Page 28 of Hero Unbound

Becky looked back and forth between Eva and Theo. “Uh, no, although that’s true. I mean what in the world is happening between you and Theo?”

“He’s petting my dogs. That’s a big deal, considering how skittish they are.” She hoped that would alter Becky’s line of thought.

It didn’t. “Uh, no again, although also true. He’s petting your dogs, but he was giving you thesuper smoldering gaze.”

Eva turned back around so she was facing the horses. “No, he wasn’t.”

Becky snorted. “I am well aware of what asmoldering gazelooks like, and honey, that was it. What’s going on between you two?”

Eva shrugged. “Nothing. We work together. He’s a nice guy.”

“Theo is a nice guy. Honest and responsible to a fault. But how he was looking at you a second ago—and the way you were looking back at him—that is definitely more than awork togetherlook. Spill, Eva Dempsey. Right this second.”

“We kissed the other night.”

Becky let out a shriek before slapping a hand over her own mouth. “What?”

Eva rolled her eyes. “It wasn’t a big deal. We fell asleep on his couch, then when we woke, there was a little kiss. Not a big deal.”

She hoped lightning wouldn’t strike her for her lies.

Becky knocked into Eva with her hip. “Well, I wholeheartedly approve. Theo keeps to himself so damned much. He’s always been a loner, despite the fact that most of the women in town would fall all over themselves to get together with him if he gave them the slightest encouragement. You two would be amazing together.”

“Yeah, well, I don’t really think that’s how it is. There definitely hasn’t been anything that’s happened since. I don’t really think he’s interested.”

Which was fine. Eva rubbed her eyes. She was still tired and hungry. Worrying about romance was low on her priority list.

“I’ve known Theo all my life, and that look he just gave you said he’s interested.”

“I think he’s more interested in helping my pups overcome their trauma.”

Becky raised an eyebrow. “I think he’s smart enough to realize that one of the best ways to get Mama’s attention is to be sweet to her dogs. Not that Theo would ever be anything but kind to animals.”

Eva turned back to look at them again. Sugar and Spice were actually playing with Theo, tails wagging. “I still don’t think it means anything, but I appreciate him showing them attention, regardless.”

“You want to tell me what happened to them?” Becky flipped around so she was leaning on the fence facing the barn. “What happened toyou?”

Part of her really wanted to tell Becky the whole story. But the bigger part of her knew it wasn’t that simple and would mean everything—including this temporary job Eva liked so much—would have to change.

The whole story was muddled and ugly and resulted in Eva looking just as much like the bad guy as Gareth.

She shrugged. “Nothing to tell. The dogs have both always been nervous. And I’m just trying to make a new start.”

Becky studied her for a long minute, and Eva had to resist the urge once again to spill her guts. It wouldn’t be worth it.

“How about I make you a deal,” Becky finally said. “I won’t push for more answers, even though I don’t believe you for a second, if you agree to come to girls’ night out at the Eagle’s Nest tonight.”

Eva let out a soft laugh. “I can’t. I’m trying to save up as much money as possible.” And going out wouldn’t make any sense when she could save the money for meals and necessities next week.

“It’s free for ladies—food and drink. So that excuse isn’t going to fly. And before you say you don’t have anything to wear, I have plenty of outfits that can fit you. You come over to my house. Pre-game with me and my friends, and we’ll help you get dolled up.”

Becky was right. Eva’s next excuse would’ve been not having something to wear. “I’m just not sure—”

Becky walked around to stand in front of Eva and gripped her upper arms. “The dogs can stay at my house, no problem. You deserve to have a night of fun. Whatever makes you think you shouldn’t? Tell that voice to go to hell. You deserve a chance to let loose.”

Eva wasn’t sure that was true, but she still nodded. It beat sitting inside a musty shed once it got dark. Maybe she could even crash at Becky’s house tonight without rousing suspicions.

“Okay, I’ll go.”

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