She glanced out the window, wishing for Drew. She’d been sure he and Ice would make it back to the ranch by supper time, but there had been no sign of them. They probably took a side trip to Abilene to drink and gamble, she told herself. Just like men not to consider others back at home who pace with worry all night long. She shook off her irritation, realizing she sounded like somebody’s wife. In Drew’s absence she had also realized that she’d grown to depend on his company. It was good that they had found common ground and could get along with each other, but she was a fool to believe that anything more could come from their partnership. He’s decent, she told herself. Decency was conveyed in the set of his jaw, the glint in his eyes, the straightness of his back. A decent man. An honorable man. If he ever found out about her past, he’d have nothing more to do with her. She should just come right out and tell him, be done with it, but she couldn’t. If she told him, others would eventually find out, and she’d never live down her past.
