Page 61 of The Darkest Knight

CHAPTER NINETEEN

“Seth called me today.”

Reese controlled her breathing at the mention of his name as she looked across the vegetable garden at Isla who was kneeling between rows of cucumbers. “So?” Reese had left Landing Knight a week ago, and although Seth had attempted to see her, she’d thwarted his every attempt. He’d made himself clear enough with whomever he was speaking to on the phone. Each time she thought about that conversation, his hurtful words, she wanted to drop to her knees and cry. But hell no…

“So, I’m only saying he asked about you.”

She shrugged. “Did you tell him what I told you to tell him the next time he asked?” Reese worked her bottom lip.

One corner of Isla’s mouth lifted in humor. “No, I didn’t tell him where to shove his gun.”

“You should have. Please tell me you didn’t cave and tell him why I’m hurt.”

“No, I wouldn’t betray your trust.” Isla stood up, taking the basket to the row of carrots.

Blowing out a long breath, Reese nodded. “It’s best to allow things to blow over.”

“What about Step for Light? Have you thought about it?”

“Of course, but it seems Seth has everything under control.”

“Pfft.” Isla shook her head. “I’ve never seen him so, well, lost since you came here. Maybe you should speak to him.”

“Isla, I’m very grateful that you and Ledge have allowed me to stay here, but if I’m intruding—”

“No, you know you’re welcome here for as long as you like. I love having you here, but I don’t like seeing two important people hurting.”

“Do you think I don’t have the right to be upset?” Reese pulled a zucchini from the vine and placed it with the other vegetables in the basket.

“I think you’d have every reason to be hurt and angry if what you heard was accurate.”

“It was clear, Isla. I heard his cruel words and my heart was broken. I can’t hate him though. I did steamroll my way into his life. I just wish he could have told me how he felt—or rather, how he didn’t feel.”

“But think about it. I saw how Seth looked at you, how you two connected. I know him, and he isn’t a man who plays games. If he didn’t want you at Landing Knight, if he wasn’t feeling things between you, he wouldn’t have led you on. There must be an explanation.”

“What explanation could there be? Who else could he have been talking about? It was me who socked him in the nose.” She winced at the thought.

Isla laughed. “Honey, you didn’t hit him on purpose. It was an accident. Sure, I know you feel horrible over the act, but we’ve all done things, said things, during times when we’re not in control. I know because I’ve been there.” She shrugged as if to push away the pain of the past and stood. “I’m going to head to town. Can I get you anything?”

“No, I’ll finish up here and start on dinner. I can never say thank you enough for teaching me some tricks in the kitchen. I’ll never be at your level in cooking, but I feel a little more capable of preparing a meal.”

“Sweetie, you’ll get the hang of it. I’ll see you later, okay?”

After she was alone with Abby who watched a butterfly flitting around her head, Reese finished gathering the rest of the vegetables she’d need for dinner and stood up.

“Reese?”

At first, she thought she was hearing things, but when she turned and spotted Seth standing twenty feet away, her knees weakened. His hair was messy, he had a beard, and his shirt was rumpled. He looked like hell. She felt a sliver of guilt, but quickly wiped it away. “Seth, Ledge and Isla aren’t here.”

“I’m not here to see them. I’m here to speak to you.” He took a step forward.

“No, stop right there.” She grabbed the basket and took off for the path that would take her to the house. He caught up to her easily and she refused to look at him as she kept her attention on the path.

“I deserve a chance to understand, Reese.”

She chuckled. “That’s interesting. Just go.”

His thick, callused fingers touched her elbow, and the touch conjured images of the two of them wrapped in each other’s arms, making love.

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