Page 82 of Talulah's Back in Town

“You told them about Brant?”

“Was I supposed to keep it a secret? I was shocked and hurt, Lu. I thought it was over between us.”

But did their employees also know that she didn’t owe him her fidelity? That he was expecting more than she’d ever promised? Talulah doubted he’d shared that part, because it would make him so much less sympathetic.

She could’ve called him out, but it was possible he’d taken the night they’d been together to mean more than it did—although she remembered at least two conversations afterward in which she’d said she still wasn’t sure and wanted to take things slow before making any sort of commitment.

She couldn’t help being annoyed, even angry, but she decided to let it go. “How long do you plan on staying here in Coyote Canyon?”

He stiffened. She hadn’t chosen the best time to ask that question, but she’d been wondering since he arrived. “Why? Are you in a hurry to get rid of me?” he asked.

“Not at all,” she replied, trying to sound as convincing as possible. “It’s just...someone should be at the diner. Weekends are our busiest days.”

“You’re underestimating our employees.”

She’d picked up her water glass, but at this, she put it back down. “I am? Because I thought you agreed with me. When I said I had to come to Coyote Canyon to take care of my great aunt’s funeral and belongings, I suggested you join me for a few days—at least for the funeral so I wouldn’t have to face everyone from my past alone—and you said the funeral would only last a couple of hours and it wouldn’t be worth having you come out for that. We agreed it would be smarter for you to be there while I’m gone, and I’d be there while you’re gone.”

“The diner’sfine, Talulah.”

He sounded exasperated that she kept pushing the issue, but he hadn’t addressed her argument. What she was trying to make him see was that he hadn’t been willing to come to Coyote Canyon because of whatshe’dbeen worried about, but he’d certainly been willing to come for somethinghewas worried about.

Once again, Talulah told herself it wasn’t a huge deal, she was being sensitive, but it bugged her, especially when she thought of Brant showing up at Phoebe’s funeral and sitting right in the front row, just to give her some support—all the while knowing it would risk several of his relationships here in town.

“Can I ask you a question?” Paul said.

She knew by his tone of voice that it would require patience, but she made the attempt to be courteous. “Sure.”

“What attracted you to that hayseed in the first place?”

Talulah felt her nails curve into her palms. Everything Paul did and said seemed to get on her nerves today. Was it him? Or was it her? “I thought you said we wouldn’t talk about Brant again.”

“That was before I found him on your porch last night, and then you acted so weird after.”

“I didn’t act weird,” she said. “I was tired and went to bed.”

“I’m just curious. He has a powerful build. I’ll give him that. But I’d never expect you to be attracted to someone like him.”

“Someone like him?” she echoed. “He might live a different lifestyle than we do, but he’s quite successful at what he does.”

Paul didn’t seem impressed. “Maybe he is. But admit it—you’d be bored living out here. You two have nothing in common. What would you even talk about?”

So far, the conversation between her and Brant had been easy, natural and as enjoyable as everything else they’d shared. She wanted to tell Paul that, but she knew it wouldn’t help. “Let’s drop it, okay? But Iwilltell you this. If we happen to run into him again, I wouldn’t try to start another fight.”

Talulah heard her name and stood up to get their food, but Paul caught her by the wrist. “Why? You don’t think I can take him?”

“Ranching is hard work—much more physical than anything we do. And he’s been competing with his three equally rugged brothers for most of his life.”

“Which means...”

“He’s used to wrestling and pitting his strength against other men.”

“I’m not scared of him,” Paul scoffed.

But Talulah knew he’d be a fool to start trouble with Brant. Hopefully, he’d listen to her.

Eighteen

There was still part of one carrot cake in Brant’s refrigerator. His brothers had devoured everything else he’d brought home from the funeral, and they’d eat this, too, if he didn’t get to it first. But allowing himself to enjoy it somehow made him feel as though he’d be capitulating—accepting that he was beginning to care way too much for Talulah.

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