Page 13 of Rip Ryder's Second Chance

“Why?” The soft pastel color of her eyes burrowed under his skin.

“I wasn’t sure I should come here. I’ll be staying in town, at a hotel for the night. The Rock Station I think is the name. Room 221. After you read the letter maybe things will make more sense, and then we should talk. I know this all comes as a shock.”

She nodded but he wondered if she’d heard anything he’d said. She seemed still stuck on Tuck’s death.

Chapter 5

Locking her gaze with Rip’s, Noelle fought to pull air into her lungs. She felt like she’d had a boulder dropped onto her chest from a hundred feet up. First with seeing him and then with the news of Tuck’s death. Since she left Second Chance on bad terms she’d never expected to see Rip again. Now here he was, standing before her, concern etching lines around his thoughtful gaze.

She cleared her throat and said, “I have no desire to go back to Second Chance. Tuck knew that.”

Rip shifted on his dusty boots. “Like I said, read the letter then we should talk,” he seemed a little agitated.

“A letter from Tuck won’t change my mind.”

With a shrug of those broad shoulders, he sighed. “That’s entirely up to you,” his voice reeked sarcasm.

“I don’t understand why you came.” She didn’t want to be nasty or mean, but she needed to protect herself. Seeing him was a reminder of what she’d left behind. She’d loved him. Deeply. Completely. Yet, for her to have stayed she would have had to tell him the truth about the night they graduated. Told him about the drug that was found in her system. She’d lost trust in everyone and it had taken years to overcome that. Now she used the pain of her past to help others.

“I don’t either.” His eyes turned a shade darker.

Their civility slipped some.

She folded the envelope, slid it into her back pocket and dipped her gaze to the ground for a split second to gain her bearings. Seeing him brought back all the pain, the memories, the sadness, and that awful night that had changed her life forever. She couldn’t go back. No matter what.

“I’ve left Second Chance behind. I have a new life.” She thought maybe saying the words aloud would not only convince him but maybe she’d manage to convince herself too.

His lips thinned. “I’m happy for you.” But nothing in his dry statement signified happiness or joy. In fact, he appeared angry. His jaw clicked. “You want to talk; you know where to find me.”

“Thanks for bringing the letter, but I won’t be needing to talk to you,” she said firmly.

He touched the brim of his hat, turned and strolled down the driveway toward his truck parked on the street. She wanted to stay and watch until he disappeared, but she forced her feet to work. She was on the porch, darted a look over her shoulder as he pulled away. She hurried inside, feeling drunk on emotions.

Sammie was standing in the living room with Ollie on her hip.

“Come here, buddy.” Noelle held out her arms and the toddler practically lunged for her. “Thanks for watching him.”

“That’s it? Thanks, and nothing else?”

Noelle placed Ollie in the center of his toys on the floor. “Yep.” She had no desire to talk to her sister or anyone about Rip or Second Chance.

“Well, Rip certainly is handsome,” Sammie said in a sing-song voice.

“Really? I didn’t notice.” Noelle started picking up toys and placing them in the bin.

Sammie’s laugh told Noelle her lie wasn’t believed. “Fine. I won’t pry. By the way, here’s what’s left.”

Noelle accepted the strips of damp paper. “What’s this?”

“Looks like the remnants of your overdue electric bill. I saved it from turning into Ollie’s snack.”

Noelle’s stomach dropped. She’d wanted to keep the truth of her dire financial situation a secret a while longer, hoping she’d find some kind of solution. How much more could she handle today?

“Why didn’t you tell me things were this bad?”

“You’re busy with planning your wedding. And if I told you, it wouldn’t change anything. I have told you how expensive the custody battle was.”

“I can help you. How much do you need?”

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