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Do me that one courtesy. I ve been straight with you on this trip, and I ve paid for everything
without saying a word. She leaned in so no one else could hear. And we both know I don t
have a frigging dime. So don t go back there and let your friends clean me out. Show me that
much respect, could you, please?
Chloe snatched the key, an offended look on her face. I would never do such a thing.
You know me better than that. She placed a light kiss on Addie s lips.
Addie pulled back and smiled sadly. I m not sure I know you at all, Chloe. Oh, and
leave the key on the table.
With another insulted roll of her eyes, Chloe swept from the bar, Del and Rita on her
heels.
Addie thought she might be making a very big mistake by letting them go into her
house alone. But going with them, in her condition, seemed like a bigger mistake. Now, she
just wanted to forget. One more, barkeep! she hollered.
The man behind the bar gazed at her sceptically but provided the drink. Addie chugged
it, and the liquid splashed her face, a convenient way to hide the tears that suddenly couldn t
be stopped.
FOOL S GOLD Jenna Byrnes
45
* * * *
The friendly bartender offered to call someone to drive her home, but Addie declined.
She had no money, not that Cattle Valley had cab service, anyway. He d probably call Ryan
Blackfeather, and she d have to listen to a big brother scolding for four blocks. She could do
without that. Scribbling a tip on the bottom of her charge slip, Addie held her breath as the
man processed it.
He handed her a receipt. Whew. She shoved the piece of paper into her purse.
You sure about that ride? Cattle Valley is a quiet town, but as you could tell by some
of our patrons tonight, we do get our share of strange ones.
I ll be fine. Really. Addie smiled at him. She d always heard bartenders were easy to
talk to. Some night, when the hurt wasn t so fresh, she might have to come back and spill her
guts to this guy. Clutching her purse, she got unsteadily to her feet. Good night.
Night. Take care, now.
Addie staggered into the cool evening air. It smelled fresh and good. She inhaled
deeply and started walking. This was a good decision. It was nice to enjoy the quiet solitude of
her new town as long as she could stay on the sidewalk. She wobbled and straightened
herself.
Two blocks from home, a small, blue car pulled over to the side of the road next to her.
The window went down, and a voice said, Would you like a lift?
Addie stooped over and gazed inside. Melissa Danes! Well, what do you know! What
are you doing out at this time of night?
I could ask you the same question. I m out because Brewster from the bar called and
told me you were walking home alone. He didn t feel good about it, but said you wouldn t
accept a ride.
I m fine. Addie waved her hand. She was secretly thrilled that Mel had shown up, but
had to remind herself the woman had been absent all week. She shouldn t read too much
into Mel s appearance.
Get in. Mel nodded to the passenger side of her car.
A wave of dizziness swept over Addie, and she decided riding sounded like a fine idea.
She made her way around the car and slid inside. Thanks.
FOOL S GOLD Jenna Byrnes
46
No problem. Mel leaned over her, reaching for the seatbelt and fastening it across her
chest. She paused to look into Addie s eyes for a moment, then straightened up and drove.
I am a little tired. Addie let her head fall back against the headrest. Been a long
night. Long day. Ah, hell, long week!
I m sure it has. Mel pulled into the driveway of the inn and parked. She glanced up at
the dark house. Is, uh, Chloe in there, or would you like me to help you in?
Nope, Chloe is not in there. Addie opened her door and fell halfway out before
something caught her.
Wait. Mel dragged her back into the car and released the seat belt. There you go. I ll
walk you in.
You don t have to. Addie stumbled up the stairs onto the porch. She patted her
pockets, wondering where her keys were.
Keys? Mel said from behind her, holding out her purse.
Oh. Addie laughed and grabbed the bag. After finding the keys, she unlocked the
door and went inside.
Mel followed, flipping on a light. Ah, furniture refinishing. Looks like a big job.
Too big. I can t do it. Addie tossed her purse on the counter and went straight to the
kitchen for something to drink. In the fridge, she noticed the six pack of beer they d
purchased was gone, but one bottle remained hidden towards the back. She popped the beer
open and stumbled back out to the front room. Sorry, it s my last one. I can share. She held
the bottle out.
Mel waved a hand. I m good. You should sit down.
Addie dropped onto the sofa. I m good, too. Fucking peachy good. She took a draw
on her beer.
Sitting next to her, Mel asked softly, Where s Chloe?
Raising her wrist to look at an imaginary watch, Addie murmured, Probably about
Utah, by now. Unless she has to stop and pee every hour like she did with me.
Utah? What s in Utah?
Silly thoughts whirled in Addie s vodka-addled brain, and she said the first thing that
came to mind. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir. She laughed at the hilariously funny joke.
FOOL S GOLD Jenna Byrnes
47
Mel sat back with a confused look on her face. I never got the impression Chloe was
Mormon. So is there another reason she s going to Utah?
Addie took a swig of her beer and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. She s
going to San Franshishko. San Franshih-ka-bob. She laughed again, holding her stomach.
Okay. Mel brushed hair from Addie s forehead. We can talk about this tomorrow. If
you re okay, I ll just go.
No! Fear knifed through Addie s heart. She clutched Mel s hand. Please, don t go. I
don t want to be alone.
A strange look crossed Mel s face, as if she were trying to decide. I guess I could stay. I
don t have to work tomorrow.
Good! Addie breathed a sigh of relief. She tossed back the last of her beer and set the
bottle on the floor. Because I really want you to stay. She turned back to Mel. Before she
had time to think about what she was doing, she tossed a leg over and straddled Mel s lap,
facing her.
Whoa! Mel pulled back, surprise on her face.
Don t worry. I ll be gentle. Addie leaned forward and kissed her.
FOOL S GOLD Jenna Byrnes
48
Chapter Six
Mel s eyes widened when Addie s mouth touched hers. She thought about returning
the kiss and bringing to life the fantasy she d harboured for over a week. But the sexy,
dishevelled woman tasted like beer and something stronger, and Mel was not about to take
advantage.
Whoa, slow down, there. She pressed Addie back gently.
Addie raised her hips and ground herself into Mel s lap. Don t you want me? I want
you very much.
Um, yeah. Mel didn t know how to answer that one. Hell yes, I want you. But it s not
going to happen like this. She gripped Addie s shoulders. Not tonight, honey. Not in the mood
you re in.
I m in the perfect mood. Addie smiled at her, a lopsided try at seductive.
Yes, I see that. Come on, now. Mel moved the delightful body off hers and set her
back on the sofa.
Aw, hell! Addie began to cry. Big drops trailed down her cheeks, smudging her
mascara.
Mel gazed at her and realised, judging by the makeup, it wasn t the first time she d
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