Page 28 of Cowboy Heat

I should’ve seen it before, but with Kissy near, I guess I forgot.

Which should mean something, but I’m focusing on the fact that I’ve forgotten to hide my scar.

To hide my hesitation.

And not doing either has brought me here faster.

I know small towns, and I knew eventually someone would ask me about my past. Whether it was Orlando or whether it was the Girl Beneath the Floor.

Still, I’m not a fan.

Still, I answer. “I was in law enforcement. A detective with the police department.”

June starts. Kissy doesn’t react like I expected.

She already knew.

“Holy crackers, you just got a lot more interesting,” June says, words running faster. “A city man, former detective coming to Robin’s Tree,andliving on the Bayou Cowboy ranch? Bless. It sounds like a spicier version of a Hallmark movie.”

Mel brings our drinks up to the table, and I’m glad for the quick break.

Over the top of my beer, I see Kissy watching me.

“So you left the detective life for the country,” June continues. “That has to be a bucket-of-water-to-your-face kind of change.”

“I’ve dealt with a lot of change in my life. This isn’t so bad.”

It’s the truth, and Kissy nods to it. She’s smiling now. It’s a whisper on her lips. I don’t know if she even realizes it.

June takes my answer and lets the conversation go somewhere else. “Well, I can tell you right now that I wouldn’t mind some change in Robin’s Tree. New blood, new business, some of our more problematic people out the door. Then Kissy here might not be on an express train to anywhere else.”

“You’re leaving Robin’s Tree?” I ask her without hesitation.

She cuts a look at June.

A tension between them that wasn’t there before quiets both women for a beat.

Then Kissy’s gaze returns to me. “I’m planning on itone day,” she answers. “Right now, I’m just trying to get all of my ducks in a row.Includinggetting June better manners and conversational etiquette.”

June mocks offense with a hand to her chest. The tension between them is gone. “What can I say? I’m a creature of questions. It’s probably why I’m such an amazing teacher. I know all the good things to ask.”

Kissy rolls her eyes, but then we’re on new ground. The conversation turns to June and her classes at the community college, and we stay there for a while. It’s comfortable, in a way. I don’t talk much, but I have something good to listen to. My mind starts to wander after a bit, though.

And that’s always the trouble with it.

The wandering.

I see Kissy looking at me, but the Girl is here.

Somewhere.

I can feel her.

I can hear her.

Crying.

Worried I won’t be back again.