Page 99 of Riverbend Gap (Riverbend 1)

But he had and now his whole family had spurned her. Cooper had hardly spoken with Gavin since their argument at their parents’ house, but according to Avery his brother hadn’t spoken with Kate since the breakup. His mom and Jeff also seemed to be holding a grudge. Even Avery was still upset with her friend, though she claimed to be behaving at work.

But how bad must things be for Kate if she felt the need to hide?

Her head came up, her lashes lifting as she followed the line of his legs all the way up to his face. She shielded her eyes from the sun and rose slowly to her feet.

A pretty blush bloomed in her cheeks and she bit her lip. A wisp of hair blew across her face.

His fingers twitched with the need to tuck it back into place. When those blue eyes fixed on him, his heart flopped in his chest. “Hi, Kate.”

“I was—I was just...” Her gaze fell to the ground, and she squatted to pick up a napkin. “I dropped this.” She tossed the trash in the can.

“How’ve you been?” he asked.

“Fine. Great! I’m great. How are you?”

Pain unfurled in his chest at her forced enthusiasm. “I’ve been better.”

Her smile faltered. “It’s almost Election Day. How are the polls looking?”

His campaign had taken a hit from the rumors. “Not great, I’m afraid. But Avery scheduled me for the closing speech tomorrow since half the county’s here. I guess she’s hoping the last-ditch effort will be enough to save the campaign.”

Her eyes filled with something more real. Sorrow. “I’m so sorry, Cooper.”

“Come on, now. It’s not your fault.”

“Only it is—a little bit.”

He shook his head. “I don’t see it that way, Kate. Whatever’s meant to happen will happen.” Surprisingly, the sentiment rang true.

“Nobody deserves that position more than you.”

Warmth flushed through him. He still wanted her. He wanted to pull her close right now and claim her as his own. Only thoughts of Gavin anchored his arms at his sides.

“Thank you.” He’d have to satisfy himself with polite conversation. And in fact, he was hungry for the details of her life. “How are things progressing with your mother?”

Kate dug up a bright smile, glancing over her shoulder. “They’re fine! Really good.”

But if that were true, why had she ducked at the sight of his mom and Beth? He made a mental note to speak to his mom. Now that things had blown over a bit, there was no reason she couldn’t reach out to Kate. Likewise, Avery needed to let the woman off the hook. If anyone deserved a little grace, it was Kate.

“And work?” he asked. “How’s that going?”

His radio chirped and the dispatcher’s voice came through. “Disturbance near the Trailhead Bar and Grill at the corner of Main and Walnut. Requesting immediate assistance.”

“You’re busy.” Kate’s smile wobbled as she backed away. “I should let you get back to it.”

“Kate . . .” There were so many things he wanted to say. None of them wise. None of them appropriate.

“Have a good day, Cooper. Good luck on Tuesday.” She gave one more dazzling smile, then turned and made her way between two booths. And then she was gone.

Cooper responded to the dispatcher, then headed toward the disturbance on foot as he was only a couple blocks away. While he walked he couldn’t seem to get Kate out of his head. She was a poor liar. That overly bright smile wouldn’t fool anyone, least of all him.

The crowded streets took a while to navigate, but soon he reached the corner, and it didn’t take him long to see the problem. A fight had broken out right outside the restaurant. Cooper wove through the crowd that had gathered and when he broke through, his steps faltered at the familiar face.

His father had gained weight, adding to his stocky build. He now wore his gray hair in a crew cut, giving his face an intimidating bulldog look. His brown eyes, though, were like an older reflection of Cooper’s.

His heart jackknifed in his chest. What was he doing back in town?

His father swung sloppily at another man, who easily dodged the fist. “I want my money!” his dad slurred, grabbing the man’s shirt. “You owe me.”