Page 33

“Last I saw he was staring at the ground near the side of the barn.”The moment Doug finished speaking, the big shepherd bounded into the aisle. “I guess he heard you,” Doug added with a grin.

“Can you keep your eye on him? I don’t like him runnin’ around at night. He might decide to follow a scent up Smoky Hill.”

“Hey, I hear ya. Sure, no problem. Stay with me, Butch.”

The dog barked as if understanding.

“Thanks, Doug. I’ll see you later.”

As he walked out to his truck and climbed behind the wheel he felt a few drops of rain. He wasn’t surprised. Fall was merging into winter, and when he turned onto the road the light sprinkle soon became a shower. But he was focused on what he’d do when he reached the restaurant. He didn’t want to cause a scene,but if the stranger was there, it would be difficult not to confront him.

It was a quick trip, but during the short drive the rain had become heavy. Entering the parking area and seeing Heather’s truck, he parked next to it and grabbed the jacket he kept in the back seat. Holding it over his head, he ran to the door, burst into the foyer and hung it on a hook.

“Okay,” he muttered, taking a breath and running his hands over his hair, “if he’s there just stay calm.”

* * *

Heather was coming out of the kitchen with appetizers for another table when she saw Blake walk in. Shocked to see him, she stopped short and almost dropped the plates. As he grinned across at her and moved to the bar, she smiled back, served her guests, then hurried to join him.

“What are you doing here?” she asked as she approached. “Is everything okay at the ranch?”

“Nice to see you too,” he quipped with a wink. “And yes, everything’s fine. I was just a bit worried. Whether you’re comin’ to my place or yours I don’t want you drivin’ back by yourself. Is he here?”

“Yes he is, and Blake, that’s so…I’m not sure what the word is…but thank you.”

Looking past her at the diners, he spied a sharply dressed man sitting alone by a window.

“I assume that’s him. Don’t worry, I won’t go over there and punch him in the nose, though I’d like to.”

“I’m sure you would. I have to get back to work, but I’m really glad you’re here. Would you like anything to eat?”

“Sure, surprise me.”

“Okay.”

Feeling comforted by his presence Heather headed back to check on her guests, but when she turned to glance across at Joe Meyer, he darted his eyes back to the window.

He’d been staring at her.

She was about to hurry back into the kitchen, but changed her mind. Striding through the dining room, she stopped at his table.

“Yes?” she asked. “What is it you need?”

“I don’t need anything. Why?”

“I thought you were trying to get my attention.”

“Uh, no.”

“Ah, my mistake. Your dinner should be ready shortly.”

As she walked away a grin curled her lips.

He’d turned pink.

“It’ll be a cold day in hell before I let you intimidate me, asshole,” she mumbled under her breath.

* * *