Beauty's Kiss(11)

She didn’t bother to explain there were no visits at Hogue Ranch, and no dropping by. The ranch was a halfway house program approved by the state. Doug had gotten into trouble a year ago and he needed to finish his nine month program at the ranch so he could get off probation and come live with her. As soon as he could do that, she’d find a place for them both here in Marietta. Taylor wanted to stay in Marietta. Doug didn’t, but she wasn’t going to think about that yet.

Instead she focused on sending her brother a brief text. Everything ok?

Where have you been? Doug answered almost immediately.

Taylor typed back. Had a car accident and lost my phone. But I’ve got the phone now.

You okay? Doug asked a second later.

Fine. Car’s not so good but that can be fixed.

Good. Glad you’re safe.

She drew a deep breath and repeated her first question, dreading his reply. So are you okay?

For a long moment there was no response, and then, I hate it here.

Taylor bit her lip, a fresh wave of dread hit her, weighting her limbs.

This is how it always started. He’d become unhappy and agitated and the agitation would turn into resentment, then anger, and then before she knew it, he’d be walking out of a program, picking a fight, losing control.

But no, she stopped herself. She wouldn’t go there, not yet. She wouldn’t make that leap. He was getting better. He wanted a bright, healthy, happy future as much as she wanted it for him.

Before she could think of something to say, Doug texted again. But I’ll survive. I’ll make it work. I want to get through this so I can come live with you.

Her eyes burned and her throat swelled closed. Taylor texted him back. Me, too.

Will I still see you this weekend?

Wouldn’t miss it.

Nite, Tay.

Night, hon.

She slid her phone into the pocket of her robe, conscious that Troy was watching her, and had been watching her the entire time she’d texted back and forth with Doug. “Everything’s fine,” she said.

“No emergency?” Troy asked.

She managed a small smile. “Emergency averted.”

“That’s good.”

“Yep.” She held her smile and yet on the inside she was troubled and tired and worried but she kept that to herself. She missed Doug. She hated only being able to see him on weekends, for a couple hours on Sunday. It was the only time the program allowed the men to have visitors. It was hard for Doug, too, to have so little contact with family. He was still young. He needed family and support. “Thank you,” she said, meaning it. “I know it’s a long drive, late at night, in terrible conditions.”

“Happy to help.” Troy reached into his coat pocket for his car keys. “So how are you going to get to work tomorrow?”

“Kara’s dropping me off.”

“Is she also going to help you get a rental car?”

Taylor nodded. “On my lunch.”

“Good. Sounds like you have everything in control.”

“Kara’s good at that.”

“I’d imagine.”

Taylor walked him to the front door, chewing on the inside of her bottom lip, screwing up her courage to let Troy know she wouldn’t be going to the Valentine Ball. Just say it. Just say it. Just get it over with.

“Troy,” she said, as he reached for the door knob. “About the Ball Friday night.”

He’d started to turn the knob but he released it and faced her. “Yes?”

He was so tall, so big, and movie star handsome that for a moment her mind went blank. For a moment she just stared at him, dazzled.

And then she blinked, and the moment passed, and she remembered why he was in town, and how the big Ball was in just four days.

“I can’t go with you,” she said quickly, blurting the words before she could change her mind. “And I wanted to let you know now, so you’d have time to find another... date.”

Troy didn’t immediately speak. His jaw firmed and his dark blue gaze met hers. “Something came up?”

Taylor thought of all the different excuses she could give him—her brother needed her, she had a library conference to attend out of town, her parents would be in town—but she didn’t think it was fair to lie to him, especially not after he’d done her two favors.

He’d been quite the gentleman. She owed him the truth.

“I’m not a black-tie formal event kind of girl,” she said. “And I’m happy serving on the Wedding Giveaway committee, and selling tickets, but I never wanted to go to the Ball. Unfortunately, Jane can be stubborn and doesn’t really listen.” Taylor’s voice dropped, deepening. “I’m sorry if I’m leaving you in the lurch, but honestly, there are so many women who’d probably love to go to the Ball with you, and now... one of them can.”