Matt turned up a palm. So why havent you moved back?
She drew a deep, thoughtful breath. Ive considered it. Butit felt like a step backward somehow. Like admitting defeat after Ryan died. Her gaze darted to Matts when she realized how quickly shed broken her silent pledge not to keep bringing up Ryan. But Matt stared at a spot on the side of the bathtub, his gaze distant, so she continued, Besides, I love this old housepain-in-the-butt that the renovations areand I have a job here I love, so
Her gaze connected with his, and the brilliant blue shade of his eyes stole her breath. How could she forget from one moment to the next how stunningly bright and piercing his eyes were? A tingle raced through her blood, and she let her gaze drift to the angular cut of his jaw, dusted again with dark stubble, and the definition of his muscled arms. Matt Rankin positively exuded masculinity, and the confines of her tiny bathroom only made Holly more aware of the man in her presence.
Dont you miss your family? he asked, his voice pitched low.
She shook herself from the thrall of his sexy lure and focused on his question as she returned to scraping. Sure. Im especially close to my sisters, but we talk on the phone all the time. I go back to Lagniappe for special occasions. My older sister, Paige, just got engaged, so therell be bridal showers and her wedding coming upplenty of reasons to head back to Louisiana for a long weekend here or there.
And your parents?
Dad is the founder and CEO of Bancroft Industries, a medical research company. He plans to retire in the next couple of years, and hes been grooming Paiges fiancé, Brent, as his replacement. He and Mom have been married for forty years, and theyre just as much in love today as they were when they got married. She paused and rubbed her aching shoulder. As much as I love my folks, they can be a little bit overprotective. It was actually kind of nice to move to North Carolina when I married Ryan.
As a newlywed, I needed a little breathing space. My parents mean well, but they wouldve tried to run my life and Ryans for us.
Your family sounds great. Youre lucky to have their support. He paused, and a sadness drifted over his face that arrowed to her heart. Dont ever take that for granted.
She acknowledged his admonition with a slow nod. Ryans death had taught her that lesson well. So how about you? Are you from Morgan Hollow?
He hesitated then grunted, Naw.
Then where are you from? Howd you end up here? When he didnt respond, she glanced over at him. Matt?
He scooted out from behind the tub and sat up, leaning against the wall with his legs bent, his arms propped casually on his knees. He stared hard at the scraper in his hand, furrowing his brow as if contemplating a troubling topic.
She shifted her weight awkwardly, uneasy with the silence. What had she said that had darkened his mood? If youd rather not discuss
Im originally from Charlotte. Thats where I practiced for ten yearsuntil my wife
When he paused again, Holly waited patiently for him to continue, giving the wallpaper removal a half effort. She made a mental note of the term practiced regarding his career but was loath to interrupt him for an explanation now.
After Jill died, Imoved to Iona Falls, because I wanted to be closer to my kids, even if my in-laws wouldnt let me see them. Then I found a job working construction here in Morgan Hollow a few months later, so I moved again. I guess I was looking for a fresh start in a new town where no one knew He stopped abruptly and darted a sharp glance at her. His Adams apple bobbed as he swallowed, then he rolled one palm up. Where no one knew about Jills death, where I could start rebuilding my life.
The grief in his eyes stabbed Holly, stole her breath for a moment. She knew exactly the pain that had motivated his longing for a change of scenery. Dozens of times in the past few months, Ive wanted to flee my life and start over somewhere people dont know me. Id go somewhere people dont look at me with pitying looks in the grocery store and avoid using Ryans name as if it were taboo. Somewhere people dont pat my hand as they size me up like they expect me to have an emotional breakdown any moment. She shook her head and huffed a humorless laugh. Moving on is hard when the people around you wont let you put the past behind you.
Tell me about it. Matt gave her a peculiar, measuring scrutiny. You said your husbands killer hasnt been found?
Biting the inside of her cheek, she shook her head.
His gaze burrowed into hers, insightful, warm, understanding.
That must make it harder to move forward. The unanswered questions would drive me crazy. His tone was gentle, a balm to her ragged emotions.
Holly squared her shoulders. The unknowns bug me, yes. But I intend to get answers. Somehow, someday. Ryan deserves justice. But I try not to dwell on the questions anymore, not at the expense of living for the present, planning for the future.
A gentle grin touched his lips, and he nodded. Good for you.