“For a little while. But not for long. I’ll need to be getting back to the ranch.”
“Come here.” She pulled him down to her, stretching onto her side so they could lie in each other’s arms. Will checked the urge to thank her and to tell her how much he loved her. This was no time for words, or for making promises he might not be able to keep. For now, all he could do was hold her close and be grateful. Whatever tomorrow might bring, at least this night would be his to remember.
* * *
Too restless to sleep, Drew Middleton drove slowly up Main Street and turned the corner toward Tori’s house. He’d planned on staying clear of Will Tyler’s trial, leaving Tori to do her job. But then, out of the blue, the county prosecutor had called him as a witness. Drew had tried to excuse himself, arguing that the only thing he’d witnessed was Tori’s end of the conversation with Will. But Clay Drummond had insisted that was enough. Drew would bet a week’s salary that Stella Rawlins had had a hand in this. He should never have opened up to the woman.
Tori had asked him not to phone her until the trial was over. Even after Clay Drummond’s call, Drew had tried to keep his distance. But tonight he couldn’t stop thinking about her. Was she all right? Should he let her know that he’d be testifying for the prosecution?
At least it wouldn’t hurt to drive past her house and see if she was awake. It was late, but she might still be up prepping for the trial. If the lights were on, he could phone her. She might even invite him in.
As he neared her house, he could see that the place was dark. Then he noticed something else—Will Tyler’s pickup, parked in the driveway.
Drew’s hands tightened on the steering wheel as he resisted the urge to stop and do something he might regret. It was after midnight. If Will was here at this hour, it could only mean one thing. Marching up to the door and confronting him, or Tori, would only be an exercise in humiliation.
Tires spat gravel as Drew gunned the engine and roared away. What a fool he’d been, letting Tori string him along while, all this time, she’d still been in love with her ex-husband.
He remembered their dates, their kisses, and the way she’d always seemed to be holding something back. Had she cared for him at all, or was she just hedging her bets in case Will went to prison?
Either way, he was through playing along with Tori’s games—and after tomorrow’s trial she would know it.
* * *
Will eased himself out of Tori’s bed and stood looking down at her. She lay in a pool of moonlight, the rumpled sheet framing one perfect breast. Her eyes were closed in sleep, the lips he had kissed softly parted. He checked the impulse to lean down and kiss her one last time. She needed her rest, and it was time he was leaving. When she woke and found him gone, Tori would understand.
The luminous digits on her bedside clock said 3:35. Time to go. If he left now, he’d make it back to the ranch before the cowhands started their day. He would help with the chores and finish in time to grab a bite of breakfast, shower, shave, put on a suit, and catch a ride into town with Beau. No need for him to drive his own truck—especially since, if things went badly, he might not be coming home again.
Following the trail of his boots and clothes, he dressed in the dark hallway, put on his coat, and went outside into the frigid dawn.
The town lay deep in slumber as he drove down Main Street to the highway. Even the cheap neon sign above the Blue Coyote had been turned off. Since Stella would be at the trial, the place would probably be closed for the coming day.
The ranch house was dark as Will pulled up to the porch, shut down the engine, and switched off the headlights. The bunkhouse, too, was quiet, with no sign of anyone stirring. Good. The boys would snicker if they caught their boss sneaking back from a hot night in town. Going to bed was out of the question. Even if it wasn’t too late, he wouldn’t be able to sleep. But at least he could make a