Caught in the Act (Independence Falls 2)

Pulling up beside Brody’s truck, she put her wagon in park and turned to her brothers. “This isn’t about the deal. I swear. Georgia told him about the potential job in Montana. And I guess he wanted to see if there was something between us before I left.”

“Is there?” Brody demanded.

Yes. Something hot that spoke to her desires and awakened her fantasies. One night with him had left her feeling wanted, worthy, and oh so special.

“No,” she lied. “But he makes great eggs.”

“Both plates were full when we arrived,” Josh pointed out.

“That’s not his only talent,” she said, turning her attention to the backseat.

“Katie.” Chad ran his hand over his face, while Josh stared out the window. “Please, no more.”

Brody opened his door and placed one foot on

the ground outside before turning to her. “If anything changes, come to us, Katie. We’re your family and we’re here for you. Got that?”

“Yes. And even though I hope you guys don’t spend another night looking for me—you were fools to do it this time—thank you. But I’m fine. I’ve got this. And I want you to promise me you won’t do something stupid, like start a fight with Liam because of last night.”

She paused, but they didn’t say a word. “I need to hear you say it. My life, my choices. You don’t get to throw punches because of them.”

“Promise,” Brody grumbled. The others nodded their agreement.

“But I still don’t trust him,” Chad said, opening his door.

“You don’t have to, Chad. I do,” she said softly. “I trust him.”

KATIE POUNDED ON Georgia’s front door as the setting sun turned the sky three shades of pink. Her long, twisted day—waking up to Liam, the confrontation with her brothers, the trip back to shore once Marvin arrived to tow the damaged boat—was behind her. But Liam’s words, the way he’d let her handle her brothers, had left her feeling as if she’d stumbled onto a cliff, uncertain if the ground beneath her would hold. She’d put on a strong front for her brothers, but after she’d dropped them off, the brave façade had crumbled.

Right now, she didn’t want or need more uncertainty in her life. She couldn’t allow the ground to fall away, leaving her hurt at the bottom. She had too many questions in her life right now. Should she accept the job in Montana? And what about Summers Family Trucking? Would she be able to keep the company for Brody?

Liam Trulane was just one more question mark in her life.

“Georgia?” she called, knocking a second time. “Are you home? We need to talk.”

Katie needed help sorting out her L-words. After everything that had happened in the past twenty-four hours, she feared that she couldn’t be trusted to think clearly. And there was the small issue of the bachelorette party that was now a coed event.

The door opened and the largest golden retriever Katie had ever laid eyes on greeted her. Behind the dog, whose body blocked the entry to Georgia and Eric’s home, stood a thin blonde with waist-long, wavy hair, wide blue eyes, and a heart-shaped face. In her long, flowing sundress, the stranger looked as if she’d walked out of the pages of a magazine.

“Hi,” she said softly, carefully positioning her body behind the dog. Her free hand brushed the retriever’s soft coat. “Georgia’s upstairs putting Nate to bed. She’ll be right down. Please, come in.”

The woman stepped back, holding the door wide open, and the dog moved with her, staying close by her side. Katie walked past her, turning when she reached the open foyer to offer her hand. “I’m Katie.”

“Lena. It’s nice to meet you,” the other woman said, silently refusing the handshake.

Letting her hand drop to her side, Katie felt the retriever pressing against her legs as if trying to physically move her away.

“And that’s Hero,” Lena added. “He doesn’t let anyone get too close.”

Katie nodded, piecing the information together. Lena was the friend from Georgia’s PTSD support group. And Hero was the dog who would attend the bachelorette party at his owner’s side.

Georgia appeared at the top of the stairs and quickly made her way down. “Perfect timing! Nate’s asleep. Now we can enjoy a drink on the patio and talk about your wild adventures last night. Your brothers nearly hauled Eric out of bed at three in the morning to hunt for you.”

Katie shook her head, following Georgia into the kitchen. Lena and Hero trailed behind them. “You know, this is your fault.”

“I don’t take responsibility for Liam’s actions.” Georgia opened the fridge. “Beer or wine?”

“Wine,” Katie said, moving to the cabinet that held the glasses.