“I don’t want to be a damn hero.”
“I’m not sure you have a choice in the matter.”
She was right. What choice did he have? He couldn’t stay and she shouldn’t go.
“I guess I’ll have the peace that comes with knowing I’ve done the right thing.” The words he uttered burned his throat, leaving it raw with concealed emotion. Shutting his eyes in pain, Reno couldn’t even bring himself to look at Journey. His love for her was ultimate, yet the burden of his responsibilities lay heavy on his soul.
“I wish she’d come on.”
Kicking at a small stone, he felt desolate. “What’s she doing over there?” He wanted to leave too. He needed time to think.
“Probably picking his brain. They may be arguing about the meaning of life. Who knows?”
When they finally saw her bid the old man adieu, Reno quickly climbed into the car and started the engine. Journey waited with her door ajar. “What was that all about, Lou?”
“I just had some more questions. If there’s anything we should be doing on our end to get ready, I needed to know.”
They’d both settled into their seats before Journey asked, “What did Kota suggest we do to get ready?”
“He told me to find out the exact moment when the moon will be the fullest. He also gave me a list of gemstones to buy at Nature’s Treasures shop on I-35 in Austin.”
Reno reached up to adjust his rearview mirror. “There’s some things I need to take back with me, Lou.” He proceeded to let her in on the information they’d received from the lawyer. “It’s imperative I have copies of those files to give to Cole’s attorney.”
“That shouldn’t be a problem, Reno. The calling card from the lawyer, it came through in your saddlebag just fine,” Journey reminded him.
“Maybe we should sew them into your clothes to make sure,” Lou suggested as they pulled into the drive. “Look, your aunt’s home and she’s got a visitor.”
They could see Myra sitting on the patio with her dogs and a man standing next to her. “Who is that?” Reno asked.
As they drew near enough to make out details, Journey gasped. “What is he doing here?”
Lou couldn’t help but giggle. “The plot thickens, Jo.”
“I don’t know what’s he thinking – coming here, like this – but I’m damn sure going to find out.” This is all she needed. A very unexpected and unwelcome guest.
“Who is he?” Since no one had answered him, Reno repeated his question with a little more volume.
“That’s Journey’s boyfriend.”
“Lou!” She turned to Reno. “He’s not my boyfriend. We just dated a few times. He stood me up the weekend before I came to housesit for Myra. You have nothing to be jealous about.” She’d seen Reno knock Sam on his backside over an innocent hug. She couldn’t imagine what he might do to Casey.
“I’m not jealous. You said he’s not your boyfriend. I believe you.”
“Sensible. See Journey, Reno can be reasonable.”
“Well, surprise, surprise.” Journey remained in her seat as logical Lou and sensible Reno exited the car. At the moment, she felt anything but reasonable.
Why wasn’t Reno jealous?
When he’d gone all caveman on Samuel she’d been horrified, of course. Now, in hindsight, she had to admit seeing him go all nuts because some other guy touched her had been hot. Mulling the matter over, she wrapped her arms around her middle and narrowed her eyes as she watched Reno saunter up to Casey to introduce himself.
Aunt Myra was all smiles, offering everyone lemonade. She waved at Journey. “Aren’t you coming in? Why are you still sitting out there?”
Reluctantly, Journey made her way over to the gathering. Pasting a saccharine smile on her face, she addressed her former boyfriend. “Casey, what are you doing here?”
“He was out driving around; thought he’d stop by and say hi.” Oddly enough, this observation came from Reno.
“Oh, really?” She didn’t know which man to glare at first. “Casey, could I have a word, please? In private?”
“Oh, let him drink his lemonade first, Sojourner. Where are your manners?”
“I lost them, Aunt Myra.” She took Casey by the hand, tugging until they were on the other side of the house. “Why did you come?”
The big man shrugged, his pale green eyes twinkling. “I missed you?”
“Was that a question? You don’t know if you missed me?”
“All right.” He held up his palms in surrender. “I didn’t like the way we left things. It was stupid for me to break our date to check on my ex. I know now that she was just using me to make her current guy jealous.”
“Well, you made a mistake. You chose her over me.” She glanced back toward Reno, who just happened to be looking their way. “Anyway, I’m with somebody else now.”
“The cowboy?” Casey asked with a chuckle. “He told me you’d be glad to see me.”
Journey couldn’t believe her ears. “He did, did he?”
…Across the way, Reno felt like his guts were tying themselves in knots. He hated to see that bastard making eyes at Journey. He also couldn’t stand the sight of her smiling up at him with those big blue eyes shining like stars.
“What are you doing, Reno?” Lou jabbed him with a sharp elbow. “Go over there and break up that reunion.”
Now wasn’t the time, but Reno wanted to tell Lou that it was for the best, how Journey would be far better off with someone who wasn’t planning on leaving the current century. He also wanted to break the grinning idiot’s jawbone. “Journey doesn’t like it when I’m uncivilized,” he spoke in a teasing manner, then went back to gritting his teeth.
“I agree.” Myra looked pleased with the situation. “Manners are so important.”
Needing to get the hell away, Reno
