“First, I’m a murder suspect, and now I’m weak and alone!” Abbie hisses and leans forward. “I don’t need you, Tucker Manning!”
“Everyone needs someone Abbs, let it be me,” he asks softly.
Anger she was prepared for. Yelling, snarling, ordering, but not the gentleness and compassion she feels. Her fingers itch to touch his bearded face. Is it as soft as it looks? Shame has her jumping up to pace. “I don’t trust you.”
“I was doing my job, Abbilene and I won’t apologize for looking out for you,” he snaps.
“Looking out for me? You are the kind of friend I don’t need.” Abbie looks away from him and runs a hand over her face. “I can’t do this right now. Tucker, my life has been turned upside down.”
“I understand. I’m here to protect you and help you any way that I can. As a friend,” he insists. “Plus, the Mayor is paying me overtime to make sure you get home in one piece,” he teases.
“What!” she skids to a stop and puts her hand on her hips. Wearing a dark purple dress, he is struck by just how fragile she looks. Dark smudges under her eyes and a dress that is hanging on her thin frame.
“I’m starved. We need to eat and go over our plan.” He stands, and she backs away from him. Heart pounding, she watches as he grabs the menu.
“Tucker why does the Mayor care what I do?” she asks.
“You are rebuilding the Mill, Abbs. It’s the major employer in our city. Whether you realize it or not, the community is depending on you.”
He watches as the weight settles on her shoulders, and he smiles softly at her. She needs someone to share the responsibility she carries. At the very least, he can be a friend.
“I didn’t think of it that way,” she sits heavily, wrapping her arms around herself and stares out the window at the plains rushing past. “I’m so broken, Tucker, how can they depend on me?” What if I shatter under the weight? She wonders.
“You’re beautifully broken, Abbilene,” Tucker tells her. “The broken pieces only illuminate the light inside of you.” He drops down to a knee in front of her and lifts her chin. “That light is a beacon, Abbilene. Watching you has given me hope that even broken people can be whole again.”
“Tucker,” she whispers. Tears stream down her cheeks, and he presses a kiss to her forehead. Just before he leaves, she says, “I’m glad you came.”
Chapter 17
Tucker returns with a tray of food and finds Abbie asleep in the chair. The emotions and stress have finally caught up to her. He intends to see that she is well-rested and fed on this trip. Someone needs to take care of her.
He places the tray on the table and bends down to wake her. Abbie opens her eyes slowly and her mouth waters. Tucker’s face is inches from hers, and he’s talking to her.
“What?” she sits up quickly, and he’s smart enough to back away before they collide.
“I’m sorry to wake you, but I brought dinner.” He offers her a hand and helps steady her when she stands.
“Oh, thank you, but I’m not hungry. You go ahead and eat,” she murmurs and frowns at the unfamiliar scents filling the cabin.
“Abbie, you need to eat and keep up your strength. What if you get sick?” he gently tries to guide her to the table.
“You’re very bossy! I’m fine,” she frowns and pulls away from him as he snorts.
“A strong wind could blow you over. Are you planning on scaring the kid to death?”
Fury has her stomping close to him, “You make me have violent urges, Sheriff!” she hisses.
“That kind of energy will need to be fueled, come on and eat, please Abbie.” Her anger fades when her stomach growls, causing her to jump in surprise.
“Well, it does smell good,” she sits, and he smothers a smile. Tucker lifts the silver dome with a flourish, and she struggles not to smile until the smell hits her. Her mouth waters.
“Oh,” she gasps. “What is that wonderful smell, Tucker?”
“Double breast of chicken with mushroom sauce and sliced ham, asparagus, hollandaise, potatoes and on the side, rolls, and coffee.”
Abbie looks up at him, “What are you going to eat?” she grins.
Tucker laughs, “Don’t worry, sugar, mine is coming. Enjoy.”
The porter appears with two trays, and Abbie stares in shock when he reveals Tucker’s meal. A large T-bone steak, baked potato, and sliced tomatoes. The second tray contains chocolate cake.
Abbie laughs out loud, “It’s no wonder Stephanie had to learn to cook.”
Tucker distracts her by telling stories of his childhood with Stephanie. They laugh and eat, enjoying each other’s company.
He likes having her at his dinner table. Likes the way her eyes sparkle when she laughs, and her dimples captivate him. It seems natural to study her feminine features. Her high cheekbones, small nose, and full lips are mesmerizing. He wonders what she’d look like with all that dark hair loose about her shoulders?
Abbie has eaten half her meal before she realizes it. “This is nice. Having company for a meal, I usually eat alone.”
Tucker has to hide the anger her statement causes. “Burton was a fool,” he snaps.
“Reba was too,” she says softly. Tucker jerks as if struck. “Did you really think Stephanie wouldn’t tell me? She was heartbroken for you.”
“It wasn’t her place to tell you,” he pushes his empty plate away and spears a piece of chicken from her plate. It tastes like charcoal in his mouth.
“Tucker, you know my darkest secrets and my greatest shame. I won’t judge you.
