Stiffening, she brought up her hands and gave Mack a gentle shove. “I think you should go.”
“What? Why?”
She couldn’t bear to meet his eyes. She knew if she did, she’d lose her resolve. She had to figure out what to do next. She needed to decide if her relationship with Mack was worth the turmoil she’d brought into her family and her relationship with her sister.
A lump formed in her throat, preventing her from saying anything that might make sense in this situation. She couldn’t tell him the truth. He’d only argue with her and tell her they’d figure things out.
Hating how much she actually wanted that outcome, she squeezed her eyes shut. “I just need some time to think. I need to figure out what to say to her when I see her again.”
“Lacey—”
She could hear the argument in his voice—the sheer determination that he wasn’t going to leave her alone like this. Lacey should have felt loved by how much he cared about her,but all she could think about was how she’d hurt her sister—how she’d ruined everything.
“No,” she said firmly. “You’re not going to stay.” Her eyes lifted to meet his, pleading with him to just accept what she was asking of him. “This isn’t the end. I’m not breaking up with you,” she whispered. “I just… need some time.”
The pain etched in his expression only made her feel worse. Thankfully, he didn’t fight her further. He gave her a curt nod then dropped down and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I’m here if you need me.”
“Mack? Can you read me a bedtime story?”
They both jumped and glanced toward the bedroom door. Mack didn’t even look down at Lacey to check with her before he murmured. “Not tonight, kid. I’ve got a lot of stuff to do in the morning, and I need to get going.”
Bridger frowned, his focus shifting to Lacey as if he knew she was behind this decision, but he didn’t say anything.
Mack tossed her one more concerned look, then he strode for the door.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Mack pulledout his phone and checked it for notifications again. He shouldn’t have been surprised that Lacey hadn’t messaged him. There had just been a part of him that thought she would reach out and ask him for help.
Apparently, he wasn’t the person she needed. She might even blame him for the now broken relationship with Angela.
It made sense. Lacey had insisted that they shouldn’t get close. She’d said Angela wouldn’t understand. And she’d been right. But out of all the reactions Angela could have had, the argument hadn’t been what he’d expected.
He could still see the way Angela had looked at him when she’d left. Hatred. Betrayal. Pain.
How was he supposed to tell her that he couldn’t help who he had feelings for? That would likely feel like a slap to the face.
Mack wiped his forehead with the back of his hand as he returned the phone to his pocket. Dwelling on the issues Lacey was having with her sister wouldn’t help him right now. He had work to do—even if it felt like all he was doing was busy work.
He glanced over to where his cousin, Bo, was speaking to some of the other ranch hands. They were getting ready to move one of the larger herds bright and early tomorrow morning. Mack wasn’t invited. Instead, he was assigned to help Caleb with anything he might need regarding his feeding schedule.
That was fine. Mack wasn’t interested in camping out for two to three days out in the middle of nowhere. He’d rather stay close so he could be available if Lacey needed him.
“Mack!” someone called, and he glanced up again, toward the group of men. Bo jerked his head in the direction of the barn, and when Mack turned, he saw her.
Lacey was coming right for him, Bridger’s hand in his. She looked miserable, even from this distance. There was a change in the way she held herself. Her shoulders seemed to sag a little more, and her movements were slower. She looked like she might start to cry at any second.
He dropped the shovel he’d grabbed and ran toward her, not caring if anyone noticed his reaction to her. As far as he knew, no one was aware of their relationship—not even at Sagebrush. Maybe Caleb had figured it out—Sammie, too. But other than that, Mack had worked hard to make it appear they were only friends when they were out in public.
Fully intending on sweeping Lacey into his arms and giving her a tight hug, Mack had to force himself to stop just short of doing that when he really got a good look at her.
Lacey’s eyes were red and puffy, unable to be covered up by makeup. Bridger looked worried, but when he met Mack’s eyes, his expression brightened somewhat. He released his mother’s hand and flung himself at Mack with enthusiasm.
Mack’s hands came down on the kid’s shoulders, and his attention swept over Lacey once more. “What’s going on?”
Lacey glanced behind Mack to the others who were still standing where they were, then she took a step toward Mack, her voice lowering. “I need your help.”
Delicious relief pooled in his stomach. She wasn’t shutting him out. Sure, she’d said as much when she’d told him to leave. But he couldn’t bring himself to trust she was telling him the truth. That was why he didn’t hesitate when he murmured, “Anything.”
