"They’re escorting him home."
Willa couldn’t help but laugh. "And you’re sure you’re not worried?"
"Positive. Jared assured me they were just going to have a talk with him." Laurel gave her a speculative look. "You two must be close."
"Kinsley’s been my best friend since we were in diapers."
"No. Jared." A small smile touched Laurel’s lips. "He talked about you a lot."
"He did?" Laurel inclined her head slightly. "Although I don’t think he realized it. He’s proud of you, you know, although he seemed sad at the same time."
"I’m sorry, but you have to be mistaken. Jared and I didn’t…" Willa grimaced. She couldn’t call what they’d had a relationship. It hadn’t even lasted twenty-four hours. "We were briefly together. But it’s over."
"I don’t think so. At least not for him." Laurel took Willa’s hand and squeezed it. "And I don’t think it is for you either. Talk to him. Maybe you can work it out." Laurel’s frowning attention lifted beyond Willa. "I think I’m being summoned." Laurel gave her a broad smile. "It was so good talking to you. And don’t give up." She let Willa’s hand go with another squeeze before setting off toward where several reporters were being ushered outside.
She liked Laurel Fremont. But she didn’t envy her what was probably going to be a bunch of questions about what had gone on between Kinsley and Hart. But seeing the proud tilt to her head and the confident way she carried herself across the room, she had no doubt Laurel would handle it with grace.
But what about her thoughts on her and Jared. Did Jared have feelings for her? And if he did, what could’ve possibly happened between the time they’d made love in the field to when she’d been shunned at the rodeo?
"Well, there’s only one way to find out," she murmured.
She was just going to have to make him tell her. Now, the question was, when?