” I don’t mention that I live on the vineyard. I don’t want him to think even worse of me. “This was not planned. I know the baby is yours because I’ve only had sex twice. Once with you, and once with my ex-husband. It was all my fault I got pregnant, and if you weren’t so upset, I’d explain everything. Obviously, this isn’t the time. I don’t need your money or anything else. I can take care of my baby on my own. I’ll have my attorney draw up a release of your parental rights. You won’t have to see us. I just want to continue living and working here, please. You won’t have to acknowledge us. If you want me to stop associating with your family, I will. I was looking for you, but I wasn’t sure where to start. Plus, I moved here and started working right away, so I’ve just been busy. I’m so, so sorry.” I force the words out in a rush, hoping to say it all before my heart completely shatters and the tears start to fall.

I figured he’d be upset, but to accuse me of trying to trick him so I can get the vineyard hurts. Tears clog my throat, and I push past Ryker, who just stands there, staring at me.

As I start my car, I look out the window at Ryker, still standing there, clearly processing everything I said. I barely make it out of the parking lot before the tears start to flow. By the time I reach my house, I’m sobbing uncontrollably. I’m thankful I made it home without causing an accident.

I turn off the car and press the button to close the garage door. All I want is to get inside and lie down. I’m exhausted from all the crying.

I stumble through the door into the mudroom off the garage and make my way to the second entrance of my bedroom. I fall onto the bed, curling into a fetal position. Wrapping my arms around my legs, I let the pain pour out through my tears and sobs.

I thought moving here would change everything. I thought I would have friends. I wanted to finally feel like I belonged somewhere in this world. I didn’t expect to get pregnant. I didn’t even plan it, but I wouldn’t change that night with Ryker. He made me feel things I’ve never felt before. Desired. Cared for. Even loved, I think.

All of that exploded in my face when he accused me of getting pregnant on purpose to tie myself to this vineyard. I had no idea he was a Murphy and owned it. I don’t need their money.

I don’t know how long I’ve been lying here, crying, but my head is starting to hurt. My eyes burn, and my chest aches. A pounding starts from the living room, followed by the doorbell ringing repeatedly. The sound is making my head throb more. I roll to the edge of the bed, get up, and stomp into the living room, ready to tell the jerk at the door to go away.

Through the glass of the door, I see Ryker standing there, watching me. I stare at him for moment, wondering how hefound me. What is he doing here? Just as that thought crosses my mind, my vision blurs and my head starts to spin. I reach for the doorknob, but my hand doesn’t grip it. I feel myself starting to fall, my eyes fluttering closed.

Chapter Six

RYKER

Ihate that I blamed Lyn for those things, but it’s been my family’s reality. Rowdy and Logan have both been targeted by women trying to get their claws on my family’s money and land. Logan’s ex even stooped so low as to get pregnant on purpose. All I could see in that moment was what he goes through every day as a single dad.

What makes me feel even worse are the things she begged me for. She doesn’t want my money. She just wants to remain friends with my family. But when she said she’d have her attorney draw up the paperwork for me to sign off my rights, that’s when my brain broke. I was completely shocked. I didn’t even realize she had left until I saw the glow of her taillights as she fled.

I called Isla to find out where Lynae lived, and was even more shocked to learn she rented one of the cottages on the vineyard. I rushed over here, desperate to talk to her.

I pound on the door and ring the bell, fueled by the need to make things right. Lyn moves across the room, stopping at the door. She reaches for the handle, but then she collapses, crumpling to the floor. Shit! I can’t open the door or break the glass without hurting her.

The side porch! It has French doors. I pull out my cell phone as I run toward the doors. They’re locked, so I jump the railing and race to the back of the house. I can get in through the side entrance in the garage.

---