Part 41 (1/2)

With no encouragement from her, Mindi continued, ”You have to be realistic, honey. You know he has a life to get back to. A big and very demanding career.”

True.

”He lives in Harmony, Kentucky, now.”

”I know that.” Just as she knew eventually he'd have to return there.

”If you know it, then why are you creating a life here-a life I know you want with Cannon? That's just setting yourself up for heartache.”

Unable to help herself, she sought him with her gaze. Cannon sat on a bar stool, laughing with two men, surrounded by more fans, all of them admiring him.

If he knew Mindi was repeating everything to her, he'd come to her rescue. Again.

As Mindi had just explained, he still saw her as that immature, needy girl incapable of caring for herself.

”I know we got off on the wrong foot,” Mindi continued. ”Mostly because we both want him. The difference is that I'm realistic.” She touched Yvette's arm. ”And you're not.”

She needed to go. She had to go. Right now.

She'd ridden there with Cannon, but she wouldn't disturb him. Not for this.

Maybe because she watched him, he looked up and their gazes clashed. Though he smiled at the man talking to him, she still felt his scrutiny. Her stiff lips formed a smile and she managed a nod.

Unfortunately, that only sharpened his attention. He stepped away from the crowd, and Mary blocked him.

It was far too much. Anxiety burned her eyes, left her pulse tripping. ”I'm touched by your concern, Mindi, truly I am. But I can take care of myself.”

”That's not what Cannon told me.”

She sucked in a breath, leveled by that betrayal.

”He's convinced that you need him. Why do you think he moved in with you?”

”My life is my own. Do me a favor and b.u.t.t out.” Blind with hurt, she looked around, considering her options.

Mary held Cannon's attention.

And now Armie was bearing down on them.

”Goodbye, Mindi.”

”You're leaving?” Mindi asked with barely veiled triumph.

Yvette didn't answer.

”You go on, honey.” Mindi readjusted the V of her dress over her cleavage. ”I'll let Cannon know.”

There was nothing Yvette could add to that, so she turned and began pus.h.i.+ng her way through the crowd. She heard Denver call out to her. Saw Stack watching her.

They were all worried for her and, d.a.m.n it, she did not want that.

She stepped outside, dragged in a calming breath of evening air and pulled herself together.

She wouldn't leave. If she did, she'd only ruin Cannon's fun. She'd be fleeing, when she'd promised herself she'd never do that again.

Others milled about outside, some drinking, most talking, a few smoking. Traffic went by, headlights bouncing off the surrounding buildings. Across the street, a group of youths laughed too loudly.

Overhead, a million stars and a crescent moon rested against the inky blanket of the night sky.

Yvette looked away from two men who eyed her. Going to the wall nearest the door, she rested back, her palms flat against the rough brick. Five minutes, that was all she needed. Five minutes to clear her head and regain her poise.

Then she'd go back in and show everyone...what? That she wasn't hurt, wasn't affected by Cannon's betrayal?

Yes. She'd be cool and polite and, d.a.m.n it, she'd laugh and have fun. Or at least pretend to.

Deciding that already made her feel better. She could deal with this, and she would.

Armie shoved the door open, searching.

Yvette said from behind him, ”Looking for someone?”

He jerked around, scoured his gaze over her and quickly concealed his anger. ”Hi, Yvette.”

Smiling, a sincere smile, she said, ”Hi, Armie.”

”So.” He again checked the area. ”What are we doing?”

”I was taking a breather away from your date. You were charging out to save me from myself.”

”Yeah.” He rubbed the back of his neck, a telltale sign of his discomfort. ”Figured you were running off.”

”Nope.” No more running for her. ”Just taking a quick break.”

”Mindi that tedious?”

”You have no idea.”

”Yeah, well. Wasn't planning to talk much with her anyway.”

She shook her head at him. ”I promise I'll be back in very soon.”

With grave suspicion, he asked, ”How soon is very soon?”

Her smile widened, morphed into a small laugh. Armie was so funny.

And Cannon... He was the love of her life. She wouldn't run. Not from him.

Not ever again.