Page 23 of Riverbend Gap (Riverbend 1)

Her gaze sharpened on him. “Jesse?”

Oh man. Cooper gave a slow blink, cursing his own stupidity. “He hasn’t told you.”

“Told me what?” Her words sounded cautious.

He’d already stepped in it, but he shook his head. “It’s not my place to say. He’ll tell you when he’s ready.”

“Come on, Cooper. You can’t mention another woman’s name in relation to his divorce and not tell me. Did he cheat on his wife? Because I really don’t want to get involved with a cheater.”

“Gavin’s not a cheater. And Jesse’s not a woman—it’s his son.Washis son.”

Her lips parted. “Oh, my gosh.”

“That’s all I’m going to say. I’ve already said too much. He doesn’t talk about Jesse, and he doesn’t like us talking about him either.” Gavin kept all that guilt he carried over his son’s death locked up like Fort Knox. It couldn’t be healthy.

“No, I understand. Thank you for telling me that much. I won’t say anything to Gavin. You’re right. He can tell me when he’s ready.”

Cooper should’ve kept his big mouth shut. That normally wasn’t a problem for him. Time to lighten the conversation. “How’s your head feeling? I see the bandage is gone.”

She touched her forehead. “Oh, it’s fine. And I got my car back. It’s running great, and they were very reasonable. Thanks for suggesting them.”

“No problem.”

Headlights appeared down the drive, heading their way. A truck. Moments later Gavin pulled into the space beside them.

Time to go. Cooper pulled the sticks from the fire, leaned them against the cooler, and stood.

“Everything all right?” he asked as Gavin approached.

“Yeah, all taken care of. Nice people.” He held out his arms, giving Kate an apologetic look. “I’m afraid I need a quick shower though. Sorry.”

She smiled. “No worries. I’m fine.”

Cooper watched Gavin disappear into the camper, his stomach deflating. And once again he sank into the chair.

10

Cooper seemed a little twitchy tonight. Maybe it had something to do with the current that ran between them. They definitely had chemistry. Katie had been aware of it from the beginning.

But let’s face it, Cooper probably had chemistry with a mailbox. She obviously wasn’t the only woman to feel it. Those eyes and that uniform...

“Are you in a hurry to get somewhere?” she asked.

“Just the paperwork I mentioned before.”

“Don’t feel as if you have to stay. I can go inside the camper if you’re worried about me.”

He eyed the tin can where Gavin was getting ready to step into the shower. “That’s all right. I don’t mind.”

Silence settled in. The walls of the camper were so thin she could hear the shower kick on. She hoped Gavin wouldn’t be long. She really did like him. He treated her like gold, and he had a lovely family. Everything was great between them so far.

Except she seemed to be a wee bit attracted to his brother. She winced. This wasn’t like her at all. She kept telling herself it was just the connection of their shared experience on the cliff. But she was starting to wonder if it was something more.

Cooper broke the silence. “How do you like living in Riverbend so far?”

“I like it a lot. I’m not used to living in such a small town though. Recognizing people I know everywhere I go. After living here all your life it must feel like you have a giant extended family.”

“Complete with drama, disagreements, and general meddling. Not to mention the grapevine.”