Page 79 of Back in the Saddle

The siblings started quickly talking between themselves, momentarily forgetting about Caroline and Mitch.

Taking this as his cue, Mitch turned to Caroline. ‘These two are always at it. I guess that’s how sibling dynamics work,’ he finally said, breaking the gaze and taking a long sip from his pint glass.

‘I guess it is. I have two sisters myself, and no matter how old we get, bickering always seems to be our default mode,’ Caroline replied.

‘I’m the only child, so I don’t have any experience myself, but I always find it amusing to watch.’ Mitch shrugged. ‘Are you hungry? There’s an excellent taco truck outside through the beer garden. We’d be back before the start of karaoke.’

She raised her eyebrow in suspicion at the sudden change of topic.

Mitch picked up on it and let out a laughter that sounded genuine. ‘Don’t worry, I won’t kidnap and kill you. I just thought we could chat. And I’m starving.’

Caroline locked eyes with Hunter, who seemed to catch the end of it with one ear.

‘The tacos are good. Would you bring us some too? Don’t want to leave the table as it seems we won’t get seats when we get back.’

‘Oh, yes, please!’ Megan cut in. ‘Plain chicken ones for me.’

‘Sure thing.’ Mitch got up and waited for Caroline to follow him. ‘We’ll be back soon.’

The fresh air was just what Caroline needed. It wasn’t that much quieter outside as there were several groups of smokers chatting, but the music was barely audible, and the sound carried differently.

She could feel Mitch’s eyes boring into her again. Pushing her hands into her dress pockets, she moved in the directionof a lime-coloured truck, which gave off a delicious smell that spread across the beer garden.

As soon as they joined the queue, Mitch cleared his throat. ‘He’s a good man, you know,’ he said. ‘He doesn’t deserve to have his heart broken again.’

Caroline bristled. ‘I know he is. And who said I’m going to break his heart?’

‘Well, it’s a given, isn’t it? You’re going back to the UK in what, July, is it? It might just be a fun fling for you with a hot cowboy, but I know Hunter. Trust me, this is anything but casual for him.’

She looked up. The queue moved but she didn’t flinch to move with it. Instead, she walked off towards a swing bench under the string of fairy lights.

Mitch followed her without a word and leaned on the wooden pole, crossing his arms over his chest.

She bit her lip, trying to think of the most coherent way to convey her thoughts.

Mitch, however, didn’t seem to feel very comfortable in the hanging silence. He took a deep breath and continued, ‘Look, you seem nice enough. Hell, you must be more than nice if he likes you this much. You’re clearly beautiful and accomplished. I don’t have anything against you as a person. But he’s my best friend and life’s already been too hard on him.’

Hunter had told her that he hadn’t told anyone she was still legally married. She wasn’t sure if it was for his benefit or hers, but it probably wasn’t the proudest moment to announce to your family and friends that you were seeing a married woman. Technically divorced, but not really. The unsigned divorce papers felt like a mark against her, even if it was only visible to her.

‘He’s an adult. And I’ve never lied to him or made him any promises,’ she said.

‘I know you haven’t. That’s not the point. It’s one thing if you both want to lie to yourselves. Maybe it’s true for you, I don’t know. He sure says that it’s all casual and just good fun. As I said, I know him. The way he looks at you … I just want you to know because he won’t tell you this. But he cares a hell of a lot.’

‘He strikes me as a heartbreaker type who doesn’t get too attached. I’m sure in a year, he won’t even remember me.’

As soon as the words left her mouth, Caroline knew she didn’t believe them one bit. True, this was the initial impression she’d got when they first met. But now? Now she knew there was so much more to Hunter.

Mitch smirked and shook his head, running a hand through his hair. He sat down on the opposite end of the swing and looked wistfully in the distance. ‘He didn’t tell you that he was engaged, did he?’

She looked at him blankly and he nodded, as if this is what he’d expected. ‘I thought not. But … Although no. Not my place to tell.’ Mitch shut his mouth, pushing his hands deeper in his pockets.

Her head was spinning. A wave of nausea washed over her. She had asked him about his romantic past, last weekend by the fire. Before the night that had turned her world upside down.

No, only fleeting romances.

Why did he lie to her?

She looked at Mitch with a new appreciation. He was just trying to be a good friend and look out for Hunter. She’d do the same for Erin in a heartbeat. Especially given the situation.

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